Nowadays, there is a rapid growth of online streaming services such as Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music. Pandora was founded 15 years back and the interface has changed drastically. We now have access to several providers including subscription options. You can listen via mobile as well and there is a huge dearth of songs.
Longest Ever Journey – Pandora
Touted as the grandfather of Internet Radio, Pandora is identical to Internet radio. To use Pandora, you need to choose an artist or song from a relevant radio station. The system makes use of data gathered from the Music Genome Project. This is being done mainly to identify songs to be played. As a user, you can vote for the song and also provide feedback to customize the stations. You will also get a fixed number of skips to enable you to skip a song without providing thumbs-down.
You can use Pandora using the Flash-based web interface for free. Moreover, you can sign up for the $4.99 per month Pandora One plan. The main advantages of the Premium package are ad-free and ability for more skips. However, you can use the app on iPhone, Android and other mobile platforms with both free and paid packages. Pandora has a database of over 1.5 million songs and falls behind Spotify and Apple Music.
The Amazing – Spotify
Spotify has a huge database of 30 million songs with a wide range of curated playlists produced by celebrity. You can use Spotify free of cost supported with ads and can be either through a desktop app. You will be given a limited number of skips. If you pay $9.99 per month, you will not be able to view ads. The subscription comes with unlimited skips, ads-free including access to mobile apps.
It is also possible for you to download music for offline access either using PC or mobile device. This method will be useful if you don’t have access to service but still need to hear tunes. The service offers radio stating type experience including playlist and full album streaming. You can also manage music collection on your computer. Spotify offers 50 percent discount and a special family membership package. If you subscribe to the plan, your immediate family members will get 50 percent discount on the total subscription fees.
The Next Generation – Apple Music
Apple Music is the next generation music streaming service. With over 30 million songs, the Apple Music service provides early releases, exclusives, bonus material. It is possible to stream music, listen to curated radio stations of celebrities. You can also make use of the Connect social platform with the service.
Priced at $9.99 per month, Apple Music is priced identical to that of Spotify Premium and includes the same features. It is possible to access music via offline, mobile apps and unlimited skips. Interestingly, Apple also offers an Android app, which you can make use of on the go. You will find the same features as iTunes Match and Beats Radio. You can consider Apple Music as the complete music streaming package.
The advantage of Apple Music is that the service is integrated with the currently available Apple products. You can access via the iTunes and Music apps that ship with Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Apple Music also integrates Siri, which enables you to tell what you want to listen.
Conclusion
You can choose a music streaming service depending upon your requirements. If you are comfortable with Apple, you can use Apple Music. It is difficult to pick a choice between Spotify and Apple Music. If you prefer, you can try the services for few days and opt for the one which you are comfortable.