This overall score is made up of ease of use (60%) and audio quality (40%).

Assesses general layout, search tools, adding content to your library, genre browsing, playlist creation, offline mode and sharing on desktop (40%) and mobile (60%).

Assessed on PC using each service’s default (non hi-fi) setting, by a panel of experts. Automatic quality adjustment was used when services did not offer custom quality settings.

Assessed the level of data consumed by a one-hour playlist at standard, high and highest quality offered by the service, in addition to the automatic settings. This playlist was played three times to create an average rate of data consumption. Auto quality adjustment was used if no other options were available. Bitrate can increase and decrease depending on internet connection speed and quality.

Assessed the level of data consumed by a one-hour playlist at standard, high and highest quality offered by the service, in addition to the automatic settings. This playlist was played three times to create an average rate of data consumption.

We recommend services with an overall score of 75% or more.

Per month. Standard/default subscription. All services on test include a free trial period.

These services offer a free streaming option supported by advertisements which play between tracks.

Is a Windows desktop version available.

Is an OS X desktop version available.

Is a browser-based version available.

Is an iOS app available.

Is an Android app available.

List of additional platforms that each service supports. Visit company website for a full list of supported devices, brands and models.

List of adjustable quality options available on Wi-Fi connection (mobile). Auto quality cannot be adjusted by user.

List of adjustable quality options available on mobile data networks e.g. 3/4G (mobile). Auto quality cannot be adjusted by user.

Does the service offer hi-fi (lossless CD quality) audio streaming. Requires separate hi-fi account which incurs a higher monthly cost. Deezer Sonos only.

Ability to download tracks for playback without an internet connection. Tracks can only be played through the related program/app. 

Ability to download tracks for playback without an internet connection. Tracks can only be played through the related program/app.

Identifies tracks with explicit content and blocks or replaces them with "clean versions." 

Optimised version with interface and content suitable for children.

Does the subscription include access to video content.

Provides individual accounts and group discounts for relatives living at the same address.

Spotify: Can't upload your own songs to Spotify's servers, but Spotify will sync your local music to its library, if it has those songs in its database. If it doesn’t have them, you can sync them to a mobile device if you are on the same network as your computer. Google Play Music Uploaded songs are usually replaced by versions in Google’s database (e.g. radio edits). User must manually replace any songs they feel are incorrect using the 'Fix incorrect match' option Microsoft Groove MusicUploaded songs can be set to replace Groove's own version of those songs; FLAC files are not supported; feature requires OneDrive account.

Does the service let you import your iTunes playlists.

Number of devices that can simultaneously access service per account.