Apple Music VS Spotify: Which Music App is better?

You are in the world of music streaming services, Apple Music and Spotify compete to attract users who enjoy listening to digital music. I like using both platforms and appreciate the different things they offer. Spotify, one of the first in the industry, has a user-friendly design and a huge library with over 70 million songs. Its clever computer program suggests music that matches your taste, and you can enjoy playlists like “Discover Weekly” that introduce new songs. 

On the other hand, Apple Music is seamlessly connected to the Apple ecosystem. It provides exclusive releases, handpicked playlists, and a great collection of high-quality audio with features like Apple Lossless and Spatial Audio. The integration with Siri makes it easy to control music.

Features SpotifyApple Music 
Family Plan 1075 INR  per month for 2 users1241 INR per month for 6 users
Spatial AudioNoYes
PodcastsYesNo
Music LibraryAbout 85 MillionAbout 92 Million
Spotify vs Apple Music: At a Glance

Apple Music Vs Spotify: What is the difference?

Apple Music and Spotify are two big players in the music streaming world, and they each have their unique features for music lovers. Both have huge song collections, playlists, and the ability to listen offline, but they cater to different tastes.

Spotify

Spotify is like a music trailblazer, famous for its easy-to-use design and tons of cool features. It’s great at suggesting new music with its discovery tools, like the awesome “Discover Weekly” playlist that introduces you to fresh tunes. Spotify is also super social, letting you make playlists with friends and easily share your favorite songs. 

The free version of Spotify, though it has ads, is more packed with features compared to Apple Music’s free trial. It’s an excellent choice if you’re not ready for a subscription just yet. However, it doesn’t connect as smoothly with Apple gadgets, and it doesn’t have as many exclusive songs and albums.

Spotify
apple music app

Apple Music

If you’re already using a lot of Apple devices, Apple Music fits right in. It works seamlessly with iPhones and MacBooks, making it super easy to enjoy your music across all your gadgets. The “For You” section in Apple Music suggests playlists based on what you like, using a mix of computer smarts and human curators. 

It feels like having your DJ create playlists just for you. Apple Music is also known for getting some albums and songs before others, giving subscribers an extra special music experience. But, it might feel a bit tricky for people not used to Apple stuff, and the free trial is shorter than Spotify’s.

Apple Music Vs Spotify: Price and Subscription Plan

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Spotify

The Spotify free tier provides access to a vast library of songs with occasional ads, while the Premium tier, priced at 496 INR  per month, eliminates ads, offers offline listening and provides higher sound quality. 
Families can groove together with the Family plan at 1407 INR  per month, allowing up to six members to enjoy individual Premium accounts. Students get a sweet deal with the Student plan at just 910 INR  per month, complete with all Premium features.

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Apple Music

On the other hand, Apple Music simplifies things with a single subscription tier priced at 496  INR  per month, providing an extensive music catalog, ad-free listening, and offline downloads.

Moreover, Apple often introduces special discounts or bundled offers, making it even more enticing for users to dive into a world of unlimited music.

Music Library and Catalog

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Spotify

Spotify has a big collection of songs in various genres, making it like a huge playground of music. What makes Spotify special is the active community of music fans who create playlists for different moods and occasions. The features that help you discover new music, like playlists such as Discover Weekly and Release Radar, make it easy to find tunes you’ll enjoy. It’s not just about the songs.

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Apple Music

In Apple music, you get access to a wide collection that covers popular hits and puts a lot of focus on exclusive and carefully chosen content. Apple Music ensures you stay updated with the latest releases, often getting exclusive rights to albums and tracks. 
Additionally, it smoothly works with your existing music library, making it feel like all your music is in one place.

Apple Music Vs Spotify: Audio Quality

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Spotify

Spotify adjusts how it delivers sound based on the subscription. Whether it’s the Free version or the paid Premium one. They aim to provide a good audio experience for everyone, not just Premium users. 
So, even if you’re on the Free version, you still get a clear and sharp sound, making it feel like you’re at the front of a concert for your favorite artist.

apple music logo

Apple Music

On the other hand, Apple Music goes for a different approach. It gives the same high-quality sound to all subscribers, without any differences. The focus is on making sure everyone enjoys music at its best. Whether you’re listening to the latest hit or an old favorite, Apple Music aims to deliver a deep and immersive sound experience to every listener.

Apple Music Vs Spotify: Platform Compatibility

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Spotify

Spotify makes sure you can take your music with you wherever you go, no matter if you use an iPhone, Android, Windows PC, or macOS. It doesn’t stop there, Spotify also works with various devices and smart speakers, turning your home into a place filled with music. It’s like having your favorite DJ follow you around, making sure the music stays great in every room.

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Apple Music

Apple Music is designed to fit well into the Apple family. It works smoothly with iOS, macOS, and Apple Watch, creating a seamless experience for Apple users. 
While it might be your favorite music app on your iPhone or MacBook, it’s more focused on working best with Apple devices. If you use non-Apple gadgets, you might not get the same special treatment, but if you’re all about Apple products, the smooth connection between your devices is like musical harmony.

Apple Music Vs Spotify:  Offline Listening and Downloads

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Spotify

Spotify lets Premium users listen to their playlists without needing an internet connection, making it a great travel companion for flights, road trips, or subway rides. However, there are some rules to follow, like download limits and storage space. 
Think of it like a backpack that can only hold a certain amount of music. So, choose your playlist wisely, and enjoy the music even without an internet connection!

apple music logo

Apple Music

For Apple Music subscribers, the perk of listening offline is available to everyone, not just Premium users. It’s like giving backstage passes to the whole audience with no one left out. Whether you’re on an individual, family, or student plan, you can download your favorite songs without any limits. It’s a musical free-for-all, download as much as you want, and let your offline music collection be endless.

Apple Music Vs Spotify: Radio and Curated Playlists

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Spotify

Spotify makes your music experience unique by creating playlists and giving recommendations based on your preferences. It’s like having your DJ who knows exactly what you like, playing songs that match your mood. Discover Weekly gives you a collection of new tracks, Release Radar keeps you updated on the latest hits, and Spotify Radio creates a dynamic mix based on your favorite artists or songs.

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Apple Music

Apple Music focuses on a more personal touch. Imagine expert curators carefully making playlists that cover various genres and moods. These chosen playlists suit every taste, providing a level of selection that feels like going through a music lover’s record collection.
Its connection with Beats 1 radio station adds extra charm, with real DJs hosting shows and sharing their music finds.

Apple Music Vs Spotify: Social Features and Integration

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Spotify

Spotify makes music a social experience by letting you share your favorite playlists and what you’ve been listening to with friends. It’s like trading virtual mixtapes, where you can show off your music taste and discover new songs from your buddies.
But it goes further that Spotify boosts collaboration with a feature that allows you and your friends to create playlists together. Imagine having a musical brainstorming session, with each person adding tracks to make the ultimate shared soundtrack.

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Apple Music

Apple Music is a bit more low-key in the social scene, focusing on its Connect feature. While it might not have as many social features, Connect provides a space where artists and listeners can connect, creating a more personal link between musicians and their fans. 
Apple Music works well with all Apple devices, fitting seamlessly into the broader Apple family. So, even though the social aspects are subtle, the smooth connection between your

Apple Music Vs Spotify: Trial Periods and Promotions

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Spotify

Spotify gives you two trial options to dive into the world of music. First, there’s the free version with ads, allowing you to try out the rhythm without paying anything. If you’re ready for a louder experience, Spotify Premium offers trial periods that feel like an exclusive backstage pass to a concert.
Imagine enjoying uninterrupted, high-quality music for a limited time. It’s like getting a sneak peek into the VIP section of the music world. To make it even better, Spotify offers seasonal promotions and discounts, making it feel like a music festival where tickets are always available.

apple music logo

Apple Music

Apple Music welcomes new users with a free trial, creating a friendly space for those eager to explore its musical offerings. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the Apple Music experience, where you can enjoy a premium trial period for free. 
Apple sometimes takes the spotlight with promotions and bundled offerings, adding extra excitement to your musical journey. So, whether you’re enjoying Spotify vs Apple Music melody, trial periods and promotions make sure that the world of music is easily accessible.

Drawbacks: Spotify vs Apple Music users

For people getting into Spotify and Apple Music, some downsides mix convenience with emotional trade-offs. One major issue is the user experience. Spotify, known for its huge library and playlists, has ads in the free version that can be annoying for users who want uninterrupted music. 

This makes the free version less attractive. Apple Music has been criticized for being less user-friendly, making it challenging for users to navigate the platform. The emotional connection to music relies on smooth interactions, and these usability problems can take away from the joy of finding and enjoying new songs.

Also, not owning the music is a big drawback. Unlike in the past when people owned CDs or digital files, now users just rent access to a big collection. The emotional bond with their music collection is affected because playlists and favorite songs disappear when a subscription ends. 

Drawbacks

Spotify

Apple Music

Exclusive Content

Limited Exclusive content

Apple Music

Limited Offline Downloads

Limitations in Downloads

Apple Music

Audio Quality Discrepancy

Audio quality varies

Apple Music

Platform compatibility

incompatible with Apple devices

Compatible with all Apple, IOS devices

Frequently Asked Questions 

It depends on your device, if you are an Android user you should go for Spotify but if you are not an Android user then you have to go for Apple Music. But remember, both have their pros and cons.   

Upgrading to Spotify Premium offers benefits such as ad-free listening, offline downloads, higher audio quality, unlimited skips, and on-demand playback. It provides a seamless and enhanced music experience with additional features like Spotify Connect and exclusive content.

Yes, Spotify has a free version with limitations, including ads during playback, no offline downloads, limited skips, and shuffle-only play for some playlists.

Spotify’s Family Plan allows multiple family members to have individual Premium accounts under one subscription, offering ad-free listening, offline downloads, and playlists for each member at a single monthly cost.

Yes, Spotify offers student discounts, providing eligible students with a reduced rate for their Premium subscription.

To Wrap Up

In conclusion, whether you have to go toward Spotify’s social features and recommendations or Apple Music’s exclusive content and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, both platforms contribute to the vibrant world of digital music streaming. The choice of Spotify vs Apple Music ultimately depends on personal preferences, device ecosystems, and the desired user experience.