While Tidal offers superior audio quality with FLAC and Dolby Atmos support, its $20 monthly price tag makes it the priciest option on the market. This price tag can be a barrier for casual listeners, even though audiophiles with proper equipment can genuinely appreciate the enhanced details.
One simple plan
In a new move, Tidal is simplifying its pricing structure. They’ve merged their HiFi and HiFi Plus tiers into a single, unified “Tidal” plan for just $10.99 per month. This new plan offers the same exceptional audio quality as their previous top tier, including FLAC and Dolby Atmos, at a much more accessible price point.
Initially, concerns arose regarding a potential change in Tidal’s artist compensation model, as they’ve historically offered higher payouts than other streaming services. However, Tidal has officially stated that their artist payment structure will remain unchanged.
Tidal and its advantage over Spotify
While Spotify remains popular for its features like the AI DJ, Jam functionality, and extensive curated playlists, all at the same $10.99 monthly price point, it lacks the lossless audio experience offered by Tidal and others. Spotify has hinted at a future HiFi tier, but years of waiting have left many skeptical.
If you prioritize high-resolution audio and are already paying $10.99 per month for music streaming, Tidal’s new unified plan offers an attractive alternative. At this new price, cost is no longer an issue. While Tidal’s artist and track suggestions might not be as strong as Spotify’s, for some, the significant annual savings of $120 compared to the previous top tier may outweigh this drawback.
