Audio equipment: Spotify HiFi (Supremium) vs. Apple Music Spatial Audio
Quick Verdict
Apple Music provides a comprehensive spatial audio experience at a lower price, while Spotify HiFi focuses on lossless audio quality with broader device compatibility.
- Apple Music offers native Spatial Audio support with Dolby Atmos, while Spotify HiFi relies on external devices.
- Apple Music is generally cheaper than the rumored price of Spotify HiFi.
- Both services offer lossless audio and offline playback.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Spotify HiFi (Supremium) | Apple Music Spatial Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Bitrate: ~1411kbps, Sample Rate: 24-bit/44.1kHz (potentially up to 192kHz), Lossless Audio (HiFi) | Lossless audio available using ALAC. Resolutions range from 16-bit/44.1 kHz up to 24-bit/192 kHz. |
| Spatial Audio Technology | No native support. Relies on external device features. | Uses Dolby Atmos to create a surround sound-like effect, offering a 360-degree sound format. Some devices offer dynamic head tracking. |
| Device Compatibility | Smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, Spotify Connect-enabled speakers, potential support for aptX and LDAC, cars, TVs, gaming consoles, smartwatches | Smartphones, Tablets, Computers, Apple TV 4K, HomePod, and HomePod mini. Any Apple or Beats headphones with an H1 or W1 chip. Dolby Atmos can be set to "Always On" for use with other headphones. |
| Subscription Price | Rumored to be around $20/month | Individual: $10.99 per month, Student: $5.99 per month, Family: $16.99 per month |
| Exclusive Content | May include exclusive content | Live performances and concerts (Apple Music Sessions), interviews, original shows and live and on-demand radio stations hosted by artists. |
| Integration with Existing Ecosystem | Spotify Connect | Seamless integration with Apple devices, available on iOS and Android devices, integration with Siri, can stream via Chromecast. |
Overall Comparison
Audio Quality: Both Lossless; Spatial Audio: Apple Music wins; Price: Apple Music wins
Pros and Cons
Spotify HiFi (Supremium)
Pros:
- Lossless audio quality
- Potential for exclusive content
- Integration with Spotify Connect
- Offline playback
- Ad-free listening (likely)
Cons:
- No native spatial audio support
- Subscription price higher than standard premium
- User interface subject to frequent changes
- Spatial audio experience may not be as immersive as Apple Music
Apple Music Spatial Audio
Pros:
- Lossless audio quality with ALAC
- Immersive spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos
- Large music library with over 100 million songs
- Ad-free listening
- Exclusive content like live performances and interviews
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- Available on iOS and Android devices
- Family plan availability
- Offline playback
Cons:
- Spatial Audio limitations with non-Apple/Beats headphones without manual settings adjustment
- Spotify HiFi may offer clearer sound compared to Spotify Premium, however, Spotify does not natively support spatial audio.
User Experiences and Feedback
Spotify HiFi (Supremium)
What Users Love
- Aims to provide clearer and more detailed sound without compression artifacts compared to Spotify Premium.
Common Complaints
- Whether the improvement is noticeable depends on the audio system and the listener's hearing ability.
- Spotify does not offer native support for spatial audio. Any spatial effects are likely from external device features.
Value Perception
- The existing "very high" setting on Spotify Premium is approximately 320kbps.
- Apple Music's individual plan is $10.99/month, and the family plan is $16.99/month. Spotify Premium family plan costs $19.99.
Apple Music Spatial Audio
What Users Love
- Offers a higher fidelity and more dynamic sound compared to standard streaming services.
- Features special Spatial Audio playlists and badges on albums available in Dolby Atmos.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- Includes Spatial Audio and Lossless Audio at no extra cost.
User Recommendations
- Apple Music leads in spatial audio availability with a large catalog of immersive mixes.