Is Apple Music Worth It in 2026? Honest Review vs Spotify and YouTube Music

Apple Music is worth it in 2026 specifically if you're in the Apple ecosystem — it integrates with iPhone, Mac, iPad, HomePod, and Apple Watch better than any competitor, and at $10.99/month it matches Spotify's price while including lossless audio (ALAC up to 192kHz) and Dolby Atmos spatial audio at no extra cost. YouTube Music is worth it if you're on Android, already pay for YouTube Premium ($13.99/month), or want music discovery tied to YouTube's catalog of live performances, covers, and unofficial content. Spotify remains the top choice for music discovery (algorithmically), podcast integration, and cross-platform consistency — but it charges extra for audiobooks and still doesn't offer lossless on its base plan.