Spotify vs. Apple Music: Which Streaming Service is Winning in 2025?

Music streaming has totally changed the game, right? Instead of buying CDs or downloading albums, now we can just tap a button and have millions of songs at our fingertips. But with so many options out there, Spotify and Apple Music have really stood out as the two big players in the music streaming world.

So, what’s the deal in 2025? Is Spotify still the king of the streaming world, or has Apple Music finally caught up and taken over? Let’s break it down and see which one is really winning.

1. Catalog Size and Music Selection: What’s On Offer?

When it comes to catalog size, both platforms offer a ton of music, but there are some differences.

• Spotify is known for its massive library. With over 70 million tracks, it’s got pretty much everything. And the best part? It’s always introducing new releases. So if you’re someone who loves discovering fresh music, you’re in luck! Plus, Spotify’s great at personalizing your experience with playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar that introduce you to new artists and tracks.

• Apple Music is a close contender, with more than 80 million tracks in its catalog. But what sets Apple Music apart is its exclusive content. From early album releases to behind-the-scenes docs, if you’re into exclusive stuff from your favorite artists, Apple Music’s got a lot of that. It’s also pretty solid if you’re a fan of curated playlists from music experts.

Both platforms are stacked with music, but if you’re all about exclusive stuff, Apple Music might be calling your name.

2. Music Discovery: How Easy Is It to Find New Tunes?

Discovering new music is one of the best things about streaming, right? And both services have their own spin on it.

• Spotify is a pro at recommendations. Its algorithm is top-notch, making sure you never run out of new music to listen to. Whether it’s Discover Weekly, Daily Mixes, or Release Radar, Spotify is constantly serving up fresh tunes based on what you’re into. It’s like your own personal DJ, always introducing you to new tracks.

• Apple Music, on the other hand, focuses more on curated playlists by actual people—like DJs, music experts, and even celebrities. If you love curated playlists from real people, Apple Music is your go-to. It’s all about that personal touch, with hand-picked tunes that fit your vibe.

So, if you’re into personalized, algorithm-driven playlists, Spotify is your best bet. But if you like expert-curated playlists with a human touch, Apple Music might be more your style.

3. Sound Quality: Does It Really Matter?

For music lovers, sound quality matters, right? And both platforms have really upped their game here.

• Spotify offers 320 kbps streaming for Premium users, which is great for most people. It’s crisp and clear, but if you’re an audiophile, you might want to wait for Spotify HiFi, which offers lossless audio (think CD-quality sound). It’s still rolling out, but it’s definitely on the way.

• Apple Music has been ahead of the curve with lossless audio and Dolby Atmos for a while now. This means you can listen to music in high-fidelity sound without needing to pay extra for it. Apple’s sound quality is top-tier, especially if you’re looking for that crystal-clear, immersive experience.

If you’re all about that high-quality sound, Apple Music takes the lead here, especially with its Dolby Atmos and lossless offerings.

4. Pricing and Plans: Which One Fits Your Budget?

When it comes to pricing, both services are pretty similar, but there are a few differences.

• Spotify offers a free version with ads, but if you want to go ad-free, the Premium version is about $9.99/month. They also have a family plan for around $14.99/month and a student plan for $4.99/month.

• Apple Music also has a free trial, but its premium plan is priced similarly at $9.99/month. They also have a family plan for $14.99/month and a student plan for $4.99/month. One neat thing Apple offers is the Apple One bundle, which gives you access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud storage, and more for a slightly discounted price.

So, when it comes to pricing, there’s not much difference—both services are in the same ballpark. But if you’re already using other Apple services, the Apple One bundle could be a great deal.

5. Device Compatibility: Which One Works Best With Your Gear?

• Spotify works on pretty much everything. Whether you’re on iOS, Android, Windows, or even gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, you’ll have no problem streaming. It’s also easy to use Spotify Connect to control your music across multiple devices.

• Apple Music is tightly integrated into the Apple ecosystem. If you’re using Apple devices, it works flawlessly, from your iPhone to MacBook to HomePod. But it also works on Android and Windows, so don’t worry if you’re not all-in on Apple gear.

If you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem, Apple Music will feel like part of the system. But if you use a mix of devices, Spotify might be a more versatile option.

6. Social Features and Sharing: Sharing Your Music

It’s fun to share what you’re listening to, right? Both platforms offer some social features, but they’re a bit different.

• Spotify is very social media-friendly. You can share playlists and tracks with friends, see what they’re listening to, and even integrate with Instagram to post what you’re vibing to. If you love showing off your music taste, Spotify makes it super easy.

• Apple Music has a more basic social feature. You can follow friends and see what they’re listening to, but it’s not as integrated into the experience as it is on Spotify. Apple focuses more on music discovery through curated playlists and exclusive content rather than social sharing.

So, if you’re into sharing your music with friends and seeing what they’re listening to, Spotify is definitely more social.

Both platforms are solid choices, but whichever you choose, the future of music streaming is looking brighter than ever.