CD Baby vs United Masters
Head-to-head comparison of pricing, features, and value
Quick Verdict
Feature Comparison
CD Baby
Music distribution since 1998
United Masters
Keep your rights, build your future
Cost Breakdown by Release Frequency
1 Release per Year
Occasional artist, testing the waters
5 Releases per Year
Regular release schedule
10 Releases per Year
Frequent releases, prolific artist
Pros & Cons
✓ CD Baby Pros
- +One-time payment (no annual fees)
- +Music stays live forever
- +Strong sync licensing opportunities
- +Publishing administration included
- +Excellent customer support
- +Physical distribution available
âš CD Baby Cons
- -9% commission on streaming revenue
- -Slower distribution than competitors
- -Higher upfront costs per release
- -Interface feels outdated
✓ United Masters Pros
- +Free distribution option available
- +Brand partnership opportunities
- +Sync licensing built-in
- +Mobile-first experience
- +Keep your masters
- +Artist-friendly terms
âš United Masters Cons
- -10% commission on free plan
- -Fewer platforms than competitors
- -Focus primarily on hip-hop/urban
- -Limited international presence
- -Analytics could be better
More Comparisons
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Get Personalized Recommendation →CD Baby vs United Masters: Detailed Comparison
Choosing between CD Baby and United Masters depends on your release frequency and priorities. CD Baby uses a per release pricing model, while United Masters operates on a commission basis.
For occasional artists releasing 1-2 songs per year, United Masters offers better value at $0.00 per year. However, frequent releasers with 10+ songs annually will find United Masters more cost-effective at $0.00 per year. Consider your support needs, distribution speed requirements, and publishing administration options when making your decision.