Can you tell the difference between Tidal and Spotify

Tidal sounds better than Spotify with good recordings. With poor recordings, the lower resolution of Spotify can be preferable. Neither sound as good as Redbook CD IME, but my system doesn't have capability to playback full MQA.

Yes. That doesn’t necessarily mean different will be better. I’ve taken some blind tests comparing 320 kbps (which is what the high quality version of Spotify streams) to FLAC files and while I could tell the difference between them, I couldn’t consistently identify which was which. Sometimes the 320 file sounded "better" (to my ears), than the FLAC file. Some with better hearing may be able to differentiate which is which, but you should try for yourself and see how much difference it makes to you. With Tidal you have the option of MQA files also. You might also consider Qobuz which has a larger selection of hi-res files and doesn’t require any special hardware to decode them.

How the recording was captured, mixed, mastered, compressed (or not), etc. is going to have more impact on sound quality than bit rates.  

I had both Tidal HIFI and Spotify at the same time and did compare them. For new albums I couldn’t notice any difference but old albums was slightly better on Tidal (Not sure maybe I thought it should be better) , my DAC doesn’t support MQA but ppl said albums in MQA format sound better though at that time Tidal’s archive was limited. Spotify has a bigger archive and I like its mobile app better, specially the ability to control other devices !

IMHO Spotify has never held a candle in SQ to Tidal or Qobuz.

But I am also probably one of the few people on the planet who thinks the Spotify interface sucks...lol

So WTH do I know!
🤔🤔

Uber....+1

Tidal has better sound quality. Spotify has a bigger & more varied music library. I like having both.

Ok, time to embarrass an old guy.  What is MQA???  How does it work.

It is yet another new format for high res audio.  I believe it is another form of compression so the files are smaller than FLAC.

I did a few tests today with MP3 files and FLAC files.  I have determined my ears are not good enough to tell the difference so I guess I am good with my Spotify subscription.  I have a huge FLAC library so I can always use that as well but I don't believe I will be able to hear the difference even with the new system I am building.

Tidal is much expensive than Spotify. As for me, I prefer to use Spotify online with a free account. When we have to play Spotify music offline without a premium account, I think Spotify to MP3 Converter will be a good choice for you. It is the best Spotify music downloader mac for all users to download and convert Spotify to MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, M4A, M4B, etc to play on any music player anywhere.