TA / Tools / Distributor Comparison
Distributor Comparison
Compare music distributors side by side. Pricing, features, revenue splits, and what the community actually says about each one.
Research compiled from Reddit, industry publications, official distributor sites, and independent reviewers. 15 distributors compared. Updated July 2026.
Key Insights
Free tiers are disappearing. Amuse, UnitedMasters, TuneCore, and Level Music have all eliminated free plans since 2024. RouteNote is one of the last genuine free options.
Corporate consolidation is accelerating. CD Baby is now owned by UMG, AWAL by Sony, Stem by Concord, and DistroKid is being acquired by CVC Capital Partners. The infrastructure of independence is increasingly controlled by major labels and PE firms.
Artificial streaming accusations are an industry-wide problem. Spotify fines distributors $10 per flagged track, creating pressure to remove content quickly rather than investigate. Innocent artists get caught in the crossfire across nearly every distributor.
Consider a multi-distributor approach. Reddit increasingly recommends using different distributors for different purposes — one for frequent singles, another for albums you want up permanently. Always maintain your own records of ISRC and UPC codes.
15 distributors
Est. 2013
VC / PE-backed
DistroKid
Unlimited releases, fastest delivery
Pricing
From $24.99/yr — unlimited releases
Split
100% streaming
Stores
150+
Best for: Prolific artists releasing frequently who want the cheapest unlimited option
Est. 2006
Owned by Believe (private consortium)
TuneCore
Established distributor with publishing admin
Pricing
From $24.99/yr (Rising plan)
Split
100% streaming
Stores
150+
Best for: Mid-level artists who value analytics, publishing admin, and detailed reporting
Est. 1998
Owned by Universal Music Group (via Downtown acquisition)
CD Baby
One-time fee, music stays up forever
Pricing
Single $9.99 / Album $14.99 — one-time, no subscription
Split
91% artist / 9% permanent commission
Stores
150+
Best for: Infrequent releasers who want permanent catalog availability with no recurring fees
Est. 2007
Independent (bootstrapped, founder-led)
RouteNote
Last true free distributor standing
Pricing
Free (15% commission) or Premium ($10-45 one-time, 100%)
Split
Free: 85% / Premium: 100%
Stores
150+
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want zero upfront cost with no risk
Est. 2019
Investor-backed, founder-led
Too Lost
Most analytics, most platform coverage
Pricing
From $19.99/yr (cheapest subscription)
Split
100% while subscribed
Stores
450+
Best for: Data-driven artists wanting the broadest analytics and most platform coverage
Est. 2015
Majority-owned by Bridford Group (UK)
Amuse
Distribution with label-like advances
Pricing
From $23.99/yr (Artist plan)
Split
100% while subscribed
Stores
53
Best for: Artists wanting label-like services and streaming-based advances
Est. 2017
VC-backed (Apple, Google/Alphabet, a16z)
UnitedMasters
Brand partnerships and ownership
Pricing
From $19.99/yr (DEBUT+)
Split
100% royalties on DEBUT+
Stores
50-150+
Best for: Hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeats artists seeking brand partnership opportunities
Est. 2005
Independent (100% founder-owned)
Ditto Music
Affordable unlimited, controversial reputation
Pricing
From $19/yr (Starter, 1 artist)
Split
100% on streaming
Stores
150-200+
Best for: UK artists wanting affordable unlimited releases with zero streaming commission
Est. 2012
VC-backed (Warner, Sony Innovation Fund, Nas)
LANDR
All-in-one creative ecosystem
Pricing
From $23.99/yr (Distribution Basic)
Split
100% while subscribed
Stores
150+
Best for: Bedroom producers who want mastering + samples + plugins + distribution in one place
Est. 2010
Independent (100% founder-owned, self-funded)
ONErpm
Free distribution with YouTube focus
Pricing
Free (15% commission) or OFFstep from $12/yr (100%)
Split
Free: 85/15. OFFstep: 100%.
Stores
200+
Best for: Latin American, African, and emerging market artists. YouTube creators.
Est. 2006
PE-backed, minority-owned (independent)
Symphonic
Human support, EDM and Latin focus
Pricing
Starter $29.99/yr (open) / Partner: free, selective (revenue share)
Split
Starter: 100% DSP, 70% UGC
Stores
200+
Best for: Latin, electronic, and urban artists. Independent labels needing human support.
Est. 2007
Independent (Swiss, small PE-backed)
iMusician
Flexible European distributor
Pricing
Pay-per-release from $9 or subscriptions from $29/yr
Split
Subscription: 100%. Per-release Starter: 90%.
Stores
200+
Best for: European artists, electronic music (Beatport/Traxsource). Non-US artists avoiding tax withholding.
Est. 2012 (originally Kobalt division)
Owned by Sony Music Entertainment
AWAL
Label services without giving up ownership
Pricing
Commission-based — Core: 15%, AWAL+: 20-30%, Recordings: negotiated
Split
Core: 85%. AWAL+: 70-80%. Recordings: negotiated.
Stores
200+
Best for: Rising artists with traction wanting label-level support without giving up ownership
Est. 2015
Owned by Concord
Stem
Best-in-class collaborative splits
Pricing
Free to use — 10% commission on royalties
Split
90% artist / 10% Stem (legacy: 92-95%)
Stores
150+
Best for: Established artists who earn consistently and need sophisticated collaborative splitting
Est. 2010
Independent (100% founder-owned, no outside investors)
EMPIRE
Independent label with full artist services
Pricing
Negotiated individually — typically ~80/20 in favor of artist
Split
~80% artist / ~20% EMPIRE
Stores
100-200+
Best for: Hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and country artists with traction wanting label support while retaining ownership
How to Choose
Questions to ask before choosing
How often do you release music? Frequent releasers benefit from unlimited plans. Infrequent releasers save with per-release pricing.
Do you need your music to stay up permanently? Some distributors remove music on cancellation. Others keep it up (sometimes with a commission).
What happens to your revenue split after cancellation? Watch for exit taxes — some charge 15-25% on all future earnings.
Do you need publishing administration? Only some distributors collect mechanical and performance royalties on your behalf.
Are you targeting specific markets? Some distributors have stronger presence in Latin America, Europe, Asia, or Africa.
Do you collaborate with other artists? If splitting revenue matters, check whether the distributor offers automated payment splitting.
Do you care who owns your distributor? Several major 'independent' distributors are now owned by major labels or PE firms.
What's the customer support like? This is the #1 complaint across the entire industry. Test it before committing your catalog.
This comparison is for informational purposes only. Pricing, features, and terms change frequently. Always verify current information directly with each distributor before making a decision. Community sentiment is sourced from public forums and does not represent the experience of all users.