A Guide to Finding the Right Music Streaming Service
These days, there are a bunch of online music options for the digital audiophile, and finding the best music streaming service for your needs can be overwhelming. To make the situation less whelming, we suggest following the handy-dandy flowchart we created below, with the various pros and cons for each of the major ways you can stream music on the internet. If you know how to answer yes/no questions, then you should have no trouble finding the best fit for both your musical tastes and your budget. (If you don't know how to answer a simple yes/no question, might we suggest a career in politics? POW! Take that, Capitol Hill!)
While considering the cost of some of these streaming services, keep in mind that we frequently see special promotions that cut prices, if only temporarily. For example, earlier this week, we found a deal that offered a 3-month Rdio Unlimited subscription for free, which was a savings of about $30. These offers don't last long (obviously, as that Rdio promo has expired), so make sure to set up an email alert for the service of your choice.
It's also worth repeating that there may be more than one music streaming service that could work for you, but we're aiming to present the best fit for your needs. Additionally, there are other music streaming services out there that we didn't mention, but these are the major movers-and-shakers getting the big-ink these days. Think you know of another, better service that people should try? Let us know in the comments below!
Front page photo credit: Have You Heard It?
for one thing Spotify unlimited is gone now...
I read your extended post, and it seems like you should do a review of the services/options out there based on your experiences with different options.
I came upon this article—and specifically, your streaming decision flowchart—because it is featured at AWildDuck.com (in fact, it is the top story). I find value in decision aids presented as a flowchart, but I am perplexed by the absence of important decision points that are fundamental to the selection criteria for many consumers...
The Dealnews comment form is limited to 1,000 characters. So with profound respect and a humble desire for a more comprehensive update, I cite 7 overlooked decision criteria on my own web page: vanquish (d0t) com (slash) music_stream_flowchart (d0t) txt. I would be honored by your response here in your comment thread.
Phil R. (Vanquish Labs, CEO)
I am not in the business of streaming or cloud storage
Meanwhile, who here remembers Lala? Sigh.
As for music streaming: Pandora for seeking out new songs; Spotify for when I want to snoop on what my friends and coworkers are listening to; rdio Unlimited for making train rides bearable (thanks to mobile streaming). I've heard good things about Slacker so maybe I'll give that a try someday.