Spotify vs Apple Music: Which Is Better for You in 2025?

When you ask someone if they prefer Apple Music or Spotify, you may get some cliche responses. Fans of Apple Music will brag about the sound quality, while Spotify's team will commend its algorithms. Both groups have some merit in their arguments for why their respective platforms are superior.

I grew up listening to music on Spotify in the 2010s as a young adolescent. Due to Spotify's free nature, I didn't think about the other options.

But I looked into Apple Music after getting a new iPhone. I've now spent considerable time contrasting the two platforms in their 2025 iterations. I'm certain which one I like, but let's take a look at which one will be your music buddy this year.  

Apple Music vs Spotify: A Quick Overview

When deciding which is better Apple Music or Spotify, it all comes down to your preferences, budget, and what you value most in a music streaming service. Both platforms boast impressive libraries, but they cater to different types of listeners. 

Apple Music vs Spotify Premium: Common Differences

Let's evaluate each music streaming service in a few practical categories. 

1Cost

You should know the price before we go into all the specifics to contextualize your payment. Note that the only service with a free version is Spotify.  

Although everyone enjoys free items, Spotify's free plan has many limitations. You can't play albums and playlists in a specific order, and you'll probably have 15- to 30-second commercial interruptions after every three songs. Additionally, there is no free offline listening option.

Apple Music is a subscription service that requires a monthly payment. There isn't a free version, unlike Spotify.

Positively, there are no obnoxious limitations or advertisements. All features, such as Dolby Atmos' Spatial Audio, lossless audio, radio programs, and unique content, are available with every package. Everything you've saved to your library is accessible offline in the best possible quality.

Every new customer receives a complimentary three-month subscription to Apple Music and, frequently, a complimentary one-month trial of Apple TV+, the company's video streaming service.  

2Music Quality

When it comes to music quality, I've spent quite a bit of time jumping between Spotify and Apple Music, and here's what I've found.

Spotify offers great sound quality, especially with Spotify Premium, where you get up to 320 kbps streaming. For most listeners, this is more than enough, and I honestly don't notice much difference unless I'm using top-tier headphones or speakers.

It's perfect for casual listening, like when I'm at the gym or in the car. While the quality is solid, it doesn't quite match the high-end options available on Apple Music, but for daily use, I don't miss a thing.

Then there's Apple Music. When I switched over to try their lossless audio options, I was blown away. With 24-bit/192kHz streaming, it felt like the music was right there in the room with me.

The Spatial Audio feature is a game-changer, especially with a good pair of headphones or on a high-quality sound system. The level of detail and clarity I get from Apple Music is something I didn't realize I was missing until I tried it. It's the kind of sound that audiophiles will truly appreciate.

So, if you're someone who's just vibing to music while on the go, Spotify does a fantastic job. But if you've got the gear and want to take your listening experience to the next level, Apple Music is definitely where you'll notice the difference.

I've personally found that Apple Music wins when it comes to audio quality, but for everyday use, Spotify is still more than enough. 

3Finding New Music Options

I've discovered that there is one aspect of my Spotify algorithm that really gets me. Through weekly, automatically generated playlists, the platform's taste profile consistently assists users in discovering new music and artists.

The AI DJ is a new function that Spotify introduced to enhance its music discovery skills. When I want to hear something new but don't know where to begin, I've found it to be a terrific feature. 

Users can also enjoy a very entertaining "Daylist" function that provides you with new music mixes throughout the day, as well as well-selected "Time Capsule" playlists that bring back all of your favorite songs you forgot you even loved.

Based on past listening, Spotify also offers music fans mixes by decade, genre, and mood.

Like Spotify, Apple Music offers its users new music, mood, rewind, and discover playlists.

Apple Music Radio is a powerful tool for finding new music on the platform. It features live broadcast channels if you're interested in that, plus three primary stations that are all free even if you don't have a subscription. You may listen to new music in real time on the Beats1 Radio station, which is presented and curated by real, live DJs, much like Spotify's AI DJ. 

4Social Features

Now, which is better Apple Music or Spotify, when it comes to social features? Spotify takes the crown for social features, hands down. One of my favorite things about Spotify is the ability to share playlists, songs, and even podcast episodes directly with friends. 

Real-time tracking of the music that one's friends are listening to enhances the process of music discovery. Year-end Spotify Wrapped is fun to share. That makes the whole community feel as if you are all on one musical trip. Even the collaboration for making a playlist, which I have done several times with friends for road trips, is great. It just isn't listening; it's sharing.

On the other hand, Apple Music is more about individual listening. While you can still share songs and playlists, the social aspect doesn't feel as connected.

Apple Music does allow you to follow friends and artists, but it lacks that same sense of community I get from Spotify. The "Friends Mix" feature is a nice attempt to bring that social element into the mix, but for me, it just doesn't compare to Spotify's more integrated approach to social sharing.

I love seeing what my friends are listening to and sharing music easily with them, and that's where Spotify takes the lead. If you're more of a music explorer yourself or follow artists closely, there are some social features within Apple Music; it's just not quite as robust or fun to use as with Spotify. 

5Music Catalog and Podcasts

Spotify is your best option if you want to listen to your music, podcasts, and audiobooks all in one location. The platform makes it possible to access all of these without ever leaving the app. Consider it a single stop for all your listening requirements.

Additionally, you don't need to purchase the audiobooks separately because Spotify Premium customers get 15 hours of free audiobook listening every month.

Apple Music asserts that it has the largest selection of music available for streaming, with over 100 million songs. You must use a different Apple Podcasts app to go from your playlist to your preferred podcast, even if it has a huge music library.  

6Library Management

Some people still like to arrange their music as though it were their own collection, even though we have access to every song ever performed (guilty).

Spotify offers relatively basic library management because it is more focused on playlists. However, custom Playlists let you make your own with unique cover art. You may also curate Collaborative Playlists with others. With Spotify Premium, an album can also be saved in your library for offline listening later. 

Apple's library management is very efficient and takes after its roots in iTunes. Anything that someone clicks "Add to Library" for a song or album will be put into your online library, a place where all your favorites reside.

Search for it by music, album, and artist. If you want, you can also download the song to create an offline copy at the best quality available. You can ‘pre-add' albums or singles to your library the moment they're released by an artist. As a result, it is already waiting for the day of release. This eliminates the need to register for pre-save services offered by third parties. 

The iCloud Music Library, however, is the most remarkable feature of all. With the help of this feature, music from all devices, including uploaded songs that aren't in the streaming library, is synchronized with Apple Music.  

7Desktop and Mobile Experience

When it comes to the desktop and mobile experience, Spotify and Apple Music have their strong points, but I definitely have my preferences from having used both extensively.

For starters, the Spotify app is just so user-friendly with its sleek and straight design, which makes it not a big deal to find music, generate playlists and discover new artists. It's just cool how it automatically adapts to my usage and gives recommendations based on what I've been enjoying. 

Now, on to Apple Music. The mobile app, in my opinion, is a bit more polished visually. Apple's design philosophy shines through with its minimalist aesthetic and smooth interface. But I have to admit, navigating through Apple Music can feel like a bit of a maze at times, especially when I'm trying to switch between my personal library, playlists, and the latest recommendations. 

However, the mobile experience offers deep integration with your entire Apple ecosystem, like syncing across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac without a hitch. It also integrates well with Siri, so I can just ask for a specific track or playlist. The desktop experience feels more like the iTunes of old, and I do like that familiarity. But, I've noticed that it doesn't have the same fluidity or simplicity that I get with Spotify.

If I'm being honest, I tend to gravitate toward Spotify when I'm on the go or working on my computer because it just feels more flexible and easy to use. 

Keep Your Child's Streaming Safe with AirDroid 

One thing that any parent realizes when giving a little one a phone or tablet is the fear that comes along with it. It's true that many of these platforms are safe for kids, but one cannot song-check everything they bump into, especially the explicit content.

With AirDroid Parental Control, I can know what my child is listening to or how much time they are devoting to music applications without being too intrusive. It allows me to real-time mirror their screen, impose limitations on the usage of applications, and even disable some particular applications. 

Besides, in case they use Spotify or Apple Music on the phone, I receive notifications, keep a track of activity reports, and ensure their digital habits stay in shape.

What I really love about AirDroid is how it helps create a more balanced digital lifestyle. I can schedule downtime during homework hours or bedtime, so streaming doesn't get in the way of other important activities.

If you're serious about keeping your child's digital life secure while still letting them have fun, AirDroid Parental Control is 100% worth checking out.

Final Verdict: Is Apple Music Better than Spotify? 

Well, I will always be a Spotify fan, but after exploring Apple Music Lane, I can see why some people find it appealing, particularly those who use it for nostalgic reasons.

Both platforms have advantages and disadvantages. Spotify is excellent at finding music and creating an algorithm that will keep you listening all day with few breaks. On the other hand, Apple Music will have you dancing like in a disco with its amazing sound quality. 

At the end of the day, whether you lean toward Spotify or Apple Music, the real win is finding a service that fits your vibe and keeps the music flowing.

And if you're a parent like me, don't forget that with tools like AirDroid Parental Control, you can make sure your child's streaming experience is safe, positive, and just as full of joy as your own. 

Happy listening!