Music & Audio apps, reviewed
Streaming and audio-recognition apps are easy to install and easy to forget about, even though several of them listen through your microphone or track listening habits for advertising. Here we look at what each music app actually collects, how offline features work, and what the free tiers really include.
Amazon Music
A capable streaming service hidden behind the most confusing tier structure in music apps.
Audible: Audiobooks & Podcasts
The biggest audiobook store on earth, sold through a credit system you should understand before subscribing.
Deezer: Music & Podcast Player
France's Spotify rival, with lossless audio in the standard plan and a personalisation engine that deserves more attention.
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts
Still the fastest way to name a song, now ad-free under Apple ownership.
SoundCloud: Music & Playlists
The home of music you cannot find anywhere else, wrapped in a free tier that tests your patience.
Spotify: Music and Podcasts
The biggest music streaming service, carried by its recommendations and held back by its free tier.
TuneIn Radio: Music & Sports
Tens of thousands of live radio stations in one app, minus the ones licensing lawyers have taken away.
YouTube Music
The obvious pick if you already pay for YouTube Premium; a tougher sell on its own merits.