TIDAL supports HiRes FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) files for HiFi Plus subscribers. 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.

Audio Formats

• 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, and Master Quality Authenticated audio (MQA).
• 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.

*Only available for HiFi Plus subscribers

Getting Started

• Navigate to Settings > Audio & Playback (mobile) or Settings > Streaming (desktop and web) 
• Select Mobile data or Wi-Fi streaming (mobile) or scroll the Audio Quality section (desktop and web)
• Select your desired audio quality level

Why is TIDAL adding HiRes FLAC support? 

Our commitment to open platforms for artists and fans drives our continued adoption of the FLAC format. Adding HiRes FLAC gives HiFi Plus subscribers best-in-class audio quality in a format that artists can more easily deliver. Enabling greater access for artists and fans directly aligns with our purpose of empowering artists to run thriving businesses.

Is MQA still available on TIDAL? 

We will still have MQA files available. When an artist has delivered a song in both MQA and HiRes FLAC, the song you hear will be the HiRes FLAC version.

Which devices can play HiRes FLAC available?

Currently, HiRes FLAC is available streaming directly from iOS, Android, Desktop or Web. Google Cast also supports HiRes FLAC playback. 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

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.

What is the difference between HiRes FLAC, FLAC, and Immersive audio?

HiRes FLAC is the distinction we make for any Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) file greater than 16-bit, 44.1 kHz, which is the standard CD quality. HiRes FLAC on TIDAL can deliver superior sound quality in files as large as 24-bit, 192 kHz.

FLAC is a two-channel, stereo format, so music is mixed with a left and right speaker (or headphones) in mind. Immersive formats are multi-channel, so music is mixed with a three-dimensional space in mind, meaning sound is placed to the left and right but also above, below, and all around you.

What file types are included in Max quality?

You’re getting the best quality version of any song on TIDAL by selecting Max quality. The source file you receive depends on the format(s) delivered to us by the artist, label, or distributor. The hierarchy of availability is HiRes FLAC, then MQA (Master Quality Authenticated), then FLAC, then AAC (compressed audio), meaning that if we don’t have the file available in HiRes FLAC, the source file will be the MQA version, and so on.

How do I see bit depth and sample rate? 

HiFi 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). HiFi Plus subscribers will see the same as HiFi subscribers on Low, High, and Max. You can view these details by tapping the sound format on the Now Playing screen.