Spotify's Third Price Hike Since '23: 11 Alt Services That Won't Fork Your Wallet Like a Bad Git Merge

As of January 2026, Spotify has increased its prices, leading to a surge in users seeking alternative music streaming services, with options like Amazon Music, Apple Music, and YouTube Music gaining attention. Amazon Music offers three tiers, including a free version with limited audio quality and ads, while Apple Music boasts high-quality audio and a user-friendly interface, with prices starting at $10.99 per month for individual plans and $16.99 per month for family plans. Meanwhile, YouTube Music, which subsumed Google Play Music in 2020, provides a free service with ads and a premium service starting at $10.99 per month, with a family plan available for $16.99 per month. Other alternatives, such as Bandcamp, Deezer, Pandora, Tidal, and Qobuz, cater to specific user needs, including independent music, high-fidelity audio, and discoverability features, with prices ranging from $4.99 to $19.99 per month, and most services offering a free trial period, typically lasting 30 days. With the music streaming market becoming increasingly crowded, users can now choose from a wide range of services, each with its unique features, pricing, and benefits, allowing them to select the best option that suits their listening habits and budget.