Apple Music vs. Spotify: comparison of music streaming services

Apple has now launched its own music service: With Apple Music, it is waging Spotify. In our comparison of music streaming services, we show you what the two providers have to offer and who has the edge.

Apple Music: New music streaming service from Apple

Apple Music is Apple's answer to the market leader Spotify

• Apple Music is available on iOS, OS X, Windows and for Android.
• The service is integrated directly into the music app on iPhone and iPad. You can use Apple Music on iTunes on PC or Mac.
• Spotify is available as an app for Android, iOS and Windows Phone. There are also desktop versions for Windows and Mac.

Apple Music vs. Spotify: functions compared

Basically, the service works the same as Spotify, but Apple Music offers some new features. Here is the direct comparison:

• Offer: According to their own statements, both providers have over 30 million titles on offer.
• Audio + Video: You can not only listen to your music with the streaming services, but also watch music videos.
• Online + Offline: Both Spotify and Apple Music offer an offline mode as a paid subscription. So you can download your favorite music and enjoy it without the internet.
• Special Features: The special thing about Apple Music is, among other things, an integrated social network. Under the name "Connect", Apple offers artists the opportunity to get in touch with their fans via Apple Music. You can create an artist profile and publish photos, videos and contributions there.
• Fans with an Apple Music subscription can follow their artists and comment and like posts. Without a subscription, you can log in with an Apple ID and follow the artists - but you cannot comment.
• Apple Music also has its own free radio station: Beats 1 broadcasts music and shows live 24 hours a day. Anyone with an Apple ID can hear the station.
• Music tips: At Spotify, the suggestions are given using algorithms, Apple Music wants to score with its own music editor.

Compare prices and streaming quality

• Free on Spotify: Spotify offers a free, ad-supported subscription. You can use it to stream unlimited music, but you can hear commercials between tracks. The offline mode and any selection of titles is reserved for premium customers.
• Free with Apple: Apple Music does not have a free version. You can only listen to the Beats 1 radio station for free.
• Price: Both Apple Music and Spotify Premium are available for € 9.99 a month. However, you can use Apple Music for free for the first three months.
• Subscription model: Both streaming services offer a family subscription: With Spotify, families pay EUR 14.99 for up to six accounts.
• At Apple Music too, a family with a maximum of 6 people pays 14.99 euros per month.
• Quality: With Spotify, free customers stream at 160 kbps, premium customers enjoy music at 320 kbps. Apple Music broadcasts at 256 kbps.

Appe Music vs. Spotify: conclusion

• Spotify and Apple Music hardly differ from the streaming offer. However, Apple offers some nice features such as Connect, the radio station Beats1 and its own music editor.
• If you can do without such features and have no problem with occasional advertisements, the free Spotify subscription is the right choice.
• Practical: As an iPhone or iPod user, you have integrated Apple Music directly into the music app.

In the next practical tip, we will show you the best tips and tweaks for Spotify.