Qobuz Streams Past Spotify with Higher Artist Payouts

The hi-res music streaming service Qobuz is experiencing substantial growth, attracting users disillusioned with competitors' business practices. As of June 2026, the company has amassed 1.2 million active monthly users, a significant increase from approximately 500,000 subscribers a year prior. This surge is largely attributed to Qobuz's commitment to fairer artist compensation, offering an average payout of $0.01873 per stream, substantially higher than Spotify's estimated $0.003 to $0.005.

Furthermore, Qobuz has implemented a firm policy against generative AI music, distinguishing itself in a market where such content is proliferating. The service, which focuses exclusively on music, prohibits AI-generated tracks and uses machine learning to detect and remove them. This, coupled with a commitment to high-fidelity audio and a focus on music editorial content, appeals to audiophiles and conscious consumers alike.

Qobuz anticipates reaching profitability by March 2027, with the US now representing a third of its revenue. While still smaller than giants like Spotify, the company aims for 1 percent of the paid streaming market. Recent feature updates and upcoming partnerships, including a collaboration with Rough Trade, are set to further enhance its offerings in high-fidelity music streaming.