YouTube Premium vs Spotify Premium
YouTube Premium
Verdict: Spotify Premium wins for pure music. YouTube Premium is worth it only if you're a heavy YouTube watcher who'd also use YouTube Music.
How we scored it
Spec verificationOwner sentimentLive pricing (4h refresh)Editorial review
Our methodology
Winner: Spotify Premium
YouTube Premium: 7/10
Spotify Premium: 8.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| YouTube Premium | Spotify Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $13.99/mo | $11.99/mo |
| Family plan | $22.99/mo (6 users) | $16.99/mo (6 users) |
| Student plan | $7.99/mo | $5.99/mo |
| Ad-free YouTube video | Yes | No |
| Music audio quality | 256 kbps AAC | 320 kbps Ogg Vorbis |
| Offline downloads | Video + audio | Audio only |
YouTube Premium
What works
- Ad-free across all of YouTube, not just music
- Background playback on mobile (huge for podcasters/music)
- Includes YouTube Music Premium
What doesn't
- At $13.99/mo, expensive if you don't watch much YouTube
- YouTube Music discovery lags Spotify
- Family plan is $22.99/mo — too expensive
Spotify Premium
What works
- Best music discovery algorithm in the industry
- 320 kbps streaming quality
- Cheaper ($11.99/mo vs $13.99/mo)
What doesn't
- No video component — it's audio only
- Doesn't help with YouTube ads
- Audiobook inclusion has limited titles
Bottom line
Our pick: Spotify Premium. It edges out the alternative on best music discovery algorithm in the industry. That said, YouTube Premium still wins on ad-free across all of youtube, not just music — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.
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