YouTube Music vs Apple Music: Side by Side Comparison

By Adam Gorden Updated on December 30, 2024

tidal vs apple music

As of 2024, Apple Music has surpassed 100 million paid subscribers worldwide, according to the latest company report. This milestone underscores the service's strong position in the global music streaming market, with its continued expansion in both developed and emerging markets. The platform's growth is driven by its seamless integration with Apple's broader ecosystem, combined with an extensive music library that appeals to a wide range of users.

Meanwhile, YouTube Music, which is part of Google's broader YouTube Premium service, has also experienced notable growth. As of September 2024, YouTube Music reached 70 million paid subscribers, a significant increase from 50 million in 2022. This growth can be attributed to the platform's unique offering, which combines music streaming with access to millions of music videos. This dual feature sets YouTube Music apart from its competitors and appeals to users who value both audio tracks and visual content.

While Apple Music and YouTube Music are two of the biggest players in the streaming industry, each platform offers distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. In this post, we'll compare these services across key aspects, including pricing, content selection, audio quality, offline features, and user experience, helping you determine which one best suits your music streaming needs.

apple music to youtube music
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Part 1. Apple Music vs. YouTube Music: Music Library and Content

apple music web player main interface

Apple Music has rapidly grown to offer an impressive catalog of over 100 million songs, spanning genres from pop and rock to jazz and classical. But it's not just about the sheer volume - Apple Music also delivers exclusive content, like artist-hosted shows and live radio stations, making it a standout in terms of personalized experiences. Apple Music appeals particularly to audiophiles with high-quality audio options such as lossless and Hi-Res lossless, offering a premium sound experience that its users can count on.

youtube music main interface

YouTube Music, also boasting over 100 million tracks, differentiates itself by blending music with video content. Users get access not just to tracks but also to music videos, live performances, remixes, and covers. This makes YouTube Music an especially enticing choice for people who enjoy visual elements alongside their music. With its integration into the broader YouTube platform, it offers a huge selection of user-generated content and live-streamed events, making it a versatile platform for both music and video lovers alike.

While Apple Music focuses on curated audio experiences and top-tier sound quality, YouTube Music shines in its integration of video, making it the better choice for users looking for a more dynamic multimedia experience.

Part 2. Apple Music vs. YouTube Music: Offline Listening and Downloads

ios apple music add to library

Apple Music allows users to download songs, albums, and playlists for offline listening, with the ability to store up to 100,000 tracks. This flexibility makes Apple Music an excellent choice for users who need extensive offline libraries, such as when traveling or in areas with poor internet connectivity. Whether you're at the gym or on a long flight, having access to your entire music collection offline adds a layer of convenience.

youtube music web playback

YouTube Music also supports offline downloads, but there's a catch: this feature is generally available only for Premium members. While the ability to save tracks for offline listening is useful, YouTube Music's limitations - particularly for free-tier users - mean Apple Music holds the edge in this category, especially when it comes to the range and scope of downloadable content.

Overall, Apple Music is the clear winner when it comes to offline listening, offering a broader selection of downloadable content and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem of devices.

Part 3. Apple Music vs. YouTube Music: Listening Experience

Apple Music's focus on audio fidelity makes it a strong choice for listeners who care deeply about sound quality. With options like lossless and Hi-Res lossless audio, Apple Music stands out for delivering premium, crystal-clear sound. Its curated playlists, exclusive radio shows, and artist-hosted content add an extra layer of personalization, ensuring that each listener has a tailored music experience.

YouTube Music, while providing solid audio quality, stands out for its combination of music and video. For users who enjoy watching music videos, live performances, and unique covers, YouTube Music offers an interactive listening experience. Even though its audio quality may not match Apple Music's lossless options, the added video content creates a more immersive music experience that goes beyond just the audio.

While Apple Music focuses primarily on delivering top-notch audio, YouTube Music is the better option for those who want a more multimedia experience, combining music with video for a truly engaging entertainment package.

Part 4. Apple Music vs. YouTube Music: Popular Features

One of Apple Music's strongest selling points is its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. If you're already using an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Mac, the integration is effortless. You can sync your music across all your Apple devices, control playback with Siri, and get personalized recommendations based on your listening habits. The platform's curated playlists and exclusive radio stations also enhance the discovery experience, offering a more personalized touch.

YouTube Music's strength lies in its unique video content. Not only can you listen to tracks, but you can also watch music videos, live performances, and user-generated content. Plus, for YouTube Premium members, YouTube Music offers ad-free listening and the ability to watch music videos in the background, making it a highly versatile option for video and music lovers alike.

For those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Music is hard to beat. However, if you're someone who enjoys both music and video, YouTube Music offers a more integrated and flexible experience, blending the two seamlessly.

Part 5. Apple Music vs. YouTube Music: Pricing Plans and Subscriptions

ios music profile account manage subscription

Apple Music offers a straightforward pricing structure: individual plans start at $10.99 per month, family plans are $16.99, and student plans are $5.99. With a one-month free trial, all plans give users full access to the music catalog, offline downloads, and exclusive content, making it an appealing option for those who want a traditional music streaming service.

youtube music premium subscriptions

YouTube Music, on the other hand, offers a free, ad-supported version, with Premium features - such as offline downloads and ad-free listening - available through YouTube Music Premium, priced similarly to Apple Music. Additionally, YouTube Premium removes ads from all YouTube videos and offers access to YouTube Originals, making it a good option for users who want to enjoy ad-free content across both YouTube and YouTube Music.

While both services have competitive pricing, YouTube Music adds value for users who already subscribe to YouTube Premium. On the other hand, Apple Music offers a more traditional, music-centric experience, focusing on audio quality and curated content.

Part 6. Apple Music vs. YouTube Music: Comparison Table

Feature Apple Music YouTube Music
Music Library 100+ million songs, exclusive content 100+ million songs, music videos, live performances
Audio Quality Lossless & Hi-Res lossless Standard audio quality (no lossless)
Offline Listening Download up to 100,000 tracks Offline downloads for Premium users
Video Content Limited to artist shows & radio Music videos, live streams, remixes
Device Integration Best with Apple devices Works across all platforms, YouTube Premium integration
Pricing $10.99/month (individual), $5.99 (student) Free with ads, $10/month (Premium)
Best For Apple users, audiophiles, exclusive content seekers Video and music lovers, YouTube Premium members

Conclusion:

When comparing Apple Music and YouTube Music, both have unique advantages, but your choice depends on your priorities. Apple Music stands out for its audio quality, seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, and exclusive content like curated playlists and artist-led shows. It's ideal for Apple device users who want a smooth, cohesive experience. However, the DRM protection on Apple Music songs restricts playback to Apple devices, limiting flexibility.

For those seeking more freedom, ViWizard Apple Music Converter offers a solution by allowing you to convert DRM-protected Apple Music tracks into universal formats like MP3 or AAC. This lets you play your music on any device, while also offering customization options like adjusting volume, speed, and pitch to suit your preferences.

On the other hand, YouTube Music excels in providing a video-driven music experience. With its vast library of music videos, live performances, and remixes, it's perfect for users who enjoy both audio and visual content. While its sound quality doesn't match Apple Music's lossless options, the added video content makes it a more dynamic service for many.

So, which one is better? Apple Music is the clear winner for those prioritizing sound quality, exclusive content, and deep Apple ecosystem integration. However, if you prefer a multimedia experience with video content, YouTube Music is a strong contender.

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