Deezer Vs Tidal Vs Youtube Music: Battle Of The Underdogs

The music streaming industry is a highly competitive and dynamic market, with many players vying for a share of the listeners’ attention and wallets. While Spotify and Apple Music are often considered the dominant forces in this field, there are other alternatives that offer different features and advantages for music lovers.

In this blog post, we will compare three underdogs: Deezer , Tidal and YouTube Music . We will look at their pricing, catalog, sound quality, user interface, and exclusive content, and see who comes out on top in 2023.

Related:

• How to Transfer Your Playlists from Spotify to Apple Music
• Spotify or Apple Music: Which is the Best Music Streaming Platform for you?

Catalog

All three services boast a large and diverse catalog of over 70 million songs , covering various genres and languages. Deezer offers users access to podcasts, and live radio stations but to a limited extent. Tidal encroaches on YouTube Music’s turf by offering access to music videos, though again, to a limited degree.

All three platforms offer access to playlists by the platforms, and user-curated playlists, along with recommendations based on your preferences and listening history.

However, YouTube Music has an edge over its competitors when it comes to video content, as it integrates with YouTube’s vast library of music videos, concerts, documentaries, and other music-related content.

Recently, YouTube Music also got support for Podcasts although this is currently limited to users in the United States. You can also switch between audio and video modes with a simple tap, or watch both simultaneously in a picture-in-picture mode.

Sound quality

Sound quality is essential for many music enthusiasts, especially those who use high-end headphones or speakers. Tidal is the clear winner in this category, as it offers the highest bitrate (up to 1411 kbps) and the most advanced audio formats (Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio) that create a more immersive and realistic soundstage. Deezer also offers lossless audio streaming (up to 1411 kbps) with its HiFi plan, but it does not support the immersive audio formats. YouTube Music and Deezer’s standard plan offer a maximum bitrate of 320 kbps, which is still decent but not as impressive as Tidal’s HiFi plan.

The quality of the audio and video streams depends on several factors, such as your internet connection, device, and subscription plan. However, here are some general guidelines on what each service offers.

Deezer offers four quality levels: Standard (128 kbps), Better (320 kbps), HiFi (1411 kbps) and 360 by Deezer (variable bitrate) . The last one is a special format that delivers immersive sound using Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology. However, it requires compatible headphones and devices.

Tidal offers four quality levels: Normal (96 kbps), High (320 kbps), HiFi (1411 kbps) and Master (up to 9216 kbps) . The last one is the highest quality available, but it requires a compatible device and a Tidal Masters subscription.

YouTube Music offers three quality levels: Low (48 kbps), Normal (128 kbps), and High (256 kbps) . However, the video quality can go up to 4K depending on the source and your device.

Features

All three services offer similar features, such as offline listening, playlists, radio stations, podcasts and personalized recommendations . However, there are some differences that might make one service more appealing than another.

Related:

• I ditched Spotify for Deezer. Here’s why
• What is the Best Music Streaming Service in 2023

Tidal is known for its focus on high-fidelity audio (HiFi) and high-resolution video (Hi-Res). It also offers exclusive content from artists and labels, such as live concerts, documentaries and interviews. Tidal also has a feature called Tidal Masters , which are tracks that have been mastered using MQA technology to deliver studio-quality sound.

YouTube Music is integrated with YouTube , which means you can access millions of videos and live performances from your favorite artists. It also has a feature called Smart Downloads , which automatically downloads up to 500 songs that you like for offline listening.

YouTube Music also supports gapless playback, which eliminates pauses between tracks.

User interface

The user interface is a matter of personal preference, but we can compare some of the features and design elements of each service. Deezer has a colorful and intuitive interface that allows you to easily browse through different categories, such as genres, moods, charts, new releases and more.

YouTube Music Artist View

You can also create your own playlists or use the Flow feature, which generates a personalized mix of songs based on your taste. Tidal has a sleek and minimalist interface that focuses on the artwork and the sound quality of each track. You can also explore curated playlists by genre, mood or activity, or by editors or celebrities.

Tidal feels a lot like Spotify, at least on Android, from the layout of the functions to the color scheme and so on.

YouTube Music has a simple and familiar interface that resembles YouTube’s app, with tabs for home, explore and library. You can also access your YouTube music history, likes and subscriptions within the app.

YouTube Music Cover Art view

Exclusive content

Exclusive content can be a deciding factor for some listeners who want to access songs or albums that are not available on other platforms. Tidal is known for its exclusive releases from artists such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West and its original content such as documentaries, concerts and interviews.

Deezer also has some exclusive content from artists such as Coldplay, Dua Lipa and Gorillaz , as well as its own original podcasts and live sessions . YouTube Music does not have much exclusive content in terms of audio tracks, but it does offer exclusive video content from YouTube’s original series and documentaries featuring artists such as Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift.

Comparison Table

Pricing

Deezer and YouTube Music both offer a free tier with ads and limited functionality, while Tidal requires a subscription to access its full service. However, YouTube Music also includes YouTube Premium, which removes ads from all YouTube videos and allows offline and background playback.

The monthly subscription fee for all three services is $9.99 for the standard plan and $14.99 for the family plan (up to six accounts) . However, Tidal also offers a HiFi plan for $19.99 per month , which enables lossless audio streaming and access to Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio tracks. Deezer also has a HiFi plan for $14.99 per month, but it does not include the immersive audio formats.

Conclusion

As you can see, each service has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to pricing, catalog, sound quality, user interface, and exclusive content. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and listening habits.

However, based on our comparison, we think that Tidal is the best option for audiophiles who want to enjoy the highest sound quality and the most immersive audio formats, as well as access to exclusive releases from some of the biggest names in music.

Deezer is a good option for listeners who want a balanced and versatile service that offers lossless audio streaming , a colorful and intuitive interface, and some exclusive content.

YouTube Music is a good option for listeners who want to integrate their music and video consumption, and who already use YouTube Premium for other benefits.

I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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