Spotify vs Apple Music: Evaluating the Best Music Streaming Service

Spotify Vs apple music

Many people enjoy listening to music but struggle with choosing the right platform. Almost 80% of people face this dilemma. Although there are thousands of music streaming platforms worldwide, each with its own specifications, the most used and popular platforms are Spotify and Apple Music.

In today’s article, I will compare Spotify vs. Apple Music, covering all their features, pros and cons, and every detail in between. After reading this article, you can decide which music streaming platform to choose, and questions like “Should I get Apple Music or Spotify?” or “Is Spotify better?” will be answered comprehensively.

Spotify vs Apple Music: Catalog Comparison

The music catalogue and content coverage are aspects that people focus on because they want to access as many music resources as possible. Both platforms are robust in terms of music coverage, each with over 100 million songs. Regarding Apple Music, some tracks are very old but still available, whereas Spotify slightly lags in this area.

However, Spotify does offer exclusive Spotify sessions. Therefore, both apps are similar, with no significant differences. Based on my experience, I did not find much difference in the coverage of both platforms, which is why I would call this a draw. Both are equally excellent in this regard.

Spotify vs Apple Music Winner: Draw

Mobile App Design And Usability

Design is an aspect that the user interacts with first, and a poor design can elevate or sink any service. Whether it’s the design of Spotify or Apple Music, both are excellent, though each has shortcomings. The app design of Apple Music is quite engaging and beautiful, especially with its transparent effects that enhance its appeal. Moreover, its design is quite sleek. The UI elements used in Apple Music’s app are very attractive, and the update in iOS 17 has provided an even better user experience.

spotify vs apple music (2)

However, I have noticed a few issues. One issue is that the like/dislike button in Apple Music is hard to find because it is hidden in the submenus. This button helps the algorithm understand what to recommend. Additionally, the search feature in Apple Music can be quite slow compared to Spotify. Even desktop users experience these issues. Besides these, users of older Apple devices often complain that the navigation features work very slowly, although I haven’t encountered this issue much. Every user has their own preferences, so it’s possible that some people might face such issues.

Conversely, Spotify’s user interface is exceptionally simple and user-friendly, requiring no special knowledge to navigate. However, there are some drawbacks. The biggest issue is that Spotify frequently updates its interface and calls this A/B testing, which is very frustrating because users feel comfortable with the previous settings. Everything changes with a new interface update, causing significant inconvenience for users. Another issue was with Spotify’s Canvas feature, which used to show video loops during playback. This feature was automatically removed in an update without any notification.

Many users have reported such Spotify music errors on Reddit and Quora. As far as I think, Spotify should allow users to opt out of A/B testing and revert to the previous version. If someone does not like the new update, they should be able to return to the old version.

All these updates have a very negative impact on the user experience. Spotify also introduced a TikTok-like user interface, which did not become very popular and faced much criticism due to numerous technical issues.

Both platforms are performing well in their own ways. One more thing I don’t like about Spotify is its recommendations for audiobooks and podcasts. I don’t prefer these suggestions, and Spotify has no option to stop these recommendations from appearing frequently.

After learning all this, the question arises: How do Spotify and Apple Music compare in terms of design perspective? Well, in this regard, both platforms are good. However, I find Apple Music’s design and UI quite better. So, in this aspect, the winner is Apple Music.

Spotify vs Apple Music Winner: Apple Music

Spotify vs Apple Music: Desktop Comparison

Both streaming platforms are available on desktop, but in this area, Spotify tends to show an advantage over Apple Music. Spotify’s desktop platform has been around for a while and provides a good user experience. However, Apple Music has also introduced new updates to its desktop version, significantly reducing the gap between the two.

Spotify’s desktop app is very popular due to its user-friendliness and excellent experience. Its strengths include speed, responsiveness, and cross-platform availability. It also offers features such as an equalizer, bass settings, and a friend’s feed. Moreover, any design issues that appear on mobile are not present on the desktop version, as it is well-optimized.

On the other hand, Apple Music’s desktop app is built on the foundation of iTunes and is used through it. However, it is not very popular on desktops and has limited reach in this area. It is more commonly used on iPads and higher versions of iOS. Normally, it is used with the help of iTunes, but nowadays, a Windows preview version is also available that provides a similar experience.

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The smart playlists feature in Apple Music is commendable and highly customizable according to user’s preferences, allowing us to create playlists that can last for years. With this feature, we can listen to our old songs again and relive our memories, making it quite a dynamic feature. It is accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms.

If we have to choose between these two for the best desktop app, the answer is Spotify. Spotify is the winner here. Moreover, Spotify offers a dedicated app for Linux, whereas Apple Music is limited to Mac and Windows only. This makes Spotify stand out.

Spotify vs Apple Music Winner: Spotify

Audio Quality And Sound Experience

When discussing Spotify vs Apple Music regarding sound quality, sound features are the first thing most people focus on. Both platforms have different settings and features, but Apple Music is far ahead in terms of standards. Apple Music’s sound quality is unmatched.

Apple Music’s sound quality exceeds 320kbps, providing a crystal-clear audio experience. Additionally, Apple Music offers features like Dolby Atmos, spatial, and lossless sound, which are excellent features known best by music enthusiasts. These features elevate sound quality to a level no other platform can reach. With this kind of sound quality, one can hear every single note of the musical instruments, which is remarkable.

If we talk about Spotify’s sound quality, Spotify lags significantly behind Apple Music. Spotify also offers 320kbps sound quality but lacks the additional features that Apple provides. Since around 2021, Spotify has been saying they will introduce Spotify Hi-Fi, offering even higher sound quality, but nothing has happened yet. Even if it does, Spotify might charge extra for it, given the increasing price of Spotify subscriptions. If Spotify charges extra, it would be quite disappointing.

Considering all these factors and the available features, Apple Music’s sound quality is top-notch and the best, making Apple Music the winner in this aspect.

Spotify vs Apple Music Winner: Apple Music

Music Recommendations And Discovery

Music recommendations are something that most people look for in music streaming platforms, as they provide music according to the user’s taste. Spotify users often say that most of the music they listen to is from recommendations because Spotify has the best algorithm. This algorithm focuses on users’ behaviour, tastes, and searches to recommend content accordingly.

Spotify’s music recommendations analyse playlists, searches, and profile views to provide music to users. Spotify’s suggestions are quite dynamic, and all these recommendations are provided through features like “Daily Mixes” and “Discover Weekly.” When users create customized playlists, the algorithm analyzes them and provides music suggestions.

When it comes to Apple Music, its recommendation algorithm is quite strict, and new users often complain that the song recommendations are not accurate. However, the algorithm engine analyses users’ stats overtime before giving recommendations according to their taste, which takes some time. New users often find this frustrating.

To avoid this, new users should like or dislike the recommendations in their “For You” section to help the app understand their preferences. Additionally, they should listen to known and favourite songs and create personal playlists or radio stations. This way, the recommendations will gradually improve.

In this feature, both apps are quite similar. We cannot prefer one over the other, so this is a draw.

Spotify vs Apple Music Winner: Draw

Library Management And Organization

Library management is a crucial aspect. Imagine if your songs are not organized, and your favourite songs are mixed with your work-related songs; it would be quite frustrating. That’s why library management is essential for an organized and good experience.

Spotify vs apple music

Apple Music’s library management is very well-organized and dynamic. Its library is very advanced; even if an artist gives a demo of a new song that is about to be released, Apple Music has the option for users to pre-add that song to their library without any extra charges. It’s advisable not to use third-party apps for this since it’s a built-in feature.

The most enjoyable feature is that Apple Music works on a cloud base. Users can access their iCloud Music Library from anywhere and access its features. All the features and libraries are synced. This feature is particularly beneficial for demos, remixes, and bootlegs. In terms of this feature, Apple Music is quite impressive.

Spotify provides a lot of functionalities in terms of library management. Creating a library is quite easy; with a single click, we can add any song. Additionally, it allows access to multiple libraries, enabling us to create libraries for different genres. Its user interface is user-friendly, and the colour contrast is quite good. The feature I found most impressive is the ability to categorize.

However, one thing I found a bit strange is that it allows the addition of individual songs from any album to libraries. It has limited access to artists, meaning we can create libraries for some artists while others are unavailable. But overall, Spotify provides a good experience in library management. So we can say it’s a win-win for both, but it’s a draw!

Spotify vs Apple Music Winner: Draw

Library Management And Organization

In today’s time, everyone wants social sharing to be easy on any platform without any restrictions on using it socially. Considering this, both platforms have their own unique social features.

Spotify and Apple Music are this era’s most popular social streaming apps, but their social features make them different.

Apple Music has many social features, but these features feel somewhat restricted. We can do many things, but opting in is necessary for all these activities. Additionally, we can see what our friends are listening to and what they like by visiting their profiles. Recommendations are also available through the “Friends Mix” playlists. Apple Music is continuously updating its latest features. IOS 17 focuses on enhancing SharePlay and adding new features for user convenience. However, it is still difficult for them to compete with Spotify.

On the other hand, when we talk about Spotify’s social features, Spotify appears to be ahead of Apple Music in this regard. Its social features are straightforward to use.

The user experience is exceptional, with seamless social sharing capabilities that make it effortless to connect with others. Spotify stands out in its ability to foster community, boasting innovative features that facilitate seamless sharing and collaboration.

In the Spotify free tier, all these features are freely accessible, making it better than its competitors. Users can share their favourite playlists with friends and family, and this feature is cross-platform, automatically syncing in real-time. Its community is also quite unique and highly native, engaging well with users.

Spotify is expected to continue being the top choice for individuals who appreciate enjoying music together. With its strong emphasis on social connection in music streaming, Spotify is the obvious favourite for users who prioritize interactive experiences.

Spotify vs Apple Music Winner: Spotify

Spotify vs Apple Music: Cost

Regarding cost, everyone wants the best music streaming service at a good price with plenty of features. Whether it’s about the cost of Apple Music or Spotify Premium, both provide excellent features. Both platforms offer multiple services at different prices. The Spotify free plan has ads and some restrictions, while Apple Music is primarily paid. However, everyone has their own needs and tries to use subscriptions according to their usage.

Talking Spotify Premium subscription prices start with a free plan and extend to Individual, Duo, Family, and Student plans, with prices ranging from $5.99 to $19.99. On the other hand, Apple Music does not offer a free version, and its plans include Individual, Duo, Family, Voice, Student, and Individual Annual plans. Apple Music subscriptions start from $4.99 to $16.99 per month.

If we talk about which streaming service to choose between the two, it depends on each individual’s usage. If you are on a budget, you can get by with Spotify’s free version, although you must deal with ads. This creates a significant difference between Spotify and Apple Music. Overall, there is a $3 difference between the two services, which is not too much but negligible. Based on my experience, both plans are quite competitive. If you want to use Spotify for free, you can also use it through the Spotify mod APK.

PlansSpotifyApple Music
FreeYesNo
Individual11.99$9.99$
Duo14.99$N/A
Family19.99$14.99$
Student5.99$5.99$
Voice PlanN/A4.99$

Spotify vs Apple Music Winner: Draw

Spotify Pros And Cons

Pros

  • User-Friendly Interface: Spotify’s UI is simple and intuitive, making navigation easy for all users without requiring special knowledge.
  • Dynamic Music Recommendations: Spotify’s algorithm excels in providing personalized music suggestions through features like “Daily Mixes” and “Discover Weekly.”
  • Desktop App Experience: Spotify’s desktop app is well-optimized, user-friendly, and includes features like an equalizer, bass settings, and a friends feed.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: Spotify is accessible on various platforms, including Linux, offering a consistent user experience across devices.
  • Extensive Social Features: Spotify’s social features are easy to use, allowing users to share playlists and connect with friends effortlessly.

Cons

  • Frequent Interface Changes: Spotify’s A/B testing often leads to unexpected UI updates, causing inconvenience for users accustomed to the previous settings.
  • Lack of Hi-Fi Audio: Despite promising Spotify Hi-Fi since 2021, the feature is yet to be introduced, potentially at an extra cost.
  • Unwanted Recommendations: Spotify frequently suggests audiobooks and podcasts without an option to disable these recommendations.
  • Canvas Feature Removal: The Canvas feature, which showed video loops during playback, was removed without user notification, leading to user dissatisfaction.
  • Premium Plan Costs: While offering a free version, the cost of Spotify Premium plans ranges from $5.99 to $19.99, with ads and some restrictions on the free plan.

Apple Music Pros And Cons

Pros

  • High-Quality Audio: Apple Music offers superior sound quality up to 320kbps, with features like Dolby Atmos, spatial, and lossless sound.
  • Engaging Mobile App Design: The sleek and attractive UI of Apple Music, especially with iOS 17 updates, enhances user experience.
  • Advanced Library Management: Apple Music’s library management is dynamic, with features like iCloud Music Library and pre-add options for unreleased tracks.
  • Customizable Smart Playlists: Users can create highly customizable playlists that can last for years, providing a personalized listening experience.
  • Sound Experience: Apple Music’s unmatched audio quality allows users to enjoy every note of the music instruments.

Cons

  • Hidden Like/Dislike Buttons: The like/dislike buttons are hidden in submenus, making it difficult for users to influence the recommendation algorithm.
  • Slower Search Feature: The search functionality in Apple Music can be slow, affecting both mobile and desktop users.
  • Limited Desktop App Popularity: Apple Music’s desktop app, built on iTunes, is not as popular or user-friendly as its mobile counterpart.
  • Strict Recommendation Algorithm: Apple Music’s recommendation algorithm takes time to adjust to new users’ preferences, leading to initial frustration.
  • Subscription Cost: Apple Music does not offer a free version, and its subscription plans range from $4.99 to $16.99 per month, potentially limiting access for budget-conscious users.

Conclusion

In comparing Spotify vs. Apple Music, each platform excels in different areas, catering to varied user preferences. Spotify’s user-friendly interface, dynamic music recommendations, and superior desktop app experience stand out. However, frequent interface changes and lack of Hi-Fi audio are notable drawbacks. Apple Music impresses with high-quality audio, advanced library management, and engaging mobile app design but faces challenges with its recommendation algorithm and hidden features. Ultimately, the choice between Spotify and Apple Music depends on individual priorities, such as sound quality, user interface, and social connectivity, making both platforms competitive in the music streaming landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple Music subscription costs start from 4.99$ and go up to 16.99$.

We can’t directly say Apple Music is better than Spotify because both offer different features, and the difference is very narrow in terms of sound quality. Apple Music is better than Spotify.

On June 30, 2015, Apple Music was launched with a three-month free subscription, which then changed to a paid monthly subscription model.

Taylor Swift is the most popular singer on Spotify and has the highest amount of followers, while when it comes to male, Indian singer Arijit Singh is the most popular artist.

No, Apple Music doesn’t provide audiobooks directly in the Apple Music app, but they are available in Apple products or Apple books and can be bought there.

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