Why Switch from DistroKid?

While DistroKid is the market leader for a reason (speed and price), it isn't perfect. Maybe you are tired of the hidden "extras" fees, or maybe you don't like the annual subscription model. Whatever the reason, you have options.

1. TuneCore (The "Unlimited" Rival)

Best For: Artists who want better analytics and no hidden fees.

TuneCore used to be expensive, but in response to DistroKid, they launched their own "Unlimited" plans. The key advantage of TuneCore is their Publishing Administration service, which is built-in and far superior to DistroKid's third-party solution.

• Pros: Excellent daily sales reports, integrated Publishing.
• Cons: Slightly slower upload time than DistroKid.

2. CD Baby (The "Pay Once" King)

Best For: Casual artists who release infrequently.

We covered this in depth in our CD Baby vs DistroKid comparison. If you hate recurring bills, this is your best bet. You pay ~$10 per single, and it stays up forever. No annual fees.

3. Amuse (The "Free" Option)

Best For: Beginners with zero budget.

Amuse (based in Sweden) offers a truly free tier. You keep 100% of your royalties, and they don't charge you upfront. How? They use the data to scout artists for their own record label.

However, the free tier is slow (takes 4 weeks to release). If you want speed, you have to upgrade to Amuse Pro.

4. Ditto Music (The "Label" Choice)

Best For: Managers starting a record label.

Ditto is essentially a UK-based version of DistroKid. Their "Label" package is incredibly cheap, allowing you to release unlimited music for unlimited artists for one low price. They also include "Record Label in a Box" legal registration services in the UK.

Quick Comparison Table

Verdict

If you release often, stay with DistroKid or switch to TuneCore Unlimited. If you are broke, try Amuse. If you want legacy preservation, choose CD Baby.

For a deeper look at the industry standards, check out Ari's Take on Music Distribution, widely considered the bible of distributor reviews.