The debate over Apple Music vs Spotify keeps heating up as both platforms add new features in 2025. If you’re wondering “is Apple Music better than Spotify?”, this guide breaks down everything that matters for U.S. listeners — from sound quality and price to playlists, devices, and offline listening.
We’ll also show you how to transfer music from Spotify to Apple Music if you decide to switch, so you get the most out of whichever service you choose.
Quick Overview – Apple Music vs Spotify at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Music | Spotify |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | ❌ None (trial only) | ✅ Free with ads |
| Premium Price (U.S.) | $10.99/mo Individual | $10.99/mo Individual |
| Lossless / Hi-Res | ✅ Up to 24-bit 192 kHz | ⚠️ HiFi promised, not yet widely rolled out |
| Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos | ✅ Supported | ❌ Not available |
| Offline Downloads | ✅ Yes (unlimited) | ✅ Yes |
| Personalized Playlists | ✅ Good | ⭐ Excellent |
| Ecosystem Integration | ⭐ Great with iPhone, HomePod, CarPlay | ⭐ Great cross-platform (Android, TV, Alexa) |
Sound Quality & Audio Features
- Apple Music includes Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless at no extra cost plus Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, which is a win for audiophiles.
- Spotify Premium still uses 320 kbps Ogg Vorbis for most users. A Spotify HiFi / Lossless tier has been teased but not fully launched — you can see our guide enable Spotify Lossless Audio on iPhone and Android for updates.
Verdict: Apple Music currently offers higher-fidelity streaming out of the box.
Pricing & Plans
- Apple Music U.S. Pricing: $10.99 Individual, $16.99 Family (6 people), $5.99 Student, or included in Apple One bundles.
- Spotify Premium U.S. Pricing: $10.99 Individual, $14.99 Duo, $16.99 Family, $5.99 Student.
- Spotify offers a free ad-supported tier, while Apple Music relies on free trials only.
Thinking of leaving Spotify after comparing prices? See how to cancel Spotify subscription.
Music Library & Exclusives
- Both claim 100+ million songs and big-name artists.
- Apple Music sometimes gets exclusive or early releases;
- Spotify leads in podcasts and indie/playlist culture.
App Interface & Personalization
- Spotify is known for simple navigation, fast search, and Discover Weekly-style recommendations.
- Apple Music has improved its For You / Listen Now suggestions, but still feels more traditional.
Ecosystem & Device Compatibility
- Apple Music is built-in on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, HomePod, CarPlay, Siri.
- Spotify shines with Android, Windows, smart TVs, PlayStation, Alexa, Google Nest speakers.
To keep playlists in sync after switching, see how to sync Apple Music across all devices.
Offline Listening & Downloads
Both services allow offline downloads for Premium subscribers. Apple Music supports Lossless downloads, which take up more storage but deliver studio-quality sound.
Privacy & Security
- Both are ad-free for paid tiers.
- Spotify Free uses ads and collects more listening data for targeted advertising.
- Apple Music generally keeps data within the Apple ecosystem.
Switching Between Services
Want to try Apple Music without losing playlists? Use tools like SongShift, FreeYourMusic, or Soundiiz.
Follow our guide to transfer music from Spotify to Apple Music for a smooth migration.
FAQs
Q: Which service has the best sound quality?
A: Currently, Apple Music has Lossless and Spatial Audio, while Spotify has a starting level lossless audio feature.
Q: Which is cheaper for families in the U.S.?
A: Both offer Family $16.99/mo, but Spotify Duo at $14.99 suits two users.
Q: Can Android users enjoy Apple Music fully?
A: Yes, but Lossless may require wired headphones or a DAC on some Android devices.
Q: Can I keep both subscriptions?
A: Yes, but you’ll pay for both; see the guide given above if you plan to switch.
Final Verdict – Is Apple Music Better Than Spotify?
- Choose Apple Music if you’re an iPhone / HomePod user or care about Lossless Audio & Spatial Audio.
- Choose Spotify if you value cross-platform access, best-in-class playlists, podcasts, or want a Free tier.
If you decide to move your playlists, follow these steps to move music from Spotify to Apple Music — it’s quick and keeps your favorite songs intact.
