Overall Findings
YouTube Music and Spotify have a lot in common in pricing and overall functionality, but there are some important differences. While both have great free options, for example, only YouTube Music allows you to jump right in and listen to music without even signing up. Spotify, on the other hand, is a fantastic source of podcasts. And while it doesn’t have podcasts, YouTube Music does offer up unique and rare tracks from concerts and other sources thanks to the massive amount of user-uploaded YouTube content they have on tap.
Pricing and Plans: It’s a Dead Heat
YouTube Music and Spotify both have ad-supported free versions and a variety of monthly subscription plans. For the most part, the pricing of those plans is in lockstep. The most significant difference is Spotify has a two-user plan, which falls between the single-user and family plans in cost.
Content: Spotify Is Probably the Winner, but Don’t Count YouTube Out
Both YouTube Music and Spotify have massive libraries, and it’s unlikely the average listener will bump up against too many library holes. Your mileage may vary depending on your listening tastes, in which case you’re best off just checking to see which service carries your favorite obscure artists. It’s challenging to make a direct comparison because YouTube only gives a generic ‘millions’ number for their library, while Spotify is a bit more specific. The fact is Spotify probably has more official songs they have contracted with labels to provide. They also have more podcasts. The wrinkle here is YouTube Music taps the massive well of user-uploaded content available on YouTube in addition to tracks they officially have a license to stream. Some of this content is legit, but some are subject to removal due to the DMCA. The bottom line, though, is you’ll find rare concerts, live music, b-sides, and other content on YouTube that Spotify doesn’t have, and you can play it all through the YouTube Music interface without ads.
Music Discovery: It’s All About the Algorithms
Spotify is well known for its algorithm, which is notoriously good at providing the music you like, surfacing music you might like, and even music you love but have forgotten. That’s a tough act to follow, and it has helped Spotify maintain a lead in the music streaming game, but YouTube knows a thing or two about algorithms as well. YouTube Music provides You Mix, which is an algorithm-based endless playlist that delivers a never-ending stream of music you’re probably going to love, or it will once it learns your preferences. While Spotify is fantastic in this department, YouTube Music might be just a bit better. Spotify dominates in terms of playlists, and it isn’t even a competition. YouTube Music is no slouch in this department, offering playlists in a wide variety of genres and even based on different moods, but Spotify has been around too long for YouTube to catch just yet. Spotify also has the edge in terms of radio stations for the same fundamental reasons. However, YouTube Music’s algorithm-based radio stations are fantastic as well. YouTube Music also recommends music tailored to your preferences, based on mood, time of day, and more. Ultimately, both of these services will help you discover new music and remember old favorites. Spotify has the edge in playlists and radio stations, but YouTube Music is hot on its heels with its great algorithm.
Device Limitations: Listen Offline on PC With Spotify
YouTube Music and Spotify both have some limitations regarding what devices you can use, how many devices you can use, and how long those devices can remain offline. YouTube offers a slight edge in this department, allowing you to authorize up to 10 devices at once. However, you can only deauthorize a device to add a new one four times per year, so be sure you authorize the right ones. Spotify has harsher limitations, only allowing you to authorize up to five devices at a time. However, you can deauthorize devices whenever you want, either all at once or one at a time. If you want to have more devices authorized at once, YouTube Music is the winner here. But if you want more flexibility, go for Spotify. Spotify also offers more flexibility with offline content. YouTube Music only allows downloads on mobile devices, while Spotify lets you download music and podcasts with the desktop app and the mobile app.
Final Verdict
Spotify has too much of a head start for YouTube Music to take the crown just yet, but they’re both excellent music streaming services. Spotify has the edge in too many areas, like the ease of deauthorizing devices, music storage, and the massive breadth of their playlists and radio stations. YouTube Music is a tough sell as a standalone service, but the equation changes when you consider YouTube Premium. If you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber, there’s no reason to subscribe to Spotify since it includes YouTube Music Premium. YouTube Music is close enough to Spotify in every metric that matters, and it’s an excellent replacement for Spotify if you already have access to YouTube Music through YouTube Premium.
