COMPARISON 2026
EMPIRE vs TuneCore 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
Not open to all artists
Best Choice
labelmiraclestudioapps
FREE
Royalty:95%
Free forever. No hidden fees. Bitcoin payouts.
TuneCore
$9.99/single/yr
Royalty:100%
Annual per-release fees
Feature Comparison
| Feature | EMPIRE | LMS | TuneCore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Application only | FREE Forever | $9.99/single/yr |
| Royalty Rate | Varies | 95% | 100% |
| 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 TuneCore offers Bitcoin payouts. labelmiraclestudioapps does, along with bank transfers and PayPal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EMPIRE and TuneCore?+
EMPIRE charges Application only while TuneCore charges $9.99/single/yr. EMPIRE offers Varies royalties and TuneCore offers 100% royalties. Both distribute to 150+/150+ stores respectively.
Is EMPIRE or TuneCore better for independent artists?+
It depends on your needs. Not open to all artists is a consideration for EMPIRE, while Annual per-release fees applies to TuneCore. labelmiraclestudioapps offers free distribution forever with 95% royalties as an alternative.
Which music distributor has better royalty rates?+
EMPIRE offers Varies royalties, TuneCore offers 100%, 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.
More Comparisons
Ready to Switch?
Join 300,000+ artists. Free forever. No credit card required.
Start Distributing Free