Industry GuideBackground Music

Best Sound System Providers for Coffee Shops And Cafes

The best sound system for coffee shops and cafes combines properly licensed content, easy scheduling, and reliable multi-location management at a price that makes sense. Coffee Shops And Cafes have unique requirements — from content appropriateness to volume control — that generic solutions often miss. Here are the top sound system providers for coffee shops and cafes in 2026, with features, pricing, and recommendations.

Why Coffee Shops And Cafes Need Specialized Sound System

Coffee Shops And Cafes operate in unique environments where the wrong sound system can hurt more than help. The right solution accounts for your customer demographics, peak hours, noise levels, and brand identity.

Top Sound System Providers for Coffee Shops And Cafes

1. Mood Media

Mood Media is the world's leading in-store media provider, offering background music, digital signage, scent marketing, AV systems, and overhead messaging. Formerly Muzak, the company serves over 100,000 businesses globally with a comprehensive suite of customer experience solutions.

  • Key Strength: Largest global in-store media provider with 88+ years of industry heritage (Muzak legacy) and 100+ expert music designers worldwide
  • Music Library: 120M+ tracks

2. Stingray

Stingray is a Canadian public company (TSX: RAY.A/RAY.B) providing commercial music, digital signage, in-store audio advertising, and AI-driven consumer insights. Stingray Advertising is North America's largest retail audio advertising network, reaching 928M+ shopping visits monthly across 25,100+ locations.

  • Key Strength: North America's largest retail audio advertising network with 25,100+ locations and 928M+ monthly shopping visits. Publicly traded with ~1,000 employees globally.

3. Rockbot

Rockbot is a streaming media platform for businesses offering licensed background music, digital signage, TV programming, audio messaging, and retail media advertising through one unified platform. Founded in 2009 and backed by Google, Rockbot serves nearly 50,000 businesses across North America.

  • Key Strength: Single-platform solution for music, TV, signage, and advertising. Backed by Google. Interactive Rockbot Request feature lets guests request songs.
  • Music Library: 18M+ songs

4. Soundtrack Your Brand

Soundtrack Your Brand is a Spotify-backed commercial music streaming platform that provides fully licensed background music for businesses. Known for strong UX and the largest commercially licensed music catalog, it offers on-demand track selection, custom playlist building, and multi-location management.

  • Key Strength: Spotify-backed with the largest commercially licensed catalog. Only major platform offering true on-demand song selection and Spotify playlist import.
  • Music Library: 58M+ songs

5. MTI

MTI is an in-store media provider offering background music, overhead messaging, and digital signage solutions for businesses. The company focuses on helping brands create consistent audio experiences across multiple locations with curated music programming and targeted messaging.

  • Key Strength: Personalized service with direct account management and custom music programming for multi-location businesses

6. QSIC

QSIC is an AI-powered in-store audio platform that helps retailers monetize and measure in-store audio as a retail media channel. Founded in Australia in 2012, QSIC powers 7-Eleven's Gulp Radio across 12,000+ stores and reaches 100M+ shoppers monthly. Raised $25M Series B in January 2025 led by Hedosophia.

  • Key Strength: AI-powered audio platform with patented ambient noise technology, closed-loop sales attribution, and AI-generated ad creative (Lucy). Powers 7-Eleven Gulp Radio across 12,000+ stores.

What to Look For

  • Content filtering and appropriateness for coffee shops and cafes
  • Multi-location management dashboard
  • Commercial music licensing included
  • Hardware compatibility with existing systems
  • Reliable uptime and support
  • Scalable pricing as you grow

Pricing for Coffee Shops And Cafes

Budget: $15-25/mo per location. Mid-range: $25-75/mo. Enterprise: custom pricing. Factor in hardware, installation, and any required AV equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does sound system cost for coffee shops and cafes?

Between $15/mo (basic) and $75+/mo (enterprise) per location. Most providers charge per location or per zone.

Do I need a music license for sound system in my business?

Yes, but most commercial providers include ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC licenses in the subscription.

Can I use Spotify for sound system in coffee shops and cafes?

No. Spotify's terms prohibit commercial use. You need a properly licensed business music service.

Related Research

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