Deciding between Apple One and a standalone Apple Music subscription can be confusing. You want access to Apple’s massive music library, but you might also be curious about the other services Apple offers. This guide breaks down the key differences in services, pricing, and value to help you figure out which subscription is the perfect fit for your digital life and budget.
What Exactly is Apple Music?
Apple Music is a dedicated streaming service designed purely for music lovers. It gives you on-demand access to a massive catalog of songs, exclusive artist releases, and curated playlists tailored to your specific tastes.
Think of it as your all-access pass to the world of music. Launched in 2015, the service has grown to include over 100 million songs, podcasts, and live radio stations. It’s built for those whose primary goal is to discover new tracks, create personal libraries, and listen to their favorite tunes without any interruptions or additional bundled services.
The experience is seamless across all your Apple devices, from your iPhone to your HomePod. You can even use Siri for hands-free control to play a specific song, artist, or playlist, making it an integrated part of the Apple ecosystem for audio entertainment.
What Do You Get with an Apple One Subscription?
Apple One takes a different approach by bundling several of Apple’s popular services into a single, convenient monthly payment. Instead of just getting music, you get a comprehensive package of entertainment, productivity, and storage tools.
This is Apple’s all-in-one solution for users who are deeply invested in its ecosystem. The main appeal of Apple One is the cost savings you get compared to subscribing to each service individually. If you’re already paying for Apple Music and iCloud storage, for example, upgrading to an Apple One plan is often the more economical choice.
The services included depend on the tier you choose, but a typical Individual plan includes:
- Apple Music: Full access to the entire music library, just like the standalone subscription.
- Apple TV+: Home to Apple’s original shows and movies.
- Apple Arcade: Unlimited access to a library of premium mobile games without ads or in-app purchases.
- iCloud+ Storage: Extra cloud storage for your photos, files, and backups (typically starting at 50GB).
Higher-tier plans like the Family and Premier options offer even more storage and add services like Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+.
A Head-to-Head Price Comparison
Understanding the cost is crucial when deciding which service provides better value for your money. While Apple Music has a simple pricing model, Apple One’s value depends on how many of its bundled services you will actually use.
For just a few dollars more than a Family Apple Music plan, you could get an Individual Apple One plan with three extra services. This highlights the potential savings if you’re interested in more than just music. Here is a clear breakdown of the typical monthly costs.
| Service Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Apple Music Individual | $9.99 |
| Apple Music Family | $14.99 |
| Apple One Individual | $19.95 |
| Apple One Family | $29.95 |
Who is Apple One Best For?
Apple One is specifically designed for a certain type of user. If you find yourself nodding along to the points below, the bundle is likely the right choice for you.
This subscription is perfect for individuals or families who are already using or want to use multiple Apple services. If you regularly watch shows on Apple TV+, play games on Apple Arcade, and are constantly running out of your free iCloud storage, then Apple One offers significant value. It simplifies billing into one monthly payment and saves you money in the process.
Families, in particular, get the most benefit from the Apple One Family plan. It allows up to six family members to share all the included services, each with their own private account and preferences. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective way to provide entertainment and essential services for the whole household.
Who Should Stick with Just Apple Music?
On the other hand, the all-in-one bundle isn’t for everyone. A standalone Apple Music subscription is still the best option for many people, especially those with simpler needs.
If you are a dedicated music enthusiast and streaming songs is your only priority, then there is no need to pay extra for services you won’t use. Apple Music on its own provides the complete, premium audio experience without any extra frills. It’s ideal for the budget-conscious user who just wants their tunes.
Additionally, students can get Apple Music at a significantly discounted rate, a promotion that doesn’t extend to the Apple One bundle. If you qualify for the student discount, sticking with a standalone Apple Music subscription is almost always the cheaper option.
Pros and Cons: Making the Final Decision
Your choice ultimately comes down to weighing the advantages and disadvantages based on your personal usage habits. Think about what you truly need from a subscription service.
The biggest pro of Apple One is its incredible value proposition. You get a suite of premium services for a discounted price, managed under a single bill. The main con is that you might pay for services you never touch, making it less cost-effective if your interests are narrow.
For Apple Music, the primary advantage is its focused simplicity and lower entry price. It does one thing, and it does it exceptionally well. The disadvantage is the lack of bundled savings; if you later decide you want iCloud storage or Apple TV+, you’ll have to pay for them separately at a higher combined cost.
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple One and Apple Music
Does Apple One include the full version of Apple Music?
Yes, every Apple One plan includes the complete, premium version of Apple Music. You get access to the entire library of over 100 million songs, offline downloads, and all other features, just as you would with a standalone subscription.
What happens if I already have an Apple Music subscription and sign up for Apple One?
When you subscribe to Apple One, your existing standalone Apple Music subscription is automatically canceled to avoid double billing. Apple handles the transition seamlessly, so you won’t lose any of your playlists or library content.
Is Apple One worth it if I only want music and more iCloud storage?
It depends on the storage amount. An Individual Apple Music plan ($9.99) plus a 50GB iCloud+ plan ($0.99) costs $10.98. The Apple One Individual plan is $19.95, so in this case, subscribing separately is cheaper if you don’t care about Apple TV+ or Arcade.
Can I share my Apple One subscription with family members?
Yes, but you need to subscribe to the Apple One Family or Premier plan. These plans allow you to share all the included services with up to five other family members through Family Sharing.
Are there any trial options available for these services?
Yes, Apple frequently offers free trials for new subscribers to both Apple Music and Apple One. This allows you to test out the services for a limited time before committing to a paid monthly plan.
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