Spotify or Apple Music. What sounds better?

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A few weeks before the launch of Apple Music, it was rumored that the bitrate of music in it would be 256 kbps. On Spotify, for example, it is 320 kbps. CNET editors made a detailed comparison of the quality of music in both services and chose the winner.

Incoming data

Although the bitrate of music in Spotify is higher, it cannot be said in advance that the quality is better. Spotify uses the Ogg Vorbis format, while Apple Music uses AAC. This difference does not allow you to compare quality only by bitrate.

Both AAC and Ogg Vorbis have their own fans and are preferred by many over MP3. Therefore, CNET decided to compare music not by dry numbers, but by listening to it on Hi-Fi equipment.

Equipment

Comparing music quality using standard EarPods is a silly idea. CNET took the iPad Air 2 and connected it to Apple TV using Wi-Fi. In both cases, the music was streamed over AirPlay.

In turn, the Apple TV was connected to the Oppo BDP-105 Blu-ray player using an optical cable and the signal was output to the NAD C 358BEE amplifier, from which it went to the Pioner SP-EBF73 speakers.

Test

First, the jazz track Take Five by Dave Brubeck was used for the test. Despite the fact that the recording was made back in the 50s, it retained the brightness and purity of sound. On Spotify, Take Five sounded clearer and more articulate. Apple Music is duller and less energetic.
The next track, Life by The Beta Band, also sounded better on Spotify. There is a lot of bass in the track, and it played softer on Spotify.
Foo Fighters' Monkey Wrench lost about the same to both services.
The Singer Addresses His Audience by The Decemberists had more detail on the Spotify version, but overall sounded good on both services. By the way, if you compare the sound of this track with the sound in Tidal, then the latter will definitely win.

Conclusion

Three out of four tracks sounded better on Spotify than Apple Music. But not everything is so simple.

Although CNET used expensive audio equipment, the differences in sound were minimal. If you love top-notch sound, you won't be choosing between Spotify and Apple Music. In the worst case, you will use, in the best case, you will buy vinyl.

Google Music can also be added to the sample, since the quality of its music is comparable to the others. When choosing between streaming services, do not pay attention to the quality of the music - if you do not use expensive equipment, you will not notice any difference.