I have not listened to Spotify but I do have Apple Music and I have not had any sound quality issues with Apple. Sounds the same as if I am listening to a cd I've ripped through iTunes. So I do not have a problem with Apple Music.
Sound quality on Spotify depends on what Spotify is given. DG and I guess other Universal labels provide lowest possible quality, so Classical music for example from these labels isn't listenable for me. But generally, I agree Spotify meets my non-audiophile needs. But haven't tried Apple music, so what am I doing here?
I don't use either currently, but there have been interesting comments.
It seems you get lower quality streams if you listen through your phone on a cell network, and only when heard on a home system through your higher streaming wifi do things get more noticeable. But like the article below eludes, the winner is going to be a combination of library size, easy of use and cost - in addition to sound quality.
Spotify's biggest problem is being supplied with poorly done CD rips. I don't know how many tracks I've heard of obscure "classical" stuff that contain huge amounts of digital noise in them or the track abruptly stops.
I gave up on Apple Music. I dumped Spotify then went back. The interface is better. Adjusting sound quality easier. I find that actually having two music apps going is a benefit...one being my permanent collection the other being stuff I'm testing out. Apple music's interface is a mess, just like iTunes. The buffering issue with Apple Music also tests one's patience.
All streaming is morally objectionable. But if you have to, Spotify wins.
My problem with Spotify is the desktop interface insists on listing the full tracklists for every album when you go to the section for a given artist. So going through the massive amount of stuff for certain artists takes forever. While on the tablet app it hides all of that. I can't seem to figure out a way to hide it on the desktop.
I don't have this problem on the Spotify desktop on my PCs at home and work. I just see album cover icons under the "albums" header, and only see detail if I click on a given album.
Wow just realized there is a tiny button on the upper right corner of the Albums listing. One icon shows a list and another shows a grid. So when I click the grid it shows just the album covers. That is much better now
Oh I think Sean and I Fixed That For You. I take all forms of payment.
But seriously, yeah. Apple Music Interface is Mania. EVERYTHING NOW HERE. Navigating Spotify is awkward too but def more refined. I'm keeping iTunes Match + Spotify and def NOT paying for Apple Music.