Apple Music vs Criterion Channel
A detailed comparison of Apple Music and Criterion Channel in 2026. Compare pricing plans, features, and find out which music service is right for you.
Apple Music
Lossless audio streaming with 100M+ songs
Apple Music is a music and audio streaming service that provides lossless audio streaming with 100m+ songs. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple Music offers 3 pricing plans. Plans start from $4.99/month. Key features include 100M+ songs, Lossless Audio, Spatial Audio, Music videos. Apple Music is a popular choice for users looking for quality music subscriptions.
Criterion Channel
Classic and contemporary cinema streaming
Criterion Channel is a streaming and entertainment service that provides classic and contemporary cinema streaming. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in New York, New York, Criterion Channel offers 1 pricing plan. Plans start from $10.99/month. Key features include Criterion Collection, Curated series, Special features, Director spotlights. Criterion Channel is a popular choice for users looking for quality entertainment subscriptions.
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of features and capabilities
| Feature | Apple Music | Criterion Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $4.99/mo | $10.99/mo |
| Plans Available | 3 | 1 |
| Year Founded | 2015 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Cupertino, California | New York, New York |
| 100M+ songs | ||
| Lossless Audio | ||
| Spatial Audio | ||
| Music videos | ||
| Radio stations | ||
| Apple integration | ||
| Criterion Collection | ||
| Curated series | ||
| Special features | ||
| Director spotlights | ||
| Offline viewing | ||
| Film essays |
Pricing Comparison
Compare all available plans and pricing tiers
Apple Music Pricing
Criterion Channel Pricing
$99.99/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Music or Criterion Channel better in 2026?
Both Apple Music and Criterion Channel are excellent music services. Apple Music offers 100M+ songs and Lossless Audio, while Criterion Channel features Criterion Collection and Curated series. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
How much does Apple Music cost compared to Criterion Channel?
Apple Music starts at $4.99/month, while Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers to fit different budgets.
Can I track both Apple Music and Criterion Channel subscriptions?
Yes! TrackMySubscriptions lets you track all your subscriptions in one place, including Apple Music and Criterion Channel. Get renewal alerts, spending analytics, and never miss a payment — 100% free.
Related Comparisons
Apple Music vs Netflix
Compare Apple Music and Netflix side-by-side
Apple Music vs Disney+
Compare Apple Music and Disney+ side-by-side
Apple Music vs Hulu
Compare Apple Music and Hulu side-by-side
Criterion Channel vs Netflix
Compare Criterion Channel and Netflix side-by-side
Criterion Channel vs Disney+
Compare Criterion Channel and Disney+ side-by-side
Criterion Channel vs Hulu
Compare Criterion Channel and Hulu side-by-side
Explore More
Track Both Services in One Dashboard
Whether you choose Apple Music, Criterion Channel, or both — track all your subscriptions in one place with smart alerts and analytics.