Spotify Vs. Apple Music are two of the biggest music streaming platforms in the world, each offering a massive library of songs, exclusive features, and premium benefits. While Spotify is known for its personalized playlists, podcasts, and cross-platform support, Apple Music provides high-resolution audio, deep integration with Apple devices, and exclusive artist releases. Below is a detailed comparison of these two platforms based on key features such as music library, user experience, pricing, and audio quality.
1. Music Library and Content Availability
π Spotify:
Offers over 100 million songs spanning various genres, including international, Bollywood, regional, and indie music.
Massive podcast collection, including Spotify Originals.
AI-powered music discovery with playlists like βDiscover Weeklyβ and βDaily Mixβ.
π Apple Music:
Also offers 100 million+ songs, but focuses on exclusive artist releases.
No free tier, but allows offline music storage.
Includes Apple Music Classical for high-quality classical music streaming.
Winner: Apple Music has exclusive artist releases, while Spotify excels in music discovery and podcasts.
2. User Interface and Experience
π Spotify:
Modern, intuitive, and easy-to-navigate interface.
Works seamlessly across multiple devices (smartphones, PCs, smart speakers, gaming consoles, etc.).
Cross-device syncing, allowing users to switch from phone to PC easily.
π Apple Music:
Optimized for Apple ecosystem users (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch).
Better integration with Siri, enabling voice control.
iCloud Music Library lets users upload their own music files.
Winner: Spotify is better for cross-platform use, but Apple Music is perfect for Apple device users.
3. Subscription Plans and Pricing
π Spotify:
Free plan (with ads, limited skips, and lower quality).
Premium Individual β βΉ119/month.
Premium Duo β βΉ149/month.
Premium Family β βΉ179/month (6 accounts).
Student Plan β βΉ59/month.
π Apple Music:
No free plan, but offers a one-month free trial.
Individual Plan β βΉ99/month.
Family Plan β βΉ149/month (6 accounts).
Student Plan β βΉ59/month.
Winner: Apple Music is slightly cheaper, but Spotify has a free plan.
4. Audio Quality and Streaming Options
π Spotify:
Free users: Up to 160kbps.
Premium users: Up to 320kbps.
Spotify HiFi (Lossless Audio) is yet to be released.
π Apple Music:
Supports Lossless Audio (ALAC) and Dolby Atmos for a superior audio experience.
High-resolution audio streaming without extra cost.
Winner: Apple Music offers better audio quality with lossless streaming.
5. Offline Downloads and Background Play
π Spotify:
Premium users can download songs and podcasts for offline listening.
Free users cannot download music.
π Apple Music:
All paid users can download songs for offline listening.
No free tier, so offline downloads are available only with a subscription.
Winner: Both offer offline downloads, but Apple Music has no free version.
6. Podcasts and Exclusive Features
π Spotify:
Extensive podcast library, including Spotify Originals.
Better AI-powered playlists for music discovery.
π Apple Music:
No dedicated podcast section (Apple Podcasts is a separate app).
Exclusive music releases and high-quality audio.
Winner: Spotify is better for podcasts, while Apple Music is ideal for exclusive releases and high-fidelity sound.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
β Choose Spotify if you want better music discovery, personalized playlists, cross-device support, and podcasts.
β Choose Apple Music if you prefer lossless audio, exclusive artist releases, and seamless integration with Apple devices.