Media subscription services: Spotify Premium vs. Apple TV+
Quick Verdict
Spotify Premium is better for music lovers, while Apple TV+ is ideal for those seeking premium original video content and high-quality streaming.
- Spotify Premium focuses on music with a vast library, while Apple TV+ emphasizes high-quality original video content.
- Both offer ad-free experiences, offline downloads, and cross-platform compatibility.
- Apple TV+ provides higher video quality (4K HDR) and spatial audio support, while Spotify Premium offers a larger content library and personalized playlists.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Spotify Premium | Apple TV+ |
|---|---|---|
| Content Library Size | Over 100 million tracks (music) | Hundreds of exclusive shows and movies (video) |
| Ad-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Downloads | Available, up to 10,000 tracks per device | Available |
| Audio/Video Quality | Up to 320 kbps (Ogg Vorbis), up to 1080p | 4K HDR |
| Original Content | Original podcasts and exclusive live recordings | Focuses almost exclusively on original content |
| Cross-Platform Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Family Plan | Available for up to 6 members | Available for up to 6 members via Family Sharing |
| Student Discount | Yes, may include Hulu (With Ads) | Included with Apple Music student subscription |
| Spatial Audio Support | Not available | Dolby Atmos support |
Overall Comparison
Content: Spotify wins on size; Quality: Apple TV+ wins on video; Both: Ad-free, cross-platform
Pros and Cons
Spotify Premium
Pros:
- Ad-free listening
- Offline downloads
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Family plan options
- Student discount availability
- Podcast availability
- Easy-to-use interface
- Personalized playlists
Cons:
- Audio quality not lossless compared to other streaming options
- Limited offline downloads (10,000 tracks per device)
- Requires internet connection every 30 days for offline downloads
Apple TV+
Pros:
- Ad-free viewing
- Offline downloads
- 4K HDR quality streaming
- Focus on high-quality original content
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Family sharing options
- Student discount availability
- Early access to original podcasts
- Spatial audio support
- Seamless integration with Apple devices and services
- Parental control options
Cons:
- Smaller video content library size compared to competitors
User Experiences and Feedback
Spotify Premium
What Users Love
- Extensive music catalog (over 100 million tracks)
- Effective personalized playlists based on listening history and AI
- User-friendly interface
Common Complaints
- Audio quality is not lossless compared to Tidal, Amazon Music HD, Deezer HiFi, and Apple Music
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Apple TV+
What Users Love
- High-quality original programming
- Seamless integration with Apple devices and services
Common Complaints
- Smaller content library compared to competitors
Value Perception
- Focuses on quality over quantity, offering a smaller but high-quality selection of original content.
- Apple TV+ has the highest-quality content compared to competitors.
User Recommendations
- Apple TV+ is known for its high-quality original programming, with a focus on premium content and big Hollywood stars.
- New movies and series are typically added every Wednesday and Friday, with some shows releasing all episodes at once.