YouTube Music suits people who love live versions, covers, remixes and music videos, and who'd like to upload their own songs. Apple Music suits listeners who care about sound quality and want lossless and Spatial Audio, lyric translations and Apple Music Sing, all ad-free. If you live on YouTube, start there; if you use AirPods, CarPlay or an Apple TV, Apple Music fits more neatly.
The song catalogues overlap a lot, so the real differences are in what comes around the songs: videos and fan favourites on one side, studio sound and singalong tools on the other. I read YouTube's Music Premium page, Apple's Apple Music page and both App Store listings.
YouTube Music and Apple Music at a glance
| YouTube Music | Apple Music | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Not named; Premium adds ad-free and background play | Not stated; Apple Music Radio is free to listen |
| Library | Includes live performances, covers and remixes | Over 100 million songs, ad-free |
| Sound | Not stated on the pages I read | Lossless up to 24-bit/192 kHz and Spatial Audio |
| Your own files | Upload songs from your devices | Not stated on the pages I read |
| Singing along | Song lyrics | Apple Music Sing with adjustable vocals |
| Family sharing | Family membership for up to 5 others aged 13+ | Not stated on the pages I read |
What YouTube Music adds to the songs
YouTube Music's listing makes a point of music you can't find elsewhere: live performances, covers and remixes that sit on YouTube. With Premium you can switch straight from the song audio to its music video, because the videos themselves live on YouTube.
You can also upload songs from your own devices and keep them in one library with everything else, and the app plays on phones, desktops, smart speakers, smart TVs, cars and smart watches. It works inside Google Maps and Waze too, which helps on the drive to work.
What Apple Music adds to the songs
Apple Music is built for people who listen closely. Its listing promises lossless audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz, with Hi-Res Lossless needing extra kit like a USB digital to analogue converter, plus Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos on supported tracks. AutoMix blends one song into the next like a DJ, using beat matching.
The extras are fun. Lyrics now come with translations and pronunciations on many songs, Apple Music Sing lets you turn the vocals down, and you can use your iPhone as a microphone with an Apple TV. SharePlay lets friends control the music together in the car.
Listening before you commit
YouTube's Premium page lists what upgrading adds: ad-free listening, downloads for offline listening and background play, so the app keeps going when your screen is off. There's a 1-month trial for eligible new members, and Individual, Family and Student memberships, with Family covering up to 5 members aged 13 and over in your household.
Apple's page offers a free trial, and its Apple Music Radio stations are free to listen to. One small catch from Apple's listing: people under 13 can't collaborate on playlists.
Who each app suits
YouTube Music suits people who discover music through videos, fans of live and acoustic versions, and anyone with a folder of their own tracks. Apple Music suits iPhone and AirPods users, people who notice sound quality, and families who sing in the car. If you make videos, my guides on how to upload music to YouTube Music and free AI background music for videos are useful either way.
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My advice on YouTube Music or Apple Music
Try each for the length of its trial and play the same three albums and one live session on both. If you keep reaching for the video or a cover you can't find anywhere else, choose YouTube Music. If the lossless sound and lyrics on your AirPods make you smile, choose Apple Music. Don't move your playlists until you've decided, so you're not doing it twice.
Do you make music or audio apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload my own music to YouTube Music?
Yes. YouTube Music's App Store listing says you can upload songs from your devices and keep them in one place.
Does Apple Music have lossless audio?
Yes. Apple says lossless audio is available up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and Hi-Res Lossless needs external equipment.
Does YouTube Music play in the background without Premium?
YouTube lists background play as a Music Premium feature, along with ad-free listening and offline downloads.
What is AutoMix on Apple Music?
It's an Apple Music feature that blends one song into the next like a DJ, using beat matching and time stretching.
Can my family share YouTube Music Premium?
Yes. YouTube's Family membership lets you add up to 5 family members aged 13 and over in your household.
