Source-cited · Updated Jul 2026
Spotify vs YouTube Music Price History
Since 2021, Spotify has risen +30% versus YouTube Music at +20%. YouTube Music has been the more price-stable choice. Every Spotify and YouTube Music tier tracked, 2021–2026, with every price change sourced.
Spotify
4 plans · default: Premium Individual
YouTube Music
Better value2 plans · default: Music Premium (Individual)
Verdict
Better value: YouTube Music
Since 2021, Spotify has risen +30% versus YouTube Music at +20%. YouTube Music has been the more price-stable choice.
Scorecard
The numbers behind the verdict
Premium Individual vs Music Premium (Individual) — the default tier of each service, 2021–2026. A green tick marks the better number in each row.
| Metric | Spotify Premium Individual | YouTube Music Music Premium (Individual) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Price (2026) | $12.99 | $11.99 (better) |
| Total Change | +30% | +20% (better) |
| Number of Hikes | 3 | 2 (better) |
| Hike Frequency | Every 1.7 yrs | Every 2.5 yrs (better) |
| Avg Annual Change | $0.60/yr | $0.40/yr (better) |
Every tier
Which tier costs what today
Every Spotify 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSpotify | Premium Student | $6.99 | $4.99 (2021) | +40% |
| YYouTube Music | Music Premium (Individual)Default | $11.99 | $9.99 (2021) | +20% |
| SSpotify | Premium IndividualDefault | $12.99 | $9.99 (2021) | +30% |
| SSpotify | Premium Duo | $18.99 | $12.99 (2021) | +46% |
| YYouTube Music | Music Premium (Family) | $18.99 | $14.99 (2021) | +27% |
| SSpotify | Premium Family | $21.99 | $15.99 (2021) | +38% |