Which Is Better: Spotify or Apple Music? A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to streaming music, the two giants that dominate the industry are Spotify and Apple Music. Both platforms offer vast music libraries, personalized recommendations, and offline playback. But if you’re wondering which is better, Spotify or Apple Music, this blog will guide you through every detail to make the best choice.

Spotify has been a pioneer in music streaming, while Apple Music benefits from Apple’s ecosystem. Each platform has its strengths, making the decision largely dependent on your needs. Let’s dive in and explore which one stands out.

Pricing: Spotify vs. Apple Music

Price plays a significant role in deciding which music streaming platform is better. Both Spotify and Apple Music offer free trials and multiple subscription plans.

Spotify Pricing

Free Tier: Ad-supported with limited features.
Premium Individual: ₹129/month (in India) or $9.99/month in most countries.
Family Plan: ₹199/month or $14.99/month, supporting up to 6 accounts.
Student Plan: ₹65/month or $4.99/month.

Apple Music Pricing

Individual Plan: ₹99/month or $9.99/month.
Family Plan: ₹149/month or $14.99/month, supporting up to 6 accounts.
Student Plan: ₹59/month or $4.99/month.

Spotify offers a free tier, which is great for casual listeners. However, Apple Music’s pricing is slightly lower in certain regions, making it competitive for budget-conscious users.

Music Library and Availability

One key factor in deciding which is better, Spotify or Apple Music is the size and diversity of their music libraries.

Spotify

Library Size: Over 100 million tracks.
Podcasts: A vast collection of exclusive and non-exclusive shows.
Global Availability: Accessible in over 180 countries.

Apple Music

Library Size: Similar to Spotify, with around 100 million tracks.
Exclusive Releases: Apple Music often secures exclusive albums and tracks.
Lossless Audio: Offers high-fidelity audio at no extra cost.

Both platforms provide a massive music library, but Apple Music’s lossless audio gives it a slight edge for audiophiles.

User Interface and Experience

A platform’s design and usability significantly impact the listening experience.

Spotify

Interface: Clean, user-friendly, and consistent across devices.
Custom Playlists: Features like “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar” are excellent for music discovery.
Cross-Platform Support: Works seamlessly on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

Apple Music

Interface: Polished and integrated deeply into the Apple ecosystem.
Siri Integration: Voice control through Siri adds convenience for Apple users.
Offline Library Management: Syncs well with iTunes for offline usage.

Spotify’s interface is often considered more intuitive, but Apple Music shines for those who use multiple Apple devices.

Music Discovery

Discovering new music is a priority for many listeners. Here’s how each platform performs:

Spotify

Algorithm: Advanced algorithms create personalized playlists like “Discover Weekly.”
Curated Playlists: Offers curated playlists for every mood and genre.
Daily Mix: Combines your favorites with new recommendations.

Apple Music

Human Curation: Focuses on playlists created by music experts.
For You Section: Offers personalized playlists based on your listening habits.
Exclusive Content: Includes artist interviews and live performances.

Spotify’s algorithmic recommendations are often regarded as the best, while Apple Music excels in curated experiences.

Audio Quality

Sound quality can be a deciding factor for audiophiles.

Spotify

Standard Quality: 160 kbps (free tier) and 320 kbps (Premium).
HiFi (Upcoming): Spotify plans to introduce lossless audio but hasn’t launched it yet.

Apple Music

Standard Quality: 256 kbps AAC.
Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless: Available at no extra cost for Apple Music subscribers.

Apple Music’s inclusion of lossless audio gives it a significant edge in audio quality over Spotify.

Offline Playback and Device Compatibility

Both platforms allow offline listening but differ in device support.

Spotify

Works on almost all devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and wearables.
Offline playback is smooth and easy to manage.

Apple Music

Optimized for Apple devices but also works on Android and Windows.
Offline playback is deeply integrated with the iPhone and iCloud.

Spotify’s wider compatibility makes it more versatile, but Apple Music is unbeatable if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.

Podcasts and Extras

Podcasts have become a vital feature for music streaming platforms.

Spotify

A vast library of podcasts, including exclusives like “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
Seamless integration of music and podcasts in the same app.

Apple Music

Focuses primarily on music, with podcasts available separately through Apple Podcasts.

Spotify is the clear winner for podcast lovers, offering a one-stop app for music and podcasting needs.

Sharing music and connecting with friends adds value to a streaming platform.

Spotify

Share playlists with friends.
Follow your friends to see their listening habits.
Collaborative playlists allow group contributions.

Apple Music

Share playlists and see what friends are listening to.
Limited collaborative playlist features compared to Spotify.

Spotify’s social features are more robust and user-friendly.