When it comes to choosing a streaming music service, Apple Music vs. Amazon Music is a common debate among music lovers. Both platforms offer a wide selection of songs, playlists, and exclusive content, but there are key differences that may sway your decision.
To help you make an informed choice, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide comparing Apple Music and Amazon Music. From music catalogs to pricing and features, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these streaming giants.
Music Catalog
Apple Music
- Extensive library: Apple Music boasts over 100 million songs, making it one of the largest music catalogs available.
- Diverse genres: You’ll find a wide range of genres, from popular hits to obscure indie tracks.
- Exclusive content: Apple Music often secures exclusive deals for new releases and live performances.
Amazon Music
- Growing library: Amazon Music offers a substantial library of over 100 million songs.
- Focus on Amazon originals: Amazon Music features a growing catalog of original content, including podcasts and concerts.
- HD and Ultra HD audio: Amazon Music offers a selection of songs in high-quality HD and Ultra HD formats.
Pricing and Plans
Apple Music
- Individual plan: $9.99 per month for unlimited streaming.
- Family plan: $14.99 per month for up to six family members.
- Student plan: $4.99 per month for eligible students.
Amazon Music
- Amazon Music Free: Free with limited features and advertisements.
- Prime Music: $8.99 per month for Prime members, includes a limited library of 100 million songs.
- Amazon Music Unlimited: $9.99 per month for unlimited streaming.
- Family plan: $14.99 per month for up to six family members.
Features
Apple Music
- Personalized playlists: Apple Music uses machine learning to create personalized playlists based on your listening history.
- Lyrics integration: View lyrics while listening to songs.
- Music videos: Apple Music offers a wide selection of music videos.
Amazon Music
- Amazon Echo integration: Control Amazon Music playback using Amazon Echo devices.
- Spatial audio: Amazon Music supports spatial audio for an immersive listening experience.
- Crossfade playback: Create smooth transitions between songs.
Table Breakdown: Apple Music vs. Amazon Music
| Feature | Apple Music | Amazon Music |
|---|---|---|
| Music library size | Over 100 million songs | Over 100 million songs |
| Exclusive content | Yes | Yes |
| HD and Ultra HD audio | No | Yes |
| Personalized playlists | Yes | No |
| Lyrics integration | Yes | No |
| Music videos | Yes | No |
| Amazon Echo integration | No | Yes |
| Spatial audio | No | Yes |
| Crossfade playback | No | Yes |
Conclusion
Whether you choose Apple Music or Amazon Music depends on your individual preferences and listening habits. If you’re a music enthusiast who values a vast catalog, personalized recommendations, and exclusive content, Apple Music may be the better choice. If you’re an Amazon Prime member looking for an affordable option with HD audio and Alexa integration, Amazon Music is a solid choice.
Ultimately, the best way to find the best apple music vs amazon music streaming service for you is to try them out and see what fits your needs. With free trial periods available, you can easily compare the platforms and make an informed decision.
FAQ about Apple Music vs Amazon Music
1. What are the key differences between Apple Music and Amazon Music?
- Catalog size: Apple Music has a larger catalog of over 90 million songs, while Amazon Music has over 90 million songs.
- Lossless audio: Apple Music offers lossless audio streaming at no additional cost, while Amazon Music requires a subscription to Amazon Music HD for lossless audio.
- Spatial audio: Apple Music supports spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, while Amazon Music only supports spatial audio for a limited number of songs.
- Exclusive content: Both services offer exclusive content, but Apple Music has more original shows and documentaries.
- Pricing: Apple Music and Amazon Music both offer individual plans for $9.99/month, but Amazon Music also offers a family plan for $14.99/month (up to 6 accounts).
2. Which service has the better sound quality?
Apple Music and Amazon Music both offer high-quality audio streaming, but Apple Music’s lossless audio option provides a noticeable improvement in sound quality, especially for listeners with high-quality headphones or speakers.
3. Which service has more exclusive content?
Apple Music has a wider selection of exclusive content, including original shows, documentaries, and live performances. Amazon Music also has some exclusive content, but it is primarily focused on Amazon Prime members.
4. Which service is easier to use?
Both Apple Music and Amazon Music have user-friendly interfaces, but Apple Music’s interface is generally considered to be cleaner and more intuitive.
5. Which service has better features?
Apple Music and Amazon Music both offer a wide range of features, but Apple Music has a few edge cases, such as:
- Siri integration: Apple Music can be controlled with Siri, making it easy to play music hands-free.
- Music recognition: Apple Music has a built-in music recognition feature that can identify songs from any source.
- Lyrics: Apple Music displays lyrics for most songs.
6. Which service is better for families?
Amazon Music offers a family plan for $14.99/month, which allows up to 6 accounts to share a single subscription. Apple Music does not have a family plan.
7. Which service offers more integrations?
Apple Music integrates with a wider range of devices and services, including:
- Apple devices: Apple Music is deeply integrated with Apple devices, such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
- Smart TVs and streaming sticks: Apple Music is available on a wider range of smart TVs and streaming sticks.
- Gaming consoles: Apple Music is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
8. Which service is more affordable?
Apple Music and Amazon Music both offer individual plans for $9.99/month. However, Amazon Music also offers a family plan for $14.99/month, which is a better value for families.
9. Which service is better for international users?
Amazon Music is available in more countries than Apple Music. However, Apple Music offers more local content in some countries.
10. Which service is better overall?
Apple Music and Amazon Music are both excellent music streaming services with their pros and cons. Apple Music has a larger catalog, better sound quality, and more exclusive content, but Amazon Music offers a family plan and is more affordable for some users. Ultimately, the best service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
