Offline listening has become a staple feature for music and video streaming services. Both YouTube Premium and Spotify Premium offer downloadable content, but they cater to different user habits. This article compares the two services across key factors: download limits, audio quality, pricing, library size, and extra features. By the end, you'll know which service aligns with your listening style.
Overview of YouTube Premium and Spotify Premium
YouTube Premium (formerly YouTube Red) is a subscription service that removes ads across all YouTube content, enables background playback, and grants access to YouTube Music Premium. It costs $13.99/month in the United States (as of 2025) for an individual plan. Spotify Premium, the paid tier of Spotify, offers ad-free music streaming, on-demand playback, and offline downloads. Its individual plan is $11.99/month in the US. Both services offer family and student discounts.
Offline Download Capabilities
YouTube Premium Downloads
YouTube Premium allows you to download videos and music from YouTube directly to your mobile device. Downloads are stored within the YouTube app and can be played back without an internet connection. There is no explicit limit on the number of downloads, but YouTube may remove downloads if you haven't connected for 30 days. You can download at various quality levels, including 144p, 360p, 720p, and 1080p (on supported devices). However, downloads are tied to the YouTube app and cannot be transferred to other devices or saved as standalone files.
For a detailed guide on setting up YouTube Premium downloads, see our YouTube Premium Download Setup article.
Spotify Premium Offline Mode
Spotify Premium lets you download songs, albums, and playlists for offline listening. You can download up to 10,000 tracks on up to 5 devices. Each downloaded track must be refreshed every 30 days by connecting online. Spotify offers three audio quality settings for downloads: Normal (96 kbps), High (160 kbps), and Very High (320 kbps) for Premium users. Offline mode is easy to toggle, and downloaded content is available in the Spotify app.
For more on Spotify's offline features, check Spotify Premium Offline Mode.
Audio Quality Comparison
Audio quality is a major factor for many listeners. Spotify Premium offers up to 320 kbps Ogg Vorbis (Very High setting). YouTube Premium streams at up to 256 kbps AAC for music videos, but audio-only tracks on YouTube Music may reach 256 kbps. In practice, most users find both services satisfactory for casual listening. However, audiophiles may prefer Spotify's slightly higher bitrate and consistent encoding.
It's worth noting that YouTube Premium downloads can include video, which consumes more storage space. If you only care about audio, Spotify's music-only downloads are more storage-efficient.
Content Library and Exclusives
Spotify boasts over 100 million tracks and 5 million podcasts. It has exclusive deals with artists like Joe Rogan (podcast) and various music releases. YouTube Music, included with YouTube Premium, also offers over 100 million official songs, plus user-uploaded content, remixes, covers, and live performances. This makes YouTube Music a treasure trove for niche or rare tracks not available on other platforms.
For users who enjoy discovering lesser-known content, YouTube's library is unparalleled. However, Spotify's curated playlists and algorithmic recommendations are widely praised as superior.
Pricing and Plans
Here's a breakdown of current US pricing (as of 2025):
- YouTube Premium Individual: $13.99/month
- YouTube Premium Family: $22.99/month (up to 5 family members)
- YouTube Premium Student: $7.99/month
- Spotify Premium Individual: $11.99/month
- Spotify Premium Duo: $16.99/month (2 accounts)
- Spotify Premium Family: $19.99/month (up to 6 accounts)
- Spotify Premium Student: $5.99/month
Spotify is generally cheaper, especially for students and families. YouTube Premium's higher price includes ad-free YouTube and background playback, which many heavy YouTube users find valuable.
If you're considering free alternatives, see our YouTube Premium vs Free Downloads article for a comparison of what you get without paying.
Additional Features
YouTube Premium Extras
- Ad-free YouTube: No ads on any video across the platform.
- Background playback: Continue listening with the screen off or while using other apps.
- YouTube Music Premium: Full access to YouTube Music's catalog.
- YouTube Originals: Access to original shows and movies (limited).
Spotify Premium Extras
- Ad-free music: No interruptions.
- On-demand playback: Play any song, anytime.
- Offline downloads: Up to 10,000 tracks per device.
- Spotify Connect: Seamless playback across devices.
- Lyrics integration: Real-time lyrics display.
Both services offer high-quality streaming and offline capabilities. The choice often boils down to whether you value YouTube's video content or Spotify's superior music curation and lower price.
Which Service Should You Choose?
Consider your primary use case:
- Choose YouTube Premium if: You watch a lot of YouTube videos, want background playback, and enjoy music videos, remixes, or live performances. The ability to download videos for offline viewing is a major plus if you commute or travel.
- Choose Spotify Premium if: Your focus is music streaming, you prefer curated playlists and podcasts, and you want the best audio quality for offline listening. Spotify's lower price and cross-device integration make it a solid choice for dedicated music fans.
For many users, the decision comes down to whether you want video downloads or music-only downloads. If you're still unsure, both services offer free trials (usually 1 month) so you can test them.
If you're interested in legal ways to save audio from other sources, read our Complete Guide to Saving Audio Legally.