Is Apple Music better than Spotify?

Is Apple Music better than Spotify? 🎵

The Spotify vs. Apple Music debate is fierce, with both platforms dominating the music streaming market and creating loyal fan bases along the way.

But are they really that different?

This week, we cover:

• How do Spotify and Apple Music compare?

• What sets them apart?

• What about other platforms?

• Final verdict

Read Time: 2.5 minutes

Core Features
What do they offer🔎

Spotify and Apple Music offer similar core features, but each has unique perks that attract loyal users. 

Spotify stands out with its built-in library of podcasts and audiobooks, plus a free ad-supported version for those who don’t want a subscription. With over 80 million tracks, Spotify offers a massive library for music discovery, along with personalized playlists, tailored recommendations, and collaborative features that allow users to jump into ‘jam’ sessions where they can listen to music together on their respective devices.

Apple Music, with a larger catalogue of over 100 million songs, shines with its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. It syncs effortlessly across Apple devices like iPhones, Macs, and HomePods, providing a cohesive experience. For audiophiles, Apple Music offers higher audio quality, including lossless and spatial audio with Dolby Atmos.

What about others?
YouTube and Amazon closing the gap?

YouTube Music and Amazon Music are rising contenders in the streaming space, offering different perks to keep things interesting. YouTube Music stands out with its massive video catalogue, allowing users to enjoy not just songs, but live performances, music videos, and rare tracks.

Amazon Music, on the other hand, integrates smoothly with the Amazon ecosystem, providing great value for Prime members for $9.99/month with an extensive music catalogue at the price of $10.99/month for non-Amazon members. While Apple Music and Spotify lead in curation and user experience, these alternatives are slowly closing the gap by providing features that make it hard for Apple and Spotify to compete with.

The limitations
Great, But Not Perfect 📉

While Spotify and Apple Music dominate the streaming world, they do have their limitations. For one, both platforms rely heavily on internet connectivity for high-quality streaming, making offline listening a crucial feature.

Spotify’s free tier, though appealing, comes with frequent ads and limited skips, which can be frustrating for users who want an uninterrupted experience. Apple Music’s compulsory subscription might also deter some, especially since it lacks a free tier. Additionally, neither platform offers video content like YouTube Music or the deeper integration found in Amazon Music's ecosystem.

Upgrading the platforms
Make Your Premium Pick 💵

When choosing a premium music plan, it’s important to weigh benefits like ad-free listening, offline access, and greater control over your music experience. Spotify Premium ($12.99/month) offers a seamless, personalized experience with perks such as offline listening, ad-free music, and unlimited skips. It’s ideal for users who enjoy uninterrupted music and customization options, including podcasts.

Apple Music, priced slightly lower at $10.99/month, also offers offline listening and ad-free music, making it a more budget-friendly option, especially for those within the Apple ecosystem. While Spotify stands out with features like podcast access and advanced playlist customization, Apple Music is better for users prioritizing a lower cost.

Final verdict
Which one is better? ⚖️

In the battle between Spotify and Apple Music, both platforms offer compelling features, but which one is best depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a larger catalogue, superior audio quality, and seamless integration with your Apple devices, Apple Music is the clear winner. However, if you value podcasts, audiobooks, or a free option, Spotify offers great value.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference—whether you’re after more music variety, better audio, or a richer ecosystem of content.

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