Now that both Sirius and XM Canada satellite radio* services offer 120 channels, and both run for $14.99 a month, the difference between the two is almost entirely content. Either service is a welcome addition to any long road trip, although the factory-installed versions in most new cars are much easier to use, and cleaner to look at, than the add-on aftermarket receivers available at electronics stores. Your best bet is to try out both services for free online (at siriuscanada.com and xmradio.ca), see which one you enjoy most, then judge for yourself how Sirius, er serious you are about investing it.

*Canada's favourite driving music is classic rock (32%), Top 40 (18%), country (16%), classical (15%) and heavy metal (8%).