Rdio starts up free, no-ad desktop music service
updated 10:50 am EDT, Thu October 6, 2011
Rdio free service offers song cap
Rdio in an attempt to head off Spotify responded with a completely free service. The new option lets users stream either on the web or in the Mac and Windows desktop apps without ads. Rather than limit the number of listens per track, as with Spotify, Rdio is offering a meter of an unspecified amount each month.
Existing paid options are still available and start at $5 for unlimited desktop listening. A $10 option gives mobile app and media hub access with offline caching. Family plans drop the price to $18 for two people or $23 for three. Access is currently limited to the US on the free option.
Spotify's exact performance in the US hasn't been detailed, but it's believed to have grown faster than Rdio, Rhapsody, and others where subscriptions are the focus. Rdio is catching up and hoping to attract those who want Spotify but either don't want ads or prefer its interface.
