Apple is a dominant force in technology, particularly in smartphones and computers, yet its music streaming service, Apple Music, is not the market leader, with Spotify leading the way. This article compares Apple Music with Qobuz, examining user experience, subscription options, shared features, exclusive offerings, and music libraries. While both platforms have over 100 million songs and provide similar core features, Apple Music excels in personalized recommendations and curated playlists, whereas Qobuz offers unique download store options for audiophiles.
Apple has established itself as a powerhouse in various sectors of the tech industry, particularly in smartphones and computers. However, its own music streaming platform has yet to claim the title of market leader, largely overshadowed by Spotify’s significant presence. This brings us to the question: can a smaller competitor like Qobuz pose a genuine challenge to Apple Music? In this article, we will delve into a comparison between Qobuz and Apple Music.
Comparing User Experience: Qobuz and Apple Music
The user interface is often the first interaction users have with a music streaming service, making it crucial that it’s not only visually appealing but also user-friendly. Qobuz and Apple Music both excel in this area.
Apple Music showcases the signature Apple design, complete with a sleek dark mode option for iPhone and iPad users. Qobuz, while adopting a more traditional aesthetic, maintains a modern feel that doesn’t come across as outdated. Despite some stylistic differences, both applications offer a similar user experience.
You can primarily access Qobuz through its mobile app, desktop application, and web player, with Bluetooth connectivity available for other devices like speakers and smart TVs. On the other hand, Apple Music benefits from a wider range of connectivity options, particularly through Apple AirPlay and its extensive ecosystem. Nonetheless, both services are predominantly accessed via their respective mobile apps, desktop applications, and web players.
Analyzing Subscription Plans and Pricing
When it comes to subscription models and pricing, Qobuz and Apple Music take different approaches. While Apple offers straightforward premium subscriptions, Qobuz requires you to choose between different ‘variants’—namely ‘Studio’ and ‘Sublime’. The latter provides discounts in the Qobuz download store, which we will discuss later.
Understanding Qobuz Subscription Options
Qobuz Studio
Qobuz Studio offers a flexible monthly subscription that can be canceled at any time. Additionally, annual rates are available, providing savings of up to 17%. For instance, the Studio Solo plan is priced at just 12.49 euros per month instead of the regular 14.99 euros (as of December 2024).
Qobuz Sublime
In contrast, the Sublime subscription is only available as an annual plan with a one-time payment, which limits flexibility as it cannot be canceled monthly. We recommend this option only for those who are committed to using the service for a year.
Apple Music Subscription Packages
Apple Music provides several premium subscription options:
When we compare Qobuz Studio to Apple Music, it’s notable that while Apple does not have a duo option, it is significantly more affordable. Furthermore, Apple Music offers a clearer structure, whereas the differentiation between Qobuz’s Studio and Sublime may be confusing to new users.
Both platforms offer a free trial period of at least 30 days, allowing you to explore Qobuz Studio or Apple Music risk-free. Post-trial, you will be automatically enrolled in your chosen subscription unless you cancel beforehand.
Shared Features: Qobuz and Apple Music
Most music streaming services, including Qobuz and Apple Music, share a core set of features. This typically includes ad-free listening and offline playback. Here’s a summary of the key features both platforms provide:
It’s important to note that Qobuz currently lacks a lyrics feature, which may be a downside for users who enjoy singing along. However, can Qobuz make up for this absence with unique offerings?
Exclusive Offerings: Apple Music’s Originals and Qobuz’s Download Store
Both Apple Music and Qobuz focus on classic music streaming features rather than innovation. Apple Music provides exclusive ‘Originals’, which include live performances and artist interviews, appealing particularly to those curious about their favorite musicians.
Furthermore, with an Apple Music subscription, you gain access to a dedicated app for classical music—Apple Music Classical. This app is designed specifically for classical music, recognizing the genre’s complexity and the need for its own platform.
On the other hand, Qobuz does not offer separate applications but features its own download store, where users can purchase music for permanent access. Sublime subscribers enjoy discounts of up to 60% on high-resolution purchases, making it an attractive option for audiophiles seeking offline listening.
Additionally, Qobuz boasts its own editorial team that regularly publishes content on new releases, audio equipment, and artist interviews, contributing to a richer user experience.
Exploring Music Libraries, Recommendations, and Playlists
Both Apple Music and Qobuz claim to have over 100 million songs in their libraries. Generally, users will find that both platforms cover popular tracks and artists, although some lesser-known musicians may be absent from Qobuz’s catalog due to its relatively lower popularity in recent years.
Neither service offers podcasts, although Apple Music users can access the pre-installed ‘Podcasts’ app on their Apple devices, fully integrated with their subscription.
When it comes to personalized song recommendations, Apple Music outperforms Qobuz. While both services start with limited knowledge of user preferences, Qobuz sometimes suggests tracks that may not align with your taste even after extensive use. However, for those eager to discover new genres and artists, this could present an unexpected opportunity.
In terms of playlists, Apple Music excels with a more diverse selection, offering a greater number of curated lists that enhance the listening experience.