Amazon Music Unlimited price hike sparks user exodus and frustration

Amazon Music Unlimited is cranking up the volume on its subscription fees, leaving some users feeling more than a little off-key. The streaming giant recently announced price increases for its on-demand music service in the US, UK, and Canada, and let’s just say the news hasn’t exactly been music to everyone’s ears.

For individual listeners in the US who aren’t Prime members, the monthly cost is now a hefty $11.99, putting it in direct competition with Spotify. Prime members get a slight reprieve, but they’re still seeing a price bump to $10.99 a month. Family plans? Those are soaring to $19.99 monthly or $199 annually, a move that’s making even the most loyal Amazon customers reconsider their subscriptions.

This isn’t Amazon Music’s first price rodeo. They’ve been gradually increasing fees for Prime and non-Prime members over the past couple of years, citing the need to bring more content and features to the platform.

The reaction online has been… well, let’s just say it’s a mixed bag. The allure of Amazon Music was its cost-effectiveness, especially for Prime members who were already paying for other Amazon services. But with prices creeping ever higher, users are wondering whether the added expense is really worth it. Some have already switched to Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music or YouTube Music, citing better value and user experience. Others are questioning the quality of the new content Amazon claims to be adding, with some shrugging off features like audiobook access as unnecessary additions that don’t justify the increased fees.

The increased price, particularly for the family plan, seems to be a major sticking point. Several users are questioning whether Amazon Music offers enough value compared to its competitors, especially given that other platforms offer similar pricing or even better deals for families.

While some loyal Amazonians are sticking with the platform, citing its high-quality audio and integration with other Amazon services, others are packing their digital bags and heading for greener pastures. The sentiment seems to be that while new features are nice, they don’t necessarily justify repeated price hikes. Some are even suggesting a mass exodus might be the only way to send a message to streaming services that price creep won’t be tolerated.

It seems Amazon Music’s latest price adjustment has struck a discordant chord with a segment of its user base. But whether this leads to a mass exodus remains to be seen.