I love music so much, that there is no day that I’m not listening to music! Many people ask me about Spotify vs. Apple Music and which one is better. I think that both are great but when you choose the one for you you need to ask yourself a few questions to understand which one is better for your needs. Choosing between Spotify and Apple Music can feel like picking between two iconic bands—each has its own unique style, loyal fan base, and special features that set them apart. If you’re torn between these two music streaming giants, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Both services are great, but they cater to different needs and preferences. So, let’s break down what makes each one tick, and hopefully, help you figure out which one deserves your monthly subscription.
Spotify vs. Apple Music
1. Music Libraries and Content
When it comes to sheer volume, both Spotify and Apple Music offer millions of songs—literally. Apple Music boasts over 100 million tracks, while Spotify comes in slightly lower with around 100 million. But let’s be honest, whether it’s 90 million or 100 million, you’ll never get bored.
Where they differ is in exclusive content. Apple Music frequently gets album exclusives or early releases, which can be appealing if you’re a hardcore fan of certain artists. Spotify, on the other hand, shines in the playlist game with its algorithm-driven discovery options like Discover Weekly and Release Radar, making it easier to stumble upon new artists you’ll love.
2. User Interface and Experience
When it comes to the user interface (UI), both platforms are solid, but they have slightly different vibes.
- Spotify has a slick, intuitive design that’s easy to navigate. It’s minimal, dark-themed, and feels more “social” thanks to features like collaborative playlists and shared activity feeds. If you love checking out what your friends are listening to or making joint playlists, Spotify makes it super easy.
- Apple Music leans into its Apple ecosystem design. Its layout is clean, with lots of white space, which feels familiar if you’re an Apple user. One bonus: Apple Music feels more integrated if you’re on an iPhone or other Apple devices. You can even use Siri to control your music, which is a nice touch if you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
3. Music Discovery and Playlists
This is where Spotify usually takes the crown. Its algorithm-driven playlists like Discover Weekly and Daily Mixes are often hailed as the gold standard for music discovery. These playlists learn from your listening habits and serve you up new tracks that fit your style. It’s almost like having a personal DJ who gets you.
Apple Music is no slouch here, though. Its For You section also recommends new tunes based on your preferences, and Apple’s human-curated playlists are solid. But if you’re someone who loves stumbling onto new, off-the-beaten-path tracks, Spotify’s algorithm is simply hard to beat.
4. Sound Quality
If you’re an audiophile, sound quality might be a dealbreaker. Here’s the rundown:
- Apple Music offers lossless audio and spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, which can really elevate the listening experience if you have compatible hardware. The lossless option delivers higher fidelity sound, though it requires more data.
- Spotify offers 320 kbps as its highest streaming quality for premium users. It’s high-quality for most people, but audiophiles may notice a difference compared to Apple Music’s lossless option. That said, Spotify has announced plans for a hi-fi tier, but it’s still in the works.
5. Podcasts and Extras
Spotify has a huge edge when it comes to podcasts. It’s made significant investments in original podcast content, including exclusive deals with heavy-hitters like Joe Rogan and Michelle Obama. So, if you like listening to podcasts along with music, Spotify bundles everything nicely in one app.
Apple Music, on the other hand, keeps podcasts separate in its Apple Podcasts app. So if you prefer your music and podcasts in one place, Spotify wins here. But if you’re used to keeping your podcasts separate, it’s probably not a big deal.
6. Pricing and Plans
Both services offer similar pricing structures:
- Spotify Premium: $9.99 per month for individuals, $14.99 for a family plan, and $4.99 for students. There’s also a free tier, which includes ads, limited skips, and lower-quality audio.
- Apple Music: Also $9.99 per month for individuals, $14.99 for a family plan, and $4.99 for students. Apple doesn’t offer a free tier, but they do have a Voice Plan for $4.99 a month that only works with Siri.
In short, pricing is nearly identical. But if you’re on a budget and don’t mind ads, Spotify’s free tier might be a deciding factor.
7. Ecosystem Integration
If you’re already deep in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Music is going to feel like a natural extension of your devices. It syncs seamlessly across iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watch, and even HomePods. Siri integration is a bonus, making it easier to control your music hands-free.
Spotify, while not as tightly integrated into Apple’s hardware, has its own strengths here. It works smoothly across a variety of devices, from smart speakers like Amazon Echo to gaming consoles, smart TVs, and even Android Auto. So if you’re someone who bounces between different platforms and devices, Spotify offers better flexibility.
8. Social Features
Spotify has a strong focus on social interaction. You can share playlists, follow friends, and see what others are listening to in real time. This can make music feel more like a social experience.
Apple Music does have social sharing features, but they’re not as integrated or widely used as Spotify’s. If connecting with friends over music is important to you, Spotify is the clear winner.
What are the disadvantages of Spotify?
While Spotify is a fantastic music streaming service with millions of users, it does come with some disadvantages. Here are the key drawbacks to consider:
1. Sound Quality Limitations
- No Lossless Audio (Yet): While Apple Music and Amazon Music offer lossless audio options for higher sound quality, Spotify currently tops out at 320 kbps for Premium subscribers. Although this is decent for casual listeners, audiophiles might notice a difference in sound clarity, especially when compared to services that offer lossless or high-resolution audio.
- Spotify HiFi Delay: Spotify announced a HiFi tier in 2021, promising higher-quality audio, but it has yet to be released. For users who prioritize sound quality, this delay can be frustrating.
2. Free Tier Limitations
- Ads and Lower Audio Quality: Spotify’s free tier is a big draw, but it comes with limitations. You’ll have to endure ads, and the audio quality is capped at 160 kbps—half the quality of Premium.
- Limited Control: Free users can’t pick specific songs to play on mobile (it’s shuffle-only), and they get fewer skips. If you prefer full control over your listening experience, this could be a drawback.
3. No Exclusive Music Releases
Lack of Exclusive Content: Apple Music often gets early releases or exclusive content from major artists, while Spotify doesn’t have the same level of access to exclusive music. If you like to be among the first to listen to new albums or tracks from your favorite artists, this could be a downside.
4. Podcast Dominance
Podcast Overload: While Spotify has made huge investments in podcasts, some users feel the platform pushes podcasts too heavily. If you’re purely into music and aren’t interested in podcasts, the prominence of podcast content in your feed may be off-putting.
5. No Lyrics in Some Regions
Limited Lyrics Availability: While Spotify offers lyrics in many regions, there are still countries where this feature is unavailable or inconsistent. Apple Music has full lyrics support globally, which can be important if you love following along with the words.
6. Smaller Ecosystem Integration (for Apple Users)
Less Seamless with Apple Products: If you’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, you may find that Spotify doesn’t integrate as well as Apple Music. For instance, Apple Music works natively with Siri, HomePod, and Apple Watch. While Spotify is compatible with these devices, it often requires extra steps or doesn’t work as smoothly.
7. No In-App Purchases for Songs
Can’t Buy Individual Songs: Unlike Apple Music, Spotify doesn’t allow you to buy individual songs. If you want to own your music instead of streaming it, you’ll have to purchase it through another platform. This could be a downside for those who still prefer to own specific tracks outright.
8. Algorithm Can Be Repetitive
Repetitive Recommendations: While Spotify’s algorithm is usually great at suggesting music you’ll enjoy, it can sometimes feel repetitive. You may find that similar artists and tracks are recommended over and over, especially if you don’t branch out into different genres frequently.
What are the disadvantages of Apple Music?
While Apple Music offers a premium listening experience with features like lossless audio and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem, it also has some drawbacks that may make it less appealing for certain users. Here are the key disadvantages of Apple Music:
1. No Free Tier
No Free Version: Unlike Spotify, Apple Music doesn’t offer a free tier. You can only access Apple Music through a paid subscription or a limited free trial. This makes it a less attractive option if you want to enjoy music streaming for free or aren’t ready to commit to a monthly fee.
2. Inferior Music Discovery
Less Impressive Algorithms: Apple Music’s recommendation algorithm is less sophisticated than Spotify’s. While it has curated playlists and recommendations in the For You section, it doesn’t match Spotify’s Discover Weekly or Release Radar in terms of finding new music tailored to your tastes. If discovering new music is a priority for you, Apple Music might feel a bit lacking.
3. Limited Cross-Platform Support
Apple-Centric: Apple Music is deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, which is great if you’re an Apple user. However, if you use devices outside of Apple (like Android phones, Windows PCs, or Google Home speakers), you may find the experience less seamless. While there’s an Apple Music app for Android, it’s not as polished as Spotify’s, and the integration with non-Apple devices can feel clunky.
4. User Interface
Cluttered UI: While Apple Music’s interface is clean and visually appealing, some users find it to be a bit cluttered compared to Spotify’s sleek and minimalist design. The app can feel overwhelming due to the number of features and sections crammed into the interface, especially for new users who are unfamiliar with Apple’s design approach.
5. No Social Features
Lack of Social Integration: If you enjoy sharing your music and seeing what your friends are listening to, Apple Music falls short. While it has a Friends Mix and you can follow other users, the social features aren’t as prominent or easy to use as Spotify’s. Spotify allows you to see your friends’ listening activity in real-time, collaborate on playlists, and share music across social media with ease, while Apple Music offers little in comparison.
6. Podcast Separation
No Podcasts in the App: Unlike Spotify, which has integrated music and podcasts in one app, Apple Music doesn’t include podcasts. Instead, you’ll need to switch to Apple Podcasts for podcast content. This separation can be inconvenient for users who prefer an all-in-one platform for music and podcasts.
7. More Expensive for Non-Apple Users
Slightly Higher Price for Android Users: On Android devices, Apple Music doesn’t offer the Apple Music Voice Plan, which costs just $4.99 per month and can only be used with Siri. This plan is exclusive to Apple devices, making it a slightly more expensive option for Android users compared to Spotify or Amazon Music, which offer full functionality on both platforms.
8. Limited Playlist Sharing
Weaker Playlist Collaboration: Apple Music’s playlist-sharing features aren’t as advanced as Spotify’s. You can share playlists, but Apple Music lacks collaborative playlist options, where multiple users can add and edit songs. Spotify’s collaborative playlists are a hit with users who enjoy curating music with friends or family.
9. No Ad-Supported Podcasts
No Exclusive Podcast Content: While Spotify has invested heavily in exclusive podcasts and ad-supported podcast streaming, Apple Music doesn’t have its own podcast exclusives or ad-supported podcast content within its music app. This limits Apple Music’s offerings for users who are interested in podcasts alongside their music.
10. Slower to Adapt New Features
Less Frequent Innovation: While Apple Music offers premium features like lossless audio and spatial audio, it is generally slower to roll out new, innovative features compared to competitors like Spotify. For instance, Spotify leads the pack with social and podcast integration, personalized algorithmic playlists, and collaborative playlist options, while Apple Music focuses more on perfecting its core features.
Spotify Vs. Apple Music? So which one is better for me?
So, which one should you choose? It really depends on what you prioritize.
- Choose Spotify if: You love discovering new music through curated playlists, want a free option, listen to podcasts, or value social features.
- Choose Apple Music if: You’re an Apple ecosystem loyalist, value high-quality audio like lossless and spatial sound, and don’t mind paying for a more integrated experience.
Both platforms are excellent, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. The best way to decide might be to give both a try—they both offer free trials, so you can see which one fits your style before committing. Happy listening!
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