A comparison between Apple Music and SoundCloud reveals distinct differences in user experience, subscription structures, music libraries, and audio quality. While Apple Music boasts an extensive library, superior playlists, and exclusive features like lossless audio and a dedicated classical app, SoundCloud appeals to fans of independent artists with its vast user-uploaded collection. Ultimately, Apple Music stands out as the preferred choice for most music enthusiasts due to its comprehensive offerings and enhanced audio quality.
Apple Music vs. SoundCloud: A Comprehensive Comparison
Apple Music stands out as one of the leading music streaming platforms available today. Its brand recognition gives it a considerable edge over smaller competitors like SoundCloud. This raises the question: can SoundCloud truly compete with the giant that is Apple Music?
User Experience and Application Design
In today’s digital age, music streaming is predominantly accessed via smartphones. We took a close look at both the Apple Music and SoundCloud apps, and the results were impressive in terms of layout and design. While each app has its unique visual identity, they share a common feature: a navigation bar positioned at the bottom, allowing users to easily access their library and search functions. This design approach is commonplace across the industry, making it standard practice rather than a unique selling point.
Apple Music delivers a visually appealing experience that is quintessentially Apple. It features a light theme by default, with an option to switch to a dark mode, showcasing the brand’s signature font style. In contrast, SoundCloud adopts a more rugged aesthetic, giving it an ‘underground’ vibe that many users find refreshing and distinct.
Both platforms are accessible not only through mobile apps but also through desktop versions and web players. Users can enjoy their favorite tunes on various external devices via Bluetooth or AirPlay, making for a versatile listening experience.
Subscription Options and Pricing
While premium subscription prices may show some similarities, the types and structures of subscriptions differ significantly between the two services.
Apple Music offers three primary subscription options, and unlike some competitors, it does not provide a duo plan. This contrasts with platforms like Spotify or Deezer, which do cater to couples with discounted rates.
SoundCloud, on the other hand, features different subscription tiers aimed at distinct audiences. The Go subscriptions are designed for listeners, while the Artist subscriptions target music creators. For a fair comparison, we will align Apple Music Premium Individual with SoundCloud Go+, as both serve as direct competitors.
Regardless of provider choice, all music streaming services generally offer a set of common features. These typically include access to high-quality audio and ad-free listening experiences, which both Apple Music and SoundCloud deliver.
However, when it comes to exclusive offerings, Apple Music shines brighter than SoundCloud. The latter’s unique feature is access to full-length tracks through SoundCloud Go+, yet it falls short as not all songs are available in their entirety, a notable limitation for a streaming service.
Apple Music, in contrast, presents a range of exclusive content, including 3D audio and the Apple Music Classical app, specifically designed for classical music enthusiasts. This dedicated app recognizes the complexity of classical compositions, which often have multiple movements and titles, making it a valuable addition for fans of the genre.
Music Libraries and Audio Quality
When examining the music libraries, SoundCloud’s open platform allows users to upload music easily, resulting in a massive collection of over 135 million tracks. However, it lacks a robust selection of podcasts.
Apple Music claims to house over 100 million songs and boasts a broader array of podcasts, although accessing these requires using the separate Apple Podcasts app, even for Premium subscribers.
In terms of song recommendations and playlists, Apple Music generally offers more accurate suggestions and a greater variety of playlists, sorted not only by genre but also by mood and artists. SoundCloud has a solid selection, but Apple Music’s offerings are more comprehensive.
One of the most significant differences between the two services is audio quality. SoundCloud provides limited details about its audio transmission rates, stating only that its ‘High Audio Quality’ is encoded at 256 kbit/s in AAC format, which translates to roughly 320 kbit/s in MP3.
Conversely, Apple Music offers detailed explanations of its audio quality levels, including the option for lossless audio formats. While lossless audio provides superior sound quality, it demands a wired connection for optimal performance, meaning users must connect headphones directly to their devices. For the best listening experience on desktop systems, professional equipment is recommended.
Conclusion: Which Service Comes Out on Top?
In summary, SoundCloud has its merits, especially for users interested in independent artists or those who create music themselves. Nevertheless, when considering the overall features, audio quality, and user experience, Apple Music emerges as the clear leader in this matchup. With its extensive library, superior playlists, and exclusive content, Apple Music is undoubtedly the stronger choice for most music lovers.