Apple Music vs Spotify: Why I Made the Switch

There’s no denying that Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services out there. As a matter of fact, it is currently dominating the market, with a subscriber share of 30.6% as of the last report. Even so, there are some things that Spotify needs to work on.

These are the aspects in which Apple Music is doing better and why I have made the switch. Want to know which are they? Well, that’s what this discussion is all about. Let’s give you a proper rundown of why you should try Apple Music if you’re currently using Spotify.

First, Let’s Discuss What Makes Spotify Perfect for Many

While I found Apple Music to be a better fit for me, Spotify remains a fantastic music streaming service for many users. Here are some reasons:

Social Media-like Experience

 ‌If you crave a social aspect to your music experience, Spotify reigns supreme. Sharing playlists with friends, collaborating on Discover Weekly playlists, and following artists for updates are just some of the features that make Spotify a social hub for music lovers.

Recommendations after recommendations

Spotify’s recommendation engine is a powerhouse. Their Discover Weekly and Release Radar playlists are legendary. You can unearth hidden gems and get to know new favorites you’ll love.

Free Tier

Can’t beat free, right? Spotify’s free tier, despite occasional ads, offers a vast library of music, podcasts, and personalized playlists. This makes it a fantastic option for casual listeners or those on a budget.

Wider Compatibility

Name a device, and Spotify’s probably there. From smartphones and laptops to smart TVs and gaming consoles, the app is available everywhere. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy your music anywhere, anytime.

Now, Let’s Get Back to Why I Switched

With the good sides aside, let’s now talk about the reasons that made me make the switch:

Spotify Now Looks More Like a Social Media

One of the biggest reasons why I made the switch is Spotify’s growing resemblance to social media. Yes, the occasional video overlay wasn’t a dealbreaker. But a constant stream of short-form videos and search results on my home screen became overwhelming.

Sure, some might find these videos a fun way to discover new music. But for me, they were distractions. Social media is great, but the new UI feels less like a music streaming platform. I didn’t appreciate the feeling of losing control over my music experience with constant video bombardment. Apple Music, on the other hand, has kept the experience as refined as it should be.

After all, when I open a music streaming app, I want to focus on music, not fight for attention against flashy bells and whistles.

You Get More Value With Apple Music

Rising subscription costs are now a reality for most streaming services. So, price isn’t a primary concern anymore. However, with Spotify, you get that it’s not delivering the value, especially when Apple Music is considered.

Back in the day, Spotify offered a simple solution: skip songs and ditch the ads. Lately, it seems the focus has shifted towards features people didn’t need or want. These additions came at the expense of a clean and user-friendly experience.

Value is subjective, and sometimes it means making trade-offs. But for me, Apple Music offered a package that better aligned with my priorities: a focus on music, minus the clutter.

Spotify HiFi Is Still In the Works

Beyond interface and value, another key factor in my switch was sound quality. Spotify offers varying levels depending on your subscription. But even the highest tier falls short compared to Apple Music.

Apple Music boasts lossless audio, ranging from CD quality ‌all the way up to formats surpassing CDs. This translates to a richer, more nuanced listening experience. The subtle details and instrumentals shine in Apple’s offering. On top of that, Apple Music throws in Dolby Atmos spatial audio. This creates a more immersive and dynamic soundscape.

Now, sound quality can be subjective. But for me, the difference was undeniable. Music on Apple Music sounded “better” to my ears, offering a more faithful reproduction of the original recordings. Spotify may improve its offerings in the future, as the HiFi tier does appear near completion. But for now, Apple Music reigns supreme in the audiophile realm.

A Better Interface

Apple Music’s interface also played a significant role in my decision. Compared to Spotify, it feels streamlined. Recently played songs and playlists are properly displayed, making them easy to access. This focus on core functionalities makes navigating the app a breeze.

Some users enjoy Spotify’s social features. However, I found the extra right-hand sidebar distracting. Even with the option to hide it, its presence felt unnecessary. Apple Music’s clean layout resonated more with my desire for a focused music experience.

Spotify’s Recommendation System Feels More Like a Double-edged Sword

While Spotify boasts a robust recommendation engine, for me, it became a double-edged sword. Sure, it’s great to discover new music, but the sheer volume of suggestions often leads to a form of “listening overload.” I found myself spending excessive time exploring recommendations. I even ventured down rabbit holes of music I wasn’t particularly interested in.

Sometimes, less can be more. Apple Music’s recommendation system may not be as comprehensive. But I appreciate the more curated approach. It allows me to be more intentional with my listening time, focusing on music I enjoy. This, in turn, has improved my focus when using the app, allowing me to multitask more.

Apple Music Makes It Easy To Personalize Your Library

One unexpected advantage of Apple Music was its seamless integration with my personal music library. On Spotify, importing downloaded songs can be a hassle. Apple Music felt refreshingly familiar. Reminiscent ‌of the good old iTunes days, adding my personal collection was a breeze.

This is particularly useful for niche genres or specific tracks. For instance, if I use lo-fi beats for video editing, I can import them into my Apple Music library for easy access. This ability to combine streaming and personal collections creates a more versatile experience.

While both Spotify and Apple Music have their merits, for me, the switch has been a positive one. The superior sound quality, streamlined interface, and ability to integrate my personal library have all contributed to a more enjoyable way to experience music. If you’re looking for a platform that prioritizes audio fidelity, focuses on core functionalities, and allows for personalized music curation, then Apple Music might be worth a try.