Apple Music vs YouTube Music
Apple Music
Premium subscription-only music streaming with lossless audio and curated playlists.
Apple users, audiophiles, artists seeking higher payouts, and those valuing sound quality over free access
VS
YouTube Music
Dual-tier streaming service with free ad-supported option and integrated music videos.
Budget-conscious listeners, casual music fans, YouTube creators, Google ecosystem users, and those wanting integrated music video access
Short Answer
Apple Music pays artists 14% more per stream ($0.006-$0.010) due to its subscription-only model, while YouTube Music offers free ad-supported listening with lower per-stream rates ($0.002-$0.004 on free tier) but better video integration and discovery through YouTube.
Our Verdict
Choose Apple Music if you prioritize audio quality, artist support, and seamless Apple device integration—the lossless audio and higher per-stream payouts make it ideal for audiophiles and those in the Apple ecosystem. Choose YouTube Music if you want free listening options, integrated music videos, and discovery tied to YouTube's massive video catalog, making it better for casual listeners and those already invested in Google services.
Apple Music9.2
5.8YouTube Music
Choose Apple Music if
Apple users, audiophiles, artists seeking higher payouts, and those valuing sound quality over free access
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Key Differences at a Glance
🔹
Per-Stream Artist Payment (Subscription): Apple Music wins ($0.006-$0.010 vs $0.005-$0.009 (blended average))
🧠
Free Tier Availability: YouTube Music wins (Ad-supported free tier available vs Subscription-only, no free tier)
🔊
Audio Quality Maximum: Apple Music wins (Lossless audio (up to 24-bit/192kHz) vs AAC 256kbps standard (no lossless))
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | Apple Music | YouTube Music | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Subscribers | 100M+ | — | — |
| Paying Subscribers (2026)(millions) | Apple Music | — | — |
| Total Global Users(millions) | Apple Music | — | — |
| Artist Payment Per Stream(USD) | Apple Music | — | — |
| Maximum Audio Bitrate |
Key Differences
Apple Music
Attribute
YouTube Music
$0.006-$0.010🏆
Per-Stream Artist Payment (Subscription)
$0.005-$0.009 (blended average)
Subscription-only, no free tier
Free Tier Availability
Ad-supported free tier available🏆
Lossless audio (up to 24-bit/192kHz)🏆
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Last updated: May 9, 2026AI generated
