Spotify finally launched Lossless Listening, its much-awaited feature for high-resolution audio, that allows music enthusiasts to listen to songs in the least compressed, richest sound quality the platform has ever supported.
It came on Tuesday, September 10, representing a big step for Spotify in its mission to provide studio-level audio to its listeners.
The new feature allows Premium subscribers to stream in 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC format, widely regarded as one of the best available for digital listening. Simply put, FLAC files retain more of the original recording than conventional formats, producing richer, clearer, and more dynamic sound. For listeners, it translates to hearing music much closer to the way artists and producers intended it.
But with better quality, there are higher file sizes. Spotify has suggested that Lossless Listening is optimum using wired headphones or speakers, as current Bluetooth connections aren’t blessed with enough bandwidth to transport these large files without sacrificing quality. Even a brief delay at the start of playback is possible when larger files take time to load.
So, what does “lossless” mean, exactly? Contrary to the old streaming codecs that employ “lossy” compression (eliminating some of the audio details to reduce file size), lossless sound retains all of the original recording. Spotify Studios producer and engineer Jack Mason described it simply: “Lossless is when there’s no difference between what you send to a streaming service and what the listener hears.
Technically, computer audio consists of snapshots of a source soundwave. The higher the number of snapshots per second (the sample rate) and the higher the level of detail per snapshot (the bit depth), the more like the original recording the file will be. At 24-bit depth and 44.1 kHz sample rate, Spotify’s Lossless Listening provides sound that is very hard to distinguish from studio masters.
For those eager to try the feature, Spotify has made it relatively easy to activate. On the mobile app, tap your profile icon in the top left corner, head to Settings & Privacy, then select Media Quality. Under the options for Wi-Fi, cellular, or download streaming, you’ll find the new lossless option. When enabled, a small icon will appear alongside the track title, confirming that you’re listening in lossless quality. The feature is available across Spotify’s mobile, desktop, and tablet apps.
Spotify is now introducing Lossless Listening to Premium users in some markets. The first batch of countries includes the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden. Additional countries will receive access in October, further increasing Spotify’s footprint in high-definition streaming.
Regarding cost, Lossless Listening is available only for Spotify Premium members, with the Premium Individual costing $11.99 monthly. Alas, podcasts and audiobooks are not included at this time since the feature only works for music streaming.
Spotify is not alone in providing this technology, Apple Music first offered lossless music in 2021, with Amazon Music following suit in 2019. Both services have high-resolution audio as a part of their premium subscription packages, making Spotify directly competitive with them to attract audiophiles and regular listeners alike.
For sound-quality-conscious listeners, this release marks a significant change in how streaming companies serve serious music enthusiasts. Although it has technical qualifiers, such as wired connections for optimal delivery, the feature indicates Spotify’s effort to keep up with its competitors while giving listeners a better listening experience.
Spotify’s Lossless Listening not only advances the manner in which fans consume their favorite songs but also aligns the platform with the audiophile quality long expected by listeners. With a broader rollout imminent, millions of users will be able to revisit their playlists in richer, more pure sound.
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