Apple Music vs. Spotify: Which Music Streaming Platform Is Right for You?
Apple Music and Spotify are two of the most popular music streaming services available. Both platforms offer a vast selection of music, playlists and exclusive content.
However, there are differences between the two that may make the other more appealing. This article discusses some things you might want to consider when deciding which platform is right for you.
Music Library
Apple Music boasts a library of over 100 million songs. This library includes exclusive content such as Apple Music 1 radio and Beats 1 shows. In addition to music, Apple Music also offers music videos, documentaries, and exclusive live events.
Spotify has a library of over 70 million songs and is known for its strong curation and personalized playlists. Spotify also offers a range of about 2 million podcast titles, including exclusive content like The Joe Rogan Experience. Unlike Spotify, Apple Podcasts is a completely different service.
Regarding the type of music available, both platforms offer a diverse range of genres and artists. However, Spotify is popular for its strong recommendation algorithms. It is a good choice if you’re looking for new and emerging artists.
Overall, both Apple Music and Spotify offer a vast selection of music. Each service has unique features perfect for you to listen to music without any trouble.
Ultimately, the choice between the two platforms comes down to personal preference and which library offers the music you enjoy listening to the most.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, both Apple Music and Spotify offer high audio streaming quality. However, there are some differences between the two.
Apple Music used to stream its music at a bitrate of 256kbps in AAC format. This format is the same as the songs people get from iTunes. The whole Apple Music catalog was updated in 2022.
Apple now encodes the music in ALAC, which many consider being high-quality and similar to CD quality. They feature resolutions ranging from 16-bit/44.1kHz to 24-bit/192kHz (hi-res audio quality).
In addition, Apple Music also offers a feature called “Spatial Audio.” This feature should deliver a more immersive listening experience by creating a 3D soundstage.
On the other hand, Spotify streams music at different bit rates. Users can switch the quality between 96, 160, and 320 kbps in the Ogg Vorbis format.
This is also considered high-quality and is slightly better than Apple Music’s bitrate. However, Spotify does not currently offer a dedicated 3D or spatial audio feature.
Both platforms also offer a range of quality settings. This way, users can choose the audio quality based on their internet speed and data usage. Spotify offers three different bitrates for songs, all in the Ogg Vorbis format. However, only Premium customers may access the best quality.
This might change once Spotify’s delayed HiFi tier debuts. Still, Apple Music’s lossless content selection has Spotify beat in terms of resolution and bit rate. Apple Music also features Dolby Atmos, presenting a new sound experience for its users.
Keep in mind that present Bluetooth technology lacks the bandwidth for high-quality music. This does not suggest that headphones and speakers don’t make a difference at normal resolution.
Price
Apple Music offers a 3-month free trial and has three pricing tiers. For an individual plan, the cost is $9.99 per month. A family plan, which includes up to six people, costs $14.99 per month. For a student plan, the cost is $4.99 per month.
Spotify also offers a free 3-month trial and has four pricing tiers. For an individual plan, the cost is $9.99 per month. A family plan, which includes up to six people, costs $14.99 per month.
For a student plan, the cost is $4.99 per month. Spotify also offers a special Duo plan, which costs $12.99 per month. This plan allows two people to have separate accounts under a single plan.
Overall, both Apple Music and Spotify offer similar pricing options for their music streaming service. However, Spotify offers a Duo plan option. This plan allows two people to have their accounts under one plan, which may benefit some users.
User Interface
Apple Music has a sleek, modern interface that fits in with the overall iOS and macOS design. The app is organized into five main tabs: Library, For You, Browse, Radio, and Search.
The Library tab displays all of your saved music, playlists, and recently added items. The For You tab provides personalized recommendations based on your listening habits, while the Browse tab allows you to explore new music and playlists based on genre or theme.
The Radio tab includes a selection of curated radio stations. This makes it easier to pick your favorite radio station. The Search tab allows you to search for specific artists, songs, or albums.
Spotify has a similarly user-friendly interface but a more colorful and dynamic design. The app is organized into four main tabs: Home, Search, Your Library, and Premium.
The Home tab displays personalized recommendations based on your listening habits, while the Search tab allows you to search for specific artists, songs, or playlists.
The Your Library tab includes your saved music, playlists, and recently played items. The Premium tab allows you to manage your premium subscription and access exclusive content.
Supported Devices
Apple Music is available on every Apple device, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The app is pre-installed on these devices, but for non-Apple devices, users can download the from the App Store. Users can also access Apple Music on Windows PCs using iTunes.
On the other hand, Spotify is available on a wider range of devices. These include smartphones and tablets running iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
In addition to mobile devices and computers, Spotify is also compatible with various home devices, including smart speakers, TVs, and game consoles.
Spotify can also be accessed through the desktop app, mobile app, and even web browsers on desktop and mobile devices. Spotify and Apple Music offer integrations with third-party devices and services, such as CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.
However, Apple Music’s integration with Apple devices is generally more seamless and comprehensive. It includes features like Siri voice commands and iCloud Music Library syncing.
Choosing between Apple Music and Spotify will depend on which devices you use most frequently. This makes it easier, as you will have to go with the platform that offers the best integration with those devices.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between Apple Music and Spotify comes down to your preference. Before deciding, consider what’s most important to you, such as the music library, user interface, compatible devices, and price. You can also try out both platforms with free trials to see which one you prefer.
