Spotify vs Apple Music: Which is Better for You? 

I have a confession to make: I use both Spotify and Apple Music. It might seem surprising, but the truth is, I use each one for a different purpose. 

Spotify is my go-to for finding new songs and podcasts, especially with its “Discover Weekly” and “Daily Mix” playlists. But when it’s time to truly appreciate the music, I switch to Apple Music. 

That’s where the high-quality sound and seamless integration with my Apple devices come in. The experience just flows from my phone to my AirPods. It’s a different kind of vibe entirely.

Well, that’s my story… how I split my time between Spotify and Apple Music. 

But you’re here because you’re trying to figure out which one deserves a spot in your playlist. Let’s break down the features, perks, and quirks of both so you can decide which music streaming service truly fits your vibe.

Spotify vs Apple Music: Which Should You Choose?

If you love discovering new music, collaborative playlists, and a social listening experience, Spotify is your go-to. If you’re an audiophile, value high-quality sound, and live in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Music is the better choice.

1. Music Library & Catalogue:

Both Apple Music and Spotify boast catalogues with over 100 million songs, enough to last you multiple lifetimes of listening. In terms of sheer size, neither one really pulls ahead. 

What really makes a difference is exclusivity and availability. Apple Music occasionally secures early releases or artist exclusives, especially from big names with strong ties to Apple. From my experience, if I’m chasing a hot new release from Burna Boy or Wizkid, Apple Music is usually the first stop. 

Spotify, on the other hand, doesn’t lean on music exclusives but shines with its extensive podcast catalogue and its reach across different regions. I often find hidden gems or emerging artists on Spotify before anywhere else.

Every now and then, you might search for a track that’s missing on one platform but available on the other. That’s usually due to licensing or regional restrictions, not a flaw in the apps themselves. 

From my perspective, both platforms have their strengths; it’s just about what I’m hunting for that day.

2. User Experience & Interface:

This is where I feel the difference daily.

The difference in user experience is noticeable the moment you open each app. Spotify’s dark, moody aesthetic makes scrolling through playlists feel like exploring a stylish underground lounge. 

The home page encourages you to get lost in discovery, and for me, that’s the thrill of the app: finding unexpected tracks, letting the platform guide me down new musical rabbit holes. It’s ideal for moments when you want to explore and be surprised.

Apple Music, traditionally known for its clean, minimalist design, has evolved to support dark mode, which adapts to your device’s theme. Personally, I love this flexibility. Whether light or dark, the interface always feels sleek and controlled.

Apple Music organises my library, playlists, and downloads front and centre.

I use it when I want fast access to exactly what I need without distractions. Spotify fuels my adventure; Apple Music streamlines my focused listening sessions.

3. Personalisation & Discovery:

Spotify’s algorithm feels like it was built to read my mind. Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Daily Mixes seem to know exactly what I’m in the mood for. I’ve had Mondays where my Discover Weekly playlist perfectly matched my recent obsessions with House music or UK rap… It’s uncanny.

The more I use it, the better it understands my tastes, my skips, and my repeat plays.

Apple Music takes a different approach, focusing on human curation. Playlists like “Afrobeats Hits” or “R&B Now” seem to be handpicked by individuals who truly understand the genre.

Radio shows on Apple Music 1, hosted by real DJs and artists, provide a guided listening experience that introduces me to music I might never find algorithmically.

So, Spotify gives me the thrill of prediction and personalisation, while Apple Music provides thoughtful recommendations guided by human expertise.

4. Sound Quality:

Here’s where things get personal for me. I’m a bit of an audiophile; the kind of person who doesn’t just hear music, but wants to feel it. You know when the beat drops and your chest tightens like the sound is physically holding you? That’s the experience I live for.

Apple Music delivers that with its Lossless and Hi-Res audio options. When I first played a track through Apple Music, every layer, every instrument, and even the silence between sounds felt sharper.

It’s like being in the studio with the artist, not just streaming through headphones.

Spotify, on the other hand, has promised its own HiFi tier, but as of late 2025, it has yet to be fully rolled out. Its current sound quality is solid and perfectly fine for casual listening, especially if you’re not the type to obsess over tiny details in a song. 

But if you, like me, want music to pull you under, especially when you plug into a proper sound system or a good pair of speakers, Apple Music takes the crown here.

5. Integrations & Ecosystem:

How you listen often depends on your devices. Apple Music is a natural fit if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem. It syncs flawlessly across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, HomePod, and Mac.

Siri handles music commands hands-free, and AirPods automatically optimise audio for Apple Music. The convenience of a connected ecosystem is unmatched.

Spotify, however, is universal. It works across iOS, Android, Windows, smart TVs, gaming consoles, Alexa, Google Home, car systems, and more.

For social sharing, Spotify makes it easy to post tracks or playlists to Instagram, which I do frequently.

6. Pricing & Plans:

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If you value flexibility, such as free listening or Duo plans, Spotify has the edge. If you’re invested in Apple services, Apple Music’s bundles offer better value.

Personally, I choose based on whether I want convenience within the Apple ecosystem or broader compatibility across devices.

7. Social & Sharing Features:

Music isn’t just for listening; it’s for sharing. Spotify excels here. I love seeing what my friends are listening to, creating collaborative playlists for parties, and of course, flexing with Spotify Wrapped. Sharing tracks across social platforms is seamless and keeps the experience social.

Apple Music takes a calmer, more personal approach. You can follow friends, peek at what they’re playing, and swap playlists, but it’s not as lively as Spotify’s social feed. Where Apple Music does have an edge is through Apple’s broader ecosystem.

With SharePlay on FaceTime, you and your friends can listen to the same album or playlist in sync, no matter where you are. Spotify works with SharePlay too, but Apple Music feels more native to the feature since it’s baked right into iOS.

So if you want constant social energy, Spotify’s the clear winner. If you prefer something more intimate, like vibing with friends on a FaceTime call, Apple Music makes that moment feel seamless.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Music or Spotify

1. Which Has Better Sound Quality, Spotify or Apple Music?

Apple Music wins here hands down. It streams in Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless, which is basically studio-quality sound. If you’re using wired headphones or high-quality speakers, you’ll really notice the difference. Spotify’s maximum streaming quality right now is 320 kbps on Premium, which is good for casual listening but doesn’t compare.

2. Who Has a Bigger Music Library, Apple Music or Spotify?

Both have roughly 100 million tracks, so it’s pretty even. The difference shows up in exclusives and live radio. Apple Music often gets early releases from major artists. Spotify, however, shines in its podcast catalogue, where it has millions of exclusive and non-exclusive shows.

3. Which is Cheaper, Spotify or Apple Music?

Pricing is very similar and varies by country. In some regions like Nigeria, Apple Music can be cheaper, especially for family plans. Globally, both platforms offer competitive pricing, and the best value often depends on student discounts or bundles, such as Apple One.

4. Can I Transfer Playlists between Spotify and Apple Music?

Yes, but not natively. You’ll need a third-party app, such as SongShift or Soundiiz. These services are generally reliable, making it easy to migrate your library without starting from scratch.

5. Do Most iPhone Users use Spotify or Apple Music?

Among iPhone owners, Apple Music tends to be the preferred choice. A report by CIRP found that 41% of Apple device users use Apple Music, compared to 30% who use Spotify. The tight integration with iOS devices, Siri, and the overall Apple ecosystem makes choosing Apple Music feel natural for many iPhone users.

Conclusion

So, Spotify versus Apple Music? It’s not a knockout, more like a split decision.

Spotify is your social, discovery-loving friend with killer algorithms. Apple Music is the audiophile’s choice, seamlessly woven into the Apple world.

For me, living here in Lagos, both have their moments. It really comes down to what you value most: finding that next favourite track, the richness of the sound, how well it plays with your phone, or even how much it hits your wallet.

Think about how you listen, what you listen on, and what features you can’t live without. That’s your answer.