Pros
- YouTube integration adds a discovery route
- Personalized playlists and mixes
- Wide range of music genres
YouTube Music vs Spotify vs Apple Music: which music app should you choose?
Choose YouTube Music for video-linked discovery, Spotify for music and podcasts, or Apple Music for ad-free listening and a strong Apple-device fit.
At a glance
YouTube MusicGoogle LLCGoogle Play4.5 out of 5
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($0.05 - $999.99 per item)
PlatformsAndroidiPhone
Age ratingTeen
Spotify: Music and PodcastsSpotify ABGoogle Play4.3 out of 5
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($4.99 - $203.88 per item)
PlatformsAndroidiPhone
Age ratingTeen
Apple MusicAppleGoogle Play4.6 out of 5
PriceFree
In-app purchasesYes ($5.99 - $199.99 per item)
PlatformsAndroidiPhone
Age ratingTeen
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Listings change over time.
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How we compared them
YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music all offer large music libraries, personalized recommendations, and paid options for offline listening. Their free experiences differ: YouTube Music and Spotify include ads, while Apple Music’s app has no ads but requires a subscription for full access.
This comparison weighs their discovery tools, listening options, platform fit, and Google Play figures so you can choose the service that suits your habits and devices.
How we compared them
We compared the Google Play figures read on November 7, 2026: ratings, install counts, price, ad status, and in-app purchase ranges. These figures reflect the Android store and may change over time.
We also compared each app’s music and podcast focus, personalization, offline listening, device integration, and the strengths and trade-offs described for each. Spotify’s Google Play data safety declaration says it shares approximate location, device or other IDs, and other info; collects several categories including location, app interactions, search history, and account details; encrypts data in transit; and lets users request deletion. No data safety declaration is included for the other two apps here.
YouTube Music
by Google LLC
4.5 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for: discovering music through YouTube
YouTube Music’s clearest edge over Spotify and Apple Music is its connection to YouTube, which broadens discovery across music genres and supports personalized playlists and mixes. It is a natural choice if you already use YouTube to find music.
Offline downloads are for premium users, and the free version includes ads and limited offline features. Some tracks may be unavailable because of licensing, and the interface can take time to learn.
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Teen
Cons
- Free listening includes ads and limited offline access
- Interface may feel less straightforward than Spotify
Spotify: Music and Podcasts
by Spotify AB
4.3 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for: combining music and podcasts
Spotify is the most direct fit if you want music and podcasts in one app. It pairs a broad music library and personalized recommendations with a user-friendly interface, making it easier to navigate than YouTube Music for many listeners.
The free tier includes ads and limited skips, and offline listening requires Premium. Spotify also declares a range of data collection and sharing on Google Play, a consideration for people who prioritize limiting app data use.
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Teen
Pros
- Music and podcasts in one app
- Easy-to-navigate interface
- Personalized playlists and recommendations
Cons
- Free listening has ads and limited skips
- Offline mode requires Premium
Apple Music
by Apple
4.6 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for: ad-free listening in the Apple ecosystem
Apple Music is the only one of these three whose app is marked as containing no ads, and its high-quality audio options and Apple-device integration make it appealing to listeners already invested in that ecosystem. It also offers personalized recommendations and offline listening for downloaded tracks.
Full access requires a subscription, so the free app is not a substitute for unrestricted listening. Its interface can overwhelm new users, and its functionality is more limited outside Apple devices.
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age rating
- Teen
Pros
- App contains no ads
- Strong integration with Apple devices
- High-quality audio options
Cons
- Full access requires a subscription
- Less suited to non-Apple devices
Which one should you pick?
YouTube Music
Best for YouTube-linked discovery
Spotify: Music and Podcasts
Best for music and podcasts
Apple Music
Best for ad-free Apple-device listening
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FAQ
Which app offers music and podcasts together?
Spotify is the clearest choice for combining music streaming and podcasts in one app.
Which of these apps has no ads?
Apple Music is marked as containing no ads. YouTube Music and Spotify include ads in their free experiences.
Can I listen offline without paying?
Offline listening is tied to paid access on YouTube Music and Spotify. Apple Music supports offline listening for downloaded tracks, but full access requires a subscription.
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
Apple Music has the highest rating among the three at 4.6, followed by YouTube Music at 4.5 and Spotify at 4.3.
Mobexer compares apps independently. We don't make, own or distribute any of these apps and have no affiliation with their developers, Google or Apple. Names, icons and trademarks belong to their owners; store details and prices are shown for reference and can change.