Apple Music Price Increase 2026: How It Compares to Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music
The Rising Cost of Music Streaming
Although the iPhone maker doesn’t share exact figures, Apple Music is arguably one of the biggest music streaming services, with some estimates ranging from over 90 million to over 100 million subscribers.
There are several good reasons why subscribers prefer Apple Music over other services, including Spotify. However, over the years, Apple Music has gotten more expensive, with the latest price increase coming in July 2026, which the company said was a result of the rise in licensing costs.
For the uninitiated, Apple Music, like any other music streaming service, licenses the rights to stream music from different labels and artists. These licenses cost money, and the revenue generated by your subscription fees helps pay for them.
The Reality: Streaming prices are rising across the board. Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited have all increased their prices in 2026.
Apple Music Pricing (September 2026)
As of September 2026, here’s what Apple Music costs in the U.S.:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $12/month | Full access for one user |
| Family | $20/month | Share with up to 5 more people |
| Student | $7/month | For verified students |
Important: Apple’s services have different subscription costs in different markets. The prices above are for the U.S.
Apple One: Bundling to Save Money
If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem and use other services from the company—such as iCloud+, Apple TV, and Apple Arcade—you can reduce your overall subscription cost by opting for the Apple One subscription.
| Apple One Plan | Monthly Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $21.95 | Music, TV+, Arcade, iCloud+ (50GB) |
| Family | $27.95 | Same as Individual, shared with up to 6 people |
| Premier | $39.95 | Adds Fitness+, News+, and 2TB iCloud+ |
Pro Tip: The Apple One Premier plan increases iCloud storage from 50 GB in the regular plan to 2 TB and adds Fitness+ and News+.
Spotify Pricing and Features
Spotify increased its subscription prices in early 2026. Here’s the current pricing:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $13/month | Full access for one user |
| Duo | $19/month | Premium access for two people |
| Family | $22/month | Up to 6 accounts |
| Student | $7/month | Includes Hulu access |
Spotify Standout Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Audiobooks | 15 hours per month (restricted to one user regardless of plan) |
| Student Bonus | Built-in access to Hulu |
| Duo Plan | Premium for two people |
The Bottom Line: Spotify’s student plan is particularly enticing due to the built-in Hulu access, making it a strong choice for students.
YouTube Music Pricing and Features
YouTube Music also saw a price hike in April 2026. Here’s the breakdown:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $12/month | Same as Apple Music |
| Family | $19/month | Cheaper than Apple Music and Spotify |
| Student | $6/month | Cheapest student plan |
| Annual Individual | $120/year | Saves $24/year |
YouTube Premium Option
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | Includes YouTube Music + ad-free YouTube video access |
| Best For | Users who want both music and ad-free video |
Pro Tip: If you watch a lot of YouTube videos, the YouTube Premium bundle may offer the best overall value.
Amazon Music Unlimited Pricing and Features
Amazon Music Unlimited increased its subscription prices this year:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $13/month | Includes 1 audiobook via Audible monthly |
| Family | $22/month | Up to 6 accounts |
| Student | $6/month | For verified students |
| Single Device | $7/month | Access via one Echo or Fire TV device |
| Prime Member Discount | $1 off individual plan | Or $219/year for family |
Amazon Music Standout Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Audible Audiobook | One free audiobook per month with individual plan |
| Prime Savings | $1 off individual plan or $219/year for family |
| Prime Music | Limited access included with Prime membership |
Note: Prime already includes limited access to Amazon Music, so Prime members should check what’s already available before subscribing to Unlimited.
Comparison Table: Music Streaming Prices Side-by-Side
| Service | Individual | Family | Student | Annual Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | $12 | $20 | $7 | ❌ No |
| Spotify | $13 | $22 | $7 (includes Hulu) | ❌ No |
| YouTube Music | $12 | $19 | $6 | $120/year |
| Amazon Music Unlimited | $13 | $22 | $6 | $219/year (family, Prime) |
Additional Bundle Options
| Bundle | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple One Individual | $21.95 | Music, TV+, Arcade, iCloud+ (50GB) |
| Apple One Family | $27.95 | Same, shared with up to 6 people |
| Apple One Premier | $39.95 | Adds Fitness+, News+, 2TB iCloud+ |
| YouTube Premium | Varies | YouTube Music + ad-free video |
Which Service Offers the Best Value?
| User Type | Best Value Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Ecosystem User | Apple One Premier | Bundles 6 services for $39.95 |
| Student | YouTube Music ($6) or Spotify ($7 with Hulu) | Cheapest options |
| Family | YouTube Music Family ($19) | Cheapest family plan |
| Audiobook Listener | Amazon Music Unlimited ($13) | Includes 1 Audible audiobook/month |
| YouTube Watcher | YouTube Premium | Music + ad-free video in one |
| Budget-Conscious | YouTube Music Annual ($120/year) | Saves $24/year vs. monthly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does Apple Music cost in 2026?
A: As of September 2026, Apple Music costs $12/month** for individuals, **$20/month for families, and $7/month for students in the U.S.
Q: Why did Apple Music increase its prices?
A: Apple cited the rise in licensing costs as the reason for the July 2026 price increase.
Q: Is Apple Music more expensive than Spotify?
A: Yes, slightly. Spotify costs $13/month** for individuals vs. Apple Music’s **$12/month. However, Spotify’s family plan is $22/month** vs. Apple Music’s **$20/month.
Q: What is the cheapest music streaming service?
A: YouTube Music has the cheapest student plan at $6/month**, followed by Amazon Music Unlimited at **$6/month and Apple Music/Spotify at $7/month.
Q: Can I save money with Apple One?
A: Yes. If you use multiple Apple services, Apple One bundles them at a discount. The Premier plan includes Music, TV+, Arcade, Fitness+, News+, and 2TB iCloud+ for $39.95/month.
Q: Does Spotify’s student plan include Hulu?
A: Yes. Spotify’s student plan includes built-in access to Hulu at no extra cost.
Q: Does Amazon Music Unlimited include audiobooks?
A: Yes. The individual plan includes one audiobook via Audible per month.
Q: Are prices different in other countries?
A: Yes. Apple and other services have different subscription costs in different markets. Check your local pricing for accurate rates.
Quick Reference Summary
| Service | Individual | Family | Student | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | $12 | $20 | $7 | Apple One bundle |
| Spotify | $13 | $22 | $7 | Hulu with student plan |
| YouTube Music | $12 | $19 | $6 | Annual option, YouTube Premium |
| Amazon Music Unlimited | $13 | $22 | $6 | Audible audiobook monthly |
Final Thoughts
The cost of music streaming is rising across the board, with Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited all increasing their prices in 2026. While Apple Music’s price hike was attributed to licensing costs, the competition remains fierce.
The bottom line: If you’re an Apple ecosystem user, bundling with Apple One can save you money. If you’re a student, YouTube Music and Amazon Music Unlimited offer the cheapest plans. And if you want the best family value, YouTube Music’s $19/month family plan is the most affordable option. Shop around, consider bundles, and choose the service that best fits your listening habits.
