Both YouTube Premium and Spotify Premium offer compelling features for ad-free content consumption, offline playback, and background playback. YouTube Premium stands out with its broader content library, including user-generated videos and support for up to 4K resolution. Spotify Premium excels in audio quality with up to 320kbps and a slightly more affordable family plan for more members. The choice depends on whether video content or higher audio fidelity is prioritized.
| Attribute | YouTube Premium | Spotify Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-free viewing/listening experience | Removes video ads, banner ads, and third-party search ads across YouTube and YouTube Kids. Creators can still include branding and promotions. | Ad-free listening experience |
| Offline playback availability | Allows downloading videos and playlists to watch offline for up to 29 days. | Download songs and podcasts for offline listening; up to 10,000 songs on up to five devices |
| Background playback support | Enables videos to continue playing on mobile devices while using other apps or when the screen is off. Available on YouTube, YouTube Music, and YouTube Kids apps. | Allows background playback while using other apps |
| Content variety and catalog size | Vast library including user-generated videos, music, live performances, and original shows/movies. YouTube Music Premium includes over 100 million songs, live tracks, remixes, and podcasts. | Large library of songs, podcasts, and audiobooks |
| Audio quality (bitrate) | YouTube Music Premium streams at up to 256 kbps. The free version streams at 128 kbps. | Up to 320kbps |
| Video resolution (maximum supported) | Supports up to 4K resolution. YouTube Premium offers an enhanced bitrate version of 1080p, called 1080p Premium, for select videos. | Up to 1080p; supports MP4 files |
| Family plan options and pricing | $22.99 per month for up to five family members (ages 13+) in the same household. | $19.99 per month for 6 Premium accounts |
| Student discount availability | $7.99 per month for eligible students enrolled at a SheerID-approved higher education institution with annual verification. | Available for eligible students |
| Original content offerings | Includes access to YouTube Originals. | Original shows and movies |
| Podcast availability | Includes access to podcasts. | Wide variety of podcasts |
| Music discovery features | YouTube Music offers personalized playlists, song suggestions, and a 'Samples' tab for discovering new music videos and artists. | Personalized playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and social tools |
| Integration with other devices/platforms | Available on devices where you are signed in with your Google Account, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile apps. YouTube Music Premium members can play audio on Chromecast audio devices or Google Cast-connected speakers. | Integrates with smart speakers, TVs, and gaming consoles |
| Price | Individual plan: $13.99/month, Family plan: $22.99/month, Student plan: $7.99/month | Family plan: $19.99 per month |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |