What is SiriusXM? Some readers may be incredibly familiar with SiriusXM, whilst others have perhaps never even heard of it, let alone have any clue what it is. If you fall into the second category, don’t worry, you are certainly not alone!

In this article, we will dive head-first into the world of SiriusXM and cover some of its main features. Including the SiriusXM player, the SiriusXM App, and SiriusXM Packages. Let’s get started.

What Is SiriusXM?

In a nutshell, SiriusXM is a satellite radio service that covers the United States and Canada. The company was formed in 2008 after a merger between two competing Satellite Radio providers – Sirius and XM.

The great thing about satellite radio is the availability. As the radio waves are relayed via satellite, you have extended coverage as well as superior audio quality compared to FM or AM radio.

What Does SiriusXM Do?

SiriusXM has tons of different SiriusXM stations and channels. These include music, sports, news, podcasts, entertainment, comedy, and even an exclusive deal with legendary broadcaster Howard Stern!

There are also specific channels wrapped around other factors, such as season. Including a whole host of SiriusXM Christmas Channels which are pretty festive!

However, what you have access to as a listener will depend on which SiriusXM subscription and hardware you have. Essentially, you can have access to over 350 different radio channels streamed via SiriusXM online at SiriusXM.com. With over 165 of these channels also available in your car or other audio devices via the SiriusXM App.

Satellite radio can be a little tricky, especially with the added component of pairing it to your car. Luckily, SiriusXM customer service is great and can help get you get up and running.

SiriusXM Podcasts

If you are a subscriber to SiriusXM, then you have access to numerous curated podcasts online or on the app. You can listen to podcasts such as, ‘Comedy Gold Minds with Kevin Hart’, or ‘It’s Me, Tinx’.

The SiriusAX App

The SiriusXM App makes for a much more engaging radio experience.

It allows you to connect SiriusXM to wireless speakers, smart TVs and also allows access to on-demand features. This allows you to listen to specific interviews and shows in your own time, rather than having to catch them live.

The app also has a great way of suggesting new content to you based on your likes, so it’s also great for new artist discovery.

What Does This Mean For Artists?

Radio has always been a huge part of an artists’ success. Getting on a national radio playlist was once the only way to have really meaningful success as an artist.

However, as the internet has transformed the way in which we consume media, outlets like SiriusXM provide a real opportunity for artists.

SiriusXM boasts over 350 channels. The music channels are categorised by genre, decade, hits, and new releases. This means that a consumer can seek out specific kinds of music and listen to all kinds of different artists.

For a new artist, that means a placement on a SiriusXM Playlist is really valuable. This is due to the fact that the listeners of that playlist are much more likely to be open to your music.

Furthermore, SiriusXM streaming caters for all sorts of user cases. From individuals who are passionate about radio, right through to businesses. The availability of SiriusXM in the air or at sea also means that the exposure for new artists can be really powerful.

There is also the opportunity to take advantage of SiriusXM Subscriber Perks. Here, fans can enjoy exclusive online performances, meet and greets, and much more, which gives artists yet another tool in their arsenal to engage with their followers.

How Much Does SiriusXM Cost?

There are many different SiriusXM plans. The foundation has three distinct offerings: Sirius XM ‘Premier’, Sirius XM ‘Select’ and SiriusXM ‘All Access’.

‘Premier’ is streaming only whilst ‘Select’ and ‘All Access’ also offer an in-car option. The main differentiator is the number of channels available, although, you still get a lot! These packages are available at $1, $5, and $8.25 per month, respectively.

Beyond the basic packages, there are also other listening options including ‘Mostly Music’, ‘Family Friendly’, ‘Military’ and ‘Student’ offerings. So, it can be a little tricky to work out the best SiriusXM deal.

For those unsure of which package would be best suited to them, there is also a SiriusXM Trial package both for the app and online. As well as for your car, for which you can sign up on the website.

The trial gives you three months. So it is a pretty good amount of time to decide whether or not it’s a service you might like.

SiriusXM Alternatives

Of course, there are loads of competitors out there. Including all of the mainstreaming services such as Amazon Music, Spotify and Apple Music.

However, SiriusXM has some unique features which set it apart. Including the Howard Stern partnership and some of the sports-specific channels including NBA and MLB radio.

But, how does it compare to the major platforms?

Apple Music vs SiriusXM

If radio is your thing, then whilst Apple Music does have some radio options, it does not compare to the sheer breadth of radio channels offered by SiriusXM.

However, Apple does have more choices in regards to on-demand options. Including both curated playlists and albums, so it does make up for the lower live radio offering.

Amazon Music vs SiriusXM

Whilst Amazon Music has a shorter free trial period (30 days) than SiriusXM (3 months) – it does boast other advantages. Including an ad-free model.

Also, there is an Amazon Music membership that can be incorporated into Amazon Prime. Offering a smaller (but undeniably still broad) selection of music that also has all the other benefits of Amazon Prime. Including free premium delivery on orders and Amazon Prime TV.

However, the main advantage of Amazon Music over SiriusXM is the high-res audio. Whilst SiriusXM’s audio quality is good compared to AM and FM Radio, if you’re an audiophile, you will probably be disappointed. However, Amazon Music offers full-quality audio that can also be listened to offline.

SiriusXM vs Spotify

Spotify has the lion’s share of the streaming market, and for good reason. The brand is established and the service pretty good for consumers. There is an ad-supported free model or an unlimited paid model. Which is quite affordable when compared to SiriusXM’s offering that allows offline listening.

Moreover, Spotify also has its own unique features for music discovery. New releases and artists are highlighted to users in the banner ads on the platform and in the ‘suggestions for you’ sections. Additionally, for those who like to plug-and-play, there are a number of algorithmic playlists that highlight new releases to consumers.

Whilst Spotify does not have a live radio offering including DJs, it does have podcasts available.

The Cons Of Having A SiriusXM Subscription

Here are two reasons why you might be hesitant to subscribe to SiriusXM:

Cost

A SiriusXM subscription costs money, between $10-$18 per month. That’s money you could be using for something else (like a cheap lunch for you and a friend). You might be asking yourself why you should spend a few bucks per month when you could be listening to free local radio. The answer is that you get what you pay for.

With a SiriusXM subscription, you get to enjoy a variety of perks, including more channels, quality shows, and far fewer commercials. You just have to figure out if these perks are worth the monthly fee.

Potentially Complicated Installation

If you have a factory car radio that supports SiriusXM, syncing it to your SiriusXM account is easy. However, some people have a factory car radio that doesn’t support SiriusXM. If you fall into the latter category, adding SiriusXM to your radio can be complicated.

The most common method to add SiriusXM is buy a satellite radio receiver and dock. You’ll need to choose a power source and find a location for the antenna. Then you’ll have to run wires to the power source and antenna and find a spot for the dock.

To connect the satellite receiver to the car stereo, you will need to use an FM modulator or run another wire to the aux input. Sounds quite daunting, doesn’t it?

The good news is that there’s an easy way to add SiriusXM to your factory car radio. Just install an satellite radio adapter kit. VAIS Technology kits:

• Integrate with your factory stereo
• Allow you to retain all your factory-installed components
• Easily control your channels using factory radio and steering wheel controls
• See channel information on your factory display
• Factory-like approach

The Pros Of Having A SiriusXM Subscription

Compatibility With Alexa

If you have an Amazon Alexa device, you’re in luck. You can enjoy your favorite SiriusXM shows with Alexa! You can stream SiriusXM on many different devices with Alexa, such as:

• Connected speakers
• Media players
• Fire TV devices

That means you aren’t limited to enjoying SiriusXM in your car. You can also enjoy it at home.

A Huge Variety Of Programming

SiriusXM offers all kinds of channels. They range from live sporting events to talk radio to an incredible variety of music genres. You have access to only a handful of stations via local radio, but with SiriusXM you can choose between more than 150 channels in your car. Even more channels are available on the SiriusXM app and online.

Many Quality Programs Are Exclusive To SiriusXM: SiriusXM is loaded with quality programs that you can’t find anywhere else. This is especially true about some live sports and entertainment programming. Another good example would be the popular Howard Stern show.

Unedited And Uncensored Content

Local radio stations are required to censor their music and shows because they’re broadcast on public airwaves. You don’t have to worry about this with SiriusXM.

Great Radio Signal

Nearly uninterrupted radio signal wherever you go in the continental US? Yes, please. SiriusXM offers state-of-the-art technology that gives you access to radio channels pretty much anywhere in:

• The continental US
• The coastal regions
• Canada
• Mexico

Personalized Stations Powered By Pandora

SiriusXM offers a cool feature that lets you create personalized ad-free music stations online and on the app. SiriusXM partnered with Pandora to offer this feature.

SiriusXM Video

Your SiriusXM subscription will also give you access to many different videos. You’d enjoy performances, interviews, and in-studio footage. These videos feature your favorite SiriusXM shows and personalities like:

• Howard Stern
• Kevin Hart
• Jenny McCarthy

FAQs

What is the point of SiriusXM?

SiriusXM offers all kinds of channels. They range from live sporting events to talk radio to an incredible variety of music genres. You have access to only a handful of stations via local radio, but with SiriusXM you can choose between more than 150 channels in your car.

How does SiriusXM work?

XM Radio’s ground station transmits a signal to its two active GEO satellites, which bounce the signals back down to radio receivers on the ground. The radio receivers are programmed to receive and unscramble the digital data signal, which contains more than 170 channels of digital audio.

Do people still use SiriusXM?

In the first quarter of 2023, Sirius XM had approximately 34 million subscribers, up from 33.95 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

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