Spotify Lossless Audio Finally Launches for Premium Subscribers Worldwide

Spotify has officially launched its long-awaited lossless audio tier. The new feature is called “Lossless” and is available at no extra cost. It began rolling out to Premium users globally on Wednesday.

This move ends a multi-year wait for high-fidelity sound on the platform. According to company statements, the feature prioritizes audio quality and user clarity.

Streaming Quality Jumps to CD-Level Fidelity

Lossless audio provides a significant upgrade in sound quality. It streams music at a bitrate of up to 1,411 kbps. This matches the quality of a Compact Disc.

The feature is available immediately in several key markets. These include the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Dozens more countries will gain access throughout October.

Spotify Catches Up to Apple and Amazon in Audio Fidelity

The launch closes a major gap with its main rivals. Apple Music introduced lossless audio in May 2021. Amazon Music quickly followed with a similar offering.

Spotify initially announced a HiFi tier in early 2021. It then went silent on the feature for years. Reports from Reuters suggested internal debates over its pricing model.

The arrival of Spotify Lossless audio marks a new chapter for streaming. It finally gives audiophiles a top-tier reason to stay on the world’s most popular music platform.

Info at your fingertips

What is lossless audio?

Lossless audio is a high-quality format. It preserves every detail of the original studio recording. This results in richer and clearer sound compared to standard streams.

Is there an extra cost for Spotify Lossless?

No, the feature is included for all Premium subscribers. Users do not need to pay more to access the higher quality tier.

What do I need to hear the difference?

You will need high-quality headphones or speakers. Spotify also recommends using a Wi-Fi connection for streaming. Bluetooth often compresses the signal.

When will I get access to Lossless?

The rollout is gradual and will continue through October. Spotify will notify users within the app when the feature is available on their account.

Which countries are included first?

The initial rollout includes the U.S., U.K., Japan, and several European nations. A broader global expansion to over 50 markets is planned.

Did Spotify ever plan a separate HiFi subscription?

Earlier reports indicated a pricier tier was considered. The company ultimately decided to include it for all Premium users to remain competitive.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, The Verge, Spotify Official Announcement