However, lossless audio is currently unavailable with Spotify Premium. On this count, Spotify has said to roll out a better tier called Spotify HiFi, although such a service has been unveiled since 2021 for CD-quality and lossless audio meant for more enthusiastic audio people. As things stand in 2024, no word on the availability of HiFi leaves the audio on Spotify Premium streamed at a maximum of 320 kbps through the Ogg Vorbis codec.
This omission makes Spotify lag behind rivals like Tidal and Apple Music, which do offer lossless formats. Tidal’s HiFi Plus tier supports Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio at up to 9216 kbps, while Apple Music streams at up to 24-bit/192 kHz, both of which are considerably higher resolutions for audiophiles. According to a survey conducted by What Hi-Fi? in 2023, It found that 67% of audiophiles consider lossless audio an important feature when it comes to selecting a streaming service, indicating the competitive gap Spotify aims to close with HiFi.
While Spotify Premium does not offer lossless audio, it boasts sound quality sufficient for daily consumers. Ogg Vorbis at 320 kbps is a format that uses the right amount of data to ensure a clear voice that works on most headphones and speakers. In fact, a 2022 article from SoundGuys found only 20% of listeners in blind tests were able to accurately discern between Spotify’s highest available quality and true lossless formats across multiple trials.
Spotify HiFi’s delay has drawn attention within the industry. Analysts speculate the delay stems from licensing complexities and competitive pricing challenges. In contrast, Tidal charges $19.99 per month for its HiFi Plus tier, and Apple Music includes lossless audio at no additional cost. Spotify’s pricing strategy for HiFi remains undisclosed, but insiders suggest it will likely cost $14.99 per month to remain competitive while covering licensing fees.
Notably, internet speed is another factor affecting streaming quality. To provide lossless audio, it requires a stable connection of at least 5 Mbps, whereas Spotify Premium currently manages 320 kbps streaming with 1 Mbps. This factor can thus affect the rate of adoption by users in regions where average internet speeds are slower, such as South Asia, which averages below 4 Mbps according to Ookla’s Global Speed Test Report 2023.
Spotify Premium keeps changing, and with the announcement of Spotify HiFi, it’s going to be a dream come true for audiophiles who want the best audio quality. To learn more about Spotify Premium, visit spotify premium.