Spotify Launches Lossless Audio for Premium Users

Spotify has finally delivered on its long-standing promise — lossless audio streaming is now available for Premium subscribers. After years of speculation, delays, and half-baked announcements, the streaming giant has introduced 24-bit FLAC quality audio at no extra cost, setting a new standard for its 600+ million global users. Unlike earlier rumors about a “HiFi” or “Music Pro” plan, this feature comes bundled with the existing Premium plan, making it a major win for subscribers.

A Long-Awaited Feature Since 2017

Spotify first teased lossless audio in 2017, but the rollout faced multiple delays. Over the years, the company made several vague promises, from “later this year” in 2021 to “almost ready” in May 2024. Now, after seven years of waiting, users can finally experience high-fidelity sound quality.

Availability Across Global Markets

The feature is being rolled out gradually across more than 50 countries. Key regions include the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia, with expansion planned through October. Users will receive an in-app notification when the feature becomes available on their account.

How to Enable Lossless Audio on Spotify

Activating the feature is simple:

1. Open the Spotify app and tap your profile icon (top left).

2. Navigate to Settings & Privacy → Media Quality.

3. Choose your preferred option (Wi-Fi, cellular, or downloads).

4. Look for the “Lossless” badge in the Now Playing bar or Connect Picker.

With this update, Premium subscribers gain full control over their streaming quality depending on network conditions.

Technical Specifications of Spotify Lossless

Spotify’s lossless streaming uses 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC. While this doesn’t match the ultra-high-resolution standards of rivals like Apple Music, Tidal, or Qobuz (which offer up to 24-bit/192 kHz), the difference is negligible for most users. Unless you’re a professional audiophile with expensive audio equipment, Spotify’s lossless will deliver a noticeable upgrade in clarity and detail.

Devices That Support Lossless at Launch

At launch, the feature works across Spotify’s mobile, desktop, and tablet apps, as well as select hardware devices, including:

• Sony

• Bose

• Samsung

• Sennheiser

Support for Sonos and Amazon Echo devices will arrive next month.

The Bluetooth Limitation

One caveat remains: Bluetooth cannot deliver full lossless quality. To experience true 24-bit FLAC, users will need wired headphones or use Spotify Connect on supported speakers and devices. This limitation is common across all streaming platforms due to Bluetooth’s bandwidth restrictions.

How Spotify Compares with Rivals

Spotify’s move comes years after competitors launched similar features. Apple Music and Amazon Music included lossless audio in their existing plans after customer demand, while Tidal and Qobuz have long been industry leaders in high-fidelity audio.

The biggest takeaway? Unlike earlier speculation, Spotify is not charging extra. Premium users get lossless audio free of cost, putting pressure on YouTube Music — now the only major streaming platform without a lossless tier.

Why This Rollout Matters

For many subscribers, this is not just about improved sound quality. It represents Spotify finally listening to its users. Instead of rolling out features like in-app messaging that didn’t resonate, the platform has delivered a much-requested update that enhances the overall music experience.

Official User Experience Upgrade

Spotify’s lossless rollout reinforces its position as the world’s leading music streaming platform, while balancing accessibility and premium features. With over 600 million monthly active users, the addition of lossless audio could help Spotify strengthen user retention and fend off competition.

Conclusion

After years of waiting, Spotify Premium subscribers can now enjoy lossless music streaming without paying extra. While it may not reach the technical heights of Apple Music or Tidal, the feature is more than sufficient for the vast majority of listeners. By prioritizing user demand, Spotify has finally made good on a promise dating back to 2017 — and it might just reshape the streaming wars going forward.