Spotify’s 2026 Price Hike: How It Stacks Up Against Apple Music
In February 2026, Spotify is set to increase its Premium subscription prices in the United States, Estonia, and Latvia. The Individual Premium plan will rise by $1 to $12.99 per month. The Duo and Family plans will each see a $2 increase, bringing them to $18.99 and $21.99 per month, respectively. The Student plan will also go up by $1, reaching $6.99 monthly. These changes will take effect immediately for new subscribers and will apply to existing members at their next billing cycle. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/spotify-price-increase-vs-apple-music-price-compared/?utm_source=openai))
This marks the third price increase for Spotify in as many years. The company previously raised prices in 2023 and 2024. Over this period, the cost of the standard Premium plan has climbed approximately 18%, from $10.99 to $12.99. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/spotify-price-increase-vs-apple-music-price-compared/?utm_source=openai))
In contrast, Apple Music has maintained more stable pricing. Its standard individual plan remains at $10.99 per month, making it $2 cheaper than Spotify’s new rate in key markets like the United States. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/spotify-price-increase-vs-apple-music-price-compared/?utm_source=openai))
Comparing Subscription Costs in 2026
Here’s a breakdown of the latest subscription fees for both Spotify and Apple Music:
Spotify Pricing (Old vs. New):
– Individual Premium: $11.99 ➤ $12.99 per month
– Student Premium: $5.99 ➤ $6.99 per month
– Duo Plan: $16.99 ➤ $18.99 per month
– Family Plan: $19.99 ➤ $21.99 per month
Apple Music Pricing:
– Individual: $10.99 per month
– Student: $5.99 per month
– Family: $16.99 per month
These figures indicate that Apple Music offers more affordable options across several tiers, particularly for individual and family subscriptions. Additionally, Apple Music includes lossless audio and spatial audio at no extra cost, whereas Spotify’s free tier is ad-supported and lacks these features. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/spotify-price-increase-vs-apple-music-price-compared/?utm_source=openai))
Reasons Behind Spotify’s Price Increases
Streaming platforms like Spotify face mounting pressures from rising licensing fees and demands from record labels, which advocate for subscription prices to keep pace with inflation and content costs. Spotify states that these price adjustments reflect the value it delivers to listeners and artists, enabling continued investment in new tools and features. However, critics argue that repeated price hikes may weaken Spotify’s competitive edge, especially when rival services offer similar features at lower or stable prices. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/spotify-price-increase-vs-apple-music-price-compared/?utm_source=openai))
Apple Music, on the other hand, has maintained more stable pricing. The platform raised its price once in 2022 to $10.99 and has held that level through 2026. Apple also offers Apple One bundles that combine Apple Music with other services at a flat monthly fee, which many users find more cost-efficient. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/spotify-price-increase-vs-apple-music-price-compared/?utm_source=openai))
Features of Each Service
Spotify Premium (Post-Price Hike):
– Ad-free listening
– Offline downloads
– Personalized playlists
– AI-driven DJ and playlist suggestions
– Multiple subscription tiers, including individual, duo, family, and student
Apple Music:
– Ad-free streaming
– Offline downloads
– Lossless and high-resolution audio included
– Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos
– Strong integration with Apple devices
Both services support music discovery and curated playlists. Apple Music’s spatial and lossless formats attract listeners who prioritize sound quality, while Spotify’s recommendation engine and social sharing tools remain significant draws. ([macobserver.com](https://www.macobserver.com/news/spotify-price-increase-vs-apple-music-price-compared/?utm_source=openai))
Should You Switch to Apple Music?
Switching to Apple Music could make financial sense for those seeking lower monthly costs for similar music access. Apple Music’s pricing remains lower, with the standard plan undercutting Spotify’s new Premium fee by at least $2 a month in the United States. Over a year, that difference amounts to more than $20 in savings for individual subscribers.
– Spotify Premium: $12.99 x 12 months = $155.88 per year
– Apple Music: $10.99 x 12 months = $131.88 per year
Beyond cost, consider your device ecosystem, playlist library, and music discovery preferences. If you’re deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, Apple Music’s seamless sync and system-level features add significant value. Ultimately, the decision hinges on how much you value specific features versus price.
Final Thoughts
Spotify’s latest price increase elevates its subscription fees above many competitors, including Apple Music. While Spotify continues to offer robust discovery tools and a vast user base, the rising cost prompts consumers to evaluate alternatives more closely. Apple Music provides comparable access at a lower price, coupled with superior audio features, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce monthly expenses without sacrificing music quality.
