Spotify vs Apple Music: price, plans, and which to keep
Current US prices, price history, trial terms, and cancellation friction side by side, built from our service guides. Last reviewed August 26, 2026.
The short answer
Apple Music is a dollar cheaper for individuals, $11.99 against $12.99, and two dollars cheaper for families, $19.99 against $21.99, with lossless audio included. Spotify's counter is flexibility: a Duo plan at $18.99 that Apple does not offer, and a free tier to fall back to when you cancel, whereas Apple Music simply ends. Spotify has raised US prices three times since 2023; Apple twice since 2022, most recently in July 2026.
Apple Music is cheaper by $12 a year on its entry plan.
At a glance
| Spotify | Apple Music | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest standard plan | Individual: $12.99/mo | Individual: $11.99/mo |
| Cheapest plan per year | $155.88 | $143.88 |
| Most expensive plan | Family (up to 6): $21.99/mo | Family (up to 6): $19.99/mo |
| Price changes since 2023 | 3 | 1 |
| Latest price change | February 2026 | July 2026 |
| Free trial | Usually 1 month free for new Premium users; frequent 2-3 month promos. | 1 month free; up to 3 months free with new Apple devices or accessories. |
| Cancellation | 4 steps · app-store or partner billing caveat | 4 steps · app-store or partner billing caveat |
Cheapest and most expensive plans exclude add-ons, student, bundle, and per-seat plans. Price changes are counted from January 2023. US list prices, last reviewed August 26, 2026.
Which one should you pick?
Choose Spotify if…
Pick Spotify if you are two people (Duo at $18.99 beats two Apple individual plans), rely on its playlists and podcasts, or want the safety net of the free tier. Cancel from the web; the mobile app cannot do it.
Choose Apple Music if…
Pick Apple Music if you want the lowest individual or family price, lossless audio, or already pay for Apple services and can move to Apple One. Export your playlists before leaving; there is no free tier.
Every current plan
Spotify plans
| Plan | Current price |
|---|---|
| Individual | $12.99/mo |
| Duo | $18.99/mo |
| Family (up to 6) | $21.99/mo |
| Student | $6.99/mo |
Apple Music plans
| Plan | Current price |
|---|---|
| Individual | $11.99/mo |
| Family (up to 6) | $19.99/mo |
| Student | $6.99/mo |
US list prices; taxes, promotions, and app-store billing may differ. Last reviewed August 26, 2026.
Price history, both services
July 2026 · Apple Music
US prices increased: Individual $10.99 → $11.99, Family $16.99 → $19.99, Student $5.99 → $6.99.
February 2026 · Spotify
Third hike since 2023: Individual $11.99 → $12.99, Duo $16.99 → $18.99, Family $19.99 → $21.99, Student $5.99 → $6.99.
July 2024 · Spotify
Individual rose $10.99 → $11.99.
July 2023 · Spotify
First-ever US price increase: Individual $9.99 → $10.99.
October 2022 · Apple Music
Individual rose $9.99 → $10.99; Family $14.99 → $16.99.
How to run both without paying for both
Do not pay for both. Use the free month on whichever you are not on, then commit to one annual habit. Students get either for $6.99, and new Apple hardware usually includes up to three months of Apple Music.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Spotify or Apple Music?
Apple Music. Its cheapest standard plan works out to $11.99 a month ($143.88 a year) versus $12.99 a month ($155.88 a year) for Spotify, a difference of $12 a year. Bundles, promotions, and app-store billing can change the final price.
Is Apple Music cheaper than Spotify in 2026?
Yes. Apple Music Individual is $11.99 versus $12.99 for Spotify Premium, and Family is $19.99 versus $21.99. Student plans are $6.99 on both.
What happens to my playlists if I switch?
Spotify keeps them on the free tier after you cancel. Apple Music removes library access at the end of the paid period, so export or transfer playlists before you cancel.
Full guides
Spotify price & cancellation guide
Three US price hikes since 2023, Individual hit $12.99 in February 2026 while free-tier features keep shrinking.
View guideApple Music price & cancellation guide
Individual moved to $11.99 in July 2026, still $1 cheaper than Spotify, with lossless audio included free.
View guideMore comparisons
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