There are many applications to listen to music: some offer us better functions and others fall short, but the truth is that today Spotify continues to dominate the market streaming musical, with the exception of apps online radioHowever, there is one service that is showing promise and could pose a serious threat: it is called Deezer, is French and has free and paid options.
To start, you have a trial period to explore the Premium features. There is also a free version that allows you to listen to music with ads and certain limitations when choosing tracks on demand on mobile; you can use stations and recommendations, and in some cases are offered previews of songs. In addition, it is allowed search songs and discover new topics with ease.
The Premium version is really interesting: for a fee that is usually around 10,99–11,99 euros per month you get unlimited music and no ads, downloads for listen offline and superior audio quality on both PC and Mac. The former name Premium + corresponds today with plans such as Premium, Duo and Family, which add support for smartphone, tablet and television, as well as syncing playlists to the cloud.
One of the most notable features, very much in line with the Spotify capabilities, is that you can create lists collaborative and personal and enjoy smart recommendations like Flow. All with great audio quality (including lossless FLAC on paid plans). Of course, the service is legal thanks to its agreements with management entities and rights holders.
Deezer It is a free app on Google Play. The service is paid for in its Premium, Duo and Family plans, although there are free options with radio stations and playback with ads.
What to look for when choosing an alternative
Before you decide, it is worth considering some key aspects for a good experience:
- Downloads and offline listening: essential for travel without data or listen on airplanes.
- Playback in the background: that the app does not stop lock screen or change apps.
- extensive catalog: access to your favorite artists and variety by genre.
- Sound quality: from efficient compression to HiFi/FLAC in advanced plans.
- Price and plans: individual, students, Duo y Family, as well as possible discounts.
Price and plans: Deezer, Spotify and rivals
In terms of prices, Deezer usually offers Premium around €10,99–11,99/month, Student for €5,99/month, Duo for €15,99/month and Family for €17,99–19,99/month, with annual options in some countries. Spotify moves in similar ranges with plans Free with ads and first month of trial regular in Premium; its Family Plan It usually allows up to six accounts. Depending on your needs, you can also consider:
- Apple Music: Individual plan around €10,99/month, students y familiar; integrates Lossless ALAC and spatial audio.
- Tidal: big focus on HiFi and higher levels of quality; complements for DJ and exclusive videos.
- Amazon Music: from Prime Music to Unlimited HD/Ultra HD; good value for money.
- YouTube Music Premium: excellent integration audio+video, background and offline.
Features, devices and experience
Deezer and Spotify work in Android, iOS and Desktop, with support for televisions, smart speakers, wearables and car systems. Spotify stands out for massive compatibility and Spotify Connect; Deezer shines with Flow, synchronized lyrics and translation, and quality HiFi.
Featured payment alternatives
Apple Music
Catalog of tens of millions of songs, curated lists, no ads, downloads, radio and lossless audio. Ideal if you already use Apple ecosystem.
Tidal
If you prioritize maximum quality, Tidal offers quality of CD and higher levels, great editorial focus and youtube.
Amazon Music
Extensive catalogue with HD/Ultra HD, integration with Amazon devices and offline downloads.
YouTube Music Premium
Very strong in music videos, live performances and covers; plays in background And allows offline.
Deezer
With Premium, Duo and Family you get HiFi (FLAC), Flow, letters and great compatibility with speakers and TVs.
With free options
Bandcamp: perfect for independent and electronics; discover jewelry and buy albums to support artists. SoundCloud: more of 200 million of themes, remixes and emerging; payment options Go y Go+ add offline, no ads and full catalog.
Radios and channels
Europe FM with current musical formula; iHeartRadio for big international broadcasters; BBC Radio 1 and BBC Music on YouTube with acoustic and direct; OndaChannels brings together access to radios with timer and easy management.
Other interesting options
Last.fm offers recommendations, trends and events; paid version without ads. MusicAll makes it easy to listen to catalogues via YouTube with lists and synchronization for offline.
Deezer vs. Spotify: Which to Choose
Both exceed the 90 million of songs. Spotify excels at recommendations, podcasts and compatibility; its quality reaches 320 kbps in Premium. Deezer stands out in Lossless HiFi, Flow y lyrics translated. If you prioritize quality and guided discovery by Flow, you'll love Deezer; if you want massive ecosystem, podcasts and extreme compatibility, Spotify is very solid.
Save with family and group plans
The plans Family y Duo reduce the cost per user. Platforms such as Sharingful make it easier to create or join groups, split the payment automatically and maintain independent accounts without manual procedures.
If you want a cheap alternative to Spotify, Deezer offers HiFi, great customization, and flexible plans; with the criteria and options above, you can adjust the service to your budget without sacrificing quality or convenience.