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DistroKid vs RouteNote
One charges upfront and gives you 100%. The other is free and takes a cut. Here's the real math.
This is less “which is better” and more “which model fits your revenue.” Use our DistroKid vs RouteNote calculator to run your own numbers.
| DistroKid | RouteNote | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $19.99/year (unlimited releases) | $0 |
| Royalty share kept by artist | 100% | 85% (RouteNote Free keeps 15%) |
| Best for | Artists releasing regularly, expecting real revenue | Total beginners not ready to spend anything yet |
| Upgrade path | — | Paid RouteNote Premium plan exists too, with 100% royalties |
If you expect more than roughly $124/year in streaming revenue, DistroKid's flat fee pays for itself and you keep full ownership. If you're just testing the waters with zero risk, RouteNote's free plan is a genuinely reasonable place to start.
Ready to release your music?
DistroKid
$18.59 first year
Upload unlimited songs for one flat yearly fee and keep 100% of your royalties. Use our link for 7% off your first year.
Start with DistroKidRouteNote
$0 upfront
Don't want to pay anything upfront? RouteNote lets you distribute for free — they just keep a share of your royalties instead.
Try RouteNote freeFrequently asked questions
Is RouteNote's free plan actually free forever?
Yes for the free tier — no upfront charge, they simply keep 15% of your royalties instead.
Does DistroKid have a free plan?
No, DistroKid's flat annual fee is how they operate — that's what lets you keep 100% of royalties.
Can I start with RouteNote and switch to DistroKid later?
Yes, plenty of artists do exactly that once their revenue justifies the switch.