What audio formats does TIDAL support?
- Max: High fidelity lossless audio up to 24-bit, 192 kHz with HiRes FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), an open-source format that every artist can create and deliver their music in.
- High: Lossless audio with FLAC (16-bit, 44.1 kHz)
- Low (up to 320 kbps): Listen to the music you love using lower data usage with compressed AAC files.
- Dolby Atmos: Learn more here.
What is HiRes FLAC?
HiRes FLAC is any FLAC file greater than 16-bit, 44.1 kHz, which is standard CD quality. HiRes FLAC on TIDAL can deliver superior sound quality in files as large as 24-bit, 192 kHz.
What is the difference between FLAC and HiRes FLAC?
HiRes FLAC is the distinction we make for any FLAC file that is greater than 16-bit, 44.1 kHz, the standard CD quality. FLAC is a two-channel, stereo format meaning music is mixed with a left and right speaker (or headphone) in mind.
What devices can play HiRes FLAC?
- HiRes FLAC is available for streaming directly from iOS, Android, Desktop or Web.
- Select TIDAL partners support HiRes FLAC. For more information on if your specific device is supported, please reference our supported devices page.
- For Chromecast, the audio quality will default to High if your device does not support HiRes FLAC. Learn more about supported media on your Google device here: developers.google.com/cast/docs/media
How do I know the audio quality of the content I am listening to on mobile devices?
In the player below the progress bar, there will be a pill that says either FLAC, High, or Low, depending on both the audio quality level you’ve chosen in settings on that device and the formats of that specific song that have been delivered to TIDAL.
To view or make changes to the audio quality settings on Mobile:
- When using mobile data: navigate to Settings > Audio & Playback > Mobile data streaming and select either Low, High, or Max. Your choice will take effect from the next track played.
- When using WiFi: navigate to Settings > Audio & Playback > Wi-Fi streaming and select either Low, High, or Max. Your choice will take effect from the next track played.
- When using downloaded content for offline playback: navigate to Settings > Downloads > Audio and select either Low, High, or Max. Your choice will only apply to future downloads. You will have to delete and re-download previously saved albums and playlists if you want to listen to them offline in a different quality.
How do I know the audio quality of the content I am listening to on Desktop or Web?
To the right of the progress bar (bottom right corner) there will be a pill that either says FLAC, High, or Low depending on both the audio quality level you’ve chosen in settings on that device and the formats of that specific song that have been delivered to TIDAL.
To view or make changes to the audio quality settings on Desktop or Web:
Navigate to Settings > Streaming > scroll to Audio Quality and select either Low, High, or Max. Your choice will take effect from the next track played.
What do I need to ensure I’m getting the best experience with HiRes FLAC?
The exact sound quality that artists and producers hear when they record music can be recreated through your speakers when listening in HiRes FLAC. To get the full experience, we suggest you research if the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) on your listening device can fully support the format (lossless 24-bit, 192 kHz) and use a wired or WiFi connection.
How do I see bit depth and sample rate?
Subscribers can see the bit depth, sample rate, and format on High (FLAC 16-bit, 44.1 kHz) and see the transferring bit rate and format on Low (96/320 kbps AAC). You can view these details by tapping the sound format on the Now Playing screen.
What file types are included in Max quality?
You get the best quality version of any song on TIDAL when you select Max quality. The source file you receive depends on the format(s) delivered to us by the artist. The hierarchy of availability for playback is HiRes FLAC, FLAC, then ACC. This means if we don’t have the file available in HiRes FLAC, the source file will be FLAC, and so on.
What data speed does my internet connection need?
For the best streaming experience when listening on High and Max quality, we recommend a steady Internet connection of at least 1.5 to 2 Mbps. Note that High quality audio usually consumes up to 10 MB of data per minute, and Max quality up to 40 MB of data per minute (varying based on the exact sample rates).