Choosing between Spotify and Apple Music can feel like deciding between two masterpieces. Both platforms dominate the music streaming industry, but each offers unique features that appeal to different audiences.
If you’re stuck wondering which one deserves your subscription, let’s dive deep into the battle of Spotify vs Apple Music.
By the end, you’ll know which platform aligns better with your music streaming needs!
Profile Overview: The Players in the Music Game
Spotify and Apple Music are leaders in the music streaming industry, but they come from vastly different origins-
| Particulars | Spotify | Apple Music |
| Industry | Audio Streaming Industry | Music Streaming Service Industry |
| Headquarters | Stockholm (Sweden) | Cupertino (California) |
| Founders/Key People | Daniel Ek (Chairman & CEO); Martin Lorentzon (Treasurer) | Oliver Schusser (VP, Apple Music & International Content); Brian Bumbery (director, Apple Music Publicity) |
| Launch Date | October 7, 2008 | June 30, 2015 |
| Registration Required | Yes (Compulsory) | Yes (Compulsory) |
| Pricing Model | Freemium Model + Premium Service | Premium Model (Student: $5.99/month; Individual: $10.99/month; Family: $16.99/month) |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Android, Amazon Echo, Sonos, Amazon Fire TV Cube, Facebook Portal | macOS, iOS, iPadOS, CarPlay, HomePod, visionOS, Windows, Android, ChromeOS, google Nest, Amazon Echo, Sonos, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Tesla, Web |
| Availability | 184 countries; Europe, Africa, Americas, Asia, and Oceania) | 167 countries; widely available in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, and in parts of Africa and the Middle East |
| Competitors | Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, SoundCloud, and YouTube Music | Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Qobuz, etc. |
| Parent Company | Spotify Technology S.A. | Apple Inc. |
Spotify, founded in 2008 in Stockholm, Sweden, is the pioneer of audio streaming. Its freemium model, paired with an expansive global reach across 184 countries, has made it a household name. Whether you’re in Europe, Asia, or the Americas, Spotify likely tops your app list.
On the other hand, Apple Music, launched in 2015 by tech giant Apple, operates on a premium-only model. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, it seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem, offering an elevated experience for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. While it’s available in 167 countries, Apple Music focuses on quality over quantity, ensuring its services match the premium image of its parent company.
Both platforms require users to register, but Spotify stands out by offering a free tier with ads, making it more accessible to users hesitant to pay upfront. Apple Music, however, positions itself as a premium service from the get-go, targeting serious audiophiles.
Features Comparison of Spotify vs Apple Music
When it comes to features, Spotify vs Apple Music is a close race, but their priorities differ significantly-
| Features | Spotify | Apple Music |
| Library Size | Over 80 million tracks | Over 100 million tracks |
| Audio Quality | Up to 320kbps (High Quality) | Lossless Audio (from 16-bit/44.1kHz to 24-bit/48kHz), Hi-Res Lossless (up to 24-bit/192kHz) |
| Audio File Format | Ogg Vorbis | AAC, ALAC |
| Exclusive Features | Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Collaborative Playlists, Social Audio Rooms (Spotify Greenroom) | Apple Music 1 Radio, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, Lossless Audio, Works seamlessly with Siri and other Apple devices |
| Podcast Support | Extensive library with originals and exclusives | Integrated with Apple Podcasts, but with less emphasis on podcasts |
| User Interface | Clean and intuitive, known for its Discover Weekly feature | Sleek and modern, integrates well with the Apple ecosystem |
| Social Features | Sharing playlists, following friends, collaborative playlists | Limited social features compared to Spotify |
| Offline Listening | Available on all plans | Available on all plans |
| Family Plan & Student Discount | Available | Available |
| Free Tier | Available with ads and limitations | Not available |
| Focus | A broad range of content, including music, podcasts, and audiobooks | Strong emphasis on music quality and integration with Apple devices |
Do you know what’s the striking difference between Spotify vs Apple Music? The business model! Spotify’s freemium model makes it more accessible, with a premium plan available for those wanting an ad-free experience. Apple Music offers tiered pricing—$5.99/month for students, $10.99/month for individuals, and $16.99/month for families—but lacks a free option, which can be a dealbreaker for budget-conscious users.
Business Comparison of Spotify vs Apple Music
The numbers behind Spotify vs Apple Music reveal just how influential these platforms are-
| Financial Aspects | Spotify | Apple Music |
| Market Capitalization/Valuation | $98.46 billion | $3.43 trillion |
| Global Market Share | 31.7% | 12.6% |
| Market Share (India) | 26% | 6.6% |
| Revenue | $16.387 billion | $96.1 billion (Overall Revenue: $391.035 billion) |
| Operating Income | $499 million | N/A (Overall Operating Income: $123.216 billion) |
| Expenses | $14.82 billion | N/A (Overall Expenses: $267.819 billion) |
| Profits | $975 million | N/A (Overall Profits: $93.74 billion) |
Hence, we can conclude their businesswise comparison as follows-
- Spotify’s valuation stands at $98.46 billion, while Apple Music benefits from its parent company Apple’s $3.43 trillion valuation. In 2023, Spotify generated $16.387 billion in revenue, whereas Apple Music contributed a significant chunk to Apple’s $391 billion overall revenue.
- Globally, Spotify leads with a 31.7% market share, while Apple Music lags behind at 12.6%. In India, Spotify’s dominance continues with a 26% share compared to Apple Music’s modest 6.6%.
- Spotify posted profits of $975 million in 2023, a positive sign for investors. Apple Music’s specific profits aren’t disclosed, but its parent company reported an impressive $93.74 billion overall profit.
Future of Spotify vs Apple Music
Both platforms are innovating to maintain their competitive edge. Spotify is expanding its podcast offerings and exploring live audio spaces with Spotify Greenroom. Meanwhile, Apple Music focuses on perfecting audio quality and deepening integration within the Apple ecosystem.
As the streaming industry grows, Spotify’s global accessibility and Apple Music’s premium focus will likely continue attracting loyal users. The competition pushes both platforms to innovate, meaning better features for users like you.
Note: Do you know Apple Music tried to bully Spotify? So instead of lying low, Spotify beat Apple Music with brilliant strategies. We have discussed it here- “How Spotify beat Apple Music? Full Breakdown of the Rivalry.”
Final Words
Ultimately, the choice between Spotify vs Apple Music depends on your preferences. If you value affordability, extensive podcast options, and social features, Spotify is your go-to. However, if you’re an audiophile with a love for premium audio quality and own Apple devices, Apple Music is a perfect fit.
Both platforms cater to different audiences, and neither is inherently better—it’s all about what matters most to you. So, take your pick and let the music play!
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