Freedom251 › Music streaming services
TIDAL
What TIDAL is
TIDAL is a paid music streaming platform with over 180 million songs, lossless playback, high-resolution audio, and a 30-day trial. The Individual plan includes ad-free listening, offline playback, personalized mixes, and editorial playlists. Max quality offers HiRes FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz; High provides FLAC up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz, while Low reaches 320 kbps. Dolby Atmos is also supported. TIDAL provides a web player, macOS and Windows desktop apps, and Android and iOS apps, with additional support for devices such as Apple TV, Android TV, Apple Watch, Chromecast, CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. TIDAL Connect streams FLAC and Dolby Atmos to supported devices and allows playback switching within the app. Device integrations include Sonos, Bluesound, Roon, Naim, Denon, and Chromecast. DJ integrations include rekordbox, Serato, djay Pro, VirtualDJ, Denon DJ, and DJUCED. Playlists can be imported from other services. Individual costs $11.99 a month plus applicable taxes; Family costs $19.99 a month plus applicable taxes for up to six members.
Who it suits
TIDAL suits listeners who want lossless or HiRes music, offline and ad-free playback, and broad device support. Its DJ plan and integrations also target subscribers using compatible DJ software.
What it does well
- Over 180 million songs
- HiRes FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz
- Lossless and Dolby Atmos audio
- Offline, ad-free listening
- 30-day trial
What to know first
- No free plan
- Individual costs $11.99 a month plus applicable taxes
- Family is limited to six members
- DJ plans require DJ software
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $11.99 / month + applicable taxes · Made for 1 person · Millions of tracks in lossless, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos · Ad-free, offline listening · Personalized mixes and editorial playlists | $11.99 a month |
| Student | Eligible college and U.S. high school students aged 16 or older | On request |
| Student | Eligible college and U.S. high school students aged 16 or older | On request |
| Family | $19.99 / month + applicable taxes · For up to 6 members · Lossless, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos · Ad-free, offline listening · Clean playlists and curated content for kids · Individual account for each member | $19.99 a month |
| DJ | $19.99 / month + applicable taxes · Requires DJ software · Access to full catalog through compatible DJ software · Stem separation and offline mode via select DJ partners | $19.99 a month |
| DJ Student | Eligible students · Requires DJ software | On request |
| DJ Student | Eligible students · Requires DJ software | On request |
As tidal.com lists them, read 2 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
TIDAL combines a large catalog with lossless, HiRes FLAC, Dolby Atmos, offline listening, and extensive device and DJ integrations. Its paid plans and lack of a free option make the trial useful for evaluating fit.
Facts from TIDAL's own pages
- Audio quality
- Max quality can provide HiRes FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz, High provides FLAC up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz, and Low provides up to 320 kbps. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Device integrations
- The supported-device directory lists integrations including Sonos, Bluesound, Roon, Naim, Denon, and Chromecast. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Devices
- TIDAL offers a web player, desktop apps for macOS 14+ and Windows 10+, and apps for Android and iOS. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- DJ integrations
- TIDAL lists DJ integrations including rekordbox, Serato, djay Pro, VirtualDJ, Denon DJ, and DJUCED. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- DJ use
- The DJ page says subscribers can access and mix TIDAL music through DJ integration partners, with stem separation available through compatible hardware and software. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Dolby Atmos
- TIDAL plans list Dolby Atmos among supported music formats. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Family plan
- Yes · tidal.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- No · tidal.com, 21 Sept 2026
- HiRes support
- HiRes FLAC is supported through TIDAL desktop and web applications and on iOS and Android devices. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Listening
- Paid plans include ad-free, offline listening, and the Individual plan includes personalized mixes and editorial playlists. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Lossless audio
- Yes · tidal.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Notable limit
- The Family plan is for up to six members, each with an individual account. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Offline listening
- Yes · tidal.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Playlist transfer
- TIDAL says users can import playlists from other services. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- TIDAL's privacy notice says it processes personal data for accounts, streaming services, its clients and websites, and states that it follows applicable data protection laws and regulations. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Product
- TIDAL describes itself as an artist-first, fan-centered music streaming platform with over 180 million songs in HiFi sound quality. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Student plan
- Yes · tidal.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Support
- TIDAL directs customers to its support pages for answers and customer assistance. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- web,Windows,macOS,iOS,Android,Apple TV,Android TV,Apple Watch,Chromecast,CarPlay,Android Auto,Amazon Alexa · tidal.com, 21 Sept 2026
- TIDAL Connect
- TIDAL Connect streams FLAC and Dolby Atmos to supported devices, allows switching devices within the app, and keeps playback going during calls. · tidal.com, 2 Oct 2026
Where TIDAL stands on Freedom251
- Music streaming services#41 of 62
- Lossless music streaming services#11 of 16
- Music streaming services with a student plan#10 of 14
- Music streaming services with a family plan#8 of 11
- Music Streaming Software#52 of 62