Since its founding in 1998, Google as a corporation has helped changed the way we research, shop, get directions, find entertainment, and even interact. Created not even two decades ago by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the company has since become so much more than the search engine it originally was. It has developed functions such as Google Maps, Google Books, Google Docs, and of course the popular Gmail. But amidst all of these innovations, Google also stepped into the music industry and, in May 2011, announced that it would create Google Play Music, a way for consumers to buy and download songs. Launched in November of that year, Google Play Music was available at first by invitation only to US residents during the months it was being developed. Over time Google slowly added more features to it, including a music store and the ability to share music through social media or even publish your own songs. They also beefed up their library by adding labels like Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group. But that was just the beginning of Google's role as a music provider. Two years later, in May 2013, they announced that they would be adding All Access to their repertoire, a music streaming service that would include Google Play's library and become available via a paid subscription. Today All Access is available in 58 countries, and it offers pretty attractive benefits to anyone willing to sign up. Whether or not you're already an avid customer of Google, with a Gmail account or frequent visits to Google News, All Access is worth looking into.

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The Good

While Google Play Music All Access automatically provides you with a 30-million-track library (which includes new releases), there's another advantage to a subscription that most competitors can't match: You can upload your own music into your All Access library. That means no more switching between your iPod, desktop, and phone to enjoy all your music. The All Access function called Music Manager allows you to combine up to 20,000 tracks you already own and get it all on one device. Should you need to, though, you can link your All Access account to up to 10 total devices at once, including your computer, smartphone, tablet, and iPod. You can only play music on one device at a time, but it's convenient to transition smoothly from one device to another without logging in every single time. You get what you pay for with All Access's perks. These include:

On-demand listening. You can hand-select the songs you want to listen to.
Ad-free streaming. Because subscriptions require a fee, All Access doesn't have to bother you with commercials from sponsors in between songs.
The ability to create your own playlists and radio stations based off your favorite song, artist, or album. Google will recommend playlists based on your preferences and constantly updates your stations to reflect your listening history.
An unlimited number of skips for songs you're not in the mood for.
The option to download tracks and listen to them offline.

Google also partnered with YouTube so that when you get All Access, you automatically get access to a feature called YouTube Music Key. This feature lets you view music videos when you want-again, without interruptions from ads. Just an extra perk for the avid music lovers out there. Another reward for using All Access is its excellent customer support. Like so many other Google services, All Access has visible, detailed support pages with options to request phone calls, live chat a Google representative, and email your questions and comments. They even take it a step further and give you an estimated wait time so you can plan ahead. If you're unsure about whether All Access will keep you happy, not to worry. They've been generous with their free trial length and give you 30 days of listening at no cost. Plenty of time to decide whether their track selection, sound quality, and customer support fit your needs.

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The Bad

Despite its satisfactory free trial period length, there's no denying the disappointment that All Access lacks a free streaming plan. While Google provides so many other services for free, they've chosen to fund their streaming through subscriptions rather than sponsor ads. True, you get to listen without the hassle of commercials. But for users who can't or won't pay for a subscription, All Access isn't so appealing. There's also the fact that the ever-growing Google does a whole lot more than stream music. They focus most of their efforts building up Gmail, Google Maps, Google Books, and the list goes on. That being said, All Access is just an appendage, even an afterthought, to a company like Google-which means it won't get as much attention as other streaming services do. All Access is also a new streaming service, having only one full year of experience under the belt. In the competitive world of media streaming, one year of experience makes All Access look like the new kid on the block compared to businesses who have been leading the industry for more than a decade. With so little time to develop a reliable reputation, some users might be hesitant to commit to a subscription with Google.

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The Bottom Line

Despite how recently All Access was launched, it still shows up to provide competitive prices, features, and library size. The fact that it derives from Google itself, which has a wide customer base, also gives users a reason to think twice before dismissing it. For users who already use a Google account for email or other functions, All Access is a convenient, readily available option. No matter the reasons for choosing All Access, users are sure to enjoy unique benefits with a subscription. Not only will they have access to features like the ability to upload their own personal tracks to their Google library; Google will also follow through with their customer support and give customers what they pay for.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.3

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52 Reviews

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Kyler Ashby Phoenix, AZ

Google Play Music is in my opinion the best deal when it comes to streaming music. The library is constantly updating, you can find practically ANYTHING, and a subscription to Google Play music (currently) comes paired with YouTube Red (ad-free YouTube, which by itself I find to be very much worth it). For the price and features, Google Music is fantastic.

7 years ago

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Annie Hickey

Google makes getting music easy. You can load your favorite artists. Google works across everything. It's a terrific music streaming service.

7 months ago

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Brette Draper, UT

I have a google home and have started to use google play because I have found that google play has way more music that any other music app that I have ever used!

6 years ago

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Vy Ha Tallahassee, FL

I like that I have the same access to apps and streaming services as an apple user would with y phone and even be in on some exlcusive apps that add to my phone's functionality. All in all, this is a good sofeware to have on your phone.

2 years ago

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Christina Lockett Frederick, MD

All access helped me with my google play cards and getting into games and apps. This feature also helped me stream my favorite artists on spotify. I would recommend everyone to use this app.

3 years ago

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Corbin Short West Wendover, NV

Before my switch to Apple products, I used All Access and it was perfect for my needs. As an Android user, I thought it fit well with the overall user experience. And I could download music offline (Google was one of the first ones to offer this feature).

3 years ago

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Marissa Redwood Falls, MN

I really like Google Play. I used to teach English and when my students were writing I would let them listen to some music, and it was a great way to help them stay focused, surprisingly. And we got great service in our school, which is really saying something!

5 years ago

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Mildred Carter Woodbridge, VA

Google play is amazing for a music streaming service. First off, through the desktop client, you can upload your OWN personal songs to be able to access them anywhere you are, including downloading them on another device.

5 years ago

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Cruise Myers Gilbert, AZ

I have been thoroughly pleased by All Access. While many other music streaming apps are more popular due to the people who use them, All Access provides everything, if not more, that the other apps provide for a great price.

5 years ago

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Eric San Diego, CA

Google Play is a great source for music. In a world with so many to choose from it really is tough to make the decision. I like to use them all but Google Play has a style all its own. Try it out and you might love it.

6 years ago

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Jess Root Gilbert, AZ

I love it. I can access any song I want. I have the family subscription, so I don't have to see my kids' playlists. And I can download the content to listen to offline. Perfect anywhere.

6 years ago

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Rocio Diaz Tallahassee, FL

Google Play seems obsolete by now that competitors have surpassed google's music streaming service. It is pricey and does not seem up to date on the variety of options offered.

4 years ago

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Angelina Hamilton Gulfport, MS

With Google play all access, I mainly used it for the music streaming, I loved the stations and the ability to skip an unlimited amount of times with no ads at all.

4 years ago

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Matthew Hall Gulfport, MS

Works best on a google or android device. Don't use as much because it's easier to use other streaming services across platforms. It is great for music, and I have had no problems with it so far.

4 years ago

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Michelle W Coraopolis, PA

Google Play is awesome, especially on my dad's Android device. It makes it super easy for him to listen to the music he wants while he's doing work around the house.

4 years ago

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Shanna South Jordan, UT

I use Google play on my google home. I love it and love the music. I really like that everytime I ask it to paly country it brings up a different type of country music.

6 years ago

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L. Fowler Pleasant Grove, UT

I haven't used this very much but I do like the ease of the way you can look up songs and the streaming of music. Google is a highly trusted company and I feel confident when I use their products.

6 years ago

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Kevin Liu Sandy, UT

Play has a great variety of music and they tailor the fit to my mood from what Whether it’s working out, or working on the yard. Great mix and ways to discover new music.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Olivia Norton Phoenix, AZ

I love google play!! I can’t get all the music I want and it connected to my other google accounts which is very helpful!!

4 years ago

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hmarashi Newark, NJ

I love google music, the ease of use and sleek UI were very interesting. I’ve used google music for a stretch, it’s services were impeccable.

4 years ago

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Jacob American Fork, UT

Google Play is awesome to find music and movies for cheaper deals all around. You can access them on any device and they are compatible everywhere.

4 years ago

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Tracy Womack Cedar City, UT

All Access with Google Play is one of the easiest music streaming services to use. They have some of the best prices in the business.

5 years ago

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Camber Lehi, UT

Music selection is pretty pretty robust, although not QUITE as large as Spotify. It has much better family sharing ability than Spotify, however, which keeps us as customers.

5 years ago

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Lindsey A Brown Lehi, UT

I would love this so much more if I did not have to listen to the ads! Although free to use which is great, I just can't stand having to hear so many ads all the time. it's a bit frustrating.

5 years ago

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corbin i Creery Sterling, UT

The best music app on the market can stream what you what when you want easy to use and perfect for those who love music!

5 years ago

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Cody Linden Lehi, UT

I use google play on my phone and it has been very helpful in organizing my music. As well as allowing me to add new music quickly.

6 years ago

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Brayden D. Gilbert, AZ

Google Play has is amazing! It has every song and now I can listen to all of my favorite music. I am happy with my Google Play

6 years ago

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Cade Boudreaux , FL

I hate google play. It is so weird and so awkward to navigate that I would not recommend it to anyone.The music selection is not good and not superior to other apps for cheaper

4 years ago

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Rocio Diaz Tallahassee, FL

Not a fan of Google Play's All Access Music Streaming Service. Often freezes and glitches and can become complicated to navigate. However, the selection of music available is vast. Not good for iPhone users.

3 years ago

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Danielle Powell Long Beach, MS

Used the free trial and enjoyed it but did not find it worth the money to continue since I have another paid service.

4 years ago

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Brittney Miskin Riverton, UT

Google play music is my favorite of the music streaming services. Their interface is really user friendly.

4 years ago

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Zac Marx Brighton, CO

Google Play is fantastic for all music listening needs. I really enjoy how it is compatible with every device I have.

5 years ago

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Keeli Hansen San Jose, CA

Google play is great especially when you don’t have an iPhone they have everything for android users

5 years ago

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Laurie Willis Lehi, UT

By far my favorite music outlet. I love the ability to play any song or music through my google home!

5 years ago

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Hailey Nilson Salt Lake City, UT

Google play is amazing. There are a lot of music options and I like how there are links to YouTube videos available.

5 years ago

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Maria West Valley City, UT

Have used all access for my music but not very happy has a lot of commercials and Interruptions probably won’t recommend

4 years ago

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Karina Aguilar Managua, MN

all access is not worth my money, they did not have some lesser known artists that I wanted to listen to and it's mostly just the more popular artists

4 years ago

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DeeDee G. Norcross, GA

When I used services I didnt like the selection of music compared to other streaming services, felt as I needed a wider variety.

4 years ago

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Don Boren American Fork, UT

I only used this a handful of times. The service is good, but I don't like paying for each song I download.

5 years ago

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Joy Hill Pleasant Grove, UT

Google play is nice to have, but sometimes it is really confusing to use. I couldn't even find the search button once!

5 years ago

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Mazi Marcel Womack Cedar City, UT

All Access with Google Play is the best. The music is very clear and the prices are great.

5 years ago

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Isabella Mesa, AZ

There’s a lot of music sometimes over all it’s very well kept and I like the format of the thing itself

6 years ago

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Joanna Hester Gilbert, AZ

I have downloaded several songs from Google play. The quality and price is unbeatable.

6 years ago

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Kaitlyn McBride Ogden, UT

A great way to stream music but not always the most user friendly. Price is pretty good

4 years ago

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Amanda Montebello, CA

When I used to use an Android phone, I had Google Music and enjoyed it. There were some glitches but not too many.

4 years ago

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JARED J BUCKLEY Fort Bridger, WY

When I need to buy a song that I absolutely can't live without this is where I turn.

5 years ago

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Nathan hanzel Saratoga Springs, UT

I really like how this service has the lyrics for different songs integrated into their service!

6 years ago

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Sadie Scoville Pleasant Grove, UT

I really like how you can access any song on google play. Makes my day great!

6 years ago

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Makiya Junes Tallahassee, FL

Very accessible and had a lot of music choices

3 years ago

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Seth Boudoin ,

I like their music choice selections but I wish their apps were easier to manage.

4 years ago