Spotify and Apple Music boast extensive music catalogs, but discerning between the two is no easy task due to their contrasting nature. Currently, there isn't a clear victor in the Apple Music vs. Spotify debate – it's a challenge to definitively claim superiority for either platform. This article delves into the key disparities between Spotify and Apple Music, aiding your decision if you're pondering which streaming service to choose.
As of August 2022, only Apple Music delivers an exceptional audiophile-grade streaming experience. While Spotify announced its Spotify HiFi tier in February 2021, the release has been delayed with no definite timeline. In contrast, Apple Music has recently introduced high-resolution streaming options at no additional cost. Users can now enjoy 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/48kHz, and 24-bit/192kHz audio, as well as Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos content. Apple Music utilizes the AAC audio format for streaming, ensuring efficient and high-quality playback.
When it comes to music libraries, Apple Music stands out. Boasting a vast collection of over 60 million songs, you'll find tracks from your favorite artists as well as undiscovered talent. Moreover, Apple Music excels in securing exclusive deals with renowned artists like Drake and Taylor Swift, releasing content before anyone else. This exclusivity is made possible by Apple's paid-only service, where users enjoy a three-month free trial before subscribing. Additionally, Apple Music offers on-demand radio shows, including Apple Music 1.
While Apple Music offers an impressive range of content, Spotify's music catalog is even more extensive, with over 80 million songs and an impressive daily addition of around 40,000 tracks. What sets Spotify apart is its inclusion of podcasts, with over 4 million titles available. Moreover, Apple, though lacking podcast support in Apple Music, provides a separate platform called Apple Podcasts, freely accessible to all Apple device owners.
While Spotify's features are superior to Apple Music in some aspects, they are both subject to one big problem: regional restrictions. If you want to get the best streaming experience, you need to learn how to unlock the music on different streaming services. To make songs available, you need to install VeePN and change your IP address. This applies to both streaming services, as they will limit your library depending on your location and copyright terms.
Consumers widely recognize Spotify for its unparalleled ability to recommend songs based on individual listening history. While Apple Music's human-curated Stations offer some exposure to new music, it fails to match the enchantment of Spotify's recommendation algorithms.
Through continuous refinement, Spotify has perfected its algorithms to facilitate music discovery tailored to personal preferences. After each playlist, users are presented with suggestions for new songs based on their existing selections. Additionally, custom playlists like Discover Weekly are generated automatically, offering hours of fresh music aligned with listening patterns.
Apple Music, on the other hand, has recently introduced an upgraded Listen Now tab that closely resembles the interface of Spotify. This tab replaces the outdated "For You" page, providing an intuitive and streamlined experience for song recommendations based on listening habits.
Spotify is recognized as one of the leading music streaming services, offering a range of plans that cater to different needs. Starting with the ad-supported plan, which allows you to sign up and use Spotify for free, there are also three paid options available.
The Standard plan, priced at $10.99 per month, provides access to all the features of Spotify. Additionally, there is the Duo plan, priced at $14.99 per month, which is designed for two people living at the same address. Finally, the Family plan, priced at $16.99 per month, offers access to multiple accounts for family members. With the Family plan, you also have the option to access Spotify Kids.
In contrast, Apple Music does not offer a free plan. The available plans include Apple Music Voice, which starts at $4.99 per month but has some limitations. The Standard plan is priced at $10.99 per month, and the Family plan, which allows multiple users, is priced at $16.99 per month. Apple Music also offers a student plan at $5.99 per month, which includes Apple TV+ for free.
In summary, both platforms excel as streaming services. However, to make the right choice, take into consideration the devices you use, desired features, and even your budget. While most users will find Spotify to be their best option, Apple enthusiasts may find that Apple Music offers a better value with its unique features.
