Quitting Spotify wasn’t just about switching music services. It was a struggle between ideals and the reality of family needs. After canceling the subscription, the search for a replacement revealed just how limited—and problematic—the choices can be.
The Decision to Leave Spotify
Sometimes, the weight of decisions builds up. The move to leave Spotify came after a list of grievances, including its CEO’s controversial actions and poor artist payouts. After successfully installing solar panels and making eco-friendly car choices, breaking free from Spotify felt like the next logical step.
The process was straightforward for the user, but it wasn’t without hurdles. The family plan meant their daughter relied on it for social connections. They opted to set her up with her own account, balancing parental guidance with her autonomy.
Searching for the Right Replacement
The quest for a new streaming service turned out to be quite a challenge. With family members using different devices and platforms, flexibility became key. Initial attempts with services like YouTube Music revealed outdated app designs and poor audio quality.
The user considered several options, each with its own pros and cons. Deezer felt lacking, while Amazon Music didn’t appeal at all. Tidal offered artist-friendly policies but came with its own issues. Ultimately, everything felt limited—with providers tied to larger tech companies that raised ethical concerns.
- Many services have significant shortcomings
- Compatibility is crucial for family use
- Alternatives may lack essential features
Settling on Apple Music
After much deliberation, Apple Music emerged as the best temporary solution. Despite hesitations—like device compatibility and Apple’s corporate track record—the quality of music and user experience were major draws. Apple Music’s ability to pay artists better than Spotify also played a role in the decision.
The transition to Apple Music proved simpler than expected. With a $5 membership to Soundiiz, they transferred their entire library smoothly, maintaining playlists seamlessly during the switch. However, it raised deeper concerns about the wider streaming landscape and the need to support artists directly instead.