Tidal review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winner. Not cheap, but the best music service for streaming-savvy audiophiles

Streaming service: Tidal
(Image: © Future)

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Tidal's expansive, accessible and hi-res-inclusive catalogue remains the best service for streaming-savvy audiophiles

Pros

  • +

    Great sound quality

  • +

    Both FLAC and MQA hi-res streams

  • +

    Intuitive and expansive interface

Cons

  • -

    Hi-res tier undercut by Amazon, Apple & Qobuz

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Tidal has been riding an encouraging wave of momentum since its celebrity-studded re-launch back in March 2015 – not least because, five years ago, it became the first service to offer hi-res audio streaming thanks to its adoption of MQA technology.

These hi-res (typically 24-bit/96kHz) tracks, which it calls 'Tidal Masters', can be played through MQA-compatible software (such as the Tidal desktop app) and kit (many music streamers) and remain a staple of the catalogue to this day for subscribers of the Tidal HiFi Plus tier. But the service has recently added a library of hi-res FLAC streams (called 'HiRes FLAC', up to 192kHz) too, making its hi-res offering more accessible.

Of course, Tidal is far from the only hi-res player in the music streaming game today, with Qobuz, Amazon Music and Apple Music also offering better-than-CD-quality streams – and at lower monthly fees. Spotify HiFi bringing CD quality sometime in the future is only going to intensify the competition too. So, is Tidal still number one?

Price

In November 2022, Tidal responded to the competition's moves earlier in the year to undercut it and offer hi-res streaming for considerably less – and it did so by changing its tier and pricing structure.

In the US? Lucky you. US customers can now take advantage of the service’s first-ever free plan, called (unsurprisingly) 'Tidal Free’, which offers streams of the complete library of 80 million tracks at 160kbps with “limited interruptions”.

For everyone else, a fee is still involved but you are paying for better quality. The Tidal Premium tier that offered 320kbps quality has now been rebranded as ‘Tidal HiFi’ and gets you audio at up to 1411kbps (i.e. CD quality) as well as offline capabilities and access to features such as Tidal Connect for £9.99/ $9.99 / AU$11.99 per month. Tidal’s basic Family tier has also seen the same increase in standard bit-rate streams but lets six people take advantage of it for £14.99 / $14.99 / AU$17.99 per month.

The top tier, HiFi Plus, remains £19.99 / $19.99 / AU$23.99) per month. It brings audio quality up to hi-res, maxing out at 24-bit/192kHz, via its MQA-powered Tidal Masters and HiRes FLAC support. It is also the tier you have to subscribe to in order to listen to immersive music in Dolby Atmos Music and Sony 360 Audio. A family subscription – again, for up to six people – costs £29.99 / $29.99 / AU$35.99.

It is significantly pricier compared to the competition, with Apple and Amazon offering hi-res streaming for £10.99 / $10.99 / AU$11.99, though Tidal says it "pays artists more than the others with HiFi Plus".

To incentivise current subscribers and new listeners to go HiFi Plus, Tidal introduced an initiative in November 2021, designed to appeal to music fans who are concerned about how their subscription cost is divided up by providing artists with payments that represent subscribers' listening habits, in addition to standard streaming royalties. Tidal has now ceased this incentive, having distributed $500,000 in payments over a year, and is now turning its focus and investment to its TIDAL RISING program for emerging artists.

Features

Streaming service: Tidal

(Image credit: Future)

As well as being accessible via its PC and Mac desktop apps, web player (HiFi subscribers will need Chrome or Firefox for lossless sound) and Android and iOS mobile apps, Tidal has also expanded into Apple and Android TV apps as well as Apple CarPlay.

Tidal apps also form part of several networked hi-fi products’ offerings, from Sonos, Bluesound and DTS Play-Fi platforms to Linn, McIntosh, Naim and Cyrus streaming products. Google Chromecast supports Tidal too, while Tidal Connect – a similar concept to Spotify Connect – also allows for easy streaming to compatible products from within the native Tidal app. For Tidal HiFi Plus subscribers, Tidal Connect can also (uniquely) cast MQA/Tidal Masters and Dolby Atmos Music files and will support HiRes FLAC streams by the end of 2023.

Tidal's hi-res library can also be played via the service's desktop, web, Android and iOS platforms, as well as being supported by a number of those aforementioned hi-fi components (either natively or via Tidal Connect) and software platforms like Roon. So if there are two hi-res formats supported, which one do you get? Generally, the playback hierarchy prioritises FLAC over MQA. That is also the case if an MQA-supporting DAC is used within the audio set-up so long as Tidal is in exclusive mode (whereby Tidal itself determines the output preference).

There are a few complications concerning the playback of MQA-powered Tidal Masters. As the Tidal desktop app is an ‘MQA Core Decoder’, it can only ‘unfold’ the Masters MQA file once and output is 'limited' to 24-bit/96kHz. So, if you're listening through a computer, via its 3.5mm headphone output or through a connected (non-MQA-enabled) DAC, the maximum output will always be 96kHz – even if you’re streaming a 192kHz file.

Similarly, the iOS and Android apps can only complete the first 'unfold' of MQA file decoding, outputting streams at a maximum of 96kHz. The only way to entirely unpackage an MQA file for playback, and therefore give you the most accurate representation of the file, is to, a) use an 'MQA Full Decoder' product (such as the Bluesound Node streamer or Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M DAC) that can unfold the file entirely, or b) use a combination of an 'MQA Core Decoder' and ‘MQA Renderer’ (for example, a Tidal desktop app and AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt DAC) so that the former can perform the first unfold and the latter can unfold the rest.

The benefit of owning kit with full MQA decoders built-in is that all decoding is done by the hardware (bypassing the app altogether), which can unpackage the entire MQA file for playback in its original resolution.

In addition to offering a competitive number of songs well into the millions, Tidal (like Amazon Music Unlimited) also boasts a growing catalogue of Dolby Atmos Music tracks. Available to Tidal HiFi Plus subscribers, these immersive audio tracks can be played through headphones connected to an Atmos-compatible phone and tablet, or – to truly take advantage of the surround sound effect – an Atmos-enabled TV, soundbar or AVR connected to a compatible streamer running the most recently updated Tidal app. These supported streamers include the Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube (1st and 2nd gens), Fire TV Stick (3rd gen), Nvidia Shield TV and Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019 or newer). Some Android TVs from Sony and Philips also natively support Dolby Atmos Music on Tidal.

Tidal's Android and iOS apps also support Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive audio format, with a growing number of tracks from Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group available on the streaming service.

Ease of use

Tidal review

(Image credit: Apple / Tidal)

Hardware with built-in MQA decoders is also helpful to identify a Masters file’s resolution since it can display a stream's sampling rate. Without it, the resolution remains a mystery. We highlighted this when we first reviewed Tidal Masters and unfortunately it remains an issue.

We also originally noted that hi-res (then only Masters) tracks and albums could be hard to find, but Tidal has worked to make this much less of a sore spot by offering a growing number of hi-res playlists and increasing discovery of the hi-res library. Hi-res-specific playlists can be genre-specific, and there are now 'New Arrivals’ and 'Essentials’ playlists, artist-specific ones, plus artist and track 'Radio' stations, which allow subscribers to listen to an uninterrupted stream of hi-res tracks based on their listening habits.

Tidal review

(Image credit: Apple / Tidal)

The streaming service’s layout is exemplary, too. The desktop app's large number of tabs has been reduced to match the smartphone app, with the majority of content now grouped under the catch-all 'Home' tab.

At the top is a big and bold selection of featured content, while below that you'll find playlists created for you, based on your listening habits. 'Recently Played' allows you to quickly hop back into an album or playlist, while 'Suggested New Tracks' and 'Suggested New Albums' guides you to the latest new releases that Tidal's algorithms believe will be up your street.

Tidal appears to have taken a leaf out of Spotify's book by prioritising the discovery of new music tailored to your tastes, and it does so effectively. Just a few weeks of listening and favouriting is enough to start getting worthwhile recommendations. 

Below these personalised sections in the Home tab, you'll find sections dedicated to the most popular playlists and albums on the service, as well as mood-based playlists, podcasts, radio stations, and the Tidal Rising section which helps promote new talent.

Away from 'Home', the two main tabs are 'Explore' (which duplicates many of the discovery elements of 'Home' but provides a broader canvas of categories you can dive into), and 'Videos' (which hosts, er, videos – music videos, video interviews, short films and the like). The final tab is 'My Collection', which groups all of your favourited music and custom playlists and also houses your downloads.

Tidal has also partnered with Tune My Music and Soundiiz to offer two ways of importing playlists from other streaming services, meaning you needn't drag and drop everything again if you're migrating from one of its rivals.

Performance

Streaming service: Tidal

(Image credit: Future)

Whether you’re listening to CD-quality or hi-res streams, Tidal sounds great compared to its rivals.

Before Tidal upgraded its audio quality, we noted that its 320kbps streams just pip their Spotify and Deezer equivalents with a slightly richer, fuller-bodied sound. As you might expect, tracks streamed in CD quality offer much more detail, a better sense of space and a tighter handle on timing than their 320kbps counterparts.

In America’s Sister Golden Hair, the catchy guitar chords are fuller and ring truer with more twang. Harmonies sound like they’re being sung with greater enthusiasm, and the bells underneath are less hollow-sounding.

Tidal review

(Image credit: Apple / Tidal)

Masters tracks increase the level of insight again, prizing open the soundstage and giving the bare acoustic strumming in Christopher Stapleton’s A Simple Song greater freedom of movement. It digs up more inflections in the accompanying vocals, too.

Play the Masters version of Dear Life by Beck and the piano-led rhythm is executed more precisely than the CD-quality version. And that organisation and punctuality put Tidal’s Masters just ahead of the hi-res streams offered by rivals Qobuz and Amazon Music HD, which lack a little sonic cohesion in comparison. 

Amazon Music HD does counter with an occasionally more open and detailed delivery, but it's the Tidal Masters that are most musical. Apple Music's ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) streams match Tidal for openness and subtlety and, actually, we noted how they can sound just a touch clearer.

Verdict

Streaming service: Tidal

(Image credit: Future)

Where Tidal Masters were once a niche sub-section of the service's offering, the hi-res catalogue is now much bigger and much easier to take advantage of thanks to broader MQA device support, the introduction of FLAC streams, improved discovery features and the recent Tidal Connect feature.

The arrival of Amazon and Apple's hi-res offering, not to mention their half-the-price monthly fee, has no doubt been one of the reasons that led Team Tidal to rethink its tier and pricing structure (and for the better too). 

Right now, we believe Apple Music is the most attractive and best-value hi-res streaming service out there... for Apple device owners. But for everyone else looking for superior music streams – especially those who own MQA and Tidal Connect-supporting gear – Tidal is still the service we can most heartily recommend.

SCORES

  • Performance 5
  • Features 5
  • Ease of use 5

MORE:

See all the current What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winners

Everything we know about Spotify HiFi

Our pick of the best Tidal Masters albums

Hi-res music streaming services compared: which should you sign up for?

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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  • Ramborme
    I left Tidal, now I use Spotify and Qobuz,Tidal doesn't give me suggestions near as good as Spotify does,Tidal try's to force too much rap and hip hop, I'm older, Spotify adapted to my choices, and Qobuz sounds better on my system don't need MQA Dac for hi res,Qobus does need some work, I'm in the US, sometimes it's slow to load and it's missing a lot of songs I have on my Spotify playlists.
    Reply
  • abacus
    Way overpriced for what's on offer.
    Reply
  • Rockerrollin65
    abacus said:
    Way overpriced for what's on offer.
    Couldn't agree more! Brings up the question whether Spotify has some sort of interest in Tidal and they're splitting up the market......(Spotify stays out of Hi-Res, Tidal skimming it), Interesting to know what US, EU and (future) British competition authorities' opinions are with regard to this matter!
    Reply
  • smbmetal
    I’ve never tried Tidal so can’t really comment on how good or not it is.

    I’m currently almost one month in to Amazon Music and have to say I’m really impressed with it. The HD and Ultra HD catalogue is excellent. This is one subscription I will keep I think and at £12.99 a month (I’m already a Prime member) I think it’s good value.
    Reply
  • Mad Bob
    I'm gobsmacked people are complaining at £20 a month for unlimited lossless streaming and download. I'm pushing 50 now and remember paying 11.99 for one CD whilst at university in the early 90s. I would have killed for this then, and utterly love it now.
    This + my own rips + Roon is pretty much perfect to feed my Sonos / Uniti Nova / chrome sticks.
    Reply
  • I think sound wise the best I have heard is Apple Music at £10 a month.
    Reply
  • Blackstarr52
    Mad Bob said:
    I'm gobsmacked people are complaining at £20 a month for unlimited lossless streaming and download. I'm pushing 50 now and remember paying 11.99 for one CD whilst at university in the early 90s. I would have killed for this then, and utterly love it now.
    This + my own rips + Roon is pretty much perfect to feed my Sonos / Uniti Nova / chrome sticks.
    I am right there with you! I have had the service for a few years and would never settle for less. I even have the Family Plan and top-tier streaming. I am quite pleased.
    Reply
  • EricLeRouge
    Tidal is great, but I would like to remind a few facts:

    - No one is checking the actual "high resolution" of the files that Tidal is making available to its subscribers. Interestingly, some music is available in bitrates that are highly unlikely (e.g. some music was remastered @176.4 kHz by publishers on DVD-Audio, and is now re-sampled at 192kHz — a change that is not trivial by any means, since 192 is not a multiple of 176.4, 88.2, 44.1, etc).

    In my view an analysis of the actual quality of the files (e.g brickwall filters, etc) should be seriously considered when discussing Tidal, Qobuz, Hi-Res Audio. I am not suggesting that Tidal has worse files than Qobuz (I have no reason to think so), but having checked the quality of many so-called MQA master titles, I feel that the quality of the so-called masters varies significantly, with a lot of music which clearly doesn't sound right for the nominal bitrates advertised (this is particularly obvious for a lot of old RnB, jazz stuff from before 1980)

    A note on Tidal's pricing - Tidal charges €19.99 for 30 days, which in practice represents €0.6663 a day or €20.28 per month (if you subscribe on the 1st of January of any given year, your 13th payment to Tidal that year will be on the 360th day of the year — people with fixed pension dates beware). If you factor the €0.28 per month per subscriber for 1 million subscribers, this represents a cool €280.000 per month, and €3.36 million per year... :)
    Reply
  • Big Bob
    I have been using Tidal for quite a while now and love it. I do most of my listening in the evening using headphones. The masters stream I find very open and revealing. Talking to my friend, he asked “what’s the difference” to which I said listen to the bits between the notes. The ambience is much clearer and as such adds depth to the recording.
    I have made a number of playlists for various situations. The main one contains about 3000 tracks (not all masters). I have also downloaded this playlist to my phone for listening whilst walking or in the car. For what I get from it Tidal is good value for money and it takes up less shelve space and weight than all those CDs, albums and singles.
    Reply
  • Minkey1
    Just to clarify, Tidal now supports Android Auto.
    Reply