Illustration by Fintan O'Sullivan
Music is the thing that has been blessing our ears since the beginning of human existence. If you’re walking through the hallways in between classes, doing homework, or driving around in the car, you’re also probably listening to music.
In the past twenty years, our method for listening to music has greatly evolved. From CDs to MP3s, and then iPods to your actual phone, we’ve gone from making your own mix to having unlimited access to streaming millions of songs.
In today’s day and age, Spotify and Apple Music are the top streaming services for anyone who is ready to ditch their purchased music and join the digital world.
But which is better? Recently, Apple Music has overtaken Spotify in its amount of paid subscribers. Berkeley High School (BHS) junior Jolie Gobler says she prefers Apple Music because “it’s easier to connect with my friends and see what my sister listens to, and I also think that Apple Radio is better.”
Apple Music does have certain features that are unique to its subscription. All of the music you have downloaded in your iTunes library can be accessed through the same app as Apple Music; you can create playlists with music you currently own and with music you’re streaming.
Spotify has often been praised for the collection of music it makes available. Its playlists curated to your personal tastes and preferences are another favorite among Spotify users.
“I really like being able to look up a new artist and have a playlist ready for me,” said BHS sophomore Lilah Fraser. Meanwhile junior Ana Shinal said “My Discover Weekly playlists are always hella good.”
In terms of subscription prices, Spotify definitely has an advantage. They provide users with a free option, but it gives limited access to their features and ads every couple of songs.
Spotify Free has a feature called “shuffle play” for music, but lacks the ability to listen offline, skip songs, select any track, and high quality audio. Additionally, Spotify offers a student subscription for 4.99/month that also includes access to Hulu TV.
Apple Music has not matched this addition, but offers a student subscription option for 4.99/month as well. Similarly, both streaming services offer family plans and individual plans at the same prices.
In terms of exclusivity, Apple Music takes the prize. With no free option, users must pay to have access to the special features in their Apple library.
Once you gain entry to this music world, however, you have access to various songs, visual albums, music videos, and artists that have exclusive deals with Apple Music. This includes Beyonce’s Lemonade album, Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book, and almost the entirety of Taylor Swift’s early music.
In the instance of Coloring Book, Chance the Rapper released the album exclusively on Apple Music for a week before adding it to Spotify.
This exclusivity may be the reason that consumers are heading towards Apple Music. Either way, the Spotify and Apple Music rivalry seems as if it will stay neck and neck as the battle of inclusive streaming and exclusive releases develops.