Spotify vs YouTube Music: Which is Better?
Music streaming has become a huge part of our lives, and in 2025, two of the biggest players in the game are still Spotify and YouTube Music. Both platforms have grown and improved over the years, but they each offer something a little different.
If you’re trying to decide which one is right for you, let’s break it down in simple terms. We’ll look at their features, music libraries, prices, and more to help you make the best choice. Just like Spotify vs. Apple Music, this comparison will be worth your while.
What is Spotify?
Spotify has been around since 2008 and is one of the most popular music streaming services in the world. By 2025, it has over 500 million users, with about half of them paying for the premium version. Spotify is known for its huge library of songs, podcasts, and playlists.
It works on almost every device—phones, tablets, computers, and even smart speakers like Alexa. Whether you’re into pop, rock, classical, or podcasts, Spotify has you covered. For audiophiles, it’s the best choice.
What is YouTube Music?
YouTube Music is a bit younger, launching in 2015, but it’s grown a lot since then. By 2025, it has over 300 million users, with around half using the premium version. YouTube Music is different because it’s tied to YouTube, so it doesn’t just offer songs—it also has music videos, live performances, and even covers or remixes that people upload. If you like watching music videos while you listen, YouTube Music is a great option.
Which One is Easier to Use?
Spotify is known for being super user-friendly. When you open the app, you’ll see a home screen filled with playlists and recommendations based on what you’ve listened to before. It’s easy to search for songs, artists, or albums, and Spotify’s playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar are famous for introducing you to new music you’ll probably love.
Spotify also lets you follow friends, share playlists, and even work together on playlists. It’s a very social platform, which makes it fun to use. Plus, it has a dark mode that’s easy on the eyes, especially at night.
YouTube Music has also improved a lot by 2025. Its design is clean and simple, and it’s easy to switch between listening to songs and watching music videos. The home screen shows you personalized recommendations, trending videos, and playlists.
One cool feature is the Video Mix playlist, which mixes songs with music videos and live performances for a more immersive experience.
YouTube Music also lets users create and share playlists with others, which can feel more personal and community-driven. If you’re someone who loves watching music videos or live performances, YouTube Music’s interface is perfect for you.
Which One Has More Music?
Spotify still has one of the biggest music libraries out there, with over 100 million songs in 2025. It has deals with major record labels and independent artists, so you’ll find almost every song you’re looking for. Spotify also has a huge selection of podcasts, including some exclusive ones you can’t find anywhere else.
Spotify’s playlists are a big deal too. Whether you’re looking for something to pump you up at the gym or help you relax before bed, Spotify has a playlist for it. The platform is always updating its library with new releases, so you’ll never miss out on the latest music.
YouTube Music is a bit different because it’s tied to YouTube. This means it doesn’t just have songs—it also has music videos, live performances, and even covers or remixes that people upload. In 2025, YouTube Music has around 90 million songs, but its real strength is the visual content. If you love watching music videos or live concerts, YouTube Music is hard to beat.
YouTube Music also has playlists, like New Release Mix and Chill Mix, which are updated regularly. Plus, its Explore feature helps you find new music and videos based on what you already like.
Which One is Cheaper?
Spotify still offers a free version with ads, but it has some limitations. For example, you can’t download songs to listen offline, and the sound quality isn’t as good. If you want to get rid of ads and unlock all the features, you’ll need Spotify Premium, which costs $11.99 per month in 2025. Spotify also has family plans, student discounts, and duo plans, so there’s something for everyone.
YouTube Music also has a free version with ads, but like Spotify, it has limitations. To remove ads and get features like offline listening, you’ll need YouTube Music Premium, which costs 12.99/m. There’s also a bundled option called YouTube Premium, which gives you ad−free YouTube Music and ad−free YouTube videos for12.99/m. There’s also a bundled option called YouTube Premium, which gives you ad−free YouTube Music and ad−free YouTube videos for15.99/m. This is a great deal if you watch a lot of videos on YouTube.
Which One is Better for Privacy?
Spotify has made some improvements in privacy by 2025, but it still collects a lot of data about what you listen to, where you are, and what device you’re using. This data helps Spotify recommend music you might like, but it can feel a bit invasive if you’re worried about privacy. Spotify does let you control some of your privacy settings, but it’s not the most private platform out there.
YouTube Music is tied to Google, so it also collects data to improve your experience. However, Google has strong security measures in place to protect your information. YouTube Music lets you control your privacy settings, and because it’s part of Google, it benefits from Google’s advanced security systems. If privacy is a big concern for you, YouTube Music might feel a bit safer.
Which One Should You Choose?
So, which one is better—Spotify or YouTube Music? It really depends on what you’re looking for.
- Choose Spotify if:
You want a huge library of songs and podcasts, love personalized playlists, and enjoy a clean, easy-to-use app. Spotify is perfect if you’re all about the music and don’t care as much about videos. - Choose YouTube Music if:
You love watching music videos, live performances, and covers alongside listening to songs. YouTube Music is great if you want a mix of audio and visual content and enjoy discovering new music through videos.
Both platforms are great in their own ways, and the good news is that you don’t have to pick just one. You can always try both and see which one you like better. After all, music is all about what makes you happy!
