Spotify Launches Lossless Audio on Premium: What That Means for Your Ears
If you’ve ever wondered what your favorite tracks sound like at maximum fidelity, today is your day. Spotify has finally rolled out lossless audio for Premium subscribers, delivering a richer, more detailed listening experience right from your device.
What Exactly Is Lossless Audio?
Not all audio files are created equal. Lossless audio means tracks are streamed in FLAC format, preserving every bit of sound without sacrificing quality. Spotify users can now enjoy music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz—a significant step up from standard compressed formats.Spotify
Who Gets This Upgrade—And When?
- Available to Premium users—NO extra fee required.Spotify+1
- Rolling out now across more than 50 countries, including the U.S., UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, Sweden, and others. Full global coverage expected by October.Spotify
How to Unlock Lossless Audio on Your Spotify App
Love control? Spotify has your back. Here’s how to enable lossless sound on your devices:
- Open the Spotify app and tap your profile icon.
- Navigate to Settings → Media Quality.
- Switch your audio preference to Lossless for Wi-Fi, mobile data, or downloads.Spotify
Look out for the “Lossless” badge on the Now Playing bar and Connect Picker—that means you’re hearing top-tier audio.
Devices That Support Lossless Right Now
Enjoy the upgrade on:
- Mobile, desktop, and tablets
- Equipment that uses Spotify Connect, such as gear from Sony, Bose, Samsung, and Sennheiser
- Sonos, Amazon, and other device support is coming soon.Spotify
Quality That Stands Up to Listening Tests
- Streams at CD-level quality (24-bit/44.1 kHz)
- Higher dynamic range, better detail, cleaner vocals, and more accurate audio reproduction
- Note: Bluetooth still compresses sound, so for best results use Wi-Fi or wired connections.Spotify
Comparison: Spotify vs. Competitors
| Service | Lossless Quality | Price for Lossless |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify Premium | 24-bit / 44.1 kHz FLAC | Included in Premium |
| Apple Music | Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz FLAC | Included in standard tier |
| Amazon Music HD | Similar high-res options available | Subscription difference may apply |
| Tidal | Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz FLAC | HiFi tier costs more |
Pros and Considerations
Pros:
- No additional fee for better sound
- Great for audiophiles and music purists
- Flexible quality settings
Considerations:
- Needs more storage or data when downloading/streaming
- Bluetooth still limits quality
- Not all devices support it just yet
The Bottom Line
Spotify’s addition of lossless audio brings it on par with top-tier competitors—without charging extra. If you’re someone who cares about the nitty-gritty of sound—like crisp highs, rich mids, and deep, clear bass—this is a major win. Now all you have to do is hit “Lossless,” press play, and enjoy your music the way the artist intended.
Want help picking headphones that pair perfectly with Spotify Lossless or exploration into how to make the most of this upgrade? Just say the word!
