Deezer vs Qobuz: Honest Comparison to Help You Decide

By Dave Henry Posted on October 8, 2025

For audiophiles, choosing a streaming service often comes down to one question. Do you want the best sound, or the best overall experience? Big names like Spotify rule the market with numbers. But true music lovers know the real battle is between two European rivals: Deezer and Qobuz.

Deezer offers CD-quality lossless audio. Qobuz pushes further with studio-grade Hi-Res. The choice isn't easy. But you've come to the right place. This guide gives you a side-by-side comparison. We'll look at sound quality, pricing, music catalog, device support, features, and even music ownership. By the end, you'll know which one deserves your subscription.

deezer dj guide

Part 1. Deezer vs Qobuz: Pricing

When choosing between Deezer and Qobuz, pricing matters. Both offer several subscription plans. Here's a comparison of their solo, duo, family, student, free, and trial options.

Feature / Plan Deezer Qobuz
Solo $11.99/month (or $9.00/month with an annual payment of $107.99) Studio Solo: $12.99/month (or $10.83/month with an annual payment of $129.99)
Sublime Solo: $179.99/year (annual payment only)
Duo $15.99/month for 2 accounts Studio Duo: $17.99/month (or $14.99/month with an annual payment of $179.88)
Sublime Duo: $269.89/year (annual payment only)
Family $19.99/month for up to 6 accounts Studio Family: $21.90/month for 6 accounts (or $17.99/month with an annual payment of $215.88)
Sublime Family: $349.99/year (annual payment only)
Student $5.99/month (50% discount) Studio Student: $4.99/month for up to 2 years, for students between 18 and 25 years old
Free Plan Yes, with ad-supported access and lower audio quality No, Qobuz does not offer a free, ad-supported tier
Free Trial 1 month free trial for new users. May offer longer trials of up to 90 days in some regions. 1 month free trial for new users. Promotions for longer trials (up to 2 months) may be available.
Key Differentiator HiFi quality included in all premium plans (16-bit FLAC) and includes podcasts. Hi-Res quality included in all plans (up to 24-bit/192kHz FLAC). The Sublime plan offers discounts on Hi-Res music downloads.

(Note: Prices are based on US monthly rates or the equivalent monthly rate for annual plans, which often save money.)

Is Qobuz more cost-effective for best sound quality?


  • It depends. If you can pay for a full year upfront, Qobuz is cheaper than Deezer. All Qobuz plans give access to 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res FLAC. Paying annually makes it cost-effective.
  • If you prefer to pay month-to-month, Deezer is cheaper. Reddit user yashptel99 summed it up well:

"If you're rich, go for Qobuz. If not, Deezer Premium is enough for most people."

Want tips on getting Deezer Premium for free? Check out the guide below!

get deezer premium for free
7 Ways to Get Deezer Premium for Free

Discover 7 ways to get Deezer Premium for free! This guide covers all the methods you can try, from official free trial to special free code giveaway.

Part 2. Deezer vs Qobuz: Sound Quality

When comparing these two platforms, it's a battle between excellent and the best possible. Why do we say this? Because compared to another Hi-Res music streaming platform, Tidal, both Deezer and Qobuz excel in different aspects:

Read More :  Deezer vs Tidal: Which Music App Is Best in 2025?

Read More :  Qobuz vs. Tidal: Which Hi-Res Music Streamer Is Best in 2025?

Simply put: Deezer delivers CD-quality audio, the gold standard for most listeners. Qobuz is aimed at audiophiles who invest heavily in their sound systems to catch every detail.

Here is a clear look at their streaming audio quality:

Feature / Format Deezer Qobuz
Lossy (Compressed) MP3 (320kbps) MP3 (320kbps)
Lossless (CD Quality) HiFi (16-bit / 44.1kHz FLAC) CD Quality (16-bit / 44.1kHz FLAC)
Hi-Res (Studio Quality) No, maximum quality is 16-bit FLAC. Hi-Res Audio (24-bit / up to 192kHz FLAC).
Spatial Audio Supports Sony 360 Reality Audio. Supports THX Spatial Audio on a limited basis.
Access Included with all Premium, Duo, and Family plans. Standard with all paid plans.

How to decide between Deezer's lossless and Qobuz's hi-res audio based on your equipment?

For 95% of listeners, Deezer's 16-bit FLAC (CD quality) is more than enough. You should only choose Qobuz if you have high-end audio gear and a dedicated listening space.

Here is the simple breakdown to help you decide:

  • Choose Deezer if: You mostly listen on Bluetooth headphones (AirPods, Sony WH-1000XM5, etc.), smart speakers (Echo, Google Nest), or your car stereo. This equipment cannot even process hi-res audio, let alone reproduce the extra quality Qobuz offers. Another bonus to consider is that if you are using compatible Sony headphones, like the XM4 or XM5, Deezer's Sony 360 Reality Audio on some tracks can create a noticeable difference in the soundstage, making the music feel much wider.
  • listen to deezer on phone

  • Choose Qobuz if: You own an external DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and have high-quality wired headphones or speakers that cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Only this gear can fully deliver the benefits of 24-bit Hi-Res audio.
  • listen to qobuz on hires gears

To get the highest audio quality from Deezer and Qobuz, check out the guides below:
Full Guide: How to Download FLAC from Deezer in 4 Ways
Full Guide: How to Download Qobuz FLAC in 24-Bit Quality

Part 3. Deezer vs Qobuz: Library Size

When it comes to sheer music volume, Deezer and Qobuz both offer large catalogs. But there are key differences.

Feature Deezer Qobuz
Total Music Tracks 120+ million 100+ million
Other Content Includes a catalog of podcasts and exclusive content. Focuses almost exclusively on music and editorial content related to albums and artists, without podcasts.

Which platform offers the largest music library and caters to specific genres?

If you want the most songs, podcasts, and features for your money, Deezer wins. Its massive catalog is built to compete with Spotify and Apple Music. You'll find all the latest hits, popular artists, and a strong back catalog across mainstream genres like Pop, Rock, and Hip-Hop.

deezer music catalog

One Reddit user tested transfers of niche catalogs. Deezer missed only 259 tracks out of 40,203, fewer than Qobuz and other services. That shows Deezer is more comprehensive, even in non-mainstream areas.
The original post: Tidal vs. Apple vs. Qobuz vs. Deezer: Some data on depth/quality of non-mainstream music catalogs for Spotify alternatives

Qobuz may miss more tracks in broad transfers, but it shines in rarities. Users report finding rare versions, remasters, and exclusive Hi-Res albums, especially in classical and jazz. These are often unavailable on mainstream platforms.

qobuz music catalog

Part 4. Deezer vs Qobuz: Algorithms

The approaches of Deezer and Qobuz to music discovery are very different. Deezer targets the masses with a highly personalized algorithm. Qobuz is less personalized and focuses on human curation and editorial content.

Feature Deezer Qobuz
Main discovery tool Flow: an AI-driven, infinite playlist that blends a user's favorites with new recommendations based on their listening history. Magazine/Editor's Picks: Expert-written articles, album reviews, interviews, and hand-crafted playlists.
Personalized mixes Highly varied personalized mixes based on mood, genre, and artists (Daily Mixes, Mixes Inspired By, customizable Flow 'wheels'). Your Mixes (DailyQ, WeeklyQ) which blend algorithmic recommendations with human-curated content.
User interaction Heavy emphasis on Like/Dislike (Heart) actions to train the Flow algorithm. Less direct algorithmic feedback; user's history mainly informs their For You mixes and genre essentials.

Which music streaming service offers the most accurate and dynamic personalized recommendations?


The answer is clear: Deezer. It is superior for dynamic music discovery.

Deezer's main strength, like Spotify, is its recommendation engine. Flow is an all-in-one feature that mixes songs you know with new ones. Deezer is made for variety. You will benefit from Flow's ability to switch between Jazz, EDM, and Metal in one listening session while keeping a cohesive vibe. After a few weeks of tracking your "Heart" or "Dislike" choices, Flow can show you the songs you are most likely to like.

deezer flow

Reddit users consistently praise Flow. One user said:

"I've used Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz... None of them compare with deezer flow. The consensus is that Deezer is the "Discovery Hub."

Qobuz, by contrast, is often criticized for its weak algorithm. Users note:

"You won't subscribe to Qobuz for the recommendations... Qobuz doesn't have an advanced algorithm and just one personalized playlist according to your tastes... Generally, you go on Qobuz because you already know what to listen to."

Even Qobuz's CEO confirmed this, saying they prefer users to "browse the shop's shelves" instead of being fed music.

qobuz editorial music content

Part 5. Deezer vs Qobuz: Device Compatibility

Deezer and Qobuz can both play music on many devices. But each has a different focus.

Feature / Device Type Deezer Supported Devices Qobuz Supported Devices
Mobile & Tablet iOS, Android apps, Apple Watch, some wearables iOS, Android apps, tablets, mobile devices
Desktop & Web Windows, macOS, Web Player Windows, macOS, Web Player
Smart Speakers / Hi-Fi & Streamers Several smart TVs, Sonos, other audio brands (via app support and casting) Qobuz Connect supports 50-60+ hi-fi brands, including Denon, Marantz, JBL Premium Audio, Focal, WIiM, etc.
Protocols & Cast Options Bluetooth, AirPlay, casting on compatible devices; smart TVs etc. Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Qobuz Connect (native streaming for many hi-fi brands)

From my experience, Qobuz has the edge for hi-fi setups. If you use streaming amplifiers, premium speakers, or external DACs, Qobuz Connect gives you a big advantage. It works well with many high-resolution audio brands. For native hi-res playback, Qobuz is hard to beat.

qobuz compatible audio equipment

Deezer shines in everyday use. Phones, tablets, smart speakers, and TVs all run smoothly. It has more apps and better casting support. If you don't own high-end audio gear, you may not notice the difference. In that case, Deezer feels more practical.

deezer compatible devices

So, if you care about fidelity and hardware, go with Qobuz. If you care about convenience and coverage, Deezer is the better pick.

However, getting smooth Deezer playback on devices that support it has some limits. For example, you often need the app on the device, or you have to use Bluetooth or casting, which can cause buffering or interruptions. With Qobuz, you might even have to buy DRM-free music for each song or album, which can be very expensive.

So, to get smoother, more reliable, and easier playback on all devices, both compatible and non-compatible, you need a third-party tool.

ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder: Free Your Music on All Devices

ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder removes these limits. It lets you download music from Deezer and Qobuz in DRM-free formats like MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B. Once saved, you can play your songs with any media player on any device, no apps or internet required.

The best part? ViWizard works with Deezer, Qobuz, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, Pandora, and Line Music. It can download music from these streaming platforms at the highest quality, up to 24-bit/192kHz. You don't even need to buy each track from Qobuz. With ViWizard, you own your music library DRM-free and ready for any device.

icon
ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder

A versatile all-in-one streaming music recorder that downloads music from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, SoundCloud, Qobuz and LINE MUSIC into MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B formats in high quality.

Available on:

How to Download Music from Deezer and Qobuz Using ViWizard

Step 1 Configure Output Settings

Open ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder on your computer. Go to the menu and select Preferences, then navigate to the Conversion tab. Pick the output format you want, like MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4B or M4A. You can also adjust the audio quality by setting the bitrate and sample rate. When done, choose an output folder and click OK to save your settings.

set format

Step 2 Log in to Deezer or Qobuz

Return to the main interface and click the Deezer or Qobuz logo, depending on where you want to download music. The built-in web player will open. Log in with your account. You must have a valid subscription to download full-length tracks.

main interface

Step 3 Select Music for Download

Open a track, playlist, album, or your liked songs. Click the plus (+) icon. ViWizard will detect all available songs. In the pop-up window, choose the tracks you want and click Add to List. The selected songs will queue up, ready for conversion.

add deezer playlist to conversion

Step 4 Start Download and Conversion

Click the Convert button to start. ViWizard will download and convert your songs quickly into the format you chose earlier. When the process is complete, go to the History tab. You can preview your songs or click the folder icon to locate your Deezer or Qobuz downloads in the output folder on your computer.

click convert to convert deezer music songs

Part 5. Deezer vs Qobuz: User Interface

Let's be real. In the world of streaming music, the app's User Interface (UI) is super important. If the interface isn't intuitive, it can completely change your mood and perspective when using it.

I think Deezer's UI is better for most people, especially if you're used to Spotify or Apple Music. It's simple, modern, and intuitive. Finding playlists, seeing your daily mix (which Deezer calls "Flow"), and getting into your music is quick and easy. It's designed for fast discovery and effortless listening. It almost feels like a social media feed for music.

deezer web player interface

Qobuz, on the other hand, feels more like a serious music store or an old-school record collection. The app is clean but less intuitive. It puts a lot of focus on detailed information, like album booklets, reviews, and articles. That's great if you enjoy reading about music, but not so great if you just want to press play and go.

qobuz interface on mobile and desktop

So, in my opinion, Deezer's app is built for the streaming generation: fast, easy, smart, and feature-packed. Qobuz is built for the serious music lover who wants to dig deep into details and doesn't mind a less flashy experience.

Many users online share the same view. One Reddit user said that Deezer's app is "excellent on PC, Mac, and iOS" and that its "music recommendations are superior." Another user, comparing both, felt that Qobuz had a "weird interface" and "no track radios," which is a big drawback if you just want the music to keep flowing.

Part 7. Deezer vs Qobuz: Download Options

Both Deezer and Qobuz offer music downloads, but it's important to understand the kind of download you're getting. On both services, you can listen to music offline within their apps, but the files are encrypted, so you can't move them to another device or player.

Qobuz stands out because it also lets you purchase and permanently download high-resolution music files (like FLAC) that you truly own and can use anywhere. Subscribers often get discounts on these purchases. Deezer, by contrast, does not offer a music store.

Here's a simple table comparing the main download options:

Feature Deezer (Premium) Qobuz (Subscription) Qobuz (Music Store)
Download Type Offline listening (Mobile and desktop in-app only) Offline listening (Mobile and desktop in-app only) Permanent download: You can download DRM-free music files that can be stored anywhere.
File Ownership Rented: You lose access to all downloaded files if your subscription expires. Rented: You lose access to all downloaded files if your subscription expires. Owned: You own the files forever.
Audio Quality Up to HiFi (CD Quality FLAC) for Premium users. Up to Hi-Res (24-bit/192kHz FLAC). You can choose and buy from various qualities, including MP3, CD Quality FLAC, and Hi-Res FLAC.
File Format Locked: Proprietary, encrypted files that can only be played through the Deezer app. Locked: Proprietary, encrypted files that can only be played through the Qobuz app. Open: Standard, DRM-free formats like FLAC, WAV, and MP3, which can be played on any compatible device.

Deezer vs Qobuz, which download option is more flexible?

Qobuz wins for downloads. It lets you download music in hi-res quality for in-app offline playback. Plus, it allows you to buy music from Qobuz store and own high-quality music files, which you can keep forever and play anywhere.

qobuz import

Deezer's download feature is only for offline use. It works while you pay for the subscription. Once you cancel, the downloads disappear. This is the same with most streaming apps.
See also: Deezer Downloaders for Windows, Mac, Online, and Mobile

download deezer music on mobile

Because of these limits, you may want to back up your music library. ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder (see Part 5) can help. It saves songs, playlists, albums, and podcasts as DRM-free files in MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, or M4B. Once saved, they are yours to play on any device.

Final Verdict

Deciding between Deezer and Qobuz comes down to one main question: Are you a casual music lover who needs features and a huge library, or are you an audio enthusiast who prioritizes the absolute best sound quality? There isn't a single winner, as each platform is clearly designed for a different kind of listener.

🏆 The Winner for the Everyday Listener: Deezer
Deezer is the better choice for most people. It has smart features, a big music library, and its Flow discovery tool helps you find new songs easily. It sounds good on phones, car stereos, and regular headphones. The interface is simple and user-friendly. For everyday listening, Deezer gets the job done.

🏆 The Winner for the Audio Expert: Qobuz
Qobuz is the choice for audiophiles. It works best with high-end audio equipment. It offers Hi-Res Audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Qobuz also has a store where you can buy and own the music you love. If you want the best possible sound and full control over your library, Qobuz is the clear pick.

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