Apple Music vs. Spotify: Which is the best music streaming service? 

I think the biggest advantage of Spotify is their better cross platform support. Especially on PC

I find Apple Podcasts being in a separate app a non-issue and maybe even a benefit. I don't want my podcasts mixed in with my music in my library.

I want so badly to use Apple Music full time, but Spotify’s snappy user interface and radio algorithm keep me from switching over. The bugginess and lag of Apple Music is inexcusable, especially after the price hike.

I have both but I predominantly use Apple Music. I love the spatial audio, the lyrics layout is so much better, and it’s all around simpler, cutting out many of the confusing aspects of Spotify. Playlist building is a pain though… they should both learn from each other

I’m heavily tied into the Apple ecosystem, but I use Spotify exclusively now. The music discovery and algorithms are so much better, not to mention, I like that the podcasts are included without having to switch to another app. Apple Music’s sound quality is better, though.

I am surprised that you missed Spotify connect & group listening features. They are awesome and leave apple in dust. There are also audiobooks in Spotify in some markets.

Another thing to note is that Apple music gives double as much money to artists than Spotify does. Also, although Spotify apparently has fewer songs, I tend to find obscure artists and songs on Spotify way more often than Apple music. The apple music desktop app for Windows is absolutely atrocious and is missing a ton of features. There is a browser player, but it's not fantastic either. Spotify shows the percentage of music interest that you share with friends, which is neat, and they also offer "mixed" playlists where it'll create a playlist of music that you and your friend would both like. Apple music has a playlist that simply shows what friends are listening to, but it's pretty basic. Finally, Apple music's weekly "new music" (music that it think's you'll like) playlist is pretty bad from my experience. I don't know what Spotify's is like

Spotify play on any device from any device is great. Spotify Enhanced and Recommended tracks for that playlist are good. Even exploring new artists or indie music is also good on Spotify. The best part, it doesn't shut me out of the service 😐 if my premium plan has ended.

Apple Music audio quality is much better than Spotify but Spotify song suggestions is superb

I use RU-vid Premium + Music for the value but I was using Spotify prior to that. Not to mention the ease of access to music videos being a tap away within the app. In addition, I have tried Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music with the latter being the absolute worst and Tidal's sounds good but its library is limited.

I’ve been switching between Spotify and Apple Music on monthly basis, and I don’t know how I can settle with one. Each have unique features that sometimes make me subscribe to both. I love Dolby Atmos on Apple Music but I also love adjusting the EQ on Spotify!

I recently switched from Spotify to Apple music (on android phone) and boy the sound quality is way better in Apple music than spotify premium. I'm from India and initially few old regional songs were missing but Apple definitely worked on improving the catalogue and they now appear in apple music. I predominantly use wired earphones (1000 rupees one) and the difference is quite evident with more immersive experience and sound quality is top notch. The things i miss out on spotify are song reccos, podcast and collab feature but no big deal if individual music is my predominant need. And Apple offers various download options over wifi and data so its sorted as well. Also, in India, Apple music is cheaper than spotify.

Spotify caters to those that are always looking for something new and want the constant change, whereas Apple Music is like looking and listening at your record collection and deciding which one you want to listen to like a record store.

I’ve used both on iPhone for quite some time but I always seem to ditch Apple Music for Spotify. I “want” to stick with AM, but I just find Spotify far better in many ways; Crossfade, Spotify Connect, playlists, snappier UI and a decent PC app. My only gripe with Spotify is its lack of a light mode option, which I found aesthetically pleasing on AM, but that isn’t enough to make me switch back. AM needs to work on its UI (it’s annoyingly slow), implement crossfade, a Spotify Connect-like feature and a good desktop app (iTunes is just plain old and garbage).

I find Apple Music more user friendly, clean UI, and comfortable to use with. I have been using AM since its launch.... However it doesn't support podcasts unlike spotify. But I use AM mainly because of their compensation with the artist.

Spotify will obviously win due to their free tier. But the fact that they pay lower royalties to artists than Apple does, prevents me from using them. And since Apple Music has a larger catalog and is available on Android now, that’s my preference. I also prefer Apple Music’s curated playlists and Radio channels.

I use both. I must say for me spotify sounds louder and has more bass because of that EQ, however Apple Music is more colorful and visually appealing, and i find it easier to navigate through Apple Music than to navigate through Spotify. If i were to put it in a different light, Apple Music feels more fancy and appealing visually while spotify is more geto but packs a bigger punch in sound. I understand people are saying that Spotify is good at recommending playlists and creating playlists for you, personally, I disagree. In my experience, Apple has done a great job in suggesting a wide variety of different types of genres and playlists for me. And I enjoy exploring more music and genres through Apple, rather than Spotify . Spotify feels very limited and how much you can explore in their homepage and stuff with Apple. It’s limitless. Almost for me. I can get lost in in so many tabs they offer to explore because the creativity they offer in playlist genres is endless. I’ve been trying hard to vibe with exploring Spotify, but they are just not visually appealing to me and I’m all about visuals lol. Don’t get me wrong. I do like Spotify a lot. For instance, I like how Spotify is definitely better at suggesting music on the spot other than apple. They are definitely better at thinking on the spot when you want to discover new music on the spot. They definitely have it better. However, I find editing playlist on Apple Music a lot more easier and less of a pain then to edit on Spotify. I say this because when you edit a playlist in Apple, it still keeps the album art visible as you move songs around, whereas we Spotify the album art disappears and it’s just a bunch of words do you have to read in order to find the song that you want to move. Again, it’s a visual thing that Apple is smart with. I’m a very visual person so it helps to still see the album cover when I’m editing stuff. And I also love how you can play a song next, interrupting any cue that you have with Apple razz with Spotify you can add stuff to the queue. However, if you want to do the play next right away, you have to manually go in and move the song up to play next. One thing I notice that I’m very surprised about is that Spotify is a lot more smoother and gentle when it comes to controlling your music and playing other tracks. Spotify is a lot faster than Apple. Apple has delays when you play music. I’ve noticed Spotify has a Crossfade which is really nice to add and apply and edit as you’re playing music in your queue . Really wish Apple had that but they do not. I love the moving visuals on Spotify for selected songs. I guess to top that Apple carries music videos, which Spotify does not again it varies. Apple, of course has the special audio and lossless and other features that you can enjoy on Bluetooth devices, whether headphones or speakers, that of course you can’t really enjoy her access with Spotify. Plus I use an apple iPhone, and with using Apple devices, it raises more intriguing features that Spotify just can’t do. It’s really hard to choose so I decided to keep both because I love the loudness and the deeper bass on Spotify and the Crossfade effect, EQ and all. But as an apple lover, an apple user, it’s impossible for me to completely cut things off with Apple Music because I’ve been with them since I was a child plus they are just so visually appealing to me fun to explore in, every time I’m in there for you tab or home tab or genres you name it I feel like I’m in Disneyland. Everything is colorful and there’s so much to explore and view. I just love it. Plus Apple I feel as well I’m better at creating playlists for you. If you really dig dig dig, you can find some really cool stuff that they offer for you. People always say apples terrible at that but I think they’re wrong you just have to dig dig and explore and you’ll find the gold that they have for you. I’ve been trying to find this in Spotify and I just don’t lol. I know they’re the best out there now, but I just don’t find playlists that are as good as Apple when it comes to Apple auto generating, specifically playlists for you and helping you discover new playlists, similar or non-similar. Course when it comes to songs on the spot, Spotify is better at doing that, I will admit. Also, another pro to Spotify I like how you can interact with your friends more then on Apple Music, such as the blend feature collaborating with other friends to make a playlist like that’s really cool, I love that. I wish Apple has that the closest they have is just a feature that combines what you and all your friends are listening to N2 one playlist. And they also add avatars to them which is kind of cool. But yeah, all in all for me personally Spotify, an apple weigh the same and I can’t just choose one over the other so I’m using both. If there’s one thing I can’t deny is that Spotify is probably the most popular streaming service almost all my friends are on there and I want to be connected to my friends but I don’t wanna let go of Apple lol so the popularity pushed it, as well as the EQ and features that follow that..

i’ll switch back to spotify once they add homepod support. for now, i’m on apple music.

I’ve tried Apple Music for a long time, trying to get into it and ditch Spotify, but it’s been impossible so far. Having my favorite podcasts and better recommendations is a must. Apple Music forces me to listen to pop music for some way. Sound quality? I really can’t tell the difference between both 🤷🏻

I've invested so much time into Spotify to switch. Used the free trial from apple and wasn't impressed. Spotify will work on anything with a screen and speaker which is so convenient. The Discover weekly has found songs that I completely forgotten about. And I use the Daily mixes and release radar frequently.

Apple Music is my choice because of lossless streaming.

I’ve used Spotify for years but I’m thinking of jumping to Apple for better audio quality. I’m IOS through and through and part of this decision process is HomePod(s) for great (maybe) sound around the house. Oh what to do! Good to see in another comment there is an app to migrate my playlists 👍

One thing that Apple Music very conveniently leaves out is that if you cancel their services for even a month, you’re entire playlists disappear. You would have to add every song all over again. Spotify at least keeps them if you want a break

The main reason I choose Spotify is having your Music/Podcasts all in the same place and the weekly music suggestions/release's, which Spotify does a lot better. But also the Spotify UI is hands down just better and less laggy than Apple music. Also supporting Apple is like supporting Amazon these days. No thanks. Competition is a good thing.

I am deep in the apple ecosystem with an iphone, macbook, and airpods pro but I prefer Spotify because of remote group sessions, cross platform support, the discovery algorithm, building playlists with friends, and the iconic Spotify wrapped. I've tried apple music and of course it feels more optimized and in some ways looks better (like the lyrics screen) but I keep gravitating back to spotify. I will say the biggest pull to apple music is the spatial audio with airpods pro, it sounds incredible. Fortunately it works with the spotify app on iphone but not with the spotify app on mac 😢 but I found a workaround using the spotify web version on safari lol

I’ve tried both services and I’ve flopped back and forth between them. I have to hand it to spotify for having better device availability and better PC integration, but Apple Music excels everywhere else for me honestly. With my Apple One Premier plan, I find better value compared to nearly *every* other music streaming service; Radio shows are my SiriusXM, and Stations are my Pandora. However, I DO wish that Apple Music had better recommendations when it comes to finding music. Sometimes it’s like they don’t even try, whereas with Spotify, I found a lot of songs I liked. I think that even with the $1 increase that Apple Music has, it still feels worth it today. Spotify may be able to integrate with discord and have an amazing PC app but overall the service is REALLY subpar. Nearly every other music service is learning to move forward and Spotify is one of the ones still trailing behind. Hopefully, when the service does get it’s needed upgrades, this could get competitive, but other than that, Apple Music is definitely my #1.

I would love to switch to apple music as I love how the UI looks, but some things keep me from doing so. Like even though the interface is really beautiful on Apple music it is still laggy and hinders the user experience. Also, I like how you can just like a song with one simple button and it gets added to a playlist, or library and gets downloaded automatically but I have to take several steps to do the same thing on Apple Music. Also as a PC user iTunes sucks, the UI is just outdated and laggy to the point it makes my blood boil. So yeah I think Apple has a lot of grounds to cover.

I tried throwing my money at Spotify but the payments didn’t go through so I guess I’m an Apple Music person now.

I'm an Iphone, Airpod Pro, and Apple Watch user. Apple Music through Apple One, is the way to go for sure. Tried both. Apple Music sounds so much better. Features I actually care for. Social features don't matter to me at all.

I'm using both, but I am currently leaning towards Apple Music because of the Lossless audio.

YT Music has the smoothest and snappiest app along with the largest library of any streaming service. It's fast and seamless being used to which I find it painfully slow to use any other streaming app. They are slow as hell.

I used Spotify for years when I had android. But after switching back to iPhone and purchasing Airpods Pro 2 thought I'd give Apple Music a try. Quality is a tad better it seems with Airpods. But the reason I prefer AM over Spotify is mainly is that Artists are paid less through Spotify. I'd rather pay a dollar or two more knowing the artists I enjoy benefit from my decision

Yeah about that Apple Music EQ. On the Mac the EQ includes sliding frequency fields for both presets and manual manipulation. Takes H-Res Lossless audio to a stratospheric level pulling the best musical balance out of your system. If people took the time to methodically assemble a proper stand alone surround sound home theater system optically or HDMI linked to an iMac they'd feel the full effect of Hi-Res Lossless unencumbered by compromise.

if you have a mac and apple music, you can add literally any audio file you want to your library and it will upload to any other device you have your apple music account logged in

Been on Spotify when it was available in the Philippines and I had my iPod Touch that time. Still using it today. I do wanna try Apple Music since I do have an iPhone X as well.

i used spotify for years but then switched into apple because i was getting more seriously into music and its night and day better for me, the interface and dolby atmos make it amazing

I used to be spotify but i let it expire and decided im going to try out Apple Music Free Trial and its so good. Literally night and day with quality and spatial audio. With that said, my Apple Music Trial is over and has since moved on to the worst and best of the bunch which is RU-vid Music. Yes RU-vid Music is the worst one, but what makes it so good is the fact that it includes RU-vid Premium and watching RU-vid with no ads makes all the difference.

I am more of an Apple Music person. I used to purchase music during my teen years. But now, I can stream tons of music.

Just Received a new set of airpods for Christmas so I'm gonna try apple but I am die hard Spotify user.I can say I have discovered so many new artists using Spotify and it's been great!

It’s about what you looking for. For me it’s always gonna be Spotify. Because they have more organised way of making playlist. A lot of recommendations. Unlike Apple Music which is boring and very specific.

i have youtube music because it’s free with youtube premium and honestly I like it much better than apple music as I have access to all the remixed types of music people upload to youtube, like reverbed and sped up songs from tiktok

Spotify on desktop app used to let you play any song for free (with ads) and build playlists. I started my playlists in 2012 and will continue. I still use apple music interface because I download my music to my iphone and my biggest pet peeve is not being able to switch tracks by swiping on the album artwork, its actually unbelievable that you cant do that.

I have Spotify Premium and RU-vid Premium, and I prefer RU-vid Premium for the main purpose of downloading the songs for offline listening.

I like using Apple Music more than Spotify. Yeah Apple’s UI can be laggy and slow but the audio quality makes up for it.

I tried Apple Music just recently and I am very impressed. Im leaving Spotify and move to Apple.

I know it's been a month, and it's a head to head comparison but, FYI all, Apple Music has a videos Feature. Basically a mini RU-vid.

RU-vid Music is the best. It comes with RU-vid Premium. That’s two for one. No ads on RU-vid, and an awesome music streaming service.

RU-vid Music... Having ytm means NO ads on RU-vid. That trumps all.

I switched to Apple Music. I was used to spotify’s recomendarían algorithm but Apple Music is convienent since it is included with Apple One and cheaper too. It took several months but i got used to Apple Music and would not return to spotify

Been using Apple Music since it launched been happy with it so far also the Dolby atmos is a complete game changer

I’ve been using Apple Music for 3 years and in 2021 I tried Spotify and hated it and then I still used Apple Music but in the end of 2022 I switched to Spotify and today I’m using both because I miss Apple Music

Apple has better library organization because It's same with iTunes but like everyone said, Spotify's algorhythm is superior!

One of the most underrated aspects of AM is the social aspect. Love seeing who adds & listens to my playlists

You didn't mention one of the main points of the music services which is the music suggestion algorithm and this is a clear win for Spotify. Also Apple says that they have 100m songs, but in the regions out of US there are a lot of songs and albums that are locked so in reality the catalog is smaller. Apple Music in my opinion have only one advantage that is the cleaner and more modern UI.

I use both, but I have my own ways, I use Spotify for free here and there, and Apple Music when I am offline, but I use both for free, how? Spotify of course for free, but I download the music to my iPhone for Apple Music, so if I need to save my cellular data and/or have a lack or no internet connection, I can just rely on the saved free music on Apple Music

Used Spotify for 4 years. I recently switched to Apple Music, I haven't looked back. Lyrics work better on Apple Music, I prefer the organization of the albums on Apple Music when visiting an artist. The interface gives more prominence to album covers, and even has covers with animated art. The way lists are presented and released. I prefer Apple Music's New Music list content, it seems to be better curated, Spotify suggests songs in foreign languages. Apple acquired Primephonic and has the largest catalog of classical music. For those who have good equipment, there is lossless audio and spatial audio. I don't miss the hand off at all, sometimes it even irritated me. Spotify is polluted with podcasts.

Thanks for the comparison! It really resonates with me as I feel the same way as described in the video. We as family subscribe to Spotify Family for cross platform user base (we have 4 Apple and 2 Android users). I also listen to podcasts most of the time, so Spotify’s easy user interface for podcast is my choice. Not gonna lie, I do really enjoy apple music’s Spacial Audio on my AirPod during the free trial.

The integration with shortcuts for apple music and being able to make smart playlists make apple music the only option for me.

I use Apple Music, Spotify, google music and Deezer they all offer different small differences

I LOVED Spotify during my student period, but since it's only limited to 3 or 4 years, I had to to switch to Apple Music and since then I still pay 5 Euros....so it's worth the price APPLE MUSIC

I use Spotify first when I started to listen to music and I did like it a lot by how us the listener can costumise the audio of our music and more, then I switched to Apple Music and it was as good as Spotify, in my opinion both are super good and I wish I could use both of them each day, I have no complaints I love them but I currently have been using Apple Music because I’m in the apple cycle 🔁 😂

Search and recommendations are better on Spotify. Streaming quality is the best on apple music(only if you use wired earphones) but it consumes a lot of data, i mean a lot! Tidal also has a good quality, very similar to apple music. I prefer apple music because of the quality. Once you get used to that quality, there is no going back.

Spotify user here. My main smartphone is an iPhone, and recently I bought myself a pair of AirPods to get better connectivity with my other Apple devices. Got 6 months of AM for free and decided to give it a try, so I can save some money not paying for premium. I've been using it for a couple of days and I already can tell that UI looks so much better and doesn't feel outdated like the Spotify does. The only pain that I'm currently going through is transfering all of my playlists to a dfiferent platfrom, but the overall experience has been mostly positive. I can see myself completely ditching Spotify, but I can't tell for sure rn

can you compare these to yt music?

I’m really considering switching from Spotify to Apple Music due to the recent Spotify UI update. I hate it. But I still enjoy the discoverability and the custom EQ

I'm the person who streams more than 33,000+ minutes in 2021 and 2022. I've used Spotify, prime music, and youtube music, But the experience with Spotify is way better than others, especially the playlist and song suggestions. In terms of song recommendation, there is no competition for Spotify. it's a clear winner.

Spotify all the way! My biggest thing is collaborate playlists and how easy it is to discover new (and obscure) music.

Discover weekly and compatibility with non iOS devices is keeps me on Spotify. Plus I've migrated all my podcasts there too now.

I've used both streaming services, i must say that, Apple Music takes this one, because man! The sound quality is so good even in Bluetooth. And feels more premium. Spotify the other hand, is flexible i have it on my pc, and my android. And it can be knocked-off if you don't wanna buy, premium. My friend has it downloaded from Apk. Lol

I switched to Spotify years ago but now considering switching back to Apple Music after finding out about the Dolby Atmos and HiRes Lossless quality features.

i've been using spotify for over 3 years.. istarted using apple music as a change to see how good it is, the sound is much better cuz of apple's lossless audio, but apple music doesn't have as much music as spotify and the cross platform support is trash even itunes on pc is as slow as a 2009 os.

RU-vid music spot on for what I like and suggestions- Spotify far to clutter- Apple Music just push what they want you to listen to I mean if I wanna listen to Rihanna I would go and search it.

I can agree that Spotify is a good choice, although I’m more of an Apple Music person I can see why the benefits of Spotify catch people’s eye. Apple Music has been my choice for listening for years, and I can't ever see myself switching to Spotify. Making playlists on Apple Music is so much easier than on Spotify imo simply because of the library feature and how much easier it is to navigate. But despite that I have nothing against Spotify. I don’t think we should discriminate against music streaming services of all things, it doesn’t really make sense.

Apple 1 radio and couple of other radio shows are amazing! ♥️

Apple one bundle is the one that prevents me from migrating to spotify

honestly, the only reason i use spotify is because my friends do, as well, so i can see what they're listening to. also spotify has a good user interface

App Usability and layout is absolutely Spotify. Library abilities given the uploading of your own music as well as using the streaming service Apple Music wins by a million miles.

I’ve used both and I like Spotify for the amount of songs they offer, but when it comes to sound I prefer Apple Music

Apple music since i switched from Samsung to Iphone. It works much better it has better audio quality. I like it.

I habe both, Spotify premium and Apple Music. I can say Spotify is a lot cheaper than Apple Music but for a good reason, but as a student I get student discounts, what i like about Apple Music is that when I use it it just sounds so much better than Spotify with my AirPods Pro 2 and the maxes, maybe because of the spatial audio and the Dolby Atmos Apple Music offers. Most of the time I just use Apple Music and the only time i use my Spotify is on my laptop.

This is not a social network, the main purpose is to listen to music and Apple Music has better audio quality and more songs, the decision is easy

Apple Music is great for my phone but on desktop, regardless of Windows or Mac, I'll go Spotify because it's more refined and up to date in terms of UI

I prefer apple because out of all of the streaming platforms they don't limit you with how many songs you can add and download to a playlist, sound quality is better I feel like apple is for people who know what they like , also music videos are good the lyric format is better on apple

I use free Spotify but if I would pay for a subscription it would be Apple Music because of Apple Music sing and spatial audio. Also I think having a separate app for podcasts is better because Apple Podcasts is also completely free

My job pays for my Spotify. But I pay for Apple Music and to be honest I think both are cool, especially Spotify. I like playing on my Xbox and listening to music on Spotify seamlessly.

Until Apple merges music and podcasts in one app, I won’t be considering switching from Spotify.

Apple Music’s got a much better audio quality, and all my songs sound better on Apple Music. But I love Spotify’s Ui and it’s playlist.

Both have their advantages but I much prefer Spotify for its Discover feature. Also the interface is easier for me.

spotify pros: -sound equlizer in built -more platforms to support(consoles/tv) -more personalized albums -switch up devices quickly -PODCATS spotify cons: -surprisingly little more expensive -lacks of lots of trending musics -spotify made albums stuck at 2019 apple music pros -Better sound quality -Airpods dolby atmos support -able to share play between airpods -better music libary -cheaper apple music cons: -Apple Exclusive (duh) -bigger music download files -podcast is different app ( subscription is separate)

Even so, when recommending streaming music software to others, I still recommend Spotify, because the operating logic and design of Apple Music seem to be more suitable for "outdated old users" like me

Apple Music does let you choose download quality, but it is a global setting for all downloads. Settings > Music > Audio Quality. The settings screen also has EQ, Dolby Atmos, and streaming quality.

Went with Apple Music from Spotify due to the Family plan for iCloud, does lack the PC angle, but I listen mainly off my iphone. I hear Tidal is best for Hi-Fi quality

DJ here. Apple Music. Hands down. If I want to preview an album then purchase it I can. I also have Apple's all inclusive plan (music, gaming, storage) for family so it makes better sense.

and then there’s me, using apple music because it’s included in my phone plan (which is really amazing)

one feature i miss on apple music is the variety of the same song like different covers. lets say i want to listen to a orchestral cover of a avicii song. i can’t fail that on apple music

SoundCloud? 🤷‍♂️ always the one for me

I have subscription of multiple music streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YT music, and from all of these apps I mainly use AM and Spotify.. currently I’m using Apple Music for past few months because it sounds better on my AirPods Pro but honestly I like Spotify more because of because it has better music recommendations and it’s simpler to use, also it has better app for windows.

There is one little thing that i miss on Apple Music and that is a Sleep Timer.

I use Apple Music with lossless hifi with dac and hybrids monitors headphones they are very loud but you don’t need to much volume because it’s sounds so amazing the sound is so crispy reminds me of CD quality’s and I usually have AirPods Pro and max spatial audio it’s also a whole new experience I love it I tried Spotify but they never give me the experience Apple Music has I use to love Spotify but after new updates with loss less hifi and spatial audio I tried it and I just stayed with Apple music it’s just to good now

Been using Spotify for years and recently tried apple music but I don't see myself switching