DistroKid vs TuneCore vs CD Baby: Which is Best in 2025?

Choosing the right distributor is one of the most critical decisions an independent artist makes. It determines how your music gets to Spotify, Apple Music, and other DSPs, and more importantly, how you get paid.

In 2025, the landscape has shifted. While DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby remain the titans, new models have emerged that challenge the status quo. Let's break down the traditional big three, and then introduce a fourth option that changes the game entirely.

1. DistroKid

Best for: Prolific artists who release singles frequently.

DistroKid revolutionized the industry with its unlimited upload model. For a flat annual fee, you can upload as much music as you want.

Pros: Unlimited uploads, fast distribution speeds, "HyperFollow" pages included.
Cons: Hidden fees (Shazam, Youtube Content ID are often extra), basic analytics compared to others.
The Verdict: If you are dropping a new track every month, the math works out in DistroKid's favor heavily.

2. TuneCore

Best for: Artists who want more publishing support and advance features.

TuneCore used to be pay-per-release, but they've pivoted to offer unlimited plans as well to compete with DistroKid. Their strength lies in their publishing administration services.

Pros: Strong publishing admin integration to collect royalties beyond streams, daily trend reports.
Cons: Can be pricier for the top-tier features compared to DistroKid's base plan.
The Verdict: A solid middle ground. If you want a more "all-in-one" solution that handles publishing collection seriously, TuneCore is a strong contender.

3. CD Baby

Best for: Artists who release albums infrequently and want physical distribution.

CD Baby is the veteran. They operate on a pay-per-release model but take no annual fees (though they do take a commission).

Pros: No recurring annual fees (your music stays up forever even if you don't pay again), physical distribution support (vinyl/CD).
Cons: 9% commission on streaming royalties, pay-per-release costs add up if you are a singles artist.
The Verdict: Perfect for the artist who releases one big album every 2-3 years and doesn't want to worry about an annual bill.

4. Dune Music Group

Best for: Artists who want free lifetime distribution combined with professional management.

Dune Music Group takes a completely different approach. Unlike the automated platforms, we don't charge you to upload your music.

Pros: Free distribution for lifetime (no upload fees, no annual costs), comprehensive management services included, personal release strategy & pitching.
Cons: Application-based roster (we only work with select artists), commission-based model (we align our success with yours).
The Verdict: If you are tired of paying to release your own art and want a partner invested in your growth, Dune Music Group is the upgrade from DIY distribution.

Conclusion

If you just want to get a song on Spotify and forget about it, DistroKid or CD Baby might suffice. But if you are building a career, you need more than just a file uploader.