Apple Music Loudness Penalty Checker
Apple Music normalises playback to about -16 LUFS integrated.
Apple Music's Sound Check normalises playback to roughly -16 LUFS integrated - 2 dB lower than Spotify. A -10 LUFS file is roughly 6 dB above that reference level.
Sound Check is a listener-controlled setting, and playback can vary by device. Treat the -16 LUFS comparison as a planning estimate, not an Apple Music delivery requirement.
The playback reduction is gain adjustment, not damage to the uploaded file. Compare the estimated level with your own listening test rather than aiming for one number on every service.
Check your track
Use your final audio file to estimate the dB difference for Apple Music and other platforms. Free and private in your browser.
Open the Loudness Penalty CheckerCommon questions
What LUFS should I master to for Apple Music?
Sound Check is a playback feature, not an instruction to deliver at -16 LUFS. Compare at matched volume and follow your distributor’s audio delivery requirements.
Can listeners turn Sound Check off?
Yes. Sound Check can be switched on or off in supported Apple Music settings.
Does Apple Digital Masters change loudness?
No - Apple Digital Masters is about encoding quality from high-resolution sources, not loudness targets.