Streaming music services are so vital to the music industry that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) now factors music streaming into its Gold and Platinum album certifications. Thankfully, you don’t need to wade through numerous services to find the one best suited for your listening needs. PC Magazine has reviewed popular and niche Streaming Music services to separate the good, the bad and the ugly! This list is just a sample. Judge for yourself what works for you.

Sirius/XM Internet Radio Review

MSRP: $10.99

The score: Sirius/XM Internet Radio’s crisp audio, numerous live stations, including talk radio is a must-have for radio-streaming fans.

Pandora Internet Radio

MSRP: $4.99

The score: This once pioneering music platform now offers unlimited skips, replays and ad-free service.

iHeartRadio

MSRP: $4.99

The score: iHeartRadio attempts to merge live radio and curated catalog, but the music service lacks substance.

Apple Music (for iPhone)
MSRP: $9.99

The score: Apple Music boasts exclusive albums and Siri and Apple Watch comparability, but this well-rounded streaming music service falls short of toppling Slacker Radio and Spotify.

Slacker Radio

MSRP: $9.99

The score: Slacker Radio’s deep music library, informative Djs and DNA stations, along with quality non-music elements make this service a real winner.

Spotify

MSRP: $9.99

The score: The feature-packed Spotify, available in both free and premium versions, is a top-notch streaming music service.

Microsoft Groove Music

MSRP: $9.99

The score: Groove Music brings more than 40 million songs to your browser, but a few missing features keep it from being a real winner.

Tidal

MSRP: 9.99

The score: The continually evolving Tidal is an excellent streaming music service, especially for listeners who enjoy new music and a wide variety of titles (35 Million).