Spotify launches Lossless Music for premium users: What to know
Spotify adds lossless listening for Premium. Image Credit: Spotify
Spotify has finally launched lossless music streaming, a long-awaited feature that promises CD-quality sound for its Premium subscribers. The rollout, announced Wednesday, positions Spotify to directly compete with rivals like Apple Music and Tidal, both of which have offered high-fidelity listening for years.
The feature, officially called Lossless Listening, is included in Premium subscriptions at no additional cost. According to Spotify, the upgrade gives listeners a “richer, more detailed sound” that captures nuances often lost in compressed audio formats.
What Is Spotify Lossless Music?
Lossless music means audio files are streamed without compression, preserving the full quality of the original recording. Spotify says Premium users will now be able to enjoy sound that is indistinguishable from CDs, offering clarity, depth, and detail that compressed formats cannot match.
The rollout also integrates seamlessly into Spotify’s platform. Users will be able to toggle between standard and lossless streaming depending on their internet connection, making it adaptable for both casual listening and audiophile-grade experiences.
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Competing With Apple Music and Tidal
For years, Spotify has faced criticism for lagging behind competitors in sound quality. Apple Music introduced lossless in 2021 at no extra charge, and Tidal built its brand around HiFi streaming.
By finally adding lossless audio, Spotify is closing the gap. The move is expected to not only satisfy longtime users but also attract new subscribers who previously preferred other platforms for superior sound. Analysts believe this could significantly strengthen Spotify’s position in the competitive music-streaming market.
How to Access Spotify Lossless Music
Spotify Premium subscribers can access the new feature immediately through app updates on desktop and mobile. In settings, users can select “Lossless” as their streaming quality.
However, the company notes that to truly experience the upgrade, listeners will need high-quality headphones or speakers. Standard earbuds or laptop speakers may not fully capture the difference. Spotify also hinted at future integrations with high-end audio hardware partners, potentially expanding the reach of its HiFi offering.
The Impact on Artists and Streaming
Lossless listening could also benefit artists by highlighting the full quality of their recordings. Musicians and producers often lament the limitations of compressed audio, where intricate details are lost.
Spotify said the new feature was developed in response to both user demand and artist advocacy. By aligning itself with higher fidelity standards, the platform is signaling a commitment to audio excellence and music authenticity.
A Long-Awaited Move From Spotify
Spotify first teased lossless streaming back in 2021 under the name “Spotify HiFi,” but delays kept the feature in development for years. The sudden launch in 2025 shows how seriously the company is taking competition in the streaming space.
With over 600 million users worldwide, Spotify’s addition of lossless listening could mark one of the most significant upgrades in its history. As streaming wars heat up, the battle for audio quality may now matter as much as playlists and exclusive podcasts.