Spotify vs Amazon Music: Which Music Streaming App is Best for You?

Spotify is the go-to choice for users who want a vast library of songs, podcasts, and audiobooks with a free tier and seamless discovery features. Amazon Music appeals to Amazon Prime members and those seeking deep integration with Alexa and the Amazon ecosystem, offering ad-free listening for Prime subscribers. Both apps provide high-quality streaming, but their strengths cater to different audiences. This comparison will help you decide based on your priorities like budget, device preferences, and content needs.

Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app icon

Spotify: Music and Podcasts

Recommended
Rating
★ 4.34
Downloads
1,000,000,000+
Developer
Spotify AB
View on Play Store
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app icon

Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts

Rating
★ 3.94
Downloads
100,000,000+
Developer
Amazon Mobile LLC
View on Play Store

With the Spotify music and podcast app, you can play millions of songs, albums and original podcasts for free. We have even added audiobooks, so you can enjoy thousands of stories wherever you are! Stream music and podcasts, listen to audiobooks, discover albums, playlists or eve…

Pros

  • Largest music library with over 100 million songs and 5 million podcasts.
  • Excellent free tier with on-demand playback and personalized playlists.
  • Cross-platform support on virtually all devices including smart TVs, cars, and wearables.
  • Powerful recommendation engine with Discover Weekly and Daily Mixes.
  • Social features like collaborative playlists and sharing with friends.

Cons

  • Free tier has ads and limited skips.
  • No lossless audio quality option (max 320kbps Ogg Vorbis).
  • Podcast exclusivity deals sometimes remove content from other platforms.

We're changing the way you discover and play the music you love. Listen free to music and podcasts with ads—no credit card required. Prime members can enjoy all the music + top podcasts ad-free. Want more benefits? Get 100 million songs on-demand, ad-free top podcasts, and audi…

Pros

  • Prime members get ad-free music and podcasts at no extra cost.
  • Seamless integration with Alexa and Amazon Echo devices.
  • HD and Ultra HD lossless audio available with Amazon Music Unlimited.
  • Large catalog of 100 million songs in the Unlimited tier.
  • Includes audiobooks and top podcasts with Unlimited subscription.

Cons

  • Free tier is limited to shuffle play and ads.
  • User interface can be cluttered and less intuitive than Spotify.
  • No free tier offline downloads (only with Unlimited subscription).

Final Verdict

Our pick: Spotify: Music and Podcasts

For most users, Spotify is the winner due to its superior free tier, personalized playlists, and broader device compatibility. Its massive library and social features make it ideal for music discovery and podcast lovers. However, if you're a Prime member or heavily invested in Amazon's ecosystem, Amazon Music offers unbeatable value with ad-free Prime Music and tight Alexa integration. Ultimately, choose Spotify for a richer free experience and more robust discovery, or Amazon Music for a cost-effective option within Amazon's world.

Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app icon

Spotify: Music and Podcasts Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 1
Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 1
Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 2
Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 2
Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 3
Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 3
Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 4
Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 4
Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 5
Spotify: Music and Podcasts Android app screenshot 5
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app icon

Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 1
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 1
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 2
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 2
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 3
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 3
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 4
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 4
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 5
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Android app screenshot 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app has a higher rating?

Spotify has a higher rating of 4.34 compared to Amazon Music's 3.94 on the Google Play Store, based on millions of reviews.

Can I download music for offline listening on both apps?

Spotify allows offline downloads only with a Premium subscription. Amazon Music offers offline downloads only with Amazon Music Unlimited, not on the free or Prime Music tiers.

Do both apps have ads?

Yes, both have ads on their free tiers. Amazon Music's Prime tier is ad-free for Prime members, while Spotify's free tier includes ads. Both paid subscriptions remove ads.

What are the device requirements for each app?

Both apps require Android 5.0 or later. Spotify is available on a wider range of devices including smart TVs, game consoles, and cars. Amazon Music works best with Alexa devices but also supports most Android phones and tablets.

Which app should I choose if I'm a Prime member?

If you're a Prime member, Amazon Music offers great value with ad-free Prime Music and Alexa integration. However, if you prefer a better free tier and more personalized discovery, Spotify may still be the better choice.