COMPARISON 2026
EMPIRE vs CD Baby vs labelmiraclestudioapps
Which music distributor is best for independent artists in 2026? See the full comparison below and discover why 300,000+ artists chose labelmiraclestudioapps.
EMPIRE
Application only
Royalty:Varies
Selective admission
Best Choice
labelmiraclestudioapps
FREE
Royalty:95%
Free forever. No hidden fees. Bitcoin payouts.
CD Baby
$9.95 one-time
Royalty:91%
9% ongoing commission
Feature Comparison
| Feature | EMPIRE | LMS | CD Baby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Application only | FREE Forever | $9.95 one-time |
| Royalty Rate | Varies | 95% | 91% |
| Stores/DSPs | 150+ | 150+ | 150+ |
| YouTube Content ID | Included | FREE | Included |
| Bitcoin Payouts | |||
| ISRC & UPC Codes | Varies | FREE | Varies |
| Dolby Atmos | |||
| Revenue Splitting | Varies | FREE | Varies |
| White Label | |||
| Keep Music After Leaving |
Why labelmiraclestudioapps Wins
Save vs EMPIRE
EMPIRE charges Application only. With labelmiraclestudioapps, you pay $0. Forever. No annual fees, no per-release charges.
Your Music, Your Rules
Unlike some distributors, your music stays on all stores even if you stop using labelmiraclestudioapps. No takedowns, ever.
Bitcoin Payouts
Neither EMPIRE nor CD Baby offers Bitcoin payouts. labelmiraclestudioapps does, along with bank transfers and PayPal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EMPIRE and CD Baby?+
EMPIRE charges Application only while CD Baby charges $9.95 one-time. EMPIRE offers Varies royalties and CD Baby offers 91% royalties. Both distribute to 150+/150+ stores respectively.
Is EMPIRE or CD Baby better for independent artists?+
It depends on your needs. Selective admission is a consideration for EMPIRE, while 9% ongoing commission applies to CD Baby. labelmiraclestudioapps offers free distribution forever with 95% royalties as an alternative.
Which music distributor has better royalty rates?+
EMPIRE offers Varies royalties, CD Baby offers 91%, and labelmiraclestudioapps offers 95% royalties with completely free distribution to 150+ platforms.
Can I switch from EMPIRE to labelmiraclestudioapps?+
Yes! You can sign up at labelmiraclestudioapps for free and start distributing immediately. We offer free ISRC codes, YouTube Content ID, Dolby Atmos distribution, and 95% royalties.
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