Apple Music is a subscription-based music streaming service that allows you to access millions of songs, playlists, and radio stations on your Apple devices. On the other hand, iTunes Match is a service that was launched in 2011 which allows you to store and access your music library on your Apple devices. While they might seem like similar services, there are some differences that you should consider before deciding whether or not you need iTunes Match.

If you are a subscriber of Apple Music, you might be thinking “why do I even need iTunes Match?” Since Apple Music allows you to stream and download millions of songs, you might think that iTunes Match is redundant, but that’s not always the case. Here are some points to keep in mind when deciding whether or not you need iTunes Match.

1. Access Your Own Music Library:

While Apple Music offers a vast library of music, it doesn’t include every song, album or artist. If you’re the kind of person who likes to listen to obscure artists, music that’s not in the mainstream, or your own music library saved on your local machine, iTunes Match is your best option. iTunes Match scans and matches your music collection with songs that are available in the Apple Music library, which then lets you access your personal music library via iCloud from any of your Apple devices.

2. Quality Of The Music Files:

If you’re very particular about the quality of the music files on your Apple devices, then iTunes Match might prove to be useful. Apple Music streams music in a compressed format, whereas iTunes Match allows you to store your music files in a lossless format. This means that the sound quality of your music files will be a superior one, which might be essential if you’re an audiophile.

3. No Ads and Music Playback:

Another difference to keep in mind is the advertisements and the access to music playback. Apple Music, being a subscription-based platform, does not display ads or limit the amount of music you can play. If you don’t want to deal with ads and want to download music, iTunes Match provides an extra benefit, as it is ad-free and allows you to stream or download your personal library on your device offline.

In conclusion, the answer to the question of whether or not you need iTunes Match depends on your preferences and usage of Apple devices. If you want to ensure that you have access to your music library, have high-quality music files, and want ad-free music playback, then iTunes Match is an excellent option. If you are content with the song libraries provided by Apple Music and do not want to deal with storing your music library in the cloud, then sticking with Apple Music should suffice. It’s essential to do your research and assess your needs before making a decision.