Tidal HiFi vs HiFi Plus: Which subscription plan is right for you?
Tidal is a music streaming service that offers two subscription plans: HiFi and HiFi Plus. Both plans give you access to Tidal’s full library of over 90 million songs, exclusive content, and ad-free listening. However, there are some key differences between the two plans, primarily in terms of audio quality.
Tidal HiFi
Tidal HiFi offers lossless audio streaming at CD quality (up to 1411 kbps). This means that the audio is streamed in its original format, without any compression. This results in a more detailed and accurate sound than what you would get from a compressed audio format like MP3.
Tidal HiFi Plus
Tidal HiFi Plus offers the highest audio quality available on Tidal. It streams Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio, which is a lossless audio format that can deliver even higher quality sound than CD audio. MQA audio also has the benefit of being smaller in size than other lossless audio formats, which means it can be streamed more efficiently.
Other differences between Tidal HiFi and HiFi Plus
In addition to the difference in audio quality, there are a few other minor differences between Tidal HiFi and HiFi Plus:
- Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio: Tidal HiFi Plus offers access to a limited selection of songs in Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio, which are immersive audio formats that can create a more realistic and three-dimensional listening experience. Tidal HiFi does not offer access to these formats.
- Offline listening: Tidal HiFi Plus allows you to download up to 10,000 songs for offline listening, while Tidal HiFi only allows you to download 3,000 songs.
Which subscription plan is right for you?
If you are looking for the highest possible audio quality, then Tidal HiFi Plus is the best option for you. However, it is important to note that MQA audio is not compatible with all devices. If you are not sure whether your device supports MQA, then you may want to stick with Tidal HiFi.
If you are on a budget, then Tidal HiFi is a great option. It offers excellent sound quality at a reasonable price.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between Tidal HiFi and HiFi Plus:
| Feature | Tidal HiFi | Tidal HiFi Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Lossless (up to 1411 kbps) | Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) |
| Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio | No | Yes |
| Offline listening capacity | 3,000 songs | 10,000 songs |
| Price | $9.99/month | $19.99/month |
Ultimately, the best way to decide which Tidal subscription plan is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer. Tidal offers a free 30-day trial of both plans, so you can test them out before you commit to a paid subscription.

