Everyone listens to music. On the street, in the subway, at home, at work… But where is it better to listen?
An interesting question. Apple Music or Spotify? Two giants, each with its own tricks. And by the way, prices have risen again in 2025. Seriously, streaming is getting more and more expensive. But first things first.
How Much Does a Subscription Cost in 2025?
The prices are steep. In 2024, it seemed bearable, but now… An individual subscription to Apple Music costs $11.99 per month. Spotify is the same. Discounts for students are $5.99. A family subscription? Also expensive: Apple Music is $16.99, Spotify is $17.99.
And Spotify has also rolled out Music Pro for $18—supposedly offering music in super-quality and access to exclusive concerts. Well, well, tempting…
What about the free versions? They still exist, but with limitations. Spotify has ads after every few tracks, and you can’t listen in the desired order on mobile devices. Apple Music, on the other hand, doesn’t offer a free version at all—only a trial period. So, is the choice obvious?
Who Sounds Better?
Here’s an interesting point. Apple Music has long been offering Lossless audio—sound that does not lose quality at all. Beauty! Spotify is only dreaming about it for now, but they claim to be launching a HiFi version in 2025—for an additional fee. For now, Spotify Premium offers 320 kbps—good, but not extraordinary.
What about spatial sound? Apple Music supports Dolby Atmos, creating a full immersion effect. Turn on a track, and it feels like you’re in the studio with the musicians. Spotify doesn’t have anything similar just yet, but who knows what’s on the horizon?
Music Library: Who Has More?
It’s hard to say. Apple Music boasts over 100 million tracks, and Spotify has about the same. But Apple Music loves exclusives—albums that debut on their platform before reaching others. Spotify focuses on personalization with features like Discover Weekly, curated playlists, and selections. It’s undeniably convenient.
What about podcasts? Spotify takes the lead here. With a massive podcast library—including exclusives unavailable elsewhere—it’s unmatched. Apple Music, however, sticks strictly to music, keeping podcasts in its separate Apple Podcasts app. Some appreciate this separation, while others don’t.
Interface and Convenience
Apple Music shines for those in the Apple ecosystem. If you’re using an iPhone, Mac, or iPad, everything syncs seamlessly. Spotify, however, works virtually everywhere—on Windows, Android, or speakers. The choice here depends on what matters more: Apple’s integration or Spotify’s cross-platform versatility.
And the interface? Opinions differ. Some find Apple Music’s interface cluttered, while Spotify is praised for its intuitiveness. Others value Apple’s minimalism and struggle with Spotify’s more elaborate settings. It’s entirely subjective.
Smart Recommendations and Social Features
Spotify wins this round. Its algorithms are stellar at predicting what you’ll love—think weekly playlists, personalized mixes, and even the ability to see what your friends are listening to. Cool, right? Apple Music offers recommendations, too, but they don’t quite hit the mark as consistently.
What about karaoke? Apple Music nails it with Apple Music Sing. You can sing along to backing tracks directly in the app, adjusting the vocal volume. Spotify doesn’t have this yet, although it’s working on improved lyrics and synchronized word displays.
How to Transfer Playlists?
Switching services but worried about losing your favorite tracks? Don’t panic. Services like MusConv allow you to transfer playlists between Apple Music and Spotify seamlessly. It’s a handy, hassle-free solution.
For something quirky, try AudioModify. This service lets you change song voices, creating some amusing—and perhaps surprising—results!
Bottom Line – Who Is Better?
There’s no definitive answer. It depends on what you value most.
- If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, desire high-quality sound, and love exclusives, Apple Music is your best choice.
- If you prefer personalized recommendations, social features, and cross-platform access, Spotify is the way to go.
The main concern? Subscription costs aren’t coming down anytime soon. Perhaps wait for discounts, opt for the free version, or simply bite the bullet and enjoy your tunes! The choice is yours.
Read also: How To Find New Music On Spotify
