• Home
  • Music
  • Radio vs. Streaming: Why Control Matters on Long Drives
Photo Credits: Pexels, Peter Fazekas

Radio vs. Streaming: Why Control Matters on Long Drives

Let’s be honest – there’s little reason why listeners should be relying on the radio for music. With streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and Apple Music, there’s no need to endure the commercial breaks and listen to the same songs on repeat. You can finally access what radio could never give you: control. 

One of the biggest advantages to streaming is the personalization it offers. These apps use algorithms where they send recommendations based on your song history, favorite genres and your mood. So, if you’re going through a breakup, you won’t be stuck listening to love songs on repeat — unless you’re into that. Prefer something familiar? You can create playlists filled with your favorite songs, giving you full control over what you’re listening to. 

Traditional radio doesn’t offer that flexibility. It plays the same hits on repeat, regardless of how you’re feeling or what you’re in the mood for. Another downside to the radio is the lack of music diversity. Because stations stick to strict formats and target short-term listeners, you often hear the same artists repeated again and again. With streaming apps, you’re able to listen to and discover any artist you want. You might even be surprised with the new artists and songs you find during your drive. 

Convenience is another major advantage to streaming. You can listen anytime, anywhere while skipping what you don’t like and download music for offline purposes (long flights or remote road trips). Let’s be real — nobody wants to be stuck with songs they don’t enjoy, especially on a drive that already feels too long.

While the radio can be helpful in checking into the latest updates in your local town or tuning into your favorite talk shows, streaming is clearly the better option for music. It’s more personal and flexible, respectively making long and short drives way more fun.

Share:

Join Our Mailing List

Recent Articles

Fans Outraged Over Ticket Prices

Just last week on Jan. 22, 2026, Harry Styles announced that he would be going on tour across popular cities around the world.  Announcing tour

AI Singers: Art or Imitation?

You are driving down the freeway, windows down, wind blowing through your hair. A song comes on that you have never heard before, by an

Does Hamilton Have The Best Music?

Hear ye!  Hear ye!  Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please gather around, for there has been an announcement by order of…. Well, me.  After

Did He Steal Beyoncé’s Music?

Suspect Kelvin Evans, charged with entering an automobile with the intent to commit theft and criminal trespass, pleaded not guilty.  Reportedly appearing in Atlanta court

Hey! Are you enjoying NYCTastemakers? Make sure to join our mailing list for NYCTM and never miss the chance to read all of our articles!