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Google Play Music Review
There’s a lot to love about the Google Play Music streaming service, which includes both free and paid listening options, user-friendly apps, as well as new music discovery. Google Play Music also provides local music recommendations based on the user’s location.
The streaming service is available on Android and iOS apps, via a web player and across the Google device family, including Android TV, Chromecast, Google Home, and Sonos.
Google Play Music Packages Compared
How We Evaluated Google Play Music
When it comes to music streaming services, users have no shortage of options to choose from. Most provide similar features, content libraries, and user experiences at comparable price points, which can make it difficult to decide which is right for you.
We took a look at how Google Play Music’s features and statistics stack up against its main competitors.
Google Play Music vs. Other Music Streaming Services
| Google Play Music Individual | Amazon Music Unlimited | Apple Music | Pandora | Spotify | |
| Premium starting monthly price | $9.99/mo. | $9.99/mo. | $9.99/mo. | $9.99/mo. | $9.99/mo. |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 30 days | 3 months | 60 days | 30 days |
| Max sound quality | 320 kbps | 860 kbps | 256 kbps | 192 kbps | 320 kbps |
| Number of songs | 40 million | 50 million | 60 million | 30 million | 50 million+ |
| Number of subscribers | 16 million | 32 million | 60 million | 72 million | 100 million |
| View plans | View plans | View plans | View plans | View plans |
Key Google Play Music Considerations
Free listening
Google Play Music includes a solid free music streaming resource. Users can stream customized radio stations based on listening preferences, favorite artists, and current mood. However, the free version includes ads and only permits six song skips per hour. Free users can import up to 50,000 tracks and play them across various devices. They can also discover and subscribe to podcasts. Upgrading to the paid version removes ads, enables unlimited song skips, and allows users to create playlists of up to 1,000 songs.
Local recommendations
One benefit of Google’s vast location knowledge is that it can make music recommendations based on where users are. The Playing Near You and Local Favorites playlists, as well as various radio stations, suggest popular music nearby. Of course, that assumes users actually like the music that’s popular in their current city, but it’s a cool tool regardless. Google Play Music also recognizes whether users are in the office or at the gym, and suggests music based on that location information.
Appealing app interfaces
The look and feel of Google Play Music’s apps separate it from the competition. For example, the Android app we used features vibrant background colors and a simple but appealing block design. The desktop app is more spacious and changes color as users scroll up and down the interface. For Google Chrome users, there’s also a useful extension tool that enables them to easily manage and customize stations and playlists.
Broad station choice
Google Play Music has a wide range of stations that help users to discover new music. We found everything from “80s Stadium Rock Anthems” and “TFI The 90s” to “Drum & Bass Anthems,” “Smells Like Grunge,” and many more. Simply select a preferred music genre, and the service will suggest a wide selection of variations on that theme. From there, listeners can explore similar stations or simply listen to the artists included on the playlist.
Upload your own music
On top of streaming millions of songs, Google Play Music also enables subscribers to upload their personal music collections. Up to 50,000 tracks can be uploaded for online streaming or offline listening.
The Bottom Line
The long-term future of Google Play Music has been in doubt since the launch of YouTube Music back in 2015. And the service’s demise looks even more likely given that the YouTube Music app recently replaced the Google Play app as the default music player on new Android devices. However, it seems that Google Play Music is here to stay, at least for the short-term.
Free listeners can browse and listen to Google Play Music’s impressive range of stations and podcasts, as long as they don’t mind putting up with a few ads and limited song skipping.
This is a solid music streaming option for anyone who’s keen on new music recommendations and looking for a service that allows them to combine their own music with on-demand content.
About the Authors
Rob Latham is a writer focused on technology, music, entertainment and sports. He is particularly passionate about the role that technology plays in improving peoples’ lives.
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