In music streaming, Apple Music and Spotify stand out as the two dominant forces, each boasting over 100 million songs and millions of active users. These platforms have reshaped how we discover, consume, and share music, becoming integral to our daily lives and cultural conversations.
But why compare them? Despite their similarities in core offerings, Apple Music and Spotify differ significantly in their approaches to user experience, music discovery, and ecosystem integration.
Your choice between them can impact how you listen to music and interact with it socially and across your devices.
So, let’s explore how these streaming giants measure up in features, content, sound quality, and value to determine which one deserves your subscription.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Quick Comparison
Before we explore deeper, here’s a quick overview of how Apple Music and Spotify stack up against each other:
| Feature | Apple Music | Spotify |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 2015 | 2006 |
| Starting Price | $10.99/month ($5.99/month student plan) | $11.99/month ($5.99/month student plan) |
| Compatible device | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, smart TVs, gaming consoles |
| Free Trail Available | 3 months | 3 months |
| Family Plan | $16.99/month | $19.99/month |
| Sound Quality | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz Lossless | Up to 320 kbps |
| Music Library | Over 100 million songs | Over 100 million songs, over 2 million podcasts |
| Link | Web Player: Apple Music | Web Player: Spotify |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
Both services offer a comprehensive music streaming experience, but they differ in various aspects. Let’s explore these differences in detail.
Apple Music Overview
Apple Music, launched in 2015, has become a top choice for music streaming. With over 100 million songs, it offers a vast music library that seamlessly integrates with Apple devices. Users enjoy high-quality lossless audio and the immersive experience of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.
Apple Music also features expertly curated playlists and personalized recommendations, ensuring you always find something you love. Additionally, live radio stations like Apple Music 1 keep listeners connected with the latest music and trends.
Spotify Overview
Spotify, launched in 2006, is a leading music streaming platform with a massive library of over 100 million songs and 2 million podcast titles. Known for its advanced music discovery features, Spotify uses algorithms to suggest songs that match your taste.
Spotify also allows you to create collaborative playlists with friends and share music on social media. With cross-platform compatibility, you can use Spotify on almost any device, and it even offers a free, ad-supported tier for budget-conscious users.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Library Size And Content
Let’s compare the content offerings of both platforms:
| Parameters | Apple Music | Spotify |
|---|---|---|
| Number of songs | Over 100 million | Over 100 million |
| Languages available | 100+ | 74 |
| The genre of music available | Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, Classical, Jazz, Country, and more | Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, Classical, Jazz, Country, and more |
Both Apple Music and Spotify boast impressive music libraries, each offering over 100 million songs. This vast selection ensures that users of either platform have access to an extensive range of music to suit their tastes.
Apple Music Library Size And Content
Apple Music boasts a vast library of over 100 million songs, including exclusive content from top artists like Taylor Swift and Drake. Beyond just music, it offers a wide range of music videos and concert films, giving fans access to visual content as well.
Apple Music also features curated radio stations and artist-hosted shows, adding a personal touch to your listening experience with content created by the artists themselves.
Spotify Music Library Size And Content
Spotify’s library is also packed with over 100 million songs and a vast selection of podcasts, including exclusive shows you won’t find elsewhere. The platform excels in offering mood-based and activity-based playlists, making it easy to find the perfect soundtrack for any moment.
In select markets, Spotify also includes audiobooks, adding another layer of content for listeners who enjoy storytelling. This variety makes Spotify a versatile platform for all your audio needs.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Which Offers Better Audio Quality?
Audio quality can make or break your listening experience. Here’s how the two services compare for their audio output:
| Platform | Audio Quality |
|---|---|
| Apple Music | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz Lossless, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos |
| Spotify | Up to 320 kbps (Very High-quality setting) |
When it comes to audio quality, Apple Music and Spotify offer different experiences. Apple Music provides superior sound with up to 24-bit/192 kHz Lossless audio, meaning you get the most detailed and clear sound possible.
Additionally, Apple Music supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, which creates an immersive, three-dimensional sound experience.
On the other hand, Spotify offers audio quality up to 320 kbps, which is good for most listeners but not as high as Apple Music’s Lossless option. Spotify’s “Very High” quality setting provides clear and enjoyable sound, but it doesn’t match the depth and detail of Apple Music’s highest quality.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Music Discovery And Algorithms
Discovering new music is a crucial aspect of any streaming service. Here’s how Apple Music and Spotify approach this:
| Platform | Music Discovery Features |
|---|---|
| Apple Music | For You tab, New Music Mix, human-curated playlists |
| Spotify | Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mix playlists, Spotify Radio |
Apple Music
Apple Music stands out by relying heavily on human curation to create its playlists, offering a more personal touch to your music experience. The platform also provides personalized “For You” recommendations, tailored to your listening habits, helping you discover music that matches your taste.
Apple Music also features the “New Music Mix,” a weekly playlist that introduces you to fresh tracks and emerging artists, making it easy to stay up-to-date with the latest music.
Spotify
Spotify excels in using advanced algorithms to create personalized playlists that match your unique music preferences. With features like “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar,” Spotify helps you find new music and stay updated on the latest releases from your favorite artists.
Spotify also offers “Daily Mix” playlists, which are tailored to your tastes, combining your favorite tracks with new suggestions. This makes Spotify a go-to choice for discovering music that resonates with you.
Spotify’s algorithm-driven approach is often praised for its accuracy in predicting user preferences, while Apple Music’s human touch can lead to more eclectic discoveries.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Key Features Comparison
Let’s compare some key features of both platforms:
| Features | Apple Music | Spotify |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Listening | Yes | Yes (Premium only) |
| Lyrics | Real-time synced lyrics | Lyrics available for most songs |
| Social sharing | Limited | Extensive (collaborative playlists, friend activity feed) |
| Voice assistant | Siri integration | Limited voice commands |
| Car integration | CarPlay support | Car View mode, Car Thing device (discontinued) |
Apple Music and Spotify both offer a rich set of features, but they cater to slightly different user preferences.
Apple Music Key Features
Apple Music offers seamless integration with all your Apple devices, making it easy to access your music across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. With Siri voice control, you can operate the service hands-free, just by speaking. The iCloud Music Library allows you to sync your personal music collection across all your devices.
Apple Music also features live radio stations like Apple Music 1, and provides high-quality audio with Lossless Audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, enhancing your listening experience.
Spotify Key Features
Spotify shines with its strong social features, letting you create collaborative playlists with friends and share your music easily. The platform’s advanced algorithmic recommendations help you discover new songs that match your taste. With Spotify Connect, you can seamlessly switch between devices without missing a beat.
Spotify also offers an extensive podcast library, making it a one-stop shop for audio content. Additionally, the Canvas feature adds looping visuals to tracks, making your listening experience more engaging.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Additional Features
Both services offer unique features to enhance the user experience:
| Apple Music | Spotify |
|---|---|
| Time-Synced Lyrics | Behind the Lyrics |
| Apple Music TV | Spotify Wrapped |
| Music Videos | Podcast Creation Tools |
| Artist Pages with Bio | Spotify for Artists |
| Smart Playlists | Blend Playlists |
Apple Music
Apple Music offers several unique features to enhance your listening experience. The time-synced lyrics feature displays lyrics that sync with the music, allowing you to sing along karaoke-style.
Apple Music TV provides 24/7 streaming of music videos so that you can watch your favorite artists anytime. Additionally, integration with Shazam lets you quickly identify songs playing around you, making it easy to discover and add new music to your library.
Spotify
Spotify Wrapped is a popular feature that provides you with annual personalized listening stats, showcasing your top songs, artists, and genres of the year. It’s a fun way to review your music habits and share your favorites with friends.
Another standout feature is Blend, which uses AI to create playlists that mix your musical taste with those of your friends, offering a unique blend of tracks you can enjoy together.
Spotify’s Canvas feature adds short, looping visuals to tracks, making your listening experience more dynamic and visually engaging.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Compatibility And Device Support
Both services work across a wide range of devices, but there are some differences:
| Platform | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Apple Music | iOS devices, Android, Windows (via iTunes), Mac, HomePod, Apple TV, Apple Watch, CarPlay |
| Spotify | iOS devices, Android, Windows, Mac, Web players, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles, Car audio systems |
Apple Music Supported Devices
Apple Music offers native integration with Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, ensuring a smooth experience across the Apple ecosystem.
For Android users, Apple Music is accessible through a dedicated app, allowing you to enjoy its features on non-Apple devices as well.
You can also use Apple Music on Windows computers by accessing it through iTunes or the web player, making it versatile and available across different platforms.
Spotify Supported Devices
Spotify supports a wide range of smart TVs and gaming consoles, so you can enjoy your music or podcasts on your big screen or while gaming.
It works seamlessly across mobile and desktop platforms, allowing you to switch easily between your phone, tablet, or computer.
With Spotify Connect, you can easily switch between devices, such as moving from your phone to your speaker, without interrupting your listening experience.
While both services offer broad compatibility, Spotify edges out with its support for gaming consoles and smart TVs.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Pricing And Subscription Plans
Both services offer various subscription options to cater to different user needs.
Apple Music Pricing
| Plan | Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| Student | $5.99 |
| Individual | $10.99 |
| Family | $16.99 |
Apple Music’s pricing is competitive, with the Family plan offering excellent value for up to six family members. The Student plan includes Apple TV+ at no extra cost.
Apple Music does not offer refunds for subscription fees, but users can cancel their subscription at any time.
Can You Try Apple Music For Free?
Yes, Apple Music’s free tier is available. For paid subscriptions, Apple Music offers a 1 month free trial for new subscribers. This trial period allows users to explore all features of the service before committing to a paid subscription.
Spotify Pricing
| Plan | Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| Individual | $11.99 |
| Student | $5.99 |
| Duo | $16.99 |
| Family | $19.99 |
Spotify’s pricing is slightly higher for the Individual plan, but it offers more flexibility with its Duo plan for two-person households. The Family plan supports up to six accounts.
Spotify does not provide refunds for subscription fees, but users can cancel or change their subscription at any time.
Can You Try Spotify For Free?
Yes, Spotify offers a free tier with ads and limited features. For Premium features, new users can enjoy a 3-month free trial.
Apple Music vs Spotify: Discount And Deals
Both services occasionally offer promotional deals to attract new subscribers. Let’s have a closer look:
Apple Music Discount
Apple Music currently offers several attractive discounts. New users can enjoy a 3-month free trial with the Individual Plan, allowing you to explore the service without any cost.
If you bundle Apple Music with an Apple One subscription package, you can receive a 1-month free trial, giving you access to multiple Apple services.
Students benefit from a special offer, getting 1 month of Apple Music for free along with access to Apple TV+, making it a great deal for those enrolled in school.
Spotify Discount
Spotify is currently offering great discounts on its Premium plans. New users can enjoy the Premium Individual Plan free for 3 months, after which it costs $11.99 per month.
Students can also take advantage of the Premium Student Plan, which is free for the first 3 months and then costs just $5.99 per month.
This offer is available until September 23, 2024, so make sure to sign up before the deadline to benefit from these savings.
Note: Prices and discounts can change over time. For the most up-to-date information, always check the official websites.
Conclusion: Apple Music Performs Better Than Spotify!
Choosing between Apple Music and Spotify ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, Apple Music stands out with its larger library, lossless audio quality, and seamless integration with Apple devices.
Both Apple Music and Spotify deliver top-notch music streaming, but they cater to different preferences. Apple Music is a great choice if you’re deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, prioritize high-quality audio, and enjoy human-curated playlists.
On the other hand, if you value social sharing, prefer algorithm-driven music discovery, and use a variety of devices, including gaming consoles, Spotify might be better for you. Each service has its strengths, so consider your needs, budget, and device compatibility.
With free trials available for both, check out and test to see which suits you best.
