As of 2025, over 700 million people worldwide stream music every day, leveraging platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Out of that number, Spotify takes up the lion’s share with 675 million monthly active users, including 268 million paid subscribers.
Apple Music, while smaller in raw numbers, holds its ground with around 93 million subscribers, with no free tier or compromises.
These two platforms top the global music streaming space. Both are massive, influential, and constantly evolving. But when it comes down to daily use – the app you actually open, the playlist you trust, and the service you’re willing to pay for – which one comes out on top?
Let’s break it down.
1. Market Position and Strategy
Spotify has always led with reach and accessibility. Its freemium model made it easy for millions to start listening without committing to payment. It currently operates in 184 countries.
Apple Music, however, doesn’t offer a free tier (outside the initial free trial), but it leverages Apple’s powerful hardware ecosystem including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and the Apple Watch, to lock in high-spending users across 167 countries.
In raw market share, Spotify wins. But Apple’s strategy is about value, not volume.
2. User Interface and Experience
Here’s where user preference starts to show.
Spotify launched in 2008 out of Stockholm and changed how we consume music. It introduced the freemium model, powered by ads and strong discovery tools. It became the go-to for casual listeners, students, and people who like to control their listening habits.
Apple Music came seven years later, building on the iTunes empire. Unlike Spotify, it didn’t start free. Instead, it positioned itself as premium and artist-first. It has the advantage of sitting inside Apple’s tightly integrated ecosystem, which can be a dealbreaker for Android users or those who prefer platform flexibility.
Spotify wins on speed and simplicity. Apple wins on aesthetic and system integration.
3. Design and Usability: Spotify Wins on Simplicity
Spotify’s interface is straightforward. You open it, and the music finds you. From the home screen to the search bar, nothing feels confusing. It also works the same on Android, iOS, or desktop. You can jump from your phone to your laptop to your smart speaker, seamlessly.
Apple Music is well-designed but feels heavier. You get sleek album artwork, better animations, and clean menus, but there’s a learning curve. It works best if you’re fully immersed in Apple products. For Android users, the experience is noticeably clunky.
4. Music Discovery and Personalisation
Spotify’s edge is here. Its Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mixes, and AI-powered recommendations make discovering new music effortless. It doesn’t just show what’s trending, but what fits you.
Apple Music, in contrast, relies more on editorial curation, handpicked playlists by actual humans. While this brings quality, it lacks the same adaptability. Personalised mixes do exist, but they’re slower to adjust to your taste.
If you want music to find you, choose Spotify. If you want to explore manually with curated help, Apple Music works.
5. Library Size and Content
Spotify and Apple Music offer over 100 million songs, and honestly, you’ll find 99% of what you’re looking for on either one. Apple Music sometimes gets exclusives first, album premieres, early drops, and behind-the-scenes content, especially from big-name artists.
Spotify, however, dominates podcasts. If you listen to Joe Rogan, The Daily, or any true crime show, it’s already on your Spotify home screen. Apple separates music and podcasts. That’s neater, but also less convenient.
In Nigeria, Spotify pushes harder on local content. Their curated “Afrobeats Journey” and “Naija Heat” playlists are updated frequently and feature rising stars. Apple Music has responded with its “Africa Rising” playlist and the monthly spotlight, but Spotify’s localisation feels deeper and more algorithmically aggressive.
6. Audio Quality
Apple Music wins this round without debate.
It offers Lossless Audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos to all subscribers, at no extra cost. The difference is noticeable, especially with good headphones.
Spotify is yet to launch its long-teased “HiFi” tier. For now, the sound quality is good but not exceptional. For casual listeners, it won’t matter much. For audiophiles, it’s a dealbreaker.
When it comes to integration, Apple Music fits perfectly into the Apple ecosystem. You can ask Siri to play music, use your Apple Watch as a remote, and stream lossless tracks on your HomePod. Spotify is more universal. It works well on everything from Android phones to Teslas to gaming consoles
7. Pricing and Subscription Models
Let’s look at Nigeria’s pricing (as of June 2025):
- Spotify:
- Free tier available (with ads)
- Individual: ₦1,300/month
- Duo: ₦1,700/month
- Family: ₦2,000/month
- Student: ₦650/month
- Apple Music:
- No free tier (outside 1–3 months trial)
- Individual: ₦1,000/month
- Family: ₦1,500/month
- Student: ₦500/month
Globally, prices are similar, though Apple tends to bundle Music into its Apple One packages with iCloud, Apple TV+, and more.
Spotify gives more options, especially for casual users who don’t want to pay, Apple focuses on commitment.
8. Ecosystem Integration
Apple Music is optimised for Apple users. From Hey Siri to automatic sync with your iCloud music library, it behaves like a native app on every Apple device. That’s a strength and a weakness. If you switch to Android or Windows, your experience drops.
Spotify, however, is everywhere. Android, iOS, desktops, smart TVs, game consoles, smart speakers, even in Tesla vehicles. Spotify Connect lets you control music on one device from another.
If you’re inside Apple’s world, Apple Music feels seamless and if you’re cross-platform like most Nigerians, Spotify works better.
9. Local Content and African Presence
Spotify’s investment in the African music scene is growing fast. It launched the Spotify Africa Hub, sponsors local music events, and curates Nigerian-specific playlists like Hot Hits Naija and RADAR Africa. Nigerian artists like Rema, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr have all benefited.
Apple Music has also stepped up, with Africa Now Radio, exclusive interviews, and early album releases. However, it feels more global than local.
Spotify appears more embedded in the African soundscape. It has better presence and more relevant playlists for Nigerian listeners.
10. Support for Artists
Apple Music pays more per stream. Based on estimates, it pays around $0.01 per play. Spotify pays roughly half of that. But the picture isn’t that simple.
Spotify gives artists tools for audience insights, playlist performance, and promotional campaigns. It also brings more discoverability through playlists and AI recommendations. Many upcoming artists get their first big break on Spotify, not Apple Music.
For African creators, Spotify has been investing actively in emerging markets. Their RADAR and EQUAL Africainitiatives promote new talent and gender equity. Apple has stepped up too, but Spotify has the louder footprint in the region.
11. Privacy and Data Handling
Apple is stricter on privacy. It collects less user data, doesn’t sell ads based on your listening habits, and gives clearer options to opt out of tracking.
Spotify, meanwhile, makes most of its free-tier revenue from advertising. That means more data collection and targeted marketing.
If privacy is a major concern, Apple Music takes fewer risks.
12. Public Perception and User Loyalty
Spotify is seen as flexible, fun, and innovative. Apple Music feels premium and secure.
On social media, Spotify’s community engagement is higher. Users rave about its playlists, music recommendations, and accessibility. Apple Music’s strength is stability and exclusivity, it’s less noisy but more polished.
Most users stick with the one they started with. Switching can feel like leaving your music memory behind.
13. Innovation and Future Outlook
Spotify is betting big on audio beyond music – podcasts, audiobooks, and live audio. It’s trying to become a complete listening hub.
Apple Music is doubling down on immersive sound, classical music, and exclusive artist content.
Both Spotify and Apple Music are growing. But they’re growing in different directions.
So…
If you’re looking for freedom, flexibility, and intelligent music discovery, Spotify is the better option. If you value audio quality, privacy, and seamless integration with your Apple devices, Apple Music will serve you well.
Personally, I’ve used both. I trust Spotify for discovery and convenience, but when I want to fully appreciate an album, especially with headphones, I reach for Apple Music.
In the end, it’s not just about which is better. It’s about what you need more.
