Spotify vs. Apple Music: A Comparative Analysis of Streaming Giants

Spotify vs. Apple Music: After the 30-Day Test

The two giant platforms shaping our music listening habits, Spotify and Apple Music, are constantly compared among users. Which one is better? Which subscription is more suitable for whom? To answer these questions, we tested both platforms for 30 days with daily user experience. Within the scope of the test, critical topics such as pricing models, personalization algorithms, user interface (UI), and sound quality were examined. Here are the surprising results and our in-depth analysis.

Price and Subscription Models: The First Battlefield

In the first phase of the test, economic factors were evaluated. Both platforms offer individual, student, family, and duo plans. Although prices show small variations from region to region, they are generally competitive. However, the free tier offered by Spotify (freemium model) provides a critical advantage here. Free users can access music by listening to platform ads and with some limitations (e.g., hourly song skip limit). This is an important opportunity window for users who do not yet want to switch to a premium subscription or have a limited budget. Apple Music, on the other hand, operates with a direct paid subscription model and does not offer a free tier. At this point, those who want a low barrier to start using may prefer Spotify's free version.

Personalization and Discovery: The Battle of Algorithms

During the 30-day test, the most noticeable difference was personalization and new music discovery. Features like Spotify's "Discover Weekly," "Release Radar," and "Daily Mix" analyze your listening habits with incredible precision and offer personalized playlists. Throughout the test, we observed that Spotify's recommendations were closer to our personal tastes and surprisingly accurate. Although Apple Music's personalization efforts (such as the "For You" section) are also advanced, we concluded that Spotify's machine learning and AI-based algorithms are still one step ahead. For those who want to discover new artists and songs, Spotify offers a stronger set of tools.

User Interface and Experience: Simplicity or Integration?

When it comes to user interface (UI) and overall user experience (UX), preferences become personalized. Spotify's interface gives a more dynamic and energetic feel with its dark themes, live playlists, and social sharing features. Its navigation is quite intuitive. Apple Music reflects the characteristic simplicity and minimalism of the Apple ecosystem. Its flawless cross-device synchronization and integration, especially for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch users, is a major plus. However, the web player or Windows app experience may be less satisfying in Apple Music compared to Spotify.

Sound Quality and Technical Features

Sound quality is the most important criterion for audiophiles. Apple Music offers lossless audio, spatial audio, and Dolby Atmos support to all subscribers at no extra cost. This is an attractive feature for users with high-quality equipment. Spotify, however, has not yet globally launched its long-promised "Spotify HiFi" lossless audio tier. The current premium subscription provides streaming in Ogg Vorbis format with a maximum bitrate of 320 kbps. While this quality is more than sufficient for most users, those seeking the highest level of sound quality may currently turn to alternatives like Apple Music or Tidal.

Cross-Platform Accessibility and Limitations

Another point noted during the test was the platform's accessibility. Spotify offers a wide access network on web browsers, desktop applications, mobile apps, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even some vehicle infotainment systems. Although Apple Music offers similar access, the experience, especially on Windows and Android ecosystems, may not be as seamless as within its own ecosystem. Furthermore, as indicated in the sources,