So you just signed up for Tidal, this after being a Spotify customer for months. But wait, now there is Apple Music you can sign up for. Oh, and did I mention that Google Music is free, assuming you’re okay listening to ads.
Man, oh man, what in the world is a music fan to do?
Well, for the most part, it seems to be a two horse race between Apple Music and Spotify. But what are the differences between the two music streaming services?
Is this a battle royale? Apple Music vs Spotify? In a way, yes.
Here is what’s different in the Apple Music vs Spotify comparison:
Price:
Apple – $10 per month/$15 per month for family plan of up to six people
Spotify – $10 per month/$5 extra per person on account
Bitrate:
Apple – 256 kbps
Spotify – 320
Music library:
Apple – 30 million
Spotify – 30 million
Free tier:
Apple – Three months free, radio
Spotify – Unlimited streaming with ads on desktop and mobile
Essentially, they’re pretty much equal. Yes, Apple Music does have a few exclusives like Taylor Swift’s 1989 album, so if that’s a must then Apple is your hands down winner. But otherwise, you really can’t go wrong with either service. Though, for a family, Apple Music does seem to hold an edge.