Comparison

Horra vs Apple Music

Apple Music's playlists and audio quality are excellent, which makes it tempting to use in a store. But every subscription tier is licensed for personal, non-commercial use.

Here's what Apple Music does well, what it doesn't cover for a venue open to the public, and where a solution dedicated to businesses takes over.

CriterionHorraApple Music

Commercial use allowedYes, catalogue licensed for venuesNo, reserved for personal use

Guidance on public performance royaltiesYes, we guide you through itNone

Built for continuous playback in public venuesYesNo, an individual listening app

Playlists filtered by venue typeYes, curated by music programmersConsumer editorial playlists

Scheduling by zone and time slotYesNo

Audio messages and sound identityYesNo

Music catalogueLarge, tailored to professional venuesMassive (consumer-focused)

Let us be fair

Apple Music has remarkable editorial playlists and audio quality for personal use. The issue isn't the service's quality, it's that its licence remains strictly personal.

Our verdict

For listening on headphones, Apple Music is great. For soundtracking a business while staying compliant, you need a source licensed for professional use. Horra fills exactly that role, with scheduling, audio messages, and guidance on public performance royalties.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to play Apple Music in a business?

No. Apple's terms specify that Apple Services and Content are intended for personal, non-commercial use. Playing them in a venue open to the public falls outside that scope, and public performance royalties remain due regardless.

Does Apple Music offer a business plan?

No, not for soundtracking a venue open to the public. Apple Music subscriptions are personal. For a business, you need a solution licensed for that use, like Horra.

Try it in your own space

The best comparison is your own ear in your own space. Try Horra.

Try Horra

No commitment, cancel anytime. Price shown per venue.