The best Apple Music alternatives in 2026
Apple Music scores 8.9 and ranks #2 in Music & Podcasts. It's not for everyone: skip it if you want a free tier or the strongest personalized discovery. Here's every alternative we rank, and exactly where each one is stronger or weaker.
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- Less private -2.7
- Better value +0.7
- Faster +0.6
- More features +0.5
Best for: Music fans who want great recommendations on every device they own
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- Better value +0.8
- Fewer features -0.6
- More private +0.5
- Weaker design -0.4
Best for: iPhone listeners who want a simple, fast player with great audio tools
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- Better value +0.8
- Less private -0.7
Best for: Podcast listeners who move between Android, iPhone and a computer
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- Fewer features -1.7
- Better value +1.6
- Less private -0.5
- Faster +0.4
Best for: Music lovers who often hear a song and want to know what it is
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- Fewer features -0.7
- Less private -0.7
- Weaker design -0.5
- Slower -0.4
Best for: Audiophiles with good headphones or hi-fi gear who want hi-res streaming
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- Less private -1.9
- Weaker design -0.6
- Fewer features -0.5
- Slower -0.4
Best for: Audiophiles and album listeners with good headphones or a hi-fi system
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- Weaker design -1.2
- Fewer features -1.1
- Less private -1.1
- Slower -1.0
Best for: Fans of independent music who want to support artists directly
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- Less private -3.3
- Weaker design -1.0
- Slower -0.4
Best for: YouTube Premium subscribers and fans of live versions, covers and remixes
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- Less private -3.4
- Weaker design -1.4
- Fewer features -1.0
- Slower -0.9
Best for: Fans of electronic, hip-hop and underground music, and the artists making it
Still deciding on Apple Music?Read our full review, pros and cons.