Tidal HiFi vs. Qobuz: A Comparison of High-Definition Audio Services in 2026

Since April 2024, Tidal HiFi and HiFi Plus have merged into a single tier priced at €10.99/month, which includes 24-bit FLAC up to 192 kHz and Dolby Atmos. Tidal also discontinued the MQA format on July 24, 2024, switching to pure FLAC. Qobuz remains at €12.99/month for Studio Solo, without Dolby Atmos. To sign up for my Tidal subscription, visit tidal.com. The choice between the two depends on the catalog (jazz/classical vs. hip-hop/Atmos) and the Family plan price—where Tidal is €4 to €5 cheaper per month.

Key points to remember

• Tidal discontinued MQA on July 24, 2024, and switched entirely to pure FLAC
• Since April 2024, HiFi and HiFi Plus have been combined into a single plan priced at €10.99 per month
• Qobuz Studio Solo for €12.99/month, Family for €21.99/month (6 accounts)
• Tidal Family: €16.99/month (6 accounts), Student: €4.99/month
• Tidal offers Dolby Atmos on a wide range of titles, while Qobuz does not (3 THX titles)
• Qobuz dominates classical and jazz, while Tidal dominates hip-hop, R&B, and exclusive content

What happened at Tidal in 2024?

The year 2024 marked a turning point for Tidal. The service, acquired by Square (now Block) in 2021 for $297 million, made two major strategic decisions: the merger of the HiFi and HiFi Plus tiers in April 2024, followed by the discontinuation of the MQA format on July 24, 2024, in favor of pure FLAC. These changes simplified the service’s offerings while bringing it in line with traditional audiophile standards.

• April 2024 — Merger of the two paid subscription plans into a single tier priced at €10.99/month
• July 24, 2024 — End of MQA; the entire catalog switches to lossless FLAC
• FLAC 24-bit/192 kHz — now the standard on Tidal, just like Qobuz
• Dolby Atmos Music — preserved and expanded, available on the exclusive tier
• Music videos — always available; Tidal has a music video library

This simplification brought Tidal in line with the traditional audiophile ecosystem by moving away from the Owner MQA) format, which had divided the Hi-Res community.

What will Tidal's prices be in 2026?

Tidal has organized its pricing structure into four main plans, including one specifically for DJs that provides access to DJ software (rekordbox, Serato, Engine DJ).

• Tidal Plans | Pricing | Accounts | Features
• Tidal Individual | €10.99/month | 1 | 24-bit/192 kHz FLAC + Dolby Atmos
• Tidal Family|$16.99/month|6|6 separate accounts
• Tidal Student | $4.99/month | 1 | Proof of enrollment
• Tidal DJ | $23.99/month | 1 | Integrations with rekordbox, Serato, and Engine DJ

How does Tidal compare to Qobuz?

Tidal and Qobuz both cater to audiophiles, but with opposing philosophies. Here are the key differences to consider before making your choice.

• Critère|Tidal|Qobuz
• Individual price|€10.99/month|€12.99/month
• Family Plan (6 accounts)|€16.99/month|€21.99/month
• Student Price|€4.99/month|—
• Max format|FLAC 24-bit / 192 kHz|FLAC 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Dolby Atmos|Yes, extensive catalog|No (only 3 THX titles)
• Total catalog|100+ million titles|100+ million titles
• Catalogue highlights|Hip-hop, R&B, pop, exclusives|Classical, jazz, French chanson
• Music videos|Yes|No
• Editorial | Modeste | Excellent (booklets, Qobuz Magazine)
• Final Hi-Res Download|No|Yes (with 60% off in Sublime)
• Origin|Norway (acquired by Square/Block in 2021)|France (Paris, 2007)

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What are the differences in audio quality?

In terms of raw sound quality, the two services are on par with each other since Tidal dropped MQA. The difference now lies in spatial audio formats and the depth of the Hi-Res catalog by genre.

Tidal — Audio Highlights

• Dolby Atmos Music — extensive catalog, immersive spatial audio with compatible headphones and soundbars
• Sony 360 Reality Audio — also available on Tidal
• Pure FLAC — as of July 2024, no more MQA, audiophile-grade quality guaranteed
• Master Hi-Res — Curated High-Definition Selections

Qobuz — Audio Highlights

• FLAC 24-bit/192 kHz — natively supported across the entire Hi-Res catalog
• Mastered classic catalog — partnerships with Deutsche Grammophon, Harmonia Mundi, and Naxos
• No MQA to date — committed to FLAC since 2007
• Permanent Hi-Res Download — File Ownership, No DRM

What are the strengths of the catalog by genre?

Both services share most of the global catalog, but each has its own editorial focus and notable exclusives. The choice is less obvious than it might seem at first glance: Tidal and Qobuz now cover all the major labels (Universal, Sony, Warner) and most independent labels. The differences lie in the depth of the catalog by subgenre.

• Hip-hop, R&B, urban — Tidal, which has historically been tied to the group’s labels (Roc Nation, formerly Jay-Z), has been excluded from the release
• Classical — Qobuz leads the pack, with the most extensive catalog and a curated selection
• Jazz — Qobuz, partnerships with Blue Note, ECM, Verve, etc.
• Mainstream pop — the same in both
• Indie and alternative rock — similar artists, similar catalog
• French music — Qobuz: A Deeper Dive (Heritage Catalog)
• Electronic, DJ sets — Tidal DJ with rekordbox and Serato integrations

What hardware compatibility do both require?

Both services are integrated into most audiophile ecosystems. Be sure to check in advance whether your main equipment supports them. For further reading, see our guide to the best music streaming platforms, which covers the entire French market.

• Ecosystem|Tidal|Qobuz
• Sonos|Yes|Yes
• Bluesound|Yes|Yes
• Roon|Yes|Yes
• Audirvana|Yes|Yes
• Apple CarPlay|Yes|Yes
• Android Auto|Yes|Yes
• Apple Watch|Yes (native app)|No (iPhone control)
• Sony 360 RA|Yes|No
• Dolby Atmos|Yes|No

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What is the user experience like on each platform?

Beyond the technical specifications, the day-to-day experience differs significantly between the two services. It is often this aspect that ultimately influences a subscriber’s decision.

The Tidal Experience in Everyday Life

• Mobile interface — modern, similar to Spotify, with smooth navigation
• Discover — Tidal Rising spotlights emerging artists and personalized mixes with My Mix
• Embedded music videos — watch without leaving the app, MTV catalog restored
• Tidal Connect — the equivalent of Spotify Connect for compatible speakers
• Offline mode — unlimited downloads of songs and playlists
• Apple Watch native — standalone app, works without an iPhone nearby

The Qobuz Experience in Your Daily Life

• Mobile interface — less modern, less responsive; currently undergoing a redesign
• Discover — Qobuz Magazine, daily editorial articles on music news
• PDF booklets — available for classic and jazz albums, as well as many album covers
• Qobuz Connect — a multi-room streaming protocol similar to Sonos
• Offline mode — available, but subject to quotas based on your Studio or Sublime plan
• Apple Watch — controlled only via iPhone, no standalone playback

How can I save money on a Hi-Res subscription?

There are several ways to lower the monthly cost of an audiophile service without compromising on quality.

• Choose the Student — Tidal plan for €4.99/month with proof of eligibility
• Upgrade to the annual plan when available — Qobuz offers Studio Family for €249.96/year (5% off)
• Family plan for 6 accounts — share with friends and family or through a co-subscription platform
• Tidal Family for €16.99/month = €2.83/person if all slots are filled
• Qobuz Family for €21.99/month = €3.67/person
• Legal co-subscription — specialized platforms for finding verified co-subscribers
• Trial periods — try both before committing (30-day trials are often available)

Which option is right for you?

Here are our recommendations by use case, incorporating the changes for 2024.

• For classical and jazz audiophiles: Qobuz Studio Solo, with an unrivaled catalog and editorial content
• For hip-hop/R&B/pop fans: Tidal Individual, exclusive content, and Dolby Atmos
• For a family of six: Tidal Family at €16.99/month, the most affordable option
• For students: Tidal Student for €4.99/month—unbeatable
• For Dolby Atmos fans: Tidal only (Qobuz doesn't offer it)
• For Hi-Res album collectors: Qobuz Sublime, 60% off permanent purchases
• For DJs: Tidal DJ for €23.99/month with rekordbox/Serato/Engine integrations

For more information, read our detailed Qobuz vs. Tidal comparison, our Qobuz review, or our music streaming comparison. The 2026 music streaming comparison covers the entire market. To manage your Deezer account at the same time, see our Deezer account guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does Tidal still offer MQA?

No. Tidal announced that it was discontinuing the MQA format on July 24, 2024. The entire catalog is now streamed in pure FLAC at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. The transition was automatic for subscribers, with no change in price.

Will Tidal HiFi Plus still be around in 2026?

No. Tidal merged HiFi and HiFi Plus in April 2024. There is now only one paid tier at €10.99/month, which includes 24-bit/192 kHz FLAC and Dolby Atmos. Former HiFi Plus subscribers were automatically migrated.

Why is Qobuz more expensive than Tidal?

Qobuz remains at €12.99/month for Studio Solo and €21.99/month for Family, compared to €10.99 and €16.99 at Tidal. The price difference is due to a more extensive standard Hi-Res catalog and extensive editorial content (PDF booklets, Qobuz Magazine). It is positioned as a premium audiophile service.

Does Qobuz support Dolby Atmos like Tidal does?

No. Qobuz hasn't followed Tidal's lead when it comes to spatial audio. Only three experimental tracks have been released in THX Spatial Audio. If Atmos is important to you, Tidal remains the gold standard. See our Tidal Family guide to get the most out of sharing.

Which platform should you choose for French music?

Qobuz has the most extensive catalog of French-language classics (Brassens, Brel, Ferré, and Gainsbourg in remastered versions). Tidal also covers the modern repertoire. When it comes to contemporary French rap, both platforms offer nearly all major releases. See our detailed Qobuz review for more information on this catalog.

Can I try Tidal and Qobuz for free?

Yes. Both services regularly offer 30-day free trials with no obligation. Check their official websites for the current offer. This is the easiest way to compare sound quality on your own device before making a decision.

Which is better for Sonos speakers: Tidal or Qobuz?

Both services are fully integrated into the Sonos app. Hi-Res audio is supported on compatible models (Era 300, Five, Move 2, Beam Gen 2). Your choice will therefore depend on the music library and price, not on hardware compatibility.

Is a Hi-Res subscription worth it without audiophile equipment?

With basic headphones or speakers (under €200), the difference between FLAC and 320 kbps MP3 remains subtle. Hi-Res really comes into its own with high-end headphones (Audeze, Focal, Sennheiser HD800), a dedicated DAC, or Sonos Era 300 speakers and above. Otherwise, Spotify HiFi or Deezer Premium (which includes FLAC) are sufficient.

Which offers the best family plan: Tidal or Qobuz?

Tidal Family at €16.99/month remains unbeatable compared to Qobuz Family at €21.99/month (or €20.83/month with an annual subscription). The difference is €4 to €5 per month, or about €50 per year. If you fill all 6 spots, Tidal works out to €2.83 per person, compared to €3.67 for Qobuz.