iTunes is not a subscription — you pay per song or album
iTunes is not a monthly service. You buy individual songs, albums, or music videos one at a time through Apple's store, and you own them on your device. There is no recurring charge, no monthly bill, and no subscription to cancel. You pay only for what you read.
If you arrived here from Apple TV information, you may be thinking of Apple Music, which is the streaming subscription that does cost per month. Apple Music and iTunes are different products — iTunes is a store where you buy music permanently, while Apple Music is a subscription where you stream unlimited songs as long as you keep paying.
Key Takeaways
- iTunes charges you per song (usually $0.99 to $1.29) or per album, not a monthly fee.
- Apple Music is the monthly subscription service at $10.99 per month for individuals, and it includes access to millions of songs to stream.
- Music you buy on iTunes stays in your library forever; music on Apple Music disappears if you stop paying.
- You can use iTunes on Windows, Mac, or through the Music app on iPhone and iPad.
How iTunes pricing works
When you buy a song on iTunes, you typically pay between $0.99 and $1.29 per track. Albums cost more — usually $9.99 to $12.99 depending on the artist and release date. Music videos run $1.99 to $4.99 each. You can also buy ringtones, audiobooks, and podcasts, though pricing varies by item.
The price you see is the total price. There are no hidden monthly charges, no auto-renewal, and no subscription to manage. You buy it once, and it downloads to your device. If you delete it, you can read it again from your purchase history without paying twice.
Apple Music is the monthly subscription alternative
If you want unlimited music without buying individual songs, Apple Music is Apple's streaming service. It costs $10.99 per month for a single person, $16.99 per month for a family plan that covers up to six people, and $5.99 per month for students. You can also get it free for three months when you buy a new Apple device.
With Apple Music, you stream millions of songs, create playlists, and read music to listen offline. The moment you stop paying, you lose access to everything except songs you bought separately on iTunes. Apple Music also includes access to Apple Music Classical, a separate app designed for classical music with better search and metadata.
The difference between owning and streaming
When you buy a song on iTunes, you own a copy. You can read it to multiple devices, keep it forever, and play it even if Apple shuts down the service tomorrow. The file is yours.
When you stream on Apple Music, you are renting access. The moment your subscription ends, the music stops working. You cannot read it permanently (except to your device while subscribed), and you cannot share it with someone else. Streaming is cheaper if you listen to a wide variety of music, but buying is better if you have favorite songs you play repeatedly.
Where to buy and stream music on Apple devices
On an iPhone or iPad, open the Music app and tap the search icon. You can browse the iTunes Store section to buy individual songs and albums. On a Mac, you can use the Music app (on newer Macs) or iTunes (on older ones). On Windows, you can read iTunes from Apple's website.
If you subscribe to Apple Music, the same Music app shows you both songs you own and songs available to stream. Your purchases stay in your library even if you cancel Apple Music. You can also use Siri to buy music by saying "Buy [song name]" on any Apple device.
Other ways to listen to music on Apple devices
You are not limited to iTunes or Apple Music. You can also use Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, or other streaming services on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. These apps work alongside iTunes and Apple Music — you can have multiple music services installed at once.
Some people use a combination: they buy their favorite songs on iTunes and stream everything else on a subscription service. Others subscribe to Apple Music and never buy individual songs. The choice depends on how much you listen, how often your taste changes, and whether you want to own music or just access it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use iTunes music on non-Apple devices?
Most iTunes purchases are protected by digital rights management (DRM), which means they only play on Apple devices and in iTunes on Windows or Mac. Some older purchases may not have this restriction. You cannot transfer iTunes music to Android phones or other non-Apple devices.
Do I need to pay for iTunes if I only want to listen to music I already own?
No. If you have music files on your computer, you can add them to the Music app or iTunes without paying anything. iTunes is only a cost if you buy new music. Streaming services like Apple Music are optional.
What happens to my iTunes purchases if I cancel Apple Music?
Your iTunes purchases stay in your library. Canceling Apple Music does not affect songs you bought. You lose access only to the streaming catalog that comes with the subscription.
Is there a free version of Apple Music?
Apple Music does not have a free tier, but you get three months free when you buy a new Apple device. Some carriers and internet providers also offer free or discounted Apple Music subscriptions. Otherwise, the paid subscription is required.
Can I share iTunes purchases with family members?
Yes, through Family Sharing. You can set up a family group of up to six people, and music you buy appears in everyone's library. Each person can also subscribe to Apple Music under the family plan for $16.99 per month total.