Music is a deeply personal experience, and choosing the right music streaming service is essential to enhance that experience. Two major players in the streaming industry are Amazon Music and Apple Music. While they offer similar features at similar prices, there are subtle differences between the two platforms that make one a better fit for most listeners. In this article, we will compare Amazon Music and Apple Music in terms of subscriptions and pricing, music quality, mobile app features, and artist compensation to help you make an informed decision.
Subscriptions and Pricing:
Amazon Music offers three subscription plans: Free, Prime, and Unlimited. The free plan includes ads and only allows you to shuffle songs. Amazon Music Prime, which is included with an Amazon Prime subscription, is ad-free but still limited to shuffle-only listening. The Amazon Music Unlimited plan, priced at $9.99 per month for Prime members and $10.99 per month for non-Prime members, offers unrestricted listening, including the ability to listen to songs in order. Additionally, Amazon Music offers an affordable Family Plan for $16.99 per month, which allows up to six accounts.
Apple Music also offers multiple subscription options. New subscribers can enjoy a one-month free trial. The individual monthly subscription is $10.99 per month, while the Apple Music Family Plan, which allows up to five accounts, is priced at $16.99 per month. Students can opt for the Apple Music Student Plan at $5.99 per month.
In terms of pricing, both services are quite similar, with slight variations based on user preferences and plans. It ultimately comes down to whether you have an existing Amazon Prime subscription or prefer the additional benefits that come with it.
Music Quality:
Both Amazon Music Unlimited and Apple Music offer Dolby Atmos as their highest streaming quality. Dolby Atmos, a surround sound technology developed by Dolby Laboratories, provides a superior listening experience compared to other platforms like Spotify. It enhances the music by bringing ad-libs and hidden instrumentals to the forefront, resulting in a more detailed and immersive sound.
While not all songs on both platforms are available in Dolby Atmos, those that are will be clearly marked. Amazon Music Unlimited offers a range of audio qualities, from standard definition (SD) to high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) lossless formats. On the other hand, Apple Music provides lossless audio as the default for the majority of its tracks. This gives Apple Music an edge over Spotify and ensures a high-quality listening experience across a wide selection of songs.
Mobile App Features:
Since most people listen to music on the go, the mobile app experience is crucial. Both Amazon Music Unlimited and Apple Music offer mobile apps for iPhone users.
Both apps provide easy access to song lyrics on screen, allowing you to sing along to your favorite tracks. Apple Music goes a step further by displaying cute animations of album art and offering an “Apple Music Sing” feature that lowers the artist’s voice, making it easier for you to sing over the instrumental. On the other hand, Amazon Music Unlimited’s “X-Ray” feature provides interesting facts about the artist while a song is playing.
If you are already an Apple user with devices such as iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV 4K, Mac, or HomePod speakers, Apple Music is conveniently available on all these devices. However, it is worth noting that while Apple has a separate app for podcasts, Amazon Music provides access to both music and podcasts within one app. This flexibility may be advantageous for those who enjoy both forms of audio content.
After testing both apps, it was found that Amazon Music Unlimited had a better selection of suggested content and included podcasts within the app. However, Apple Music’s user interface was considered more intuitive and easy to use. Ultimately, the choice between these two services depends on personal preference and the specific features that matter most to you.
Artist Compensation:
When it comes to artist compensation, Apple Music takes the lead. According to the latest available information from 2021, Apple Music pays an average of $0.01 per stream. While the payment varies based on the subscription plan and country or region, this average payout is higher than that of Amazon Music.
Though no official payment information is available from Amazon Music, estimates from 2021 suggest that the platform’s average payout ranges between $0.004 and $0.008 per stream. While these figures are lower than Apple Music’s, it’s important to note that artist compensation can vary based on multiple factors.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when comparing Amazon Music Unlimited and Apple Music, both services have their strengths and appeal to different types of listeners. Apple Music offers higher audio quality, fun app features like animations and singing options, and better artist compensation. On the other hand, Amazon Music Unlimited provides access to podcasts within the app and a robust selection of suggested content.
To determine which service best fits your streaming needs, we recommend taking advantage of the free trial offers provided by each platform. This allows you to explore their features, music libraries, and user interfaces to make an informed decision. Remember that music preferences vary widely, and what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, choose the service that aligns with your personal taste and listening habits to enhance your music streaming experience.