Spotify vs. Apple Music: The Key Differences You Need to Know
When it comes to music streaming services, the two giants in the industry are Spotify and Apple Music. While both offer impressive catalogs of music and features, there are some key differences between the two that might make one a better fit for you than the other.
Pricing
One of the biggest differences between the two is their pricing structures. Spotify offers a free version that is ad-supported, as well as Premium and Family plans that offer ad-free listening and other perks like offline playback and the ability to skip tracks. The Premium plan costs $9.99 per month, while the Family plan costs $14.99 per month for up to six accounts.
Apple Music, on the other hand, does not offer a free version. The service costs $9.99 per month for an individual plan and $14.99 per month for a family plan for up to six accounts.
Music catalogs
Both Spotify and Apple Music have impressive catalogs of music with over 70 million songs each. However, there are some small differences in terms of the artists they have available. For example, Taylor Swift’s music was once limited on Spotify due to the platform’s payment structure, but it is now available. On the other hand, Drake’s album “Views” was exclusive to Apple Music for a short period when it was released.
User interface
The user interface for these two streaming services is quite different. Spotify has a simple and easy-to-use interface that is perfect for discoverability. Its Discover Weekly and Release Radar features provide personalized playlists based on your listening habits. Meanwhile, Apple Music’s interface is more comprehensive and has a sleeker design. It also has a more robust radio feature called Beats 1, which provides live radio shows and interviews.
Compatibility
Apple Music has the advantage when it comes to compatibility since it is built into all Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. You can easily access your music from any Apple device without the need for an app. Meanwhile, Spotify is available on most devices, including Apple products, Android devices, gaming consoles, and more.