Both Spotify Premium and YouTube Premium offer compelling features for music and content consumption. Spotify Premium excels in audio quality and original audio content, while YouTube Premium provides a broader ad-free experience across the entire YouTube platform. The choice depends on user priorities: music quality and exclusive audio content versus ad-free video viewing and wider platform integration. Cost differences in family and student plans are also a factor.
| Attribute | Spotify Premium | YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-free listening/viewing | Ad-free music listening, some podcasts may include ads or sponsorship messages | Yes, across YouTube, YouTube Kids, and YouTube Music |
| Offline downloads | Download music and podcasts for offline listening, up to 10,000 songs on up to five different devices | Yes, videos and playlists can be downloaded for offline viewing up to 29 days |
| Background playback | Spotify Premium allows background playback | Yes, available on YouTube, YouTube Music, and YouTube Kids mobile apps |
| Audio quality (kbps) | Free users stream at a maximum of 160kbps on mobile and 128kbps on the web player. Premium subscribers can stream at up to 320kbps. Spotify uses Ogg Vorbis format. Spotify is preparing to launch its Music Pro tier, a rebranded and more expansive version of HiFi, which will have CD-quality audio (FLAC/lossless streaming) | Up to 256 kbps AAC in YouTube Music Premium |
| Video resolution | Recommended resolution is 720p (1280x720 pixels), but supports up to 1080p (1920x1080 pixels) | 1080p Premium with enhanced bitrate |
| Content library size (music tracks/videos) | Over 100 million songs | Over 100 million songs and podcasts in YouTube Music Premium |
| Original content availability | Exclusive podcasts, live recordings, original video content, audio fiction and dramas | Limited, YouTube has scaled back its Originals program |
| Family plan options | Allows up to 6 family members living at the same address to have individual Premium accounts. The plan manager pays for the plan and can manage members. Costs $19.99 per month (as of July 2025) | $22.99/month for up to six accounts within the same household |
| Student discount availability | Eligible students can get Premium Student for a discounted price. Costs $5.99 per month (as of July 2025). Students must be enrolled at an accredited higher education institution and may need to verify their status through SheerID. The discount is available for up to 4 years, with renewal and reverification required every 12 months | $7.99/month for eligible students, verification required annually |
| Podcast availability | Wide variety of podcasts, including exclusive content | Yes, ad-free listening to podcasts |
| Music discovery features | Algorithmically produced playlists like "Discover Weekly" and "Daily Mix". Editorial playlists and personalized radio stations. New features are being rolled out to improve music discovery | Personalized playlists, radio stations, and 'Samples' tab in YouTube Music |
| Integration with other apps/devices | Integrates with various devices, including smart speakers | Available across devices with YouTube app, including smart TVs, game consoles, streaming devices; YouTube Music integrates with Apple CarPlay and Chromecast audio devices |