Spotify Launches Lossless Hi-res Audio Plan

The wait is over, and the rumors can stop: The world's top music streaming service finally has high-fidelity lossless audio.

 

It took just eight years, countless 'almost ready' moments, and a slew of users migrating to other hi-res music streaming services.

Many people were quite excited when this actually happened. They were also surprised when Spotify added a new high-quality streaming plan to its existing Premium plan. Many expected this new plan to be a completely new subscription. Of course, that could change in the future, but for now, all Spotify Premium users can try out 24-bit/44.1kHz FLAC audio.

Spotify's hi-res audio pack is finally here

Hope this wait is worth it

 

It's been about eight years since rumors of a Spotify Hi-Fi plan first started circulating. It's been four years since Spotify officially launched Spotify HiFi, raising user expectations with catchy phrases like "Starting later this year, Premium users in select markets will be able to upgrade their audio quality to Spotify HiFi" and "Spotify HiFi will begin rolling out in select markets later this year."

Unexpectedly, it took Spotify another 4.5 years from that post to actually launch its long-awaited Spotify Lossless plan, which puts Spotify on par with Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, and even Amazon Music.

Spotify Lossless will bring 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC audio quality to Spotify's massive audio catalog, delivering higher-than-CD quality (at 16-bit/44.1 kHz).

It's also worth noting that while Spotify Lossless has finally brought hi-res audio to the platform, its quality still lags behind its competitors. For example, Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz all offer hi-res audio in 24-bit/192kHz FLAC format, which is a step up from Spotify. However, when you start reaching that level of audio quality, you need better hardware, and most people will have a hard time really hearing the difference.

Spotify Lossless is coming to all Spotify platforms

At least, that's what Spotify says

One of the biggest complaints people have about Spotify is that its features tend to be inconsistent across versions. Often, new features are introduced to Spotify's mobile version but never to its desktop version (like Spotify's additions to Discover Weekly in 2025). Everyone pays for the same Premium service, but desktop users are often left out. This is incredibly frustrating for people who primarily use the desktop version.

Spotify has confirmed that Lossless will be 'available on mobile, desktop, and tablet.' The feature will also be available on most other devices that support Spotify Connect, such as those from Sony, Bose, Samsung, and Sennheiser, with other manufacturers like Sonos and Amazon coming 'in the coming months.'

 

You need to enable Spotify Lossless - here's how!

However, you'll need to enable Spotify Lossless on each device you own. It's not a universal switch in your account that applies everywhere you use Spotify.

In each case, you'll need to go into your specific device's Spotify settings and then select the new Lossless quality option . You'll also need to enable this option for Wi-Fi , Cellular , and Download if you want to listen to completely lossless music, all the time.

At the time of writing, Spotify Lossless isn't available yet. But the company says you'll know when it's your turn, thanks to in-app notifications.

It's time to start using wired headphones

Or at least wireless headphones with a hi-res Bluetooth audio codec, like LDAC

 

So you're excited about Spotify Lossless. The only problem is, now you need compatible hardware.

A good pair of wired headphones is essential to ensure you get the full audio experience. But if you don't have wired headphones or you're only using wireless headphones, you can use one of the Bluetooth codecs that support hi-res audio, such as LDAC, aptX HD, LDHC, etc.

That also means you'll need to use a device that can output the same Bluetooth codec and compatible headphones and earbuds.

Spotify Lossless will roll out in phases across more than 50 countries throughout October. Premium users in Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the US and the UK will get priority.