Launched in 2008, Amazon Music has established itself as a key player in music streaming, competing with Spotify and Apple Music. It offers various pricing plans, including a free version with ads and a premium subscription featuring High Resolution Audio. The platform boasts an extensive library of 100 million songs, podcasts, and audiobooks, alongside unique features like 360-degree playlists and exclusive content. Device compatibility is broad, though high-definition audio requires specific hardware.
Since its inception in 2008, Amazon Music has carved a niche in the music streaming landscape, standing shoulder to shoulder with giants like Spotify and Apple Music. Over the years, Amazon has enhanced its music service, introducing a completely free version alongside a premium subscription that offers stunning High Resolution Audio.
On paper, Amazon Music presents an impressive array of features, boasting a vast music library and diverse offerings. But how does it perform in real-world scenarios? What are its advantages, and are there notable drawbacks? Dive into our comprehensive review of Amazon Music to discover the answers.
Key Highlights:
Amazon Music: Pricing and Plans
Amazon Music caters to a broad audience with various pricing plans tailored for non-Amazon customers, Prime members, and Echo device owners. The Amazon Music Free tier is accessible to everyone but includes ads between songs, making it less competitive compared to other free streaming services.
This free version comes with limitations, providing access only to top playlists and curated radio stations. While an offline mode is advantageous during potential service interruptions, it is exclusively available to paying subscribers. Furthermore, users on the free plan can only skip a limited number of tracks.
For Amazon Prime members, Amazon Music Prime is available at no additional cost. Initially, access was limited to two million songs, but this restriction was lifted in November 2022. Now, Amazon Music Prime offers ad-free access to the entire music library, albeit with songs playable only in shuffle mode (filterable by artist, album, or playlist) and without HD quality.
Additionally, Amazon claims that most popular podcasts are accessible ad-free, along with a selection of personalized playlists that can be streamed on-demand and offline.
For non-Prime customers, Amazon Music Unlimited is available at €10.99 per month, while families of up to six can subscribe for €16.99. Students benefit from a discounted rate of €5.99 per month. Prime members can enjoy Amazon Music Unlimited for €9.99 monthly or €89.90 annually with a one-time payment. If you own an Amazon Echo speaker, the monthly fee is reduced to €5.49, although mobile access is restricted.
As of May 2021, all Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers can enjoy HD music quality at no extra cost, unlocking access to 100 million songs in high-definition and 7 million tracks in Ultra HD quality.
Device Compatibility
Amazon Music supports a wide range of devices, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes on mobile phones, PCs, cars, smart speakers, Fire TV, and more. While it officially integrates with Amazon’s own voice assistant Alexa, there are ways to connect it with Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri, albeit unofficially. Since Amazon does not disclose partnerships, it’s wise to verify compatibility with your hardware before making a purchase.
For those seeking uncompressed HD audio, there are some device limitations, as not all hardware can handle lossless music. Amazon provides guidelines on its website, outlining the minimum requirements needed for high-resolution streaming.
Music Library and Additional Content
With a staggering 100 million songs, Amazon Music’s catalog rivals that of competitors like Deezer and Apple Music. You will find all major artists and their hits represented, although some temporarily exclusive tracks on other platforms may be unavailable.
In line with its competitors, Amazon Music offers a rich selection of current playlists and best-of lists to keep you in the loop. You also have the freedom to create your own playlists. Lesser-known artists and indie musicians can also be discovered on the platform. We’ve evaluated the search functionality to see how well it serves users.
Audiobooks and Audio Dramas
In addition to music, Amazon Music features a variety of audiobooks. However, these are primarily discoverable through the search function, which may not inspire browsing. Amazon appears to be cautious about competing with its own Audible service, resulting in fewer popular titles available on Music.
For instance, while prominent authors like Dan Brown are represented, popular works by German author Sophie Passmann are notably absent. Most current literature is typically available for purchase through Audible, leaving the audiobook selection on Amazon Music feeling somewhat limited and less engaging for discovery.
Podcasts on Amazon Music
Amazon has gradually integrated podcasts into its platform, now offering popular exclusive titles from other services, alongside independent productions.
Amazon is continuously expanding its podcast offerings, including original content exclusive to the platform. For podcast enthusiasts, Amazon Music can be a great choice, especially since many episodes are available without ads due to partnerships with Acast. You can explore both exclusive shows and popular podcasts that are also available on competing platforms.
Amazon Music Radio Stations
The concept of radio stations on Amazon Music is approached similarly to other streaming services. There’s no live moderation or news breaks; instead, playlists are curated based on specific artists, genres, or decades, creating an endless stream of music. These stations are ideal for those who know the genre they want but prefer variety over repetitive album play. The Bundesliga offering on Amazon is the closest to a traditional radio experience.
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Amazon Music Originals
In the vein of competitors like Deezer and Spotify, Amazon boasts its own “Originals” content, which includes exclusive live concerts, new tracks in Ultra HD, and soundtracks like “Inside Borussia Dortmund.”
3D Music: Immersive 360-Degree Playlists
Subscribers of Amazon Music Unlimited can also access unique 360-degree playlists, featuring tracks designed to deliver a captivating 3D audio experience.