Leaving Apple Music? Here's everything you need
Compare 4 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Apple Music is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SpotifyRecommended Spotify is a web player that offers a vast library of music and podcasts, making it an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts. As a leading EU-based company, it provides a compelling alternative to US tech options. | 🇸🇪Sweden | Free plan available | Medium | 1-2 hours | |
Deezer Discover our streaming app Deezer! Create an account, listen to your music for free and access millions of songs, playlists and podcasts. Sign up for free! | 🇪🇺EU | Free plan available | Medium | 1-2 hours | |
Qobuz More than 100 million tracks available for high sound quality unlimited streaming. Qobuz is also the worldwide leader in 24-Bit Hi-Res downloads. | 🇪🇺EU | Subscription | Medium | 1-2 hours | |
Idagio The ultimate classical music collection in one app ✓Exclusive video concerts ✓Lossless sound quality ✓Best search ✓Curated by performers and experts ▷ Discover IDAGIO now | 🇪🇺EU | Subscription | Medium | 1-2 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Spotify is a web player that offers a vast library of music and podcasts, making it an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts. As a leading EU-based company, it provides a compelling alternative to US tech options.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Spotify is a web player that offers a vast library of music and podcasts, making it an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts. As a leading EU-based company, it provides a compelling alternative to US tech options.
Advantages
- Spotify offers a vast library of 100M+ tracks.
- Access to exclusive podcasts not on Apple Music.
- Spotify's Discover Weekly suggests new music.
- GDPR compliance ensures strong data protection.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Apple Music may lose playlists.
- Spotify lacks Apple's lossless audio quality.
- Learning Spotify's interface can be challenging.
Discover our streaming app Deezer! Create an account, listen to your music for free and access millions of songs, playlists and podcasts. Sign up for free!
Advantages
- High-definition audio for superior sound quality
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection in the EU
- Lyrics display enhances music experience
- Cross-platform compatibility for diverse devices
Trade-offs
- Migration of playlists from Apple Music can be tedious
- Learning new interface may take time
- Some exclusive Apple Music content may be unavailable
More than 100 million tracks available for high sound quality unlimited streaming. Qobuz is also the worldwide leader in 24-Bit Hi-Res downloads.
Advantages
- Access to 100 million tracks on Qobuz
- Enjoy 24-Bit Hi-Res audio downloads
- GDPR compliant data handling in EU
- Expert-curated playlists available
Trade-offs
- Migration from Apple Music can be tedious
- Learning curve for new interface
- Potential loss of Apple Music exclusive content
The ultimate classical music collection in one app ✓Exclusive video concerts ✓Lossless sound quality ✓Best search ✓Curated by performers and experts ▷ Discover IDAGIO now
Advantages
- Access exclusive video concerts with Idagio.
- Enjoy lossless audio streaming for classical music.
- Advanced search tailored for classical music genres.
- GDPR compliant data handling ensures privacy.
Trade-offs
- Limited to classical music; lacks other genres.
- Migration may require re-curating playlists.
- Learning curve for new interface and features.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Apple Music before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Apple Music account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Apple Music is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Apple Music?
There are 4 European alternatives to Apple Music. Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Apple Music?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Apple Music?
Yes, most services including Apple Music allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Apple Music account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Apple Music to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Apple Music first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Apple Music subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Apple Music to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.