Resonate vs CD Baby: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Resonate and CD Baby comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Resonate
A co-operative music streaming platform that pays artists fairly and respects user privacy.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Co-operative music streaming platform.
- • Pay-as-you-play model with no monthly subscriptions.
CD Baby
Distribute your music to 150+ global platforms with a one-time fee and keep over 90% of your earnings.
Best for you if:
- • Distributes music to 150+ global platforms for a one-time fee.
- • Artists keep over 90% of their earnings with no annual fees.
| At a Glance |  Resonate |  CD Baby |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Music Distribution | Music Distribution |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Resonate | CD Baby |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Music DistributionRoyalty Management | Music DistributionRoyalty Management |
How Resonate and CD Baby Compare
Resonate
A co-operative music streaming platform that pays artists fairly and respects user privacy.
Free
CD Baby
Distribute your music to 150+ global platforms with a one-time fee and keep over 90% of your earnings.
Paid
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Resonate is free. CD Baby is paid.
Go with: Resonate
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Resonate
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Resonate
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Resonate is free. CD Baby is paid. Go with Resonate if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are music distribution tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Resonate
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
CD Baby
The Bottom Line
Resonate is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Resonate or CD Baby better?
Resonate scores high/100 in our evaluation. Resonate is free and CD Baby is paid.
What are Resonate and CD Baby used for?
Resonate: A co-operative music streaming platform that pays artists fairly and respects user privacy.. CD Baby: Distribute your music to 150+ global platforms with a one-time fee and keep over 90% of your earnings..
What does Resonate cost vs CD Baby?
Resonate is completely free. CD Baby is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.