You’re tired of those ad breaks interrupting your workout playlist or your favorite YouTube deep-dive. Both YouTube Premium and Spotify promise a smoother ride, but which one should you throw your cash at? Let’s break it down so you can get back to your tunes, uninterrupted.
| Feature | YouTube Premium | Spotify Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $11.99 | $9.99 |
| Ad-Free Experience | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Download | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video Content | ✓ | ✗ |
| Music Catalog Size | 80 million+ | 100 million+ |
| Family Plan Availability | ✓ | ✓ |
| Podcasts | ✗ | ✓ |
✅ youtube premium Pros
- Includes YouTube Originals and access to ad-free video content.
- Background play allows continuous audio experience.
- Seamless integration with Google services and devices.
❌ youtube premium Cons
- Pricier than Spotify with fewer music-centric features.
- No dedicated podcast platform.
- Music library is smaller compared to Spotify’s.
✅ spotify price Pros
- Cheaper monthly subscription.
- Massive music library with excellent playlist curation.
- Strong podcast offering integrated into the app.
❌ spotify price Cons
- No video content access.
- Background play is music-only, no video multitasking.
- Free tier is more limited in functionality than YouTube’s.
Music and Video Content
YouTube Premium is the clear winner if you’re looking to mix video with your music. It not only gives you ad-free music but also eliminates those annoying interruptions on videos. Ideal if you’re a multitasker who likes to switch between music and visual content seamlessly. On the other hand, Spotify’s focus is purely on music and podcasts, with a larger library of songs and expertly curated playlists. If your main diet is audio content, Spotify has a slight edge with its extensive catalog and personalized recommendations.
Cost Efficiency
Spotify Premium is lighter on the wallet by a couple of bucks each month. It offers robust features at a lower price point, making it a more attractive option if you’re budget-conscious. The difference might seem minor, but it adds up over time. If you’re primarily after music and podcasts, why pay more? YouTube Premium justifies its higher price with additional video content and the ability to play videos in the background, a feature Spotify lacks. This could be a game-changer if you consume a lot of video content on the go.
Offline Use and Background Play
Both services excel in offline use, letting you download your favorite tunes for those subway rides. However, YouTube Premium’s background play is a unique feature that lets you continue listening to videos even when your phone’s screen is off or you’re using other apps. Spotify, while offering background music play, doesn’t extend this feature to video content. If multitasking is your thing, YouTube Premium has the upper hand. But for pure audio multitasking, Spotify is equally competent.
Both platforms have quirks that could sway your choice. YouTube Premium can feel more like a video service that happens to include music, rather than a dedicated music platform. Spotify, while boasting a bigger library, sometimes falls short on artist exclusivity, which can be frustrating if you’re chasing specific releases. Also, remember that Spotify’s free tier is peppered with ads and limitations, whereas YouTube’s free offering still allows for significant video consumption.
Our Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re someone who binge-watches videos and enjoys exploring new music videos alongside your playlists, YouTube Premium is your best bet. For those who live and breathe music and podcasts, Spotify is the more cost-effective choice, offering a more substantial collection and better audio-centric features. Choose based on what you consume more: videos or purely audio content.
Is YouTube Premium worth the extra cost over Spotify?
If you frequently watch and listen to YouTube content, the extra cost is justified by the ad-free experience and background play for videos.
Does Spotify offer the same offline capabilities as YouTube Premium?
Yes, Spotify allows you to download and listen offline, but solely for music and podcasts, not videos.
Can I use Spotify Premium on multiple devices?
Yes, Spotify Premium can be used on multiple devices, but concurrent streaming is limited to one device at a time unless you opt for a Family or Duo plan.