Spotify and Apple Music are two of the most dominant platforms available today. Both services offer vast libraries, exclusive content, and unique features, but they also have distinct differences that cater to various user preferences. Let’s dive into those differences so that you may be able to make a more informed decision on which service is right for you.
Library Size and Content
You shouldn’t be concerned about finding the music you love on either service. Spotify and Apple have extensive libraries and helpful tools that allow you to discover new music consistently. In terms of specific content, you may prefer Spotify for its plethora of user-made playlists and more advanced personalized recommendations. What I like most about Spotify is just searching a very niche subgenre and finding out someone made a public playlist with tons of new artists in the same style. I can search things like “Apocalyptic Post Rock,” or “Doom Jazz,” and I’ll be able to find out if someone knew the sound I was trying to describe.
With Apple Music, you’ll find more professionally curated playlists from people in the industry. While the social community isn’t as active as Spotify, many artists have made exclusive deals to release content for Apple Music. If you love DJ mixes, you can find exclusive sets on Apple Music from “Boiler Room,” and their more recent deal with “The Warehouse Project.” This content also included spatial audio tracks in Dolby Atmos, which Spotify has yet to implement as of writing this.
User Interface and Experience
Spotify’s UI has changed a lot over the years, but a few things remain consistent. For starters, Spotify has always been very easy to navigate. There are a ton of discoverability tools right there in front of you without needing to leave your home page. It acts more like a social media feed in that way, which you might be more accustomed to. Their Algorithm feels more personalized to you, and you might find tons of benefits from that.
The user experience for Apple Music is perfect for people who already own Apple products. Its seamless integration should be no sweat on iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. However, those not using Apple products won’t find the same streamlined interface. You can still find good suggestions based on your listening habits, but it doesn’t feel as unique as Spotify’s method.
Pricing and Plans
Comparing Spotify and Apple Music’s individual and student plans, you’ll find that they’re almost the same. With Spotify being $11.99 and Apple Music being $10.99, there’s only a slight difference as far as their individual plans go. Their Student plans are both $5.99 a month as well. It should be noted that Spotify’s price point also includes 15 hours of audiobook listening time per month, which may or may not make a difference for you.
Audio Quality
As of writing this, Spotify has yet to implement lossless and hi-res audio, which I consider a major shortcoming of the platform. Its highest streaming quality is 320kbps, which is still compressed. Meanwhile, Apple Music features full CD-quality audio and hi-res up to 24bit 192kHz. If you’re primarily using Bluetooth headphones or true wireless earbuds to listen to music, you might not notice the difference in quality. Those who use wired headphones and earphones might notice the difference more, especially with an upgraded DAC. If you read this website for our reviews and are entwined in the world of high-quality headphones, you’ll definitely find more use in Apple Music’s streaming fidelity compared to Spotify’s.
Final Recommendation
When deciding between Spotify and Apple Music, consider your individual preferences. Spotify is a good option if you appreciate a wide variety of curated playlists, personalized recommendations, and enjoy a free tier option. The intuitive interface and social features also make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy sharing music experiences. Opt for Apple Music if you’re deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and prioritize audio quality with lossless streaming. The exclusive artist content and organized library may also be attractive for dedicated music lovers.
Ultimately, both platforms offer immense value, and the best choice depends on your listening habits and ecosystem preferences. Consider taking advantage of their free trials to see which service resonates with you more deeply.
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