This comes as a mix of good and bad news.
Tidal is streamlining its subscription services by merging HiFi and HiFi Plus into one “TIDAL” tier starting on April 10, 2024. Announced through an email sent to all their subscribers, this move will let users access all the HiFi Plus features for only $10.99. However, this will also remove some of the discounted plans.
Tidal’s New Unified Subscription Model
Tidal’s new “TIDAL plan” essentially means you get all the benefits of the HiFi Plus tier at the price of the HiFi plan.
So, for only $10.99 monthly, plus tax, subscribers will gain access to Tidal’s vast music library in the highest available audio quality, including lossless, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos formats.
To explain, Tidal says:
However, this change also aligns Tidal’s pricing with its competitors, offering a competitive edge. Amazon Music Unlimited, for example, charges Prime members $10 and non-Prime members $11 for HiFi audio, while Apple Music‘s HiFi audio is included in its $11 subscription. And, it gives it more advantage over Spotify, considering it costs the same but offers HiFi audio.
Upon this new tier’s release, Tidal will automatically upgrade current HiFi and HiFi Plus subscribers to the TIDAL plan. This guarantees them continued access to over 110 million tracks in top audio quality with the adjusted cost.
Special Plan Adjustments
In line with the new Tidal tier, the streaming platform is also adjusting its special plans and ending some discounts.
To start, Tidal is also merging the HiFi and HiFi Plus Family plans into a new “TIDAL Family plan”, costing $16.99 a month. This still gives access to the same benefits of over 110 million tracks in high-quality sound, including HiRes FLAC and Dolby Atmos.
Students also don’t need to worry as they can also still enjoy a discount, paying $4.99 a month. This plan includes a huge selection of high-quality music, personalized tips, and the ability to listen offline. However, it does not include the new DJ Extension add-on.
However, Tidal has stopped offering Military/First Responder discounts starting on March 4, 2024.
People who already had these discounts can keep them until June 10, 2024. After that, they’ll move to the standard TIDAL plan at $10.99 a month, which includes all of Tidal’s high-quality music.
The TIDAL Free tier is also going away on April 10, 2024. If you were using Tidal for free, you’d need to switch to a paid plan to keep listening.
What Is Tidal’s DJ Extension Add-On?
Previously part of the HiFi Plus tier, the DJ extension will become an optional add-on to the new Tidal plan. This comes for an additional $9 per month, on top of the $10.99 Tidal plan fee.
So, technically, if you’re a previous HiFi Plus subscriber using the DJ extension, you’ll still be paying the same rate of $19.99.
This feature enables smooth integration with Tidal’s DJ partners, providing high-quality tracks for mixing and performance.
Subscribers of the HiFi Plus tier will automatically be given access to this add-on. New subscribers, however, can try for free DJ Extension for 30 days. If they decide the DJ Extension isn’t for them, adjusting their subscription is straightforward through Tidal’s account management website.