If your restaurant plays music for customers, you need either direct PRO licenses (ASCAP + BMI + SESAC) or a commercial background music service that bundles all three. For most small restaurants, the commercial service is cheaper, simpler, and eliminates the licensing paperwork entirely.
This page compares the major services available in 2026, with pricing, licensing coverage, and the features that matter most for food-and-beverage businesses.
Last updated April 2026
The short answer
A commercial background music service costs $25–$50/month and includes ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC licensing. That is $300–$600/year versus $1,100–$2,200/year for direct PRO licenses. If your restaurant already qualifies for the homestyle exemption (under 3,750 sq ft, broadcast radio only), you may not need any of this. Run the free self-check to find out. But if you want curated playlists instead of FM radio, or if you are over the size threshold, a commercial service is the most cost-effective path to full compliance.
The services compared
Soundtrack Your Brand
From $25/month per location
PRO licensing: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC bundled
Music library: 100M+ tracks via Spotify's commercial catalog
Best for: Restaurants that want Spotify-quality music with full legal coverage. Schedule playlists by time of day. Web dashboard and mobile app.
Note: This is the commercial version of Spotify. Your personal Spotify account is not licensed for business use.
SoundMachine
From $25/month per zone
PRO licensing: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC bundled
Music library: 30M+ tracks, curated stations by mood and genre
Best for: Multi-zone restaurants (e.g., dining room and bar area with different vibes). Strong hardware integration for installed sound systems.
Cloud Cover Music
From $17/month per location
PRO licensing: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC bundled
Music library: Curated stations, fewer customization options
Best for: Budget-conscious restaurants that want basic background music with licensing handled. Fewer features but lower price.
Rockbot
From $25/month per location
PRO licensing: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC bundled
Music library: Curated stations plus a customer-request feature
Best for: Bars and casual dining where customer engagement with the music adds to the experience.
Why not just play Spotify?
Spotify Personal and Spotify Premium are licensed for personal, non-commercial use only. Playing Spotify in your restaurant violates Spotify's Terms of Service and constitutes an unlicensed public performance under 17 USC 106(4). Statutory damages run $750–$150,000 per song. A $25/month commercial service eliminates this risk entirely.
The math
Direct PRO licensing: ASCAP ($400–$900/year) + BMI ($400–$800/year) + SESAC ($300–$500/year) = $1,100–$2,200/year. Three separate contracts, three renewal dates, three invoices.
Commercial background music: $25–$50/month = $300–$600/year. One subscription, all licensing included, curated playlists, scheduling features.
Savings: $500–$1,600/year versus direct licensing, plus you get better music selection and zero administrative overhead.
What to do next
- Run the free self-check to determine whether you even need licensing. If your restaurant is under 3,750 sq ft and you only play broadcast radio, you may be exempt.
- If you need licensing, subscribe to a commercial background music service. It is cheaper and simpler than direct PRO licensing for virtually every small restaurant.
- If you have an existing demand letter from ASCAP or BMI, respond before the deadline. The Music Licensing Audit Kit includes response templates.
- Document your setup with a speaker inventory worksheet regardless of which path you choose. Keep it on file for future reference.
Run the full self-check
Source text
The requirement for licensing arises from 17 USC 106(4), which grants copyright holders the exclusive right to perform their works publicly. The homestyle exemption in 17 USC 110(5)(B) provides a narrow exception for small establishments playing broadcast radio/TV.
Full statute: 17 USC 110 at Cornell LII