Spotify
Close matchFree with paid extrasThe main streaming service with an official, supported Linux app, including offline downloads.
Your files: Different service, so playlists need a third-party transfer tool.
Does TIDAL run on Linux?
Verdict: Partly
Partly. TIDAL builds its desktop app for Windows and Mac only and says it does not support Ubuntu Linux, but the web player at listen.tidal.com works in a browser, with some quality limits.
TIDAL's support pages give the desktop app requirements as Windows 10 or above and macOS 14 or above, and state that the desktop app does not support Ubuntu Linux. That is unusually direct, and it means the browser is the supported route on Linux.
The web player covers the everyday use. Your subscription, library, playlists, mixes and search all work, and it runs in Chrome or Firefox. If you mostly listen while doing something else, you will not notice much difference.
Sound quality is where it bites. TIDAL says the web player will not deliver its highest tier on Firefox, and that Safari is limited further, with the top quality requiring the downloaded app. Offline listening is also an app feature, so on Linux you need a connection. If you pay extra for the high resolution tier specifically, you are not getting all of what you pay for.
Nothing happens to your music because you never had files. If you also own audio files, Strawberry plays them locally, and Spotify has an official Linux app if you would rather move to a service with a proper installed program.
What to use instead of TIDAL
Strawberry
Different way of workingFreeFor music files you own. No subscription and no internet needed.
Your files: Plays FLAC, MP3 and M4A files. Cannot play TIDAL streams.
Firefox
Drop-in replacementFreeOpen the TIDAL web player and keep your subscription. Chrome handles the higher quality tiers better than Firefox does.
Your files: Nothing changes. Your library stays in your TIDAL account.
Last checked . Sources: