Spotify > Apple Music

by Kaylon Coleman

Before I start this review, I think I have to make it clear that as of late, Spotify has gone under fire for their former CEO’s involvement in AI weapons investments. While I enjoy the platform, I do NOT support the actions reflected by the CEO and this review will solely be based on the app itself. With that out of the way, let’s get to the meat and potatoes. 

Now some would say, ‘Kaylon, isn’t starting a review by thrashing the side you’re supporting the equivalent to shooting yourself in the foot?’ But I think those people fail to realize the conviction coursing through my veins when it comes to this matter and my belief that Spotify truly trumps Apple Music all day, every day, even yesterday.

But first, I’d like to regale you all with a tale. See, I’m not just coming on here unabashedly crowning Spotify without having first paid my dues to Apple Music. I, like many users who are ushered into using Apple Music, was introduced via a family plan. And I was rocking with it at the time, I won’t lie. That is, until my mom cancelled the plan one day, forcing me to buy my own. But to my shock and dismay, would you believe that when I was back all my playlists were gone? Years of music down the drain in a single cancellation.

Thus began my Spotify journey. I can wholeheartedly say that in terms of app features and compatibility, Spotify simply takes the cake. Where do I even begin? From the hyper-personalized playlists, to the user friendly layout and of course the lovable, charming DJ X — who I actually had the pleasure of meeting this past weekend. Spotify just has so much more to offer.

One big argument I feel I must bring up though is the paywall. Personally, I find it ridiculous that you have to pay to even access Apple Music. Spotify at least has a free streaming option for those broke college students who just want to listen to some music on their way to class. 

Now you might be saying to yourself, ‘Oh but the audio quality on Apple Music makes it all worth it.’ And to that, I’d say you’re really going zero for two. As of Sept. 10, Spotify finally brought the long awaited lossless audio feature to the platform, so tough toenails.

And, of course, how could I do a review without mentioning the highly anticipated annual Spotify Wrapped. I swear, I know more people who celebrate Spotify Wrapped day than Christmas. It should have its own day on the calendar at this point. The individualization of every person’s music taste but joint community in sharing it — there’s nothing like it; definitely not Apple Music wrapped.

So, next time you throw on your headphones to play some music on your way to class, relish in the fact that your Early Day Yearning Mix was built specifically for YOU. And no bland, generic, one trick app can take that away.

Kaylon Coleman is a senior journalism major with a concentration in news and a minor in communications. He is the opinion editor for LJ. He is also the vice president of the Black Student Union at CPH, Marketing and Communications lead for the Umoja Center and a part-time radio DJ and merch manager for KRFH. If you have a movie you want him to review, email him at kc403@humboldt.edu