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How does Apple Music’s lossless audio compare to other services’ audio quality?

Most listeners discover that Apple Music’s lossless audio sounds clearer and more detailed than standard streaming—but how it compares to other services’ audio quality depends on formats, bitrates, devices, and your ears. This guide breaks down Apple Music’s lossless and hi‑res options, then compares them directly with Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and others so you can choose the best service for your setup.

What “lossless audio” actually means

Before comparing services, it’s important to understand a few core terms:

  • Lossy audio: Compressed with data removed to reduce file size (e.g., AAC, MP3, Ogg Vorbis). Good for bandwidth, but not a perfect copy of the original.
  • Lossless audio: Compressed without removing audio information. When decoded, you get a bit‑perfect copy of the studio master (e.g., ALAC, FLAC).
  • Hi‑res (high‑resolution) audio: Lossless audio with higher sample rates/bit depth than CD quality, typically:
    • CD quality: 16‑bit / 44.1 kHz
    • Hi‑res: 24‑bit / 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz, etc.
  • Bitrate: How much data is transmitted per second (e.g., 256 kbps, 1,411 kbps, 9,216 kbps). Higher usually means more potential detail (assuming the source is good).

With that in mind, you can better evaluate how Apple Music’s lossless audio compares to other services’ audio quality.

Apple Music audio quality: Lossless, Hi‑Res Lossless, and Spatial Audio

Apple Music offers three key quality tiers (all included in the standard subscription price):

1. Standard AAC (lossy)

  • Format: AAC
  • Bitrate: Up to 256 kbps
  • Where it’s used: Default on most devices unless you enable lossless
  • Sound quality: Comparable to Spotify’s current “Very High” setting and better than older MP3 formats at similar bitrates

For casual listening on Bluetooth earbuds or in noisy environments, Apple’s 256 kbps AAC is already very good.

2. Lossless (CD quality)

  • Format: ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec)
  • Resolution: Up to 16‑bit / 44.1 kHz (CD quality)
  • Bitrate: Around 1,411 kbps (varies with content)
  • Availability: Huge portion of the Apple Music catalog is available in this format

This is a bit‑perfect copy of CD audio. Compared with 256 kbps AAC, many listeners notice:

  • Cleaner transients (e.g., cymbals, acoustic guitars)
  • Better stereo separation
  • Slightly more natural vocals and ambience (especially on good wired gear)

3. Hi‑Res Lossless

  • Format: ALAC
  • Resolution: Up to 24‑bit / 192 kHz
    • Common tiers: 24‑bit / 48 kHz, 24‑bit / 96 kHz, and 24‑bit / 192 kHz
  • Bitrate: Roughly 2,000–9,000+ kbps depending on resolution and complexity
  • Requirement: External DAC or hi‑res‑capable device to truly benefit

Hi‑res lossless on Apple Music targets audiophiles and studio‑grade gear. The differences versus standard lossless are more subtle and highly dependent on:

  • Your headphones/speakers
  • Your DAC/amp
  • Your listening environment
  • Your own hearing sensitivity

Device limitations: Where Apple Music’s lossless shines—and where it doesn’t

How Apple Music’s lossless audio compares to other services’ audio quality depends heavily on what you’re listening on.

iPhone, iPad, and Mac

  • Wired headphones via 3.5 mm jack or USB‑C:
    • Lossless is fully supported.
    • Hi‑res lossless (24/96, 24/192) requires a USB‑C / Lightning external DAC that supports hi‑res.
  • Built‑in speaker(s):
    • Technically can play lossless, but the hardware is the limiting factor, not the format.
  • Apple silicon Macs:
    • Can output up to 24‑bit / 96 kHz directly via some outputs.
    • For full 24/192, an external DAC is still recommended.

AirPods and Bluetooth limitations

This is where expectations matter:

  • All AirPods (including AirPods Pro and AirPods Max) currently use Bluetooth codecs (AAC/SBC) that do not support true lossless.
  • Even if you enable lossless in Apple Music settings, what reaches the AirPods is still a lossy Bluetooth stream.
  • Result: You don’t get full lossless or hi‑res lossless quality over AirPods, though Apple’s AAC Bluetooth implementation is still very good.

By contrast, some other services and Android devices can use LDAC or aptX HD/Adaptive, which support higher bitrates over Bluetooth—but these are still technically lossy, just higher quality.

Apple Music vs Spotify: Audio quality comparison

Spotify is the most direct comparison many users care about.

Spotify’s current audio quality (as of 2024)

  • Format: Ogg Vorbis (lossy)
  • Bitrates:
    • Free: Up to 160 kbps
    • Premium: Up to 320 kbps
  • HiFi / lossless tier: Announced several times but not widely released as of the latest updates. Some form of “Spotify HiFi” or “Supremium” is expected, but details remain fluid.

Apple Music vs Spotify on sound quality

On paper:

  • Apple Music offers:
    • 256 kbps AAC (lossy)
    • Lossless (16/44.1)
    • Hi‑Res Lossless (up to 24/192)
  • Spotify offers:
    • Up to 320 kbps Ogg Vorbis (lossy only, for now)

In practice:

  • Apple’s 256 kbps AAC is competitive with, and often slightly cleaner than, 320 kbps Ogg on many tracks.
  • When you enable lossless, Apple Music clearly surpasses Spotify’s current maximum quality—especially on wired headphones or a decent home setup.
  • For users with high‑end gear, Apple’s hi‑res lossless tier offers extra detail that Spotify simply doesn’t match yet.

Bottom line: At equal subscription costs, Apple Music currently offers significantly better maximum audio quality than Spotify, especially for wired and hi‑fi listening.

Apple Music vs Tidal: Lossless, hi‑res, and MQA

Tidal is a major competitor for hi‑fi listeners.

Tidal audio tiers (simplified)

  • Standard / Normal: Compressed lossy audio
  • HiFi:
    • Format: FLAC
    • Resolution: Up to 16‑bit / 44.1 kHz (lossless CD quality)
  • HiFi Plus:
    • Format: Up to hi‑res FLAC (24‑bit)
    • Previously used MQA (a proprietary format) for many hi‑res titles; now shifting towards more hi‑res FLAC.

Apple Music vs Tidal audio quality

Formats:

  • Apple Music: ALAC (lossless, hi‑res lossless)
  • Tidal: FLAC (lossless and hi‑res), plus some remaining MQA in parts of the catalog

Both ALAC and FLAC are:

  • Fully lossless
  • Very similar in quality; differences are not audible when decoded correctly

Resolution comparison:

  • Apple Music Lossless: Up to 16/44.1
  • Apple Music Hi‑Res Lossless: Up to 24/192
  • Tidal HiFi: Up to 16/44.1
  • Tidal HiFi Plus: Up to 24‑bit hi‑res FLAC (often 96 kHz or 192 kHz)

In pure technical terms, Apple Music’s hi‑res lossless and Tidal’s hi‑res FLAC/MQA are in the same league.

Where they differ:

  • Catalog & consistency:
    • Apple Music: Very broad implementation of lossless and hi‑res across major labels.
    • Tidal: Strong hi‑res catalog, but coverage varies by region and album.
  • Spatial audio / immersive formats:
    • Apple Music: Heavy focus on Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio integration with AirPods and Apple devices.
    • Tidal: Offers Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio on compatible hardware, but Apple’s ecosystem integration is tighter on its own devices.
  • Pricing:
    • Apple typically includes lossless and hi‑res in the standard price.
    • Tidal often charges more for HiFi Plus (hi‑res).

Bottom line: For pure lossless/hi‑res audio quality, Apple Music and Tidal are very close, with both delivering true hi‑res. Apple wins on value (hi‑res at no extra cost), while Tidal offers strong hi‑res FLAC and some exclusive/curated content aimed at audiophiles.

Apple Music vs Amazon Music Unlimited

Amazon Music has become a strong hi‑res competitor.

Amazon audio tiers

  • Standard: Compressed audio (similar to other lossy services)
  • HD:
    • Format: FLAC
    • Resolution: Up to 16‑bit / 44.1 kHz (CD quality)
  • Ultra HD:
    • Format: FLAC
    • Resolution: Up to 24‑bit / 192 kHz

Amazon now includes HD and often Ultra HD with Amazon Music Unlimited in many regions.

Apple Music vs Amazon Music audio quality

Resolution:

  • Apple Music Lossless: Up to 16/44.1 (CD)
  • Apple Music Hi‑Res Lossless: Up to 24/192
  • Amazon HD: 16/44.1
  • Amazon Ultra HD: Up to 24/192

On paper, they’re virtually identical in technical capability:

  • Both support CD‑quality lossless and 24‑bit hi‑res up to 192 kHz.
  • Apple uses ALAC; Amazon uses FLAC—both are lossless and equivalent in audible performance.

Device integration:

  • Apple Music fits seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem.
  • Amazon Music works well with:
    • Echo speakers
    • Fire TV devices
    • Many third‑party hi‑fi streamers

Bottom line: In terms of pure audio quality, Apple Music’s lossless and hi‑res lossless are on par with Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD. The choice mainly comes down to ecosystem (Apple vs Amazon), device compatibility, and app experience.

Apple Music vs Qobuz, Deezer, and other hi‑fi services

For more niche hi‑fi services, Apple Music’s lossless audio competes closely.

Qobuz

  • Format: FLAC
  • Resolution: Up to 24‑bit / 192 kHz
  • Known for:
    • Very high‑quality masters
    • Detailed album booklets and metadata
    • Strong reputation in audiophile communities

Apple Music vs Qobuz:

  • Audio quality: Comparable, with both offering hi‑res up to 24/192.
  • Catalog focus: Qobuz leans heavily into hi‑fi, jazz, classical, and audiophile content; Apple Music is broader and more mainstream.
  • Integration: Qobuz works great with many hi‑fi streamers and Roon; Apple dominates Apple devices and AirPlay environments.

Deezer

  • Deezer Premium: Lossy audio (up to 320 kbps MP3)
  • Deezer HiFi (where available):
    • Format: FLAC
    • Resolution: 16/44.1 (CD quality, not hi‑res)

Compared with Apple Music:

  • Deezer HiFi matches Apple Music’s standard lossless (16/44.1).
  • Apple still offers the additional hi‑res lossless tier up to 24/192 at no extra cost.

How much lossless and hi‑res quality can you actually hear?

When considering how Apple Music’s lossless audio compares to other services’ audio quality, it’s crucial to be realistic about audible differences.

Most listeners will notice:

  • A clear improvement moving from:
    • Low‑bitrate lossy (e.g., 96–160 kbps)
      to
    • High‑quality lossy or lossless (256 kbps AAC / 320 kbps Ogg / 16/44.1 lossless)
  • Better clarity, depth, and separation on:
    • Good wired headphones
    • Quality speakers

Many listeners will not always notice:

  • Consistent differences between CD‑quality lossless and hi‑res lossless in everyday environments.
  • On midrange gear in noisy rooms, hi‑res advantage can be very subtle or inaudible.

Your setup matters more than the service

You’ll get more benefit from:

  • Upgrading headphones/speakers
  • Improving your DAC/amp
  • Treating your listening room than from switching from one hi‑res‑capable service to another.

Among lossless and hi‑res platforms (Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon, Qobuz), the mastering quality and specific release often matter more than which service you use.

Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos: Apple’s extra dimension

One unique angle where Apple stands out is Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos:

  • Available on a growing number of albums across genres.
  • Works best with:
    • AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and newer AirPods models (head‑tracking support)
    • Recent iPhones, iPads, and Macs
  • Experience:
    • A more immersive, “around you” soundstage.
    • Sometimes radically different mixes compared to stereo.

Other services also offer Atmos (Tidal, Amazon Music on certain devices), but Apple:

  • Promotes it heavily
  • Integrates it deeply into its ecosystem
  • Optimizes it for AirPods and Apple devices

While this doesn’t directly affect lossless vs lossy quality, it’s an important part of how Apple Music’s overall audio experience compares to other services.

Which service offers the best audio quality overall?

Looking specifically at how Apple Music’s lossless audio compares to other services’ audio quality, here’s a simplified summary:

If you want the best technical quality at standard price

  • Apple Music
    • Lossless + hi‑res lossless up to 24/192 included in base subscription.
    • Excellent for Apple device users and anyone with a decent wired setup.

If you are an audiophile with hi‑fi gear

  • Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music HD are all excellent options.
    • All offer true lossless and hi‑res (24‑bit) up to 192 kHz.
  • Choose based on:
    • Catalog and master availability
    • App and UX preferences
    • Integration with your streamer, DAC, and ecosystem
  • Apple Music has the edge if you live primarily in the Apple ecosystem and want great hi‑res at no extra cost.

If you use mostly Bluetooth earbuds/headphones

  • Apple Music’s 256 kbps AAC vs Spotify’s 320 kbps Ogg vs similar services:
    • You’ll hear minimal differences in many real‑world situations.
    • Tuning of your headphones matters more than the service, as long as the quality setting is high.
  • For AirPods, Apple Music still has advantages:
    • Tight integration with Spatial Audio
    • Good AAC implementation
    • Lossless catalog for when you do plug in wired.

Practical recommendations

To get the most out of Apple Music’s lossless and hi‑res audio—and to fairly compare it with other services:

  1. Enable lossless in settings

    • On iOS: Settings → Music → Audio Quality → turn on Lossless and (optionally) Hi‑Res Lossless.
    • On Mac: Apple Music → Settings → Playback → Audio Quality.

  2. Use wired headphones or speakers

    • Plug directly into your device or use a USB‑C/Lightning external DAC that supports hi‑res.

  3. Download hi‑res tracks for offline listening

    • Reduces streaming hiccups and ensures you’re hearing the full resolution your device supports.

  4. Compare the same track across services

    • Use the same song, same version, same volume level.
    • A/B test on the same gear to get a fair impression.

  5. Focus on the listening experience, not just specs

    • Catalog quality, app usability, discovery features, and ecosystem integration are just as important as raw audio numbers.

Conclusion: Where Apple Music stands in the audio quality race

Apple Music’s lossless audio is among the best in mainstream streaming:

  • It delivers true lossless (CD quality) and hi‑res lossless (up to 24‑bit / 192 kHz) across a huge catalog.
  • Compared to Spotify, Apple Music offers substantially higher maximum audio quality today.
  • Against Tidal, Amazon Music, and Qobuz, Apple Music is on par in technical terms and often better in value, since hi‑res is included at no extra cost.
  • The biggest determinant of what you hear remains your headphones, DAC, speakers, and room, not just the service.

If your goal is to get the highest possible audio quality from a mainstream platform—especially within the Apple ecosystem—Apple Music’s lossless and hi‑res options make it one of the strongest choices available.

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