Apple Music vs Spotify: Which Music Service Is Best in India
Choosing the right music streaming app can be frustrating. You may wonder which one has more songs, better playlists, or lower prices. You may also worry about regional content or device compatibility. I ran into the same problem when I tried both Apple Music and Spotify. I found myself switching apps, frustrated that some songs were missing or the sound quality wasn’t as good as I expected.
After testing both services on my Android phone and iPad, I noticed each app has its own strengths. Spotify made discovering new songs and podcasts easy, especially on Android. Apple Music sounded clearer on my iPad and offered lossless audio, making listening more enjoyable. In this article, I share my personal experience along with a detailed comparison of features, pricing, playlists, regional content, and social tools to help you pick the best app for your needs.
What Are Apple Music and Spotify
Apple Music is Apple’s music service. You can play millions of songs and download them. It works best on Apple devices.
Spotify is a music service with millions of songs and podcasts. It works on Android, iPhone, and other devices. Spotify also has a free version with ads.
Music Library and Song Variety
Both services have large music libraries.
- Spotify has playlists made by users.
- Apple Music has curated playlists by editors.
In India, both support Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, and other regional songs. Some songs may be missing on one service due to licensing.
App and User Interface
Apple Music app is simple and clean on iPhone.
Spotify is easy to use on Android and iPhone.
Spotify makes discovering music easier. Apple Music focuses on a neat, minimalist design.
Apple Music vs Spotify Sound Quality
Apple Music streams high-quality audio. It offers lossless audio and spatial audio for many songs.
Spotify streams high-quality for Premium users. Spotify also offers lossless audio in its Premium Platinum tier in India.
If you care about music quality, check both services on your device.
Pricing in India (2026)
Apple Music plans:
- Individual: ₹99/month
- Student: ₹49/month
- Family (up to 6 users): ₹149/month
Spotify plans:
- Free: Ad-supported, limited skips
- Premium Lite: ₹49/month, limited features
- Premium: ₹119/month
- Premium Family: ₹179/month
- Premium Platinum: ₹239/month, includes lossless audio
Check the official apps for exact prices.
Offline Listening
Both let you download songs. You can listen offline. This is useful for travel or weak internet connections.
Personalized Recommendations
Spotify gives Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and daily mixes. Many Indian users like these suggestions.
Apple Music also suggests playlists based on your listening habits. Its editorial playlists are popular for new releases.
Apple Music vs Spotify Regional Content
Both services focus on regional music in India.
Spotify has playlists for Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Punjabi, and Marathi songs.
Apple Music also has curated playlists for regional languages.
This helps users find local favorites easily.
Apple Music vs Spotify Social Features
Spotify lets you follow friends, share songs, and create collaborative playlists.
Apple Music has sharing features, but Spotify’s social tools are stronger.
Exclusive Features
Spotify offers podcasts, AI DJ features, concert alerts, and music feeds.
Apple Music has live radio, exclusive songs, real-time lyrics, and Apple Music Classical for classical music fans.
Apple Music vs Spotify Device Support
Spotify works on phones, tablets, smart speakers, cars, and gaming consoles.
Apple Music works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, smart speakers, and some Android devices.
If you use Apple devices, Apple Music is a better fit. For Android, Spotify is easier.
Support and User Help
Both have online help centers and guides. You can solve most issues there.
Missing Songs in India
Some songs may not be available due to regional licensing. Both services may have gaps in certain Bollywood or regional tracks.
Apple Music vs Spotify for Students
Students often look for budget-friendly options.
- Spotify Free is perfect for those who don’t want to pay.
- Apple Music Student Plan is ₹49/month and works on Apple devices.
Apple Music vs Spotify for Young Professionals
Young professionals care about quality and playlists for work or commute.
- Apple Music offers lossless audio and curated playlists.
- Spotify gives daily mixes and new releases based on your taste.
Apple Music vs Spotify for Podcast Lovers
Spotify has a larger podcast library and Indian podcasts.
Apple Music also offers podcasts, but has fewer options in India.
Apple Music vs Spotify for Audiophiles
Both services now support high-quality audio:
- Apple Music: Lossless and spatial audio
- Spotify Premium Platinum: Lossless audio
Check on your headphones or devices to compare.
Apple Music vs Spotify for Regional Language Fans
Spotify and Apple Music both have regional playlists.
- Spotify: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi
- Apple Music: Regional curated playlists
This helps users discover local hits easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide:
- Want free listening? Choose Spotify Free.
- Use Apple devices? Apple Music fits best.
- Love podcasts with music? Spotify is stronger.
- Care about lossless audio? Apple Music or Spotify Premium Platinum.
- Want social features? Spotify is better for sharing and following friends.
Conclusion
After months of using both Apple Music and Spotify, I can say each app has its own advantages. Apple Music works best on Apple devices and offers the highest audio quality, while Spotify is excellent for Android users, discovering new songs, and enjoying podcasts. In my experience, paying attention to regional playlists, free versus paid plans, and sound quality makes a big difference. Personally, I use Spotify on my phone for casual listening and podcasts, and Apple Music on my iPad for the best sound. Combining my hands-on testing with factual research, this guide helps you make an informed choice and avoid common frustrations such as missing songs, weak recommendations, or poor audio quality.
