Is Amazon Music Unlimited better than Apple Music?
If you're thinking about subscribing to a music streaming service, you might be curious about which option is truly worth your time and money. With numerous choices available, two of the leading contenders are Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited. Perhaps you've already taken advantage of a free trial and now face the decision of which service is genuinely worth committing to in the long run.Whether you seek a music library that aligns with your preferences, a user-friendly interface, or better value for your investment, both services present unique offerings.
- Author: Shine
- Update: Jan 10, 2025
Apple Music versus Amazon Music Unlimited: A Comparison
Music Library and Dolby Atmos: A Comparison of Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited
Both Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited offer an impressive selection of over 100 million songs. However, Apple Music provides additional exclusive content such as music videos and artist interviews, making it a great choice for those seeking extra features.
On the other hand, Amazon Music Unlimited boasts a robust catalog as well and offers a more affordable plan for Prime members at just $7.99 per month.
Apple Music distinguishes itself with its Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless audio options, making it ideal for those seeking premium sound quality.
Additionally, it features Dolby Atmos, providing a richer and more immersive listening experience when paired with compatible headphones or speakers. Most tracks are available in lossless audio by default, which is a significant advantage.
Conversely, Amazon Music Unlimited also offers HD and Ultra HD audio, including Dolby Atmos, ensuring excellent sound quality.
However, Apple Music generally provides superior lossless audio options overall. If your priority is achieving the best audio experience, Apple Music is likely the better choice.
App Usability: Comparing Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited
Apple Music emerges as the clear frontrunner. On Apple devices, it boasts a sleek and straightforward design that integrates seamlessly with iCloud. This means you don’t have to store all your music locally; you can access your entire library across all your Apple devices through iCloud.
This convenience extends to Android devices as well, making Apple Music a robust option regardless of your platform. Since 2023, features like Apple Music Sing have introduced a fun karaoke aspect, allowing you to sing along to your favorite tracks with on-screen lyrics.
In contrast, Amazon Music Unlimited fulfills its purpose but lacks the same level of smoothness and intuitiveness. It merges music and podcasts into one app, which is convenient, but the layout often feels somewhat basic.
The interface remains consistent across desktop and web players, while Apple Music provides tailored apps for different platforms. For instance, Windows users can access Apple Music through iTunes or the Apple Music Web Player, each offering a distinct experience.Amazon Music does feature a unique element called X-Ray, which displays interesting facts about the artist or song currently playing.
However, while this is an engaging addition, it doesn't compensate for the overall lack of polish compared to Apple Music. If you prioritize a seamless experience across all your devices, Apple Music remains the superior choice.
Device and Ecosystem Integration: Comparing Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited
Both Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited are compatible with a range of devices, but they excel in different areas.Apple Music is ideal for users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
It is integrated into iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches, eliminating the need for a separate app download. Additionally, it syncs effortlessly with HomePods, Apple Watches, and CarPlay, providing a seamless experience across all Apple devices.In contrast, Amazon Music Unlimited offers broader compatibility across various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and a web player. Its integration with Alexa provides a voice-controlled alternative to Siri, enabling users to manage their music on Amazon devices like Echo speakers and Fire TV.
Both services support CarPlay and Android Auto for in-car use, ensuring compatibility regardless of the vehicle. Ultimately, the choice between the two services will depend on whether you prefer the cohesive Apple experience or the flexibility that Amazon provides.
Pricing: A Comparison of Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited
Each service features its own distinct pricing model.Apple Music charges $10.99 per month for an individual subscription, granting access to over 100 million ad-free songs, the ability to download up to 100,000 tracks for offline listening, and customized playlists.
The family plan is available for $16.99 per month, accommodating up to six accounts with a shared library of purchases.
For students, Apple Music offers a discounted rate of $5.99 per month, which includes access to Apple TV+, contingent upon valid student verification.
Amazon Music offers a more flexible pricing structure compared to its competitors. It provides both Prime and Unlimited subscription options.
Amazon Music Prime is available at no additional cost for Amazon Prime members, granting access to the entire music catalog. For those who do not have Prime, there is an ad-supported plan that restricts music playback to shuffle mode, although users can still manage All-Access Playlists.
The Amazon Music Unlimited plan costs $9.99 per month for Prime members and $10.99 for non-members, offering the complete music catalog similar to Apple Music. Additionally, Amazon has a family plan priced at $14.99 per month, accommodating up to six users, along with discounts for annual subscriptions.With Apple Music's recent price increase, Amazon's pricing tends to be more budget-friendly. However, Apple Music provides strong value through its seamless integration with Apple devices and premium features like spatial audio, making it a compelling choice for Apple users.
Apple Music vs. Amazon Music Unlimited: Which One is Superior?
Which Service Is Superior?
Apple Music distinguishes itself with its lossless and high-resolution audio options, along with Spatial Audio featuring Dolby Atmos. In contrast, Amazon Music Unlimited is an excellent choice for those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative.
It combines music and podcasts within a single app, unlike Apple, which separates these services. Overall, while Apple Music may be the superior option, Amazon Music is certainly worth considering if you're looking for a cost-effective solution.
It's advisable to try both services before making your final choice.
Convert Music to MP3: ViWizard Apple Music/Amazon Music Converter
If you want to enjoy offline music from Apple Music or Amazon Music Unlimited, the ViWizard Apple Music Converter and ViWizard Amazon Music Converter are excellent tools for this purpose.
These specialized converters enable you to transform your favorite songs, playlists, and albums into MP3, WAV, FLAC, and other popular formats, making it easy to listen on any device.
For Apple Music, the ViWizard Apple Music Converter allows you to convert tracks, albums, and playlists, including songs purchased from the iTunes Store.
It also supports audiobooks from iTunes and Audible, providing a versatile solution for all your media needs. Similarly, the ViWizard Amazon Music Converter offers the same functionality for Amazon Music Unlimited, allowing you to convert and download your favorite tracks for offline listening without needing the app.
