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Amazon Music vs iHeartRadio

Amazon Music logo

Amazon Music

Software

Unlimited music for every moment

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
iHeartRadio logo

iHeartRadio

Software

All your favorite music, podcasts, and radio

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Amazon Music amazon Music Unlimited is required for on-demand access to the 100 million song catalogue, ad-free podcasts and Audible audiobooks; iHeartRadio ad-free listening requires an iHeartRadio Plus or All Access subscription
  • They diverge on capability: Amazon Music covers Music streaming, iHeartRadio covers Live radio.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Amazon Music and iHeartRadio actually diverge.

Attributes where Amazon Music and iHeartRadio differ
AttributeAmazon MusiciHeartRadio
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Fire-tv, EchoWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers
Founded20072008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Amazon Music

  • Music streaming
  • HD audio
  • Alexa integration
  • Echo devices
  • Fire TV
  • Alexa
  • Amazon account security
  • Family controls

Only in iHeartRadio

  • Live radio
  • Custom stations
  • Events
  • Smart speakers
  • Car systems
  • Account security
  • Smart-speakers support

Both cover

  • Podcasts
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Amazon Music

  • On-demand music streaming across phone, watch and speakersnot iHeartRadio
  • Listening to podcasts and Audible audiobooks in one appnot iHeartRadio
  • Offline playback for subscribersnot iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio

  • Streaming live AM and FM radio stations over the internetnot Amazon Music
  • Listening to podcasts and live sports commentarynot Amazon Music
  • Building music playlists on a paid tiernot Amazon Music

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Amazon Music

  • Amazon Music Unlimited is required for on-demand access to the 100 million song catalogue, ad-free podcasts and Audible audiobooks
  • Unlimited skips require the Amazon Music Unlimited subscription
  • Subscriptions bought through iTunes renew automatically each month unless auto-renewal is turned off at least 24 hours before the period ends
  • The account is charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of each membership period
  • The iOS app requires iOS 16.0 or later

iHeartRadio

  • Ad-free listening requires an iHeartRadio Plus or All Access subscription
  • Unlimited skips and unlimited playlist creation require a paid subscription
  • Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the period ends
  • Any unused part of a free trial is forfeited when a subscription is purchased
  • The iOS app requires iOS 15.0 or later

Pricing, plan by plan

Amazon Music

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited selection
    • Ads
  • Unlimited$9.99/month
    • Full catalog
    • HD audio

iHeartRadio

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Live radio
    • Podcasts
    • Ads
  • Plus$5.99/month
    • Unlimited skips
    • Offline playlists

Which should you pick?

Choose Amazon Music if

  • You need music streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Fire-tv, Echo.
  • You also want hd audio.
Amazon Music review

Choose iHeartRadio if

  • You need live radio.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
  • You also want custom stations.
iHeartRadio review

Questions people ask

Is Amazon Music or iHeartRadio better?
Neither clearly leads. Amazon Music starts at Free and iHeartRadio at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Amazon Music or iHeartRadio?
Amazon Music starts at Free and iHeartRadio at Free.
Does Amazon Music or iHeartRadio run on more platforms?
Amazon Music runs on Web, Ios, Android, Fire-tv, Echo. iHeartRadio runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
Can I use Amazon Music for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Amazon Music best used for?
Amazon Music is most often used for on-demand music streaming across phone, watch and speakers, listening to podcasts and audible audiobooks in one app, offline playback for subscribers. Of those, on-demand music streaming across phone, watch and speakers and listening to podcasts and audible audiobooks in one app are not what iHeartRadio is typically brought in for.
What can Amazon Music do that iHeartRadio cannot?
Amazon Music covers Music streaming, HD audio, Alexa integration, Echo devices. iHeartRadio covers Live radio, Custom stations, Events, Smart speakers. Both handle Podcasts, Web support, Ios support, Android support.
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