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Tools 4 Music StaffJanuary 3, 202616 min read
BusinessTool Guide
Music Distribution Services Compared: DistroKid vs TuneCore vs CD Baby
An in-depth comparison of major music distributors to help you choose the best option for your releases.
Tools 4 Music StaffJanuary 3, 202616 min readChoosing the right distributor affects your royalty payments, release timeline, and available features. Here's a comprehensive comparison.
Top Distributors Compared
| Feature | DistroKid | TuneCore | CD Baby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $22.99/year | $9.99/single | $9.95/single |
| Royalty Share | 100% | 100% | 91% |
| Unlimited Releases | Yes | No | No |
| Spotify for Artists | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sync Licensing | No | Add-on | Yes |
DistroKid
Best for: Prolific artists releasing frequently
Pros:
Cons:
TuneCore
Best for: Artists wanting publishing administration
Pros:
Cons:
CD Baby
Best for: Artists wanting one-time payments
Pros:
Cons:
Use our [Streaming Royalty Calculator](/calculators/streaming-royalty) to estimate earnings regardless of which distributor you choose.
Tools 4 Music Staff
The Tools 4 Music team provides free resources to help musicians understand their earnings and improve their craft.
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