Stingray vs SoundMachine: Which Provider Is Right for You?
Stingray Overview
Stingray is a Canadian public company (TSX: RAY.A/RAY.B) providing commercial music, digital signage, in-store audio advertising, and AI-driven consumer insights. Stingray Advertising is North America's largest retail audio advertising network, reaching 928M+ shopping visits monthly across 25,100+ locations.
HQ: Montreal, QC, CanadaSoundMachine Overview
SoundMachine is a commercial music streaming service providing over 61 million licensed tracks with multi-location management, advanced scheduling, and integration with Sonos, Crestron, and other professional audio systems. Known for deep customization and a modern tech-forward platform.
Music Library: 61M+ tracksHead-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Stingray | SoundMachine |
|---|---|---|
| Background Music | ✓ | ✓ |
| Consumer Insights | ✓ | ✗ |
| Digital Signage | ✓ | ✗ |
| In-Store Advertising | ✓ | ✗ |
| Retail Media Network | ✓ | ✗ |
| Music Catalog | None | 61M+ tracks |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Per-Location |
| Target Market | Enterprise | Mid-Market |
When to Choose Stingray
Go with Stingray if you prioritize north america's largest retail audio advertising network with 25,100+ locations and 928m+ monthly shopping visits. publicly traded with ~1,000 employees globally.. Stingray is best for multi-location enterprises needing centralized control and white-glove support.
When to Choose SoundMachine
Go with SoundMachine if you value deep hardware integrations (sonos, crestron, q-sys) with 61m+ tracks and advanced multi-location scheduling controls.
Bottom Line
Both Stingray and SoundMachine are legitimate in-store media providers, but for different buyers. Request demos from both to see which interface and service model best fits your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stingray or SoundMachine better for restaurants?
It depends on your needs. Stingray offers north america's largest retail audio advertising network with 25,100+ locations and 928m+ monthly shopping visits. publicly traded with ~1,000 employees globally., while SoundMachine provides deep hardware integrations (sonos, crestron, q-sys) with 61m+ tracks and advanced multi-location scheduling controls. Restaurants with simple needs may prefer the more affordable option; multi-location chains should evaluate enterprise features.
What is the price difference between Stingray and SoundMachine?
Stingray uses custom pricing while SoundMachine uses per-location pricing. Contact both for quotes based on your location count.
Do both Stingray and SoundMachine include music licensing?
Yes. Both include the commercial performance rights licenses (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) needed to legally play music in your business.
Can I switch from Stingray to SoundMachine?
Yes. Check your current contract for early termination terms, then most providers can assist with migration to their platform.
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