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YouTube Music VS Apple Music

When it comes to streaming music, two big names always come to mind: YouTube Music and Apple Music. Both services offer a vast library of tunes, high-quality sound, and robust features. So, which is the better option?

In this article, we will comprehensively analyze the differences between YouTube Music and Apple Music in terms of content, sound quality, price, plans, etc., to help you make an easy choice. Let's move on!

youtube music vs apple music

Part 1: What Content do YouTube Music VS Apple Music offer?

Both YouTube Music and Apple Music offer a massive selection of songs, albums, and artists.

YouTube Music offers music based on where you live, listening habits, and mood. In addition, it contains exclusive features that provide music videos and live performances. It also offers endless personalized music every time you refresh "Your Mix".

Apple Music uses algorithms to curate personalized playlists that will appear on users' home screens. It will update different playlists everyday, such as favorites playlists, chills playlists, friends playlists, and new music playlists. More, it offers non-stop live streaming and songs curated by DJs.

So, if you love watching the video when you listen to songs, then YouTube Music would be great. Or if you're into checking out new music and endless radio station, Apple Music is a better choice.

Service Number of Tracks Offer Music Videos
YouTube Music 100 millions yes
Apple Music 100 millions no

Part 2: Which has better sound quality - YouTube Music VS Apple Music?

In terms of sound quality, both services offer high-quality audio streaming at 256kbps. However, Apple Music offers higher-quality audio streams than YouTube Music. Apple has developed its own lossless audio compression technology called the Apple Audio Compression Codec (ALAC). The sound quality is up to 24-bit/192kHz, which equates to 9,216 kbps, which is 36 times the bit rate of a 256kbs AAC file. If you're picky about sound quality of music, Apple Music will be your better choice.

Service Max streaming quality Supported Formats
YouTube Music 256kbps AAC
Apple Music 24-bit/192kHz AAC/ALAC

Part 3: Different prices and plans between YouTube Music and Apple Music.

Both YouTube Music and Apple Music offer multiple pricing and subscription plans, and their pricing is nearly identical.

Apple Music doesn't offer a free plan, while YouTube Music offers users a free plan. You can get a personal plan for $10.99 a month, or a family plan for $16.99 a month. Family plans allow up to 6 people to use the service.

Also, it's worth noting that Apple Music and YouTube Music offer different prices for student plans. Apple Music's student plan is priced at $5.99/month, and YouTube Music's student plan is priced at $5.49/month. So, if you're a student, signing up for YouTube Music for $5.49 a month would be a better option.

Service Free Option Individual Plan Family Plan Student Plan
YouTube Music yes $10.99/month $16.99/month $5.49/month
Apple Music no $10.99/month $16.99/month $5.99/month

Note:

1. If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, then Apple Music—or even the Apple One bundle—may be worth considering.

2. If you sign up for YouTube Premium ($13.99/month), it can get rid of ads for you. You can watch YouTube videos ad-free and access YouTube Music. Alternatively, you can download YouTube videos and play them in the background. In other words, the video's audio won't stop playing even if you close the app or turn off the phone's screen.

If you're going to subscribe to your favorite streaming service for $13.99 a month, YouTube Premium is without a question the best value option.

Part 4: Which is the better choice for us - YouTube Music VS Apple Music?

YouTube Music and Apple Music have many similarities, which one should we choose? Trust the differences we have listed for you above to help you make your choice with ease.

1. YouTube Music does have an edge when it comes to official music videos. If you like listening to music as well as watching music videos, YouTube Music is for you.

2. Even though both YouTube Music and Apple Music only support up to 256kbps audio quality for streaming, the actual sound quality of Apple Music is indeed slightly better than YouTube Music. Accordingly, if you have higher requirements for sound quality, Apple Music is a better choice.

3. YouTube Music and Apple Music offer similar pricing and plans. But if you're a student, YouTube Music's student plan is even better for you -- $5.49/month. Alternatively, you can opt for a $13.99 monthly YouTube Premium subscription, which can help you get rid of ads, download YouTube videos, and play them in the background.

4. YouTube Music is a better option if you want to sign up for a free streaming service. Because Apple Music doesn't offer a free plan.

Extra Tip: How to Download YouTube Music and Apple Music Tracks to MP3 Format?

As mentioned in this article, both YouTube Music and Apple Music support AAC format, but not all music players support the AAC format. So, in this case, the MP3 format is more suitable for more personal use. How to download YouTube Music and Apple Music to my computer as mp3 files? The easy-to-use tools recommended below can help you. Whether you're a free member or a premium subscriber, you can use them to get what you want.

youtube music converter

YouTube Music Converter

YouTube Music Converter is a tool specially designed to help users download and convert YouTube Music to MP3/AAC/WAV/FLAC/AIFF/ALAC at 10X faster conversion speed. Learn More >>

apple music converter

Apple Music Converter

By Apple Music Converter, you can download and export songs from Apple Music to your Windows PC or Mac Computer as MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, or ALAC files. Learn More >>