Updated September 2026: I wrote this in July 2021 while deciding whether Apple Music was worth paying for over the music I already had with Amazon Prime. I have rewritten it with how Apple Music has changed since and how I would decide today. Prices change often in India, so check current plans before subscribing.
In mid-2021 I could not decide between paying for Apple Music and sticking with the music included in my Amazon Prime membership. Apple had just announced lossless audio and Dolby Atmos at no extra cost, but its regional catalogue felt thin and there was no bundle to sweeten the price. This is how the picture looks now.
What does Apple Music do well?
- Sound quality at no extra cost: lossless audio and Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio arrived in June 2021 and are included in the standard subscription.
- Classical music: Apple Music Classical, a separate app included with the subscription since 2023, is far better for classical listening than a general music app.
- Apple device integration: it works best with AirPods, HomePod and Apple TV, with Siri control and quick device switching.
- Lyrics and editorial playlists: real-time lyrics and curated playlists are consistently good.
Where does Apple Music still fall short in India?
Regional music remains the gap I noticed in 2021. Big Bollywood and Tamil releases are present, but older and smaller regional catalogues are often better covered by JioSaavn and Spotify. There is no free tier; after any trial, you pay or you stop listening. And outside Apple's own devices, the experience is fine but no better than competitors.
How does it compare with Amazon Music and Spotify?
Amazon Music comes with a Prime membership in India, which also covers delivery and Prime Video, so for many households it is the default "free" option. Spotify has the best recommendations and playlists for discovering new music, a free tier with ads, and apps on almost every device. Apple Music wins on audio quality and classical music, and on convenience if you are already fully on Apple devices.
Which should you choose?
- You own an iPhone and AirPods and care about sound quality: Apple Music.
- You already pay for Prime and listen casually: use Amazon Music first and see if you miss anything.
- You want the best discovery, or you use Android and Windows: Spotify.
- You mostly listen to regional music: try JioSaavn alongside whichever you pick.
Is Apple Music worth it now?
For many Prime households, the included Amazon Music is enough for everyday listening. My 2021 complaint that Apple Music offered nothing beyond songs has softened since the classical app and spatial audio arrived, but for a mixed-device household the extra monthly cost is still hard to justify.
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