Spotify vs. Apple Music: Which is the Best Streaming Music App?

While Spotify and Apple Music provide comparable music libraries and features, delving into the key distinctions that set these platforms apart is worth delving into. Continue reading to uncover the details.

Both Spotify and Apple Music offer extensive and comparable music collections, but selecting between the two is not accessible due to their unique attributes. There isn’t any definitive champion in the ongoing clash between Apple Music and Spotify. Determining whether Spotify outshines Apple Music or vice versa presents a challenging decision.

In this article, we discuss the critical differences between Resso Music, Spotify, and Apple Music to help you determine the better option if you’re considering picking one as your music streaming service.

Spotify vs. Apple Music Quality: Which Streaming Service Has Better Sound Quality?

When comparing Spotify and Apple Music, an important distinction is in sound quality. Spotify offers a top audio streaming quality of 320kbps, (known as “Very High”).

Nevertheless, there are also choices for lower-quality sound, such as 24kbit/s (Low), 96kbit/s (Normal), and 160kbit/s (High). These options come in handy if you’re looking to conserve data. Even though Spotify was slower to embrace higher sound quality, it’s been making progress. They’ve introduced a special plan called Spotify HiFi, focused on delivering lossless audio, starting from 2021.

Apple Music takes the lead in streaming quality, supporting an impressive 24-bit/192kHz. This makes it a top choice for music enthusiasts who value high-quality sound. However, there’s a small requirement: to enjoy Apple Music’s hi-res lossless audio on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you’ll need a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and good wired headphones or speakers.

Apple Music offers various sound quality choices, including 16-bit/44.1kHz and 24-bit/48kHz. For data-saving purposes, there’s also a 256kbps option.

Moreover, Apple Music features Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos technology, enhancing the audio with surround sound effects akin to a cinematic experience.

Spotify vs. Apple Music: Music Discovery and Recommendations

Both Spotify and Apple Music provide various ways to explore new music. On Spotify, you can uncover fresh tracks through six Daily Mix playlists tailored to your musical preferences, as well as playlists like Top Artist, Genre, Mood, and Decade Mix.

You’ll also find a Discover Weekly playlist and a special Release Radar playlist that features new music from artists you follow or might enjoy. The home tab is filled with personalized suggestions, while Spotify’s Made for You tab is where you can locate music tailored just for you.

Within the Made For You tab, there’s a section called Uniquely Yours, which houses an AI-powered DJ feature. You’ll also discover a Time Capsule playlist featuring your favorite tracks, current favorites, and past repeat plays. If you need help accessing Spotify’s AI DJ, you can refer to our article on the topic.

Moreover, Spotify offers suggestions for adding music to your own playlists with just one tap. These suggestions are based on the songs you’ve already included.

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Spotify vs. Apple Music: Which Platform Offers the Best Content?

Spotify offers more than just a vast music collection of over 82 million songs. You can also enjoy podcasts and audiobooks on the platform. In contrast, Apple Music has a primary focus on music, boasting a collection of over 100 million songs.

Additionally, its content library features live broadcast radio stations from around the world that you can tune into whenever you like. However, it’s important to note that if you’re interested in listening to audiobooks or podcasts, you’ll need to use Apple Books or Apple Podcasts, respectively.

Apple Music also offers distinct digital radio stations and shows that are exclusive to the platform, including some hosted by well-known artists and radio personalities. Moreover, Apple Music includes videos, including live performance videos that you might not come across elsewhere.

On the flip side, Apple Music delivers customized music experiences through the Listen Now and Browse tabs. These sections offer mixes, playlists, songs, albums, and stations that provide a continuous stream of personalized music. Among Apple Music’s personalized playlists are Favorites, Get Up!, Chill, and New Music mixes.

In the Listen Now tab, you’ll also find a “Stations for You” area featuring [Your Name]’s Station, Discovery Station, and artist stations tailored to your listening patterns. These stations and playlists simplify the process of uncovering new music on Apple Music. It’s worth noting that Apple Music’s Discovery Station is designed precisely for this purpose, so giving it a listen is recommended.

Both services employ impressive personalization algorithms, but Spotify’s recommendation algorithm is widely regarded as the finest in the music streaming field.

Spotify vs. Apple Music: Availability

Both platforms are accessible on iOS, macOS, iPadOS, Android, and Windows. Additionally, you can stream through the web and various other platforms. Notably, Spotify holds an advantage over Apple Music in terms of availability across a broader range of platforms, spanning from Linux to smart TV operating systems, game consoles, smart speakers, and beyond.

Given its early entry into the industry, Spotify is more commonly found on specific platforms compared to Apple Music, which initially focused on Apple devices. Furthermore, Spotify ensures a uniform streaming experience across various platforms, which isn’t always the case with Apple Music.

Spotify vs. Apple Music 2023: What’s the Music Streaming Experience Like?

When comparing the streaming experiences of Spotify and Apple Music, Spotify stands out as notably superior. For instance, with Spotify, you can control music playing on one device using another device, a feature made possible by Spotify Connect.

Spotify Connect makes it easy to smoothly transition audio between devices. For instance, you can go from listening on your phone’s speakers to your TV, given they’re on the same network.

Unlike Spotify Connect, Apple Music lacks the capability to seamlessly shift audio between devices like an iPhone and a MacBook. Apple Music’s audio handoff is limited to certain scenarios, such as transferring audio to a HomePod using AirPlay, typically between Apple devices. This feature allows you to control audio on the HomePod using other Apple devices.

However, in contrast to Spotify, attempting to play music simultaneously on different Apple devices won’t result in synchronized playback. Instead, each session remains distinct, although your listening history remains unified.

Spotify has also focused on social aspects, enhancing the experience of listening to and sharing music with friends. For example, you can craft collaborative playlists and utilize Blend, a feature enabling you to invite others and craft playlists that merge your individual music preferences. Additionally, I’ve observed that Spotify’s app boasts a more user-friendly interface than Apple’s across various platforms.

Considering this, if you’re not particularly fond of Apple’s ecosystem, Spotify provides more comprehensive multiplatform support and a superior streaming experience. While Apple Music is well-tailored to Apple devices, it doesn’t match the intuitive streaming experience offered by Spotify.

Spotify vs. Apple Music User Interface:

Spotify
Many users praise Spotify for its user-friendly and intuitive interface. It’s known for its easy navigation and personalized playlists, such as Discover Weekly and Release Radar.

Apple Music:
Apple Music’s interface is well-integrated into the Apple ecosystem and offers a clean and polished design. It has features like curated playlists and radio stations

Spotify vs. Apple Music: Price Details

Starting with its status as a top-notch free music streaming service, you can readily sign up and begin using Spotify through its ad-supported plan. For those seeking enhanced features, Spotify offers three paid subscription tiers:

Standard ($10.99/month), Duo ($14.99/month), and Family ($16.99/month), which also grants access to Spotify Kids. Additionally, students can enjoy a special discount at $5.99/month, which comes with access to Hulu (With Ads).

Contrastingly, Apple Music doesn’t offer a free plan. Their most affordable option is Apple Music Voice, starting at $4.99/month, albeit with certain limitations. The next tier is the Standard plan ($10.99/month), followed by the Family plan ($16.99/month). Additionally, Apple provides a budget-friendly student plan at $5.99/month, which also includes complimentary access to Apple TV+.

For Spotify’s Family and Duo plans, all members must live at the same address. On the other hand, Apple Music’s Family plan only requires that all members have the same region set in iTunes.

Spotify vs. Apple Music: At a glance

Unique Features Across Spotify and Apple Music

Spotify brings exclusive features like purchasing audiobooks, enjoying video podcasts, and crafting collaborative playlists with friends. Additionally, you’ll find unique live performance recordings by artists, and the ability to upload and listen to your own songs on the platform.

Apple Music offers several exceptional features that set it apart from Spotify. These encompass Apple Music Sing, Top Charts which displays global and city-specific top music, and the capability to listen to music collectively through SharePlay while engaged in a FaceTime call.

Furthermore, there’s an array of content like music videos (including a 24-hour livestream of popular music videos), mini-documentaries, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and even live performances available in both audio and video formats. Additionally, if you’re subscribed to any of Apple Music’s plans (excluding the Voice plan), you gain access to the Apple Music Classical app, which is dedicated to classical music.

Should You Get Spotify or Apple Music?

Comparing the two, Apple Music excels in sound quality, boasts numerous exclusive features, and encompasses music videos, broadcast radio, and shows. On the other hand, Spotify not only offers music but also audiobooks and podcasts, presents a free plan option, is compatible with more platforms, and boasts stronger social features. When it comes to streaming, Spotify stands out for its superior experience and a more advanced recommendation algorithm.

Spotify vs. Apple Music: Scorecard

Conclusion

Both platforms provide exceptional streaming services. To decide which is best for you, take into account the devices you use, the features you prefer, and even your budget.

For most people, Spotify is likely the preferable choice. However, if you’re a fan of Apple products, you might discover that Apple Music and its array of features offer a better value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spotify vs. Apple Music?