Spotify Lossless Listening: What It Is and How It Works

Spotify has officially launched Lossless Listening, a high-resolution audio feature that lets users stream music in 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC. This means richer sound and clearer detail compared to standard streaming quality.

The announcement came on September 10, marking a major step for Spotify as it joins rivals like Apple Music and Amazon Music in offering lossless audio.

While the new feature promises unmatched sound, it does come with some limitations — especially when it comes to hardware and connectivity.

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What Does Lossless Listening Mean?

In simple terms, lossless audio keeps every detail of a recording intact. Unlike lossy formats, which compress files by removing data, lossless preserves the original audio information.

That’s why songs in this format sound more natural and closer to a studio recording. You’ll notice richer depth between soft and loud sounds, and greater clarity across instruments and vocals.

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Spotify’s version streams at 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC, which translates to near-CD quality audio. It captures a wide range of frequencies without sacrificing detail.

Why Does It Sound Better?

Every digital audio file is built from tiny “snapshots” of soundwaves. The more snapshots captured per second — known as the sample rate — the closer it matches the real recording.

Lossless files also use a higher bit depth, meaning they hold more data about sound dynamics. Together, higher sample rates and bit depths give you music that feels fuller and more lifelike.

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In Spotify’s case, you’re hearing 24-bit depth with a 44.1 kHz sample rate — essentially making tracks almost indistinguishable from the studio masters.

How to Turn On Spotify Lossless Listening

If the feature is available on your device, turning it on is simple. Head to your profile icon in the top left corner of the Spotify app, tap Settings & Privacy, then go to Media quality.

From there, you can enable Lossless Listening under Wi-Fi, cellular, or downloads. Once activated, a small icon will appear next to the track title when you’re streaming in lossless.

The feature is available on mobile, tablet, and desktop apps, giving you flexibility across different devices.

Important Limitations

Lossless audio files are large, so they take longer to load compared to standard tracks. You might notice a short delay when hitting play.

Spotify also recommends using wired headphones or speakers instead of Bluetooth. Current Bluetooth tech doesn’t have enough bandwidth to handle full lossless files without compression.

This means users who want the full experience will need to connect directly with cables or invest in higher-end audio gear.

Where Is Lossless Listening Available?

Right now, the feature is rolling out to Premium subscribers in select countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Germany, Japan, and Sweden.

Spotify confirmed more markets will receive the update in October, expanding access to millions of users worldwide.

For now, only a subset of Premium listeners will see the feature in their apps as the rollout continues.

Do You Need Spotify Premium?

Yes. Lossless Listening is only for Spotify Premium subscribers. The Individual plan currently costs $11.99 per month in the U.S.

The feature doesn’t apply to podcasts or audiobooks, only to music tracks streamed through Spotify.

For fans who care about audio quality, this adds extra value to the Premium subscription.

How Spotify Compares to Rivals

Spotify isn’t the first to offer lossless audio. Apple Music launched its version in 2021, while Amazon Music added it back in 2019. Both platforms include it in their standard subscription packages.

By finally rolling out its own version, Spotify aims to keep pace with competitors and retain high-fidelity listeners.

For many audiophiles, lossless audio is a must-have feature — and Spotify’s arrival may convince some to stick with or switch back to the platform.

FAQs

What is Spotify Lossless Listening?
It’s a high-resolution audio feature that streams music in 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC.

Do I need Premium to use it?
Yes, it’s only available for Spotify Premium subscribers.

Does it work with Bluetooth?
Not fully. Spotify recommends wired connections for the best quality.

Where is it available?
Currently in select countries including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Germany, and Japan.

Does it apply to podcasts or audiobooks?
No, only music tracks support Lossless Listening.

Last Thought

Spotify’s Lossless Listening brings richer, clearer sound to millions of listeners, aligning it with streaming rivals.

The feature may demand better hardware and wired connections, but for music lovers, the payoff is undeniable.

It’s a long-awaited move that shows Spotify is ready to compete in the high-fidelity streaming space.