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Thankfully, Apple no longer requires users to install iTunes, and currently lets you listen in a browser just as Spotify does. Spotify is supposed to allow you to listen to your MP3s within the app itself, but this has never worked that smoothly, and definitely doesn't allow you to upload tracks.
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While the service's original rollout was hampered by collection-distorting bugs, it's currently a useful feature that helps the service stand out from the pack. Spotify: Cloud lockerĪpple Music's biggest special feature is the iCloud Music Library, which allows collectors to access their libraries of tracks in AAC 256kbps wherever they go.
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In the absence of any other big differences in Spotify's favor, we have to give this one to Apple. In any event, Apple currently supports higher-resolution streaming and Spotify doesn't. That's not to say that headphones and speakers don't make a difference at standard resolution, but remember that current Bluetooth tech simply doesn't have the bandwidth for high-resolution audio.Īs with hearing any lossless content without compromise, Spotify HiFi will also likely require wired headphones to hear the benefit, though Spotify (opens in new tab) notes that Spotify Connect-enabled speakers will support it.Ĭheck out our pick of the best headphones, best Bluetooth speakers and best computer speakers to make sure you’re getting the best sound quality experience. This will change when Spotify's delayed HiFi tier launches, though when it comes to resolution and bit rate right now, Apple Music's library of lossless content has Spotify beat. Spotify streams songs at three different rates (96kbps, 160kbps and 320kbps) all in the Ogg Vorbis format, though the highest caliber is limited to paid Premium subscribers.
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Last year Apple Music updated its entire catalogue, which is now encoded using ALAC in resolutions ranging from 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD-quality) up to 24-bit/192kHz ( hi-res audio quality). Previously, standard-quality Apple Music tracks were 256kbps AAC files, the same format as tracks purchased from iTunes.
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