Apple Music vs Spotify: Who does lossless audio better?

Music streaming has entered a new phase with Spotify finally rolling out lossless audio to premium subscribers. The update is reaching more than 50 countries in the coming months, offering music in FLAC format for listeners who want better sound quality. Apple Music, however, has been offering lossless audio since 2021 through its ALAC format, which makes the comparison between these two services more relevant than ever. Both platforms claim to deliver superior listening experiences, but the way they handle features, device access, audio quality, and pricing makes them quite different.

When it comes to user experience, Spotify continues to be widely appreciated for its recommendation engine. Features like Spotify Wrapped, which provides an annual breakdown of listening habits, and collaborative playlists make it more engaging for social use. The platform also integrates music, podcasts, and audiobooks in one place, making it a one-stop app for audio content. Apple Music takes a different approach by keeping music and podcasts in separate applications. It leans heavily on curated playlists and exclusive live radio stations such as Apple Music 1. Many users find Apple’s interface simpler and more focused on the music itself, which appeals to listeners who prefer a straightforward design.

In terms of device compatibility, both Apple Music and Spotify support a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and tablets. Spotify edges ahead with its Spotify Connect feature, which allows direct streaming to smart speakers and connected devices over Wi-Fi. This means higher quality playback without the limitations of casting technologies such as Apple AirPlay or Google Cast. Apple Music, while broadly compatible, still depends more on ecosystem integration and tends to deliver the smoothest experience when used with Apple devices.

Audio quality is where Apple Music holds an advantage. Spotify’s lossless streams are capped at 24-bit/44.1kHz, which is marginally better than CD quality. Apple Music offers standard lossless at 24-bit/48kHz and Hi-Res Lossless up to 24-bit/192kHz for those with high-end audio setups. The trade-off comes in file sizes. Spotify’s lossless uses about 1GB per hour, while Apple Music can require anywhere between 2GB and 8GB per hour depending on the resolution. For casual Bluetooth headphone users, the difference may not matter, but for audiophiles with dedicated DACs and wired headphones, Apple’s wider range of lossless options provides greater flexibility.