Top 6 Best Alternatives to Amazon Music Unlimited

Are you looking for a change from Amazon Music Unlimited? Maybe you're not quite satisfied with its features, or perhaps you're just curious about what else is out there in the world of music streaming. Well, you're in luck! Today, we're diving into the top 6 alternatives to Amazon Music Unlimited.
We love to listen to music, whether pop music charts, curated playlists, or selected podcasts when we are working, driving, walking, exercising, or on other occasions. That's the reason why we need to subscribe to one music streaming service, by spending around $10 per month. Amazon Music Unlimited has certainly made its mark in the music streaming industry, offering a vast library of songs and seamless integration with Alexa devices.
But let's face it, it's not the only fish in the sea. Whether you're after better sound quality, a more extensive music library, or unique features, there are more choices waiting to be explored. So in the following content, we'll take you on a musical journey through the top 6 alternatives to Amazon Music Unlimited. We'll look at their main features, pros and cons, and help you decide which one might be the perfect fit for your listening needs.
👀 Quick Look: Comparison Table of Amazon Music Unlimited & Its Alternatives
#1 Spotify: The Popular Streaming Giant
When it comes to music streaming, Spotify is often the first name that comes to mind, and for good reason. This Swedish-born platform has revolutionized the way we consume music, offering a blend of user-friendly features and an extensive music library. So, it's a good alternative to Amazon Music Unlimited.
Spotify's main advantage is its powerful synergy of accessibility, discovery, and content. It offers ubiquitous access, allowing you to play music on virtually any device, from phones and computers to smart speakers and consoles. The premium Spotify Connect feature enables seamless device switching and remote control.
Spotify's strength lies in its ability to help you discover new music. The platform's algorithms are constantly working to understand your taste and suggest new tracks and artists you might enjoy. Features like Discover Weekly and Daily Mix create personalized playlists based on your listening history, introducing you to new tunes that often feel like they were hand-picked just for you. The social aspect of Spotify is another standout feature. You can easily share your favorite playlists with friends, collaborate on playlists together, and see what your friends are listening to.
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While Spotify offers a free tier, it comes with ads and limitations on mobile devices. The premium version, however, unlocks the full potential of the platform, allowing for ad-free listening, offline downloads, and higher-quality audio streams.
Pros
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Excellent music discovery features (Discover Weekly, etc.).
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Social features allow you to share and collaborate on playlists.
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Integrates massive music, exclusive podcasts, and audiobooks to create a one-stop audio platform.
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Available on multiple platforms (mobile, desktop, smart speakers).
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Free tier available with ads.
Cons
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Audio quality is not as high as some competitors.
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Some artists have exclusive deals with other platforms.
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The free version offers an intentionally limited user experience, with ads, random play mode, limited skips, and lower sound quality.
#2 Apple Music: Seamless Integration for Apple Users
If you're deeply involved in the Apple ecosystem and aren't satisfied with the sound quality of Spotify, then Apple Music might be the perfect alternative to Amazon Music Unlimited. Launched in 2015, Apple Music has quickly become a major player in the streaming game, offering a sleek interface and seamless integration with Apple devices.
Apple Music shines when it comes to integration with Apple devices. If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you'll find that Apple Music works like a charm, syncing across all your devices effortlessly. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through your library and discover new music.
One of Apple Music's standout features is its human-curated playlists. While algorithms play a role, many of the playlists are created by music experts, offering a more personal touch to music discovery. The inclusion of Beats 1, a live radio station featuring shows hosted by renowned DJs and artists, adds another layer to the listening experience.
While Apple Music doesn't offer a free tier, it does provide a generous 3-month trial period for new users. Or you can follow this guide to get Apple Music for free up to 6 month. After that, you'll need to subscribe to continue using the service.
Pros
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Offers a vast library of Spatial Audio tracks, using multi-channel immersion to create a surround sound experience with remarkable presence and depth.
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Seamlessly switch and sync playback across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and HomePod with natural ease.
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Deep Siri integration enables precise voice-controlled playback.
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Playlists are made by music experts, not just algorithms.
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Often bundled with Apple One, providing great value with access to iCloud+, Apple TV+, and more.
Cons
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It works on Android and Windows, but it's best on Apple devices. The experience isn't as smooth on other platforms.
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Its recommendations are good, but not as accurate or proactive as Spotify’s. Spotify is better at helping you discover new music.
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It lacks social features. Unlike Spotify, you can’t share music or create playlists with friends easily. It’s more personal.
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Only free trials are offered. After that, you must pay.
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#3 YouTube Music: Video-Centric Streaming Service
YouTube Music brings something unique to the table, a music streaming service that leverages the vast video content of YouTube. If you enjoy music videos as well as the songs themselves, this platform could be a great Amazon Music Unlimited alternative for you.
YouTube Music is a music streaming service developed by YouTube under the Google umbrella. It started as Google Play Music until it was officially renamed YouTube Music in 2018. Its standout feature is, unsurprisingly, its integration of music videos. When you play a song, you often have the option to switch between the audio track and the official music video. This is great for those times when you want to watch your favorite artists perform.
The platform also benefits from YouTube's vast library of user-generated content. This means you can find unique covers, live performances, and remixes that aren't available on other streaming services. It's a treasure trove for someone who enjoys exploring beyond the official releases. What's more, YouTube Music's search functionality is impressively smart. You can search for songs using vague descriptions or even misheard lyrics, and the platform will often still find what you're looking for.
While YouTube Music offers a free tier, it comes with ads and doesn't allow for background play on mobile devices. The premium version removes these limitations and adds features like offline downloads and higher quality audio.
Pros
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Huge library with official songs and rare user-uploaded tracks.
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Seamlessly switch between audio and music videos.
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Useful free version with on-demand listening.
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YouTube Music Premium features are included with your YouTube Premium subscription.
Cons
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Audio quality is low, not as high as other competitors.
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Library can be less organized due to user-generated content.
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Music metadata is sometimes incorrect.
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Lacks social features like shared playlists.
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#4 Tidal: High-Fidelity Audio for Music Lovers
If you're an audiophile who cringes at the thought of compressed audio, Tidal might be your new best friend, which can be a perfect Amazon Music Unlimited alternative.This platform prides itself on offering high-fidelity, lossless audio quality that's sure to make your ears happy.
Tidal's claim to fame is its commitment to HiRes music. Some users may have been deterred in the past by the need to pay more to unlock the best sound quality. However, as of April 10, 2024, Tidal has consolidated its subscription plans into a single tier called "Tidal", which costs $10.99 per month. This new plan includes all the features previously available in the HiFi and HiFi Plus tiers. If you've invested in a good sound system or high-end headphones, Tidal lets you make the most of your audio gear.
Another unique aspect of Tidal is its focus on artist equity. The platform often offers exclusive content, early access to certain releases, and claims to pay higher royalties to artists compared to other streaming services. This makes it an attractive option for music lovers who want to ensure their favorite artists are fairly compensated.
The downside? Although users can get high-definition sound quality at a more cost-effective price starting from 24 years, the bad news is that users of Tidal's free plan need to switch to a paid Tidal plan to continue enjoying Tidal's services.
Pros
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Excellent sound quality, offering up to 24-bit/192kHz FLAC.
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Higher royalty rates paid to artists than other platforms.
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Exclusive content, with early access to some releases.
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Tidal's recommendation algorithm is highly praised, particularly for helping users discover emerging artists and similar genres.
Cons
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No permanent free version, only a free trial.
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High-quality network and equipment requirements are required, requiring investment in high-quality headphones, speakers, or an external DAC.
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#5 SoundCloud: Indie and User-Generated Content
SoundCloud occupies a unique space in the music streaming world, serving as both a platform for established artists and a launching pad for up-and-coming talent. If you're always on the hunt for the next big thing in music, SoundCloud might be the top alterative to Amazon Music Unlimited for you.
SoundCloud's claim to fame is its vast library of user-generated content. Unlike most streaming services that focus solely on official releases, SoundCloud allows anyone to upload their music. including professional musicians, independent musicians, and amateurs. This means you can find everything from polished studio recordings to rough demos and experimental tracks.
SoundCloud also has strong community features. Users can comment on specific parts of a track, fostering discussion and interaction between artists and fans. You can also follow your favorite artists and repost tracks you enjoy, helping to spread the word about music you love.
While SoundCloud offers a free tier, it comes with ads and limitations on mobile devices. The premium tiers (SoundCloud Go and SoundCloud Go+) remove these restrictions and add features like offline listening and an expanded library of mainstream content.
It's worth noting that due to the user-generated nature of much of SoundCloud's content, audio quality can vary widely. If you're an audiophile who demands consistently high-quality streams, this might not be the platform for you.
Pros
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A mecca for independent and underground music.
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Offers a vast collection of remixes, mashups, bootlegs, live set recordings, demos, acapellas, and other content not found on other platforms.
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Boasts powerful social and interactive features, allowing listeners to leave comments at any point in a song.
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Tidal's recommendation algorithm is highly praised, particularly for helping users discover emerging artists and similar genres.
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Similar to Twitter retweets, users can share their favorite tracks to their own feeds.
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Creator-friendly, allowing anyone to upload their own music for free.
Cons
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The sound quality is relatively poor. Even with a paid SoundCloud Go+ subscription, the highest quality is only 256kbps.
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The user interface and experience are cluttered, and the quality of the content on the platform varies greatly.
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Due to the large number of remixes and samples, there's a risk of delisting at any time.
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The mainstream music library isn't as comprehensive as on other popular platforms.
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Free users can't play music in the background or on the lock screen on the mobile app.
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#6 Pandora: Personalized Radio Stations
Pandora takes a different approach to music streaming, focusing on personalized radio stations rather than on-demand listening. If you enjoy the surprise element of radio but want more control over the type of music you hear, choose Pandora as the alternative of Amazon Music unlimited.
Pandora's strength lies in its ability to create personalized radio stations based on your preferences. You start by selecting a song, artist, or genre, and Pandora builds a station around that seed. As you listen, you can give thumbs up or down to tracks, helping the platform refine its understanding of your taste.
The advantage of Pandora is in its simplicity. If you're overwhelmed by the vast libraries and endless playlists of other services, Pandora offers a more streamlined experience. Just pick a station and let the music play, which is perfect for those times when you don't want to think too hard about what to listen to next.
Pandora offers a free tier with ads, but it comes with limitations on skips and replays. The premium tiers remove these restrictions and add features like offline listening and higher quality audio.
In recent years, Pandora has also expanded into the podcast realm, making it a one-stop-shop for both music and spoken word content. If you enjoy mixing up your listening between songs and podcasts, this integration can be quite convenient.
Pros
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A unique "passive" listening experience, where music analysts (rather than pure algorithms) tag songs with up to 450 musical attributes to create your own station.
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Ideal for those who don't want to spend time creating playlists and just want to easily listen and discover new music.
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The free version is a very complete experience (although there are ads and skip limits).
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The interface is intuitive, and it integrates podcast and music recommendations, suggesting relevant podcasts based on your musical tastes.
Cons
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Geographically restricted and only available in the United States.
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The playlist management, search, and on-demand experience aren't as good as other streaming platforms.
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Can't directly select the next song, so it's not suitable for those who prefer precise control over their playlists.
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The music library is small, especially for non-English songs.
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The sound quality is poor, with Pandora's highest quality at only 192kbps.
Quick Look: Comparison Table of Amazon Music Unlimited & Its Alternatives
Platform | Amazon Music Unlimited | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music | Tidal | SoundCloud | Pandora |
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Free Tier | / | Yes (with ads) | No (only 1 to 6 month trial) | Yes (with video/audio ads) | No (only 1 to 6 month trial) | Yes (extensive, with ads) | Yes (radio-style with ads, skips limited) |
Monthly Price (Individual) | $10.99 per month | $11.99 per month | $10.99 per month | $10.99 per month | $10.99 per month | $4.99 per month (SoundCloud Go); $10.99 per month (SoundCloud Go+) | $4.99 per month (Pandora Plus); $10.99 per month (Pandora Premium) |
Music Library Size | ~100 million songs | ~100 million songs | ~100 million songs | ~100 million songs | ~110 million songs | over 400 million songs | ~90+ million songs |
Audio Quality | Standard: 16-bit/44.1kHz HD: Up to 24-bit/192kHz Ultra HD: Up to 3730 kbps |
Standard: 160kbps (Ogg Vorbis) High: 320kbps No Lossless |
Standard: 256kbps (AAC) Lossless: Up to 24-bit/192kHz Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos |
Standard: 128kbps (AAC) High: 256kbps No Lossless |
Standard: 320kbps (AAC) HiFi: 16-bit/44.1kHz Hi-Res: Up to 24-bit/192kHz |
Standard: 128kbps Go+: 256kbps |
Standard: 64kbps (radio) Plus/Premium: 192kbps |
Key Feature | Value with Prime, HD/UHD tier | Best-in-class discovery & playlists | Deep iOS/Mac integration | Official music videos & vast remixes | Artist-focused, high-fidelity audio | Massive indie/unsigned artist library | The original music genome (radio) |
Algorithm & Discovery | Good, improving | Industry-leading (Discover Weekly, Release Radar) | Very good (human-curated playlists, station) | Excellent (leverages YouTube's data) | Good (curated by artists & critics) | Good for niche/emerging genres | Excellent for passive listening (radio) |
Best For Who? | Amazon Prime subscribers, audiophiles on a budget | Music discovery, podcast listeners, social sharing | iPhone/Mac/HomePod users, album purists | YouTube enthusiasts, music video fans | Audiophiles, fans of artist exclusives & credits | Discovering new/unsigned artists, DJs, electronic music | Passive listeners, those who prefer radio stations |
Conclusion
In summary, numerous alternatives to Amazon Music Unlimited are available for selection. To determine the most suitable music streaming service, one may consider the features most needed or frequently used. For those requiring a free tier, Spotify, YouTube Music, and SoundCloud are all viable options. If high-quality audio is a priority, Tidal, Deezer, and Apple Music may serve as ideal listening companions. Each service has its own advantages and disadvantages, with detailed comparisons available in the article.
After reviewing this information, one should be well-prepared to make a decision. However, it is important to note that all streaming services share a common limitation: they do not provide permanent audio files. Even subscribers only access temporary files, and access is lost once the subscription is canceled or expires. To avoid this situation, the optimal solution is to install TunePat Music One. This versatile tool enables users to export songs from popular platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, and TIDAL.
Olivia Anderson
Senior Writer