Tidal review

Tidal is the easiest way to get true high-resolution streaming without paying a hi-fi premium. Its Individual plan costs $11.99 a month in USD, the same as Apple Music, and the Max quality setting streams HiRes FLAC up to 24-bit, 192 kHz, with standard lossless FLAC at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz on the High setting. You can set quality separately for Wi-Fi, mobile data and downloads, and turn Dolby Atmos on or off. The Family plan covers up to six members for $19.99, students pay $6.99, and two DJ plans add mixing features for $19.99 or $14.49 for students. Tidal says its catalog passes 180 million songs. The tradeoffs are a shorter country list than the biggest services, no free tier in its published plans, and a smaller social and podcast side than Spotify. To hear the difference at 192 kHz you also need a capable DAC and a wired or strong Wi-Fi connection.

Who it is for

Listeners with good headphones or a hi-fi setup who want high-resolution audio at a mainstream price.

Price

Individual $11.99 per month, Family $19.99 for up to 6, Student $6.99; DJ plans from $14.49.

Tidal Individual: $11.99 USD/month
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Max quality: lossless HiRes FLAC up to 24-bit, 192 kHz
• High quality: lossless FLAC at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz
• Dolby Atmos toggle in the app
• Over 180 million songs in the catalog
• DJ Individual and DJ Student plans for mixing

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Highest published sample rate at the same price as Apple Music
• Strength: Family plan covers up to six members for $19.99
• Strength: Separate quality settings for Wi-Fi, mobile data and downloads
• Weakness: No free tier in its published plan list
• Weakness: Available in fewer countries than Spotify or Apple Music
• Weakness: Full HiRes playback needs a capable DAC and connection

Key facts

• Individual: $11.99 per month
• Family: $19.99 per month, up to 6 members
• Student: $6.99 per month
• Top audio quality: HiRes FLAC up to 24-bit, 192 kHz
• Catalog: Over 180 million songs

Where it ranks

Tidal is No. 3 in our Best Music Streaming Services verdict.