Apple Music vs YouTube Music Price History
Since 2021, Apple Music has risen +10% versus YouTube Music at +20%. Apple Music has been the more price-stable choice. Every Apple Music and YouTube Music tier tracked, 2021–2026, with every price change sourced.
Apple Music
Better value3 plans + 1 retired · default: Individual
YouTube Music
2 plans · default: Music Premium (Individual)
Better value: Apple Music
Since 2021, Apple Music has risen +10% versus YouTube Music at +20%. Apple Music has been the more price-stable choice.
The Numbers Behind the Verdict
Individual vs Music Premium (Individual) — the default tier of each service, 2021–2026. A green tick marks the better number in each row.
| Metric | Apple Music Individual | YouTube Music Music Premium (Individual) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Price (2026) | $10.99 (better) | $11.99 |
| Total Change | +10% (better) | +20% |
| Number of Hikes | 1 (better) | 2 |
| Hike Frequency | Every 5.0 yrs (better) | Every 2.5 yrs |
| Avg Annual Change | $0.20/yr (better) | $0.40/yr |
Which Tier Costs What Today
Every Apple Music and YouTube Music plan in one list, cheapest first. First Tracked is each plan’s price when our tracking began — 2021, or its debut year if it arrived later. Retired tiers sit at the bottom with their final price.
| Service | Plan | Price Now | First Tracked | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AApple Music | Student | $5.99 | $4.99 (2021) | +20% |
| AApple Music | IndividualDefault | $10.99 | $9.99 (2021) | +10% |
| YYouTube Music | Music Premium (Individual)Default | $11.99 | $9.99 (2021) | +20% |
| AApple Music | Family | $16.99 | $14.99 (2021) | +13% |
| YYouTube Music | Music Premium (Family) | $18.99 | $14.99 (2021) | +27% |
| AApple Music | VoiceRetired | $4.99 final (2023) | $4.99 (2021) | 0% |