Choosing a music streaming service in 2025 isn’t as simple as it used to be. With so many features, price tiers, and exclusive options, two names still dominate the conversation: Apple Music and Spotify. Whether you’re an everyday listener, a playlist junkie, or a sound-quality enthusiast, you’ve likely wondered: Is Apple Music better than Spotify?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both services are excellent — but they shine in different areas. In this article, we’ll break down their differences by comparing price, playlists, sound quality, features, device compatibility, and more, to help you decide which platform is truly better for you.
Pricing: Which Service Is More Affordable?
Apple Music:
- Individual plan: $10.99/month
- Family plan (6 users): $16.99/month
- Student plan: $5.99/month
- No free tier (only a limited trial)
Spotify:
- Free plan (ad-supported)
- Premium Individual: $10.99/month
- Duo (2 users): $14.99/month
- Family (6 users): $17.99/month
- Student plan: $5.99/month
Verdict: Spotify offers more flexibility, especially with its free tier and Duo plan. For users who want to test a platform long-term without paying, Spotify is more appealing.
Playlists and Music Discovery
Spotify leads in music discovery. Its personalized playlists like Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Daily Mix are powered by advanced algorithms that keep users hooked. You also get yearly stats with Spotify Wrapped.
Curious who’s saving your Spotify tracks? Learn how to see who saved your Spotify playlist.
Apple Music focuses more on human-curated content, including expert-made playlists and radio shows like Apple Music 1. While it offers recommendations, they’re not as personalized or dynamic as Spotify’s.
Verdict: Spotify is better for discovering new music and personalized listening.
Sound Quality
Apple Music now offers Lossless Audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos — at no extra cost. This makes it an excellent choice for high-end headphone users or those who care deeply about audio quality.
Spotify offers 320 kbps on Premium, which is good, but its promised Spotify HiFi lossless tier still hasn’t launched as of 2025.
Verdict: Apple Music wins for sound quality — it’s the better choice for audiophiles.
User Experience and Design
Apple Music feels clean and minimal, especially on iOS. It integrates smoothly with Siri, Apple Watch, HomePod, and CarPlay. However, it can feel confusing for new users due to its layout and reliance on Apple’s ecosystem.
Spotify offers a more intuitive design and a seamless experience across all platforms — including iOS, Android, desktop, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. It also offers social features like collaborative playlists and sharing what you’re listening to with friends.
Verdict: Spotify is easier to use and more social, making it better for most users.
Device Compatibility
Spotify is available almost everywhere — including smart TVs, gaming consoles, speakers, and both Android and Apple devices. You can move between devices easily and pick up where you left off.
Apple Music works best with Apple devices and is now available on Android and the web, but it doesn’t offer the same level of cross-platform flexibility.
Verdict: Spotify wins for compatibility, especially if you use non-Apple devices.
Podcasts and Extra Content
Spotify has invested heavily in podcasts and exclusive shows, making it a hub for both music and talk content. Podcasts are fully integrated into the app.
Apple splits podcasts into a separate app. While it has a strong podcast library, it’s not part of Apple Music, and the experience feels disconnected.
Verdict: Spotify is the better all-in-one platform for music and podcasts.
For Music Creators: Which Platform Supports Artists Better?
If you’re a musician or independent artist, how a platform supports creators is just as important as the listener experience.
Apple Music for Artists:
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Offers detailed analytics via the Apple Music for Artists dashboard
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Pays higher per-stream rates on average than Spotify
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No free-tier listeners, meaning every play earns revenue
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Focuses on high-quality audio, giving artists’ work better presentation
Spotify for Artists:
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Extremely popular for playlist placements and exposure
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Spotify for Artists lets you customize your profile and submit music to editorial playlists
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Offers Spotify Canvas, short visual loops for tracks
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Pays less per stream on average but has a larger listener base, including on the free tier
If you’re trying to grow on Spotify, check out this guide on why buying Spotify followers can help emerging artists in 2025.
Verdict:
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Apple Music may pay more per stream, especially for high-quality listening.
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Spotify offers more tools for visibility, discovery, and viral potential.
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For most independent artists, being on both platforms is ideal — they serve different purposes in building a fanbase and income.
Conclusion: Is Apple Music Better Than Spotify?
So, is Apple Music better than Spotify? It depends on what matters most to you.
- Choose Apple Music if you care about the highest sound quality, own multiple Apple devices, and prefer human-curated playlists over algorithmic recommendations.
- Choose Spotify if you want excellent music discovery, flexible device support, social features, podcasts, and the option to use a free plan.
For most users — especially those who value convenience, discovery, and variety — Spotify offers the more complete and enjoyable experience. But if you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem or care about audio quality above all else, Apple Music could be the better fit.
Still can’t decide? Try both — each offers a free trial, so you can listen and judge for yourself.