Introduction
Music is an essential part of our everyday life. Therefore, having access to high-quality audio streaming services is becoming increasingly important. Tidal and Qobuz are two of the most popular Hi-Res audio streaming services available today. But which one is superior? In this post, we will compare Tidal and Qobuz based on various factors.
Catalog
Let's start with the most crucial factor- the number of songs available in the catalog. Tidal claims to have over 70 million songs in its catalog, while Qobuz has around 60 million songs. Although Tidal has a more extensive catalog, Qobuz has a more focused catalog of Hi-Res audio tracks, making it superior for audiophiles.
Audio Quality
The primary differentiator between Tidal and Qobuz is the audio quality. Both services offer lossless CD quality and Hi-Res audio, but Qobuz has a more extensive range of Hi-Res audio options. Tidal streams Hi-Res audio at 24-bit/96kHz, while Qobuz streams Hi-Res audio at 24-bit/192kHz. It means that Qobuz can stream audio at a bit rate four times higher than Tidal, resulting in superior sound quality.
Moreover, Qobuz has a unique feature that separates it from Tidal: Sublime+. Sublime+ provides discounts on Hi-Res purchases, allowing you to have a physical copy of the albums. Moreover, Sublime+ allows users to stream Hi-Res audio at just the price of lossless audio, making Qobuz an economical option.
User Interface
Tidal's user interface is intuitive, allowing users to browse albums, playlists, and songs effortlessly. The app design and features are similar on desktop and mobile platforms, making it easier to use Tidal on multiple devices.
Qobuz, on the other hand, has a more complex user interface. The app's design is not always intuitive, which can make finding new music and features a bit challenging. Moreover, the desktop and mobile applications have different features, making the usability inconsistent across platforms.
Price
Considering the price of the services- it is again a close call. Both services offer a lossless audio streaming option at similar prices. Tidal charges $19.99 per month for Hi-Fi audio, while Qobuz charges $14.99 per month for Hi-Fi audio. However, Qobuz offers discounts for yearly subscriptions.
Conclusion
Both Tidal and Qobuz are excellent audio streaming services, and they are relatively similar, with little differences making or breaking the deal. If you are primarily looking for an extensive Hi-Res audio catalog and an intuitive user-interface, Tidal is ideal for you. However, if audio quality is the paramount consideration, Qobuz is the superior choice. Nonetheless, both are excellent options, and it boils down to which features you value the most.