Spotify vs Apple Music Sound Quality
Updated
Apple Music has the higher ceiling: hi-res lossless up to 24-bit/192 kHz and Dolby Atmos. Spotify added lossless up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz in 2025 (Spotify). On Bluetooth headphones, they sound very close.
| Spotify | Apple Music | |
|---|---|---|
| Lossless | Yes, FLAC | Yes, ALAC |
| Max resolution | 24-bit/44.1 kHz | 24-bit/192 kHz |
| Spatial audio | No | Dolby Atmos |
| Extra cost | None | None |
Can you hear the difference?
Bluetooth compresses audio before it reaches your ears, so AirPods and most wireless earbuds can't play true lossless from either app. To hear hi-res, use wired headphones with a DAC. Dolby Atmos is the difference most people notice, and Spotify doesn't have it.
How to turn on the best quality
- Spotify: Settings > Media quality, then choose Lossless for Wi-Fi, cellular and downloads. Spotify says it has to be turned on for each device.
- Apple Music: Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality, then turn on Lossless Audio and choose Hi-Res Lossless.