Business Streaming Services Compared

How We Picked Our Business Music Streaming Services

Many business music streaming services exist, but we’ve concentrated on options that have been established for several years and offer ad-free listening experiences. These services also feature music licensed by major performing rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP and BMI. Check out Dynamic Media’s Background Music Buyer’s Guide for an even more detailed comparison.

SiriusXM Music for Business

Thanks to our wide selection of music and feature-rich offerings, many consider SiriusXM Music for Business the best business music streaming service. Our catalog boasts over 240 channels, more than 100 additional Xtra channels, and thousands of Pandora artist stations. These channels include exclusive business-only selections, and SiriusXM’s skilled team crafts all options to deliver the best music experience to enhance your customers’ satisfaction.

SiriusXM Advantages

SiriusXM Music for Business is the only provider offering satellite streaming in addition to traditional streaming options. Other advantages include:

• Simple, user-friendly setup.
• Various player options, such as mobile apps, dedicated media players, and web players
• Industry-exclusive hardware player with onboard controls.
• Overhead audio messaging support and remote control of your system.
• A wide range of family-friendly options.
• Audio system support and installation.

We are dedicated to delivering top-notch support with our industry-leading U.S.-based customer service and on-site assistance through our partnership with Dynamic Media.

• Music Catalog: 240+ professionally programmed channels, 100+ Xtra channels, 10,000+ artist stations with business-exclusive options.
• Web Player: Yes
• U.S.-Based Support: Yes. Also provides on-site support through our partnership with Dynamic Media.
• Free Trial: Yes
• Monthly Cost: $26.95
• Benefits for Businesses: Combines extensive and curated music selections, satellite and streaming options, flexibility in player options, and exclusive content for business use.
• Drawbacks: Fewer customization options, which the vast range of available channels and stations makes up for.

Cloud Cover’s relatively limited music catalog makes the selection feel disconnected and lacking in depth. Its primary advantage is its cost-effectiveness. Cloud Cover might be an appropriate choice if your business operates under tight budget constraints. For those searching for higher quality and a more comprehensive feature set, SiriusXM Music for Business would be a superior option.

• Music Catalog: 1 million-2 million
• Web Player: Yes
• U.S.-Based Support: Yes, but no on-site support
• Free Trial: Yes
• Monthly Cost: $17.95-$29.95
• Benefits for Businesses: One advantage is the lower cost of its basic service.
• Drawbacks: Its small catalog of songs and lack of on-site support are among its disadvantages.

Read about alternatives to Cloud Cover.

Mood Media

Mood Media, previously a dominant force in the background music industry, has seen its market influence wane, though it still holds a significant position in the field. The company has encountered numerous obstacles, including two bankruptcies and several ownership transitions.

While Mood Media does provide remote control, it doesn’t offer professionally curated playlists, business-exclusive music options, audio system support, or installation services.

Currently managed by a venture capital firm, Mood Media has aimed to grow through acquisitions, such as the purchase of PlayNetwork in 2021. However, this expansion has brought challenges in merging various technologies, negatively impacting Mood Media’s technical performance and customer service. Consequently, many businesses are now turning to more reliable options like SiriusXM Music for Business.

• Music Catalog: 1 million-2 million songs
• Commercial-Free Channels: Yes
• Web Player: No
• U.S.-Based Support: No. On-site service provided by resellers.
• Free Trial: No
• Monthly Cost: $34.95
• Benefits for Businesses: Provides various related services like digital signage and scent solutions.
• Drawbacks: The offshore call centers can be challenging to work with, and Mood Media’s recent bankruptcy raises some questions about its continued viability.

Pandora lacks professionally curated playlists and exclusive business channels and does not offer audio system support or installation services. The service also doesn’t provide control from a remote location or scheduling capabilities. However, it does have an explicit lyric filter option.

Pandora’s relatively small music catalog makes the selection somewhat disjointed and shallow. Its main advantage is its capability to connect to a personal Pandora account. But for those seeking higher quality and a more robust feature set, SiriusXM Music for Business is a better choice.

• Music Catalog: 3 million
• Commercial-Free Channels: Yes
• Web Player: No
• U.S.-Based Support: No. Also, no on-site support
• Free Trial: No
• Monthly Cost: $26.95
• Benefits for Businesses: Can be connected to a personal Pandora account.
• Drawbacks: Its offshore customer support has been criticized for unresponsiveness, and the service requires a hardware player with no opportunity to use a web player, like a computer or mobile device, which many businesses prefer.

Review Pandora for Business alternatives.

Rockbot

Rockbot sets itself apart from traditional business music streaming services by operating like a contemporary jukebox, allowing patrons in venues such as sports bars to choose their own music tracks. This feature introduces an engaging and interactive element to various settings. However, Rockbot’s customer-driven song selection model may not suit all businesses, especially those aiming to curate a specific ambiance.

Rockbot offers scheduling capabilities and an explicit lyric filter option, but it doesn’t have exclusive business channels or playlists curated by music professionals.

In addition, Rockbot provides a basic background music service with a smaller, pre-selected library of tracks. This standard option offers fewer features and choices compared to its competitors. The possibility of sudden shifts in music genres due to customer selections can disrupt the atmosphere, resulting in an inconsistent auditory experience. In contrast, SiriusXM Music for Business delivers a more consistent, brand-aligned music selection that reliably enhances the customer experience.

• ​Music Catalog: 16 million songs
• Commercial-Free Channels: Yes
• Web Player: Yes
• U.S.-Based Support: Yes, but no on-site support.
• Free Trial: Yes
• Monthly Cost: $29.95-$79.95
• Benefits for Businesses: Provides video integration.
• Drawbacks: Its jukebox style of operation prevents businesses from creating a cohesive brand using music.

Check out Rockbot music alternatives.

Soundtrack Your Brand features business-exclusive channels and offers a wide range of professionally curated lists. It also provides control from a remote location and overhead audio messaging support.

While Soundtrack Your Brand’s advanced features benefit major franchises and large corporations, they may be excessive for small businesses or those with simpler needs and tighter budgets. SiriusXM Music for Business presents a practical alternative, featuring a vast array of professionally curated playlists and thousands of Pandora artist stations, delivering a cost-effective, high-quality solution.

• Music Catalog: 100 million songs
• Web Player: No
• U.S.-Based Support: Yes. Also offers on-site support through its partnership with Dynamic Media.
• Free Trial: Yes
• Monthly Cost: $34.95-$49.95
• Benefits for Businesses: Provides a wide range of customization and control options.
• Drawbacks: Users who want to create custom playlists need a certain level of sophistication and expertise. This is also among the most expensive services.

Learn about Soundtrack Your Brand alternatives.

Other Music Streaming Options

There are some different business music streaming services. Other options include:

Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound distinguishes itself from other Rockbot alternatives by holding exclusive rights to its music library, thereby removing the necessity to deal with PROs. Aimed mainly at content creators, Epidemic Sound offers an extensive range of music and sound effects. It also includes a basic in-store service featuring 25,000 unique tracks across 160 genres. However, Epidemic Sound does not disclose specific details about in-store music pricing or the availability of a free trial. The emphasis on original tracks means businesses won’t have access to mainstream, popular music through this service. Discover Epidemic Sound alternatives.

Jukeboxy

Jukeboxy charges a monthly subscription fee of $24.95, granting access to a library of over 45 million songs. The service includes specialized hardware, a management app, and compatibility with Sonos systems. New subscribers can take advantage of a free 14-day trial. Additionally, Jukeboxy allows you to create and schedule your own in-store public announcements. One potential drawback, however, is the time investment required to explore music options and curate playlists.

SoundMachine

SoundMachine’s monthly subscription costs range from $26.95 for access to 100 curated stations to $34.95 for more than 500 curated stations. The service offers multiple streaming options, including web access, a mobile app, and a specialized player. Furthermore, SoundMachine provides custom, handcrafted playlists for Enterprise-level subscribers.

Soundsuit

Founded in 2017, Soundsuit offers its Essential subscription plan for $29 per month. This plan provides access to a library of 102 million tracks, supports a dedicated media player, and is compatible with devices such as Sonos. For those seeking more customization, Soundsuit’s Custom service level allows users to import playlists from Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer. A complimentary 30-day trial is also available. See Soundsuit alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Music Services

As a leading commercial music streaming provider, SiriusXM Music for Business understands music’s essential role in your business. Here, you’ll find answers to common inquiries about streaming music for business.

What Are the Benefits of Playing Music in Businesses?

Playing music in a business can influence customers’ behavior and feelings about a business. The right music can lead to customers spending more time in your establishment and making more purchases.

Do Business Music Streaming Services Offer Customer Support?

Most services offer some type of customer support. But SiriusXM Music for Business prides itself on exceptional U.S.-based customer service. The service includes on-site support, ensuring that businesses can get assistance whenever needed to maximize the benefits of our music streaming service.

Is the Music Licensed for Commercial Use?

All of the major business music streaming services offer music that is licensed for commercial use so businesses can play music legally without worrying about licensing issues with PROs like ASCAP and BMI.