APPLE MUSIC VS. SPOTIFY

Today marks the launch of Apple Music along with iOS 8.4. Its highly anticipated release has had everybody speculating, “Who will be better? Apple or Spotify?” and now we can finally put the speculations to rest and stand them up side by side.

ROUND 1: Price

Both are free if you can deal with the ads. If you want the premium service with no ads, they each cost $9.99/month for an individual user (Spotify allows $4.99/month with a student discount). Apple Music and Spotify both offer a three month trial period. Apple Music’s is free while Spotify’s is a mere $0.99/month. The reason that Apple Music wins by a nose is because of their family plan. Both services offer family plans, but Apple Music is $14.99/month for up to 6 members whereas Spotify is an extra $4.98/month for every additional user after the first.
Apple Music wins by a nose.

ROUND 2: Number of Tracks

This round is a tie with each service offering 30 million+ songs.
It’s a tie.

ROUND 3: Sound Quality

If you opt to go the free route, Apple Music streams at 256Kbps while Spotify comes through with 96Kbps. However, when you pay for the premium service, Spotify spikes up to 320Kbps while Apple Music remains at 256Kbps. Although it’s difficult to hear a difference between 256 and 320 for the average listener, this round has to go to Spotify for it’s slightly higher premium service.
Spotify takes this round.

ROUND 4: Platforms

This round has a clear winner. Due to its age, Spotify is on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Roku, TiVo, Samsung Smart TVs, Linux, Playstation, theWeb, and more. Apple Music is on Mac, iOS, and Windows. They say that Apple TV and Android are soon to come.
Spotify for the win.

ROUND 5: Curation

This round is tricky. Spotify uses algorithms for almost everything, including radio. Apple Music uses algorithms in its “For You” section that suggest music based on the users current tastes while keeping its radio section user curated.
Once again, Spotify takes it

ROUND 6: User Friendly Design

This is another close one. Both platforms have fantastic user interfaces. Spotify uses a dark feel which is gentle on the eyes, especially in low lit rooms. Apple uses bright colors giving off a more energetic vibe. Based on using Apple Music for one day, I have to give this round to Apple. The mobile experience is more intuitive and allows me to not have to think as I’m setting up the platform and using it. I remember when I first dove into Spotify I had to look around a bit to get a feel for what all of the functions offered.
Apple Music steals this one.

And the Winner is: Spotify (for right now…)

I’m sure that this may be an unpopular opinion among the millions of Apple fans out there but keep in mind, Apple Music has been alive for one day. With user feedback and updates, I foresee this battle continuing on and on for years.

Be sure to let me know how you feel about this rivalry in the comments.