If you’re a music lover, you know how important it is to have access to a vast library of songs and albums at your fingertips. With so many different streaming services to choose from, it can be tough to know which one is the right fit for you. The pressure gets even worse when you factor in the idea that whichever service you pick will be where you build your catalog over time.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the top music streaming services available in 2023 and help you decide which is the best for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a service with the latest hits, a wide variety of genres, or exclusive content, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of music streaming in 2023.
These are in no particular order as we shall be exploring the top players in the streaming space right now. We shall look at the basics including offline listening, customized playlists, and the ability to stream music on multiple devices, and also look at perks that are exclusive to each. Let’s dig into the music streaming services in 2023.
YouTube Music
- Price: $11.99/month
Google has a history of being pretty bad with some of its products, axing many and reimagining some. Google Play Music was a brilliant idea but was no match for the competitive space that it found itself.
Like its predecessor, Google Play Music, YouTube Music allows you to upload your own music collection and stream it alongside a library of songs. It boasts standout features like the ability to seamlessly switch between listening to a song and watching a video, courtesy of the power of YouTube.
However, the service has a few sore omissions. YouTube Music also has no podcast support of live radio, something that other players are doubling down on to add a little more value.
Perhaps the biggest drawback for YT Music is the limited availability. For instance, I don’t have official YouTube Music support in Kenya and I had to resort to using VPNs. Also, the free tier is borderline punitive. There are way too many ads, no background playback, and music selection is a hassle.
Also, one thing I found unacceptable is the lyrics implementation on this platform. While other platforms sync the lyrics to the music, YouTube Music dumps the whole text for you to figure it out. For a Google product, this is just bad. Really bad.
These issues aside, the app works and works well. There is no standalone client for Windows or Mac but you can install this as a PWA from your browser and that seems to work well.
Apple Music
This service offers a large music library, exclusive content, and the ability to download songs for offline listening. It also integrates with other Apple products and services. It also has a strong focus on curation, Apple Music offers expertly crafted playlists and a wide range of exclusive content.
The Apple Music app on mobile is pretty sleek and smooth but I must say, it feels a little clunky sometimes, even on capable hardware. The search function is not as snappy as I would like but maybe that’s because I have used others that are faster. But in a vacuum, this is negligible.
Cider is an open-source Apple Music client that has made my life a lot easier and is a more befitting desktop companion for Apple Music. It is available on Windows and Linux and fills in the gap for not having a dedicated Apple Music desktop app. Although iTunes works well on Windows, that app is antiquated.
We could talk about how Apple Music supports lossless audio but honestly, most people will never take advantage of this as the difference is virtually indistinguishable from 320kbps or even 256kbps so save your bandwidth and turn that off.
One thing that I absolutely love about Apple Music is Beats Radio. It offers a variety of live and on-demand radio stations, including Beats 1, which features live DJ-curated music and interviews with artists. In addition to Beats 1, Apple Music Radio includes a variety of other stations across a range of genres, such as Pop, Hip Hop, Country, and Rock.
Apple Music does not have a free tier. That said, the pricing varies from country to country, and in Kenya, the Student package costs $1.99 a month, the standard individual plan goes for $3.29 a month while the family plans go for 5.49 a month . There is also a Voice plan in other regions but that isn’t available here.
Spotify
- Price: Free tier, and a $9.99 per month individual plan
Spotify gives you access to millions of songs, podcasts, and videos from artists all over the world. The platform has a few tiers to suit your needs. You can listen to music for free on the free plan which is ad-supported and has control limits on mobile with a limited number of skips and song selections. Or, you can upgrade to a premium subscription to get access to additional features such as offline listening, ad-free listening, and higher-quality audio.
In addition to individual tracks, Spotify also offers a range of personalized playlists, such as Discover Weekly and Daily Mix, which are based on your listening history and preferences. These are made using the almighty algorithm that’s made Spotify one of the best platforms when it comes to discovering new music.
Spotify is available on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart speakers. There’s also a desktop app for Linux, macOS, and Windows. This is the gold standard in terms of platform support.
Spotify is also going after other audio categories with the recent introduction of audiobooks on top of the already available Podcasts. This makes it a more comprehensive solution for audiophiles.
Deezer
Price: $10.99/month
Deezer is a music streaming service that offers a variety of music, podcasts, and other audio content to users around the world. Like other music streaming services, Deezer allows users to listen to millions of songs and other audio tracks on demand, create and share playlists, and discover new music through personalized recommendations.
Deezer is available on a variety of platforms, including desktop with clients for Windows and Mac and a web version for others like Linux and ChromeOS. There is also support for mobile devices, and home audio systems.
Deezer offers a range of subscription plans to suit different users’ needs. The service is available in over 180 countries, with localized versions available in many regions. Deezer also offers a free, ad-supported tier in addition to paid subscription plans although this limits playback controls, introduces ads and limits audio quality.
Related:
- I ditched Spotify for Deezer. Here’s why
- How to Pay for Deezer Premium in Kenya Using Tingg
As we’ve seen with these other platforms, there is usually a bonus feature that a service offers. For Deezer, that is SoundCatcher. This tool allows Deezer to ‘Shazam’ songs for you and when it identifies it, gives you the option to add it to your library or play it immediately.
Deezer also supports Podcasts but don’t depend on this entirely, especially not for those obscure titles coz the catalog is a little limited. There is also support for Live Radio but then again, the options are limited.
Tidal
Tidal’s claim to fame is pretty simple. Lossless. This service offers a wide variety of music, including exclusive content, all in high-quality audio format. It also has a selection of music videos and live concerts.
Tidal offers a variety of subscription tiers, including a free tier with limited content and paid tiers with additional features and access to a larger music library. The service is known for its focus on high-quality audio and exclusive content, including exclusive album releases and concerts.
Related:
- Tidal and MTN Uganda bring mobile music streaming service to your phone
- TIDAL FAQs: All you need to know about how MTN TIDAL works
Again, I wasn’t able to test this out comprehensively due to the geographical limitations, and even using a VPN which usually works to unlock geo-restricted content didn’t seem to work here.
Tidal is available in a number of countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, and a number of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The availability of Tidal may vary depending on your location, and some features may not be available in all countries.
Summary
Purely from a music streaming standpoint, many of these options are matched with a few variances here and there but there are some notable differences that we will summarise in this TL:DR.
YouTube Music is a great service as it fits right into the Google Ecosystem. However, it is not widely available so it might not be an option for many. Also, it makes more sense to have it as a bonus after paying for YouTube Premium.
Spotify is a great option with proper cross-platform compatibility. It also supports a massive catalog of podcasts and recently, Audiobooks so if that’s your thing, this is your best pick.
Deezer is also a solid option with nothing particularly wrong with it. It also supports podcasts although I had issues finding some niche ones so the catalog might not be as big as Spotify’s. It also comes with an in-built ‘Shazam’ dubbed SoundCatcher .
Apple Music fits right into the Apple ecosystem so if you’re invested in that, this is your option. Those who care about Lossless audio will also like this. The Radio function is really good for music lovers and its integration with TuneIn means you don’t need another app for Internet radio.
Conclusion
So, what is the best music streaming service in 2023? Well, Spotify is the most wholesome choice, regardless of the platform or ecosystem that you’re into. The widespread availability across regions worldwide and the addition of Podcasts and most recently, Audiobooks, make it a more versatile solution.
That said, regardless of which music streaming platform you choose in 2023, you’re guaranteed a good time as they’ve all grown and offer so much value. The media libraries are massive enough that you are bound to get something that works for you.
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.
Type your email…
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]
Type your email…
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]
Type your email…
