It's close: TIDAL edges it 8.4 to 8.3, so the right pick depends on what you need. TIDAL wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Qobuz on 2, with 1 tied.
Audiophiles with good headphones or hi-fi gear who want hi-res streaming
Audiophiles and album listeners with good headphones or a hi-fi system
Score by score
The details
| Feature | TIDAL | Qobuz |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Music & Podcasts | Music & Podcasts |
| Category rank | #6 of 10 | #7 of 10 |
| Developer | TIDAL | Xandrie SA |
| Pricing | Subscription | Subscription |
| Usable for free | No | No |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mac | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is TIDAL better than Qobuz?
It's close: TIDAL edges it 8.4 to 8.3, so the right pick depends on what you need. TIDAL wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Qobuz on 2, with 1 tied.
Which is cheaper, TIDAL or Qobuz?
TIDAL: No free tier; 30-day free trial, then an Individual or Family subscription. Qobuz: Studio Solo is $12.99 a month, or $10.83 a month billed yearly; students pay $4.99. On value for money, Qobuz scores higher.
Do TIDAL and Qobuz work on the same devices?
Yes, both run on iPhone & iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Web.
Which is more private, TIDAL or Qobuz?
TIDAL scores higher on privacy (8.2/10). No tracking per its App Store label. Location, contact info, search history, identifiers and usage data are linked to your account. No ads on any plan.
Strengths and weaknesses
TIDAL
- Hi-res and Dolby Atmos on every plan, no pricier tier
- Credits make it easy to explore producers and writers
- No ads and no cross-app tracking
- No free tier, only a 30-day trial
- Weaker recommendations and no podcasts
TIDAL is built for listeners who put sound quality first. Every plan streams hi-res FLAC up to 24-bit/192kHz plus Dolby Atmos, and detailed songwriter and producer credits make it easy to follow the people behind the music. The apps are clean, and TIDAL Connect works with plenty of hi-fi gear. Recommendations trail Spotify's, there's no free tier, and prices rose in 2026. Get it if your headphones deserve it.
Full TIDAL review
Qobuz
- Hi-res lossless audio on every plan
- Rich credits, reviews and liner notes
- Buy downloads you keep forever
- No free tier, only a trial
- Catalog can be thin for lesser-known artists
- App Store label lists tracking identifiers
Qobuz is the streaming service for people who care how music sounds and who made it. Every plan streams lossless FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and the app is packed with credits, reviews, digital booklets and editorial writing. You can also buy hi-res downloads to keep. Qobuz Connect controls hi-fi gear from brands like Naim and Denon. There's no free tier, and some listeners find the catalog thin for lesser-known artists.
Full Qobuz review
