How Much is Apple Music and Napster?

The music streaming industry has revolutionized the way we listen to music, providing listeners with a vast library of songs at their fingertips. Apple Music and Napster are two of the notable players in this market. But how much do these services cost, and what do you get for your money? In this article, we will break down the subscription costs, features, and value of Apple Music and Napster.

Apple Music Subscription Costs

Apple Music offers several subscription plans tailored to different needs. Here are the current subscription tiers for Apple Music:

• Individual Plan: $10.99/month. This plan offers full access to Apple Music's catalog, offline listening, and curated playlists.
• Family Plan: $16.99/month. This includes all the features of the Individual Plan but allows access for up to six family members using Family Sharing.
• Student Plan: $5.99/month. Available to students verified as enrolled in college or university, it includes the same benefits as the Individual Plan at a reduced price.
• Apple One Bundle: $32.95/month. This is a bundle that includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage.

Apple Music offers a free trial for new subscribers, usually lasting three months. Plus, if you purchase an Apple device, you may be eligible for extended free trial offers.

Napster Subscription Costs

Napster, while not as widely recognized as Apple Music, offers a competitive range of subscription plans. Here are the current subscription options for Napster:

• Napster Unlimited: $9.99/month. This basic plan provides unlimited streaming, personalized playlists, and offline access.
• Family Plan: $14.99/month. Similar to Apple Music's family plan, this allows up to six accounts to access Napster’s services.
• Premier: $19.99/month. This plan offers high-fidelity sound quality, exclusive content, and all the features of the Unlimited Plan.

Napster also offers a free trial period, typically lasting 30 days, allowing new users to explore the platform before committing to a subscription.

Feature Comparison

When evaluating whether Apple Music or Napster is worth the cost, it’s essential to consider the features each service provides. Let’s compare some key features:

Music Library

Apple Music boasts a catalog of over 75 million songs, while Napster offers around 60 million. Both libraries include popular tracks, new releases, and various genres to suit diverse musical tastes.

Sound Quality

Apple Music streams at a bitrate of 256 kbps AAC, and also offers lossless and high-resolution audio formats at no extra cost. Napster provides streaming at 320 kbps MP3 quality in the Unlimited plan and high-fidelity sound in the Premier plan, which might appeal to audiophiles.

Exclusive Content and Radio Shows

Apple Music is renowned for its exclusive content, including artist collaborations, music videos, and live performances. Additionally, Apple Music offers Beats 1 (now Apple Music 1) - a global 24/7 radio station featuring top DJs and artists. Napster also features exclusive content and customized playlists but lacks the high-profile radio shows that Apple Music prides itself on.

Integration and Device Compatibility

Apple Music integrates seamlessly with Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod. It is also compatible with Android devices and Windows PCs through iTunes. Napster is widely compatible, supporting iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and other devices like Sonos and Chromecast.

Value for Money

When deciding between Apple Music and Napster, both offer robust features and diverse music libraries. Apple Music’s integration with Apple’s ecosystem makes it an attractive option for Apple users, complemented by its exclusive content and radio shows. Napster might appeal to those seeking high-fidelity audio streaming and a slightly lower premium price for their family plan.

Ultimately, the choice between Apple Music and Napster will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and the ecosystem of devices you use. Both platforms offer free trials, so it is worth trying both to see which one aligns best with your listening habits.

Getting Started

Whichever service you choose, having a reliable distribution platform for your music is essential. SoundOn provides an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping artists build a career and find new fans through TikTok, SoundOn, and other digital streaming platforms. Register as a SoundOn artist today and elevate your music career to new heights.