Don’t Miss a Beat (or a Buck!): The Ultimate Guide to Student Music Streaming Discounts 2026
Updated December 2025 – Every single working student discount for Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Premium, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, and more – all verified for 2026.
Best Student Music Streaming Discounts in 2026 – Quick Comparison Table
| Service | Student Price (2026) | Regular Price | Biggest Perk | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify Premium Student | $5.99/mo (US) | £5.99 (UK) | €5.99 | $11.99–$17.99 | Hulu (ad-supported) included in US | SheerID – yearly re-verification |
| Apple Music Student | $5.99/mo | £5.99 | €5.99 | $10.99–$16.99 | Free Apple TV+ included (most countries) | UNiDAYS or Apple verification |
| YouTube Premium Student | $7.99/mo (US) | £7.99 (UK) | $13.99–$22.99 | Ad-free YouTube + Music + background play | SheerID – yearly |
| Tidal Student | $4.99/mo HiFi | $1.99 in some regions | $10.99–$19.99 | HiFi & HiFi Plus quality | SheerID |
| Amazon Music Unlimited Student | $5.99/mo or $0.99/mo with Prime Student | $10.99–$16.99 | Cheapest with Prime Student | SheerID via Prime Student |
| Deezer Student | €5.99–€6.99/mo (Europe) | Limited in US | €11.99 | Often the cheapest in Europe/LatAm | UNiDAYS or Student Beans |
1. Spotify Premium Student – Still the King in 2026
Includes Hulu (with ads) completely free in the US – making it arguably the highest-value student plan on the planet.
- Price: $5.99/month (US), £5.99 (UK), €5.99 (EU)
- Max duration: 4 years
- Re-verify: Every 12 months via SheerID
2. Apple Music Student + Free Apple TV+ (Best Overall Value)
The only plan that gives you both lossless music and a full video streaming service (Apple TV+) at student price in 100+ countries.
3. YouTube Premium Student – Perfect for Heavy YouTube Users
If you watch lectures, workouts, or lo-fi streams on YouTube, this is a no-brainer. One subscription kills ads across all of YouTube + gives you full YouTube Music.
4. Amazon Music Unlimited Student – Hidden Gem
If you already have (or sign up for) Prime Student (6-month free trial!), Amazon Music Unlimited drops to just $0.99/month in many countries – the cheapest full-catalog plan available.
How to Get Approved for Student Verification in 2026 (100% Success Tips)
- Use your exact name as it appears in your university portal
- Upload documents in bright light, no shadows/glare
- Best documents: Current semester class schedule + student ID
- If SheerID/UNiDAYS fails → try from desktop Chrome instead of mobile
- International students: Use your university email even if it's not .edu
Frequently Asked Questions – Student Music Discounts 2026
1. Do student music discounts work for high school students?
No. All major platforms require enrollment in a degree-granting college/university.
2. How long can I keep a student music discount?
Spotify, YouTube, Apple: Maximum 48 months (4 years). Tidal/Amazon: Usually unlimited as long as you re-verify.
3. Can I get Spotify Student if I already have regular Premium?
Yes! Just go to spotify.com/student and verify – it will switch you instantly.
4. Is Apple Music Student still bundled with Apple TV+ in 2026?
Yes – confirmed active in 109 countries as of December 2025.
5. What happens when I graduate?
You get one final month at the student rate, then auto-converted to regular pricing unless you cancel.
6. Can I share a student plan with roommates?
No. Student plans are individual-only. Use Family plans after graduation instead.
7. Which student plan has the best sound quality?
Tidal HiFi Plus Student ($10.99 → $4.99) or Apple Music (lossless + Spatial Audio included at student price).
8. Is there still a SoundCloud Go+ student discount?
No – discontinued in 2024.
9. Does Napster or Qobuz have student pricing in 2026?
Qobuz: Yes in France/UK (€5–7/mo). Napster: No.
10. Can international students in the US get these discounts?
Yes – 100%. Just verify with your home/current university documents.
11. Will these prices increase in 2026?
Spotify & YouTube already confirmed no price hike for existing student plans through 2026.
12. Can I switch between student plans without losing playlists?
Yes – use Soundiiz or FreeYourMusic (both have free tiers) to transfer everything in 5 minutes.
13. Is there a way to get Spotify Student for free?
Only through occasional Microsoft Surface or PayPal promotions – none active right now.
Final Verdict: The #1 Best Student Deal in 2026
Winner (most students): Apple Music + Apple TV+ Student
Winner (cheapest): Amazon Music with Prime Student ($0.99/mo)
Winner (YouTube addicts): YouTube Premium Student
Stop paying full price today. Pick your winner, verify in under 5 minutes, and keep the savings for the next 4 years.
Which student plan are you switching to in 2026? Drop it in the comments!
