Stem vs TuneCore
Head-to-head comparison of pricing, features, and value
Quick Verdict
Feature Comparison
Stem
Splits and distribution built for collaboration
TuneCore
Keep 100% of your sales revenue
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
✓ Stem Pros
- +Automatic revenue splitting
- +Perfect for collaborations
- +Keep 100% of royalties
- +Transparent payments
- +Fast distribution
- +Great for producers
âš Stem Cons
- -Annual fee required
- -Fewer platforms than competitors
- -Limited promotional tools
- -Focused on splits, less on marketing
✓ TuneCore Pros
- +Keep 100% of sales revenue
- +Extensive platform coverage (150+ stores)
- +Detailed sales reporting
- +Publishing administration available
- +No commission on royalties
- +Established reputation
âš TuneCore Cons
- -Annual renewal fees per release
- -More expensive for frequent releasers
- -Customer support can be slow
- -No free tier
More Comparisons
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Get Personalized Recommendation →Stem vs TuneCore: Detailed Comparison
Choosing between Stem and TuneCore depends on your release frequency and priorities. Stem uses a subscription pricing model, while TuneCore operates on a per release basis.
For occasional artists releasing 1-2 songs per year, TuneCore offers better value at $9.99 per year. However, frequent releasers with 10+ songs annually will find Stem more cost-effective at $29.99 per year. Consider your support needs, distribution speed requirements, and publishing administration options when making your decision.