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Entertainment · head to head

Apple TV+ vs Spotify

Apple TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Entertainment

Original stories from the most creative minds

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Spotify logo

Spotify

Entertainment

Music for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apple TV+ bundle offering states no free trial, discounted offers, or annual plans available at launch; Spotify ad-free listening, offline downloads, lossless audio and unlimited skipping all require Premium at $12.99 a month
  • They diverge on capability: Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, Spotify covers Music streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple TV+ and Spotify actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple TV+ and Spotify differ
AttributeApple TV+Spotify
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
PlatformsIos, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, WebWeb, Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers
Founded20192006

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Entertainment).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple TV+

  • Apple Originals
  • 4K HDR
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Family sharing
  • Downloads
  • Apple devices
  • Smart TVs
  • Family sharing controls

Only in Spotify

  • Music streaming
  • Podcast streaming
  • Playlist creation
  • Music discovery
  • Social sharing
  • Offline downloads
  • Cross-device sync
  • Audio quality options

Both cover

  • Gaming consoles
  • Macos support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple TV+

  • Streaming exclusive TV shows and moviesnot Spotify
  • Sports viewing (Friday Night Baseball, upcoming MLS and Formula 1 content)not Spotify
  • Ad-free entertainmentnot Spotify

Spotify

  • Music listeningnot Apple TV+
  • Podcast consumptionnot Apple TV+
  • Playlist sharingnot Apple TV+
  • Music discoverynot Apple TV+
  • Background musicnot Apple TV+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple TV+

  • Bundle offering states no free trial, discounted offers, or annual plans available at launch
  • Only 3 months free with Apple TV 4K hardware purchase, not a standalone free option

Spotify

  • Ad-free listening, offline downloads, lossless audio and unlimited skipping all require Premium at $12.99 a month
  • Lossless streaming tops out at 24-bit/44.1 kHz
  • The Duo plan at $18.99 a month covers two people and the Family plan at $21.99 covers a household, with no per-seat option between them

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple TV+

Free
  • Standard$12.99/month
    • 7-day free trial
    • Hundreds of exclusive shows and movies
    • New releases every week
  • Apple TV Plus with Peacock Bundle$14.99/month
    • Apple TV Plus (Premium tier)
    • Peacock Premium or Premium Plus
    • Save over 30% vs individual subscriptions

Spotify

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Ad-supported listening
    • Standard audio quality
  • Premium Individual$12.99/month
    • 1 account
    • Ad-free listening
    • Offline downloads
  • Premium Student$6.99/month
    • 1 verified account for eligible students
    • Hulu access included
    • Ad-free listening
  • Premium Duo$18.99/month
    • 2 accounts for couples at same address
    • Ad-free listening
    • Offline downloads

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple TV+ if

  • You need apple originals.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
  • You also want 4k hdr.
Apple TV+ review

Choose Spotify if

  • You need music streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
  • You also want podcast streaming.
Spotify review

Questions people ask

Is Apple TV+ or Spotify better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple TV+ starts at Free and Spotify at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple TV+ or Spotify?
Apple TV+ starts at Free and Spotify at Free.
Does Apple TV+ or Spotify run on more platforms?
Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web. Spotify runs on Web, Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
Can I use Apple TV+ for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apple TV+ best used for?
Apple TV+ is most often used for streaming exclusive tv shows and movies, sports viewing (friday night baseball, upcoming mls and formula 1 content), ad-free entertainment. Of those, streaming exclusive tv shows and movies and sports viewing (friday night baseball, upcoming mls and formula 1 content) are not what Spotify is typically brought in for.
What can Apple TV+ do that Spotify cannot?
Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. Spotify covers Music streaming, Podcast streaming, Playlist creation, Music discovery. Both handle Gaming consoles, Macos support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple TV+: How much does Apple TV Plus cost?

Apple TV Plus costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day free trial. The bundle with Peacock starts at $14.99 per month for combined access, saving over 30% compared to individual subscriptions.

Source
Spotify: Does Spotify offer a free plan?

Yes, Spotify offers a free ad-supported tier with standard audio quality. Users can listen to any song but do not get offline downloads, full playback control, or ad-free listening.

Source
Apple TV+: Does Apple TV Plus offer a free trial?

Yes, Apple TV Plus includes a 7-day free trial before the $12.99 monthly subscription begins. The trial does not require a credit card. The bundle with Peacock offers no free trial or discounted introductory offers.

Source
Spotify: What is the difference between Spotify Premium Student and Premium Individual?

Premium Student costs $6.99/month (half the price of Premium Individual at $12.99/month) and includes Hulu access. Premium Student is available only to verified higher education students with an introductory offer of $0 for 1 month, whereas Premium Individual has a $0 for 3 months introductory offer.

Source
Apple TV+: Can I share my Apple TV Plus subscription with family members?

Yes, Apple TV Plus lets you share your subscription with up to five family members for free through Apple's family sharing feature, allowing multiple household members to watch on different devices simultaneously.

Source
Spotify: How many people can share a Spotify Premium Family plan?

Spotify Premium Family plan allows up to 6 accounts for family members living at the same address, includes parental controls, and provides Premium access (including ad-free listening and offline downloads) for members under 13. The plan costs $21.99/month.

Source
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