Apple Music vs Amazon Music: Spatial Audio and Voice

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I wrote about why Apple Music's Dolby Atmos launch made me question my long-time use of Amazon Music, and why Siri suited me better than Alexa on an iPhone. I have rewritten it with how both services changed afterwards and what to compare today.

I had used Amazon Music for a long time and was a big fan. Then Apple announced Dolby Atmos and spatial audio for Apple Music, and said a large part of its catalogue would support it. At that point Amazon had not made a matching commitment for its app. The second issue for me was voice control. On my iPhone, Alexa worked only with the Amazon Music app open, while Siri could play Apple Music even when the phone was idle.

What did Apple announce in 2021?

In May 2021 Apple announced spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and lossless audio for Apple Music, available from June at no extra cost to subscribers. The number of Atmos titles has grown steadily since then.

Did Amazon Music catch up?

Largely. Around the same time Amazon added its HD and Ultra HD tiers to Amazon Music Unlimited at no extra cost, and it supports Dolby Atmos and other spatial formats on supported devices and apps. The details differ by plan and country, so check what your subscription includes.

Which is better for voice control on an iPhone?

Siri controls Apple Music directly, including from the lock screen. Other services rely on their own app's support for Siri or on their own assistant. On an Echo speaker the situation reverses, and Alexa works best with Amazon Music.

What should you compare before switching?

• Price in your country, including bundles such as Apple One or Amazon Prime.
• Catalogue, especially regional and independent music you listen to.
• Audio formats on the headphones and speakers you own.
• Devices, since each service works best with its own hardware.
• Your playlists, and whether a transfer tool can move them.

Is spatial audio a reason to switch?

Only if you hear a clear difference on your own equipment. Try the free trial of the other service with songs you know well before moving your library.

Keep reading

• Amazon Music or Apple Music in India: How to Choose
• Tamil, Telugu and Kannada Songs in Dolby Atmos
• Amazon's Vega OS Ends Sideloading On Every New Fire Stick