Assessed Spotify Lossless for a week: Highlights and Drawbacks
In a significant move for music lovers, Spotify has rolled out its Lossless streaming service, available on phones, laptops, and tablets worldwide. This new feature promises improved sound quality over standard high-quality MP3 files, but how does it stack up against other high-res lossless streaming platforms like YouTube Music?
For Spotify users, the Lossless streaming option comes at no additional cost, provided they are already subscribed to Spotify Premium. This service costs $11.99 per month and includes lossless streaming, audiobooks, AI features, and more.
The quality of Spotify Lossless is noticeable on less advanced headphones, revealing increased detail, soundstage, and dynamics. However, when compared to Qobuz, Tidal, and Apple Music, Spotify Lossless falls short, especially when listening through a soundbar or smart speaker. These competitors offer better sound quality, streaming at 24-bit 192kHz, far exceeding Spotify’s 24-bit, 44.1kHz.
For those seeking the best hi-res lossless experience, it is recommended to look elsewhere. Qobuz, for instance, provides streaming in higher resolutions than Spotify’s lossless format, enabling studio-quality music with higher bit depth and sampling rates beyond 24-bit/44.1 kHz. Specialised hardware manufacturers like Cambridge Audio integrate Qobuz Connect for lossless streaming at the highest available resolutions.
To make the most of Spotify Lossless, users can download tracks for offline listening, ensuring a stable experience despite the large file sizes. It's also important to note that data usage increases when streaming in Lossless mode. Users can mitigate this by downloading tracks to their phones or by buying a larger data plan from their carrier.
To check for Spotify Lossless, users should ensure their app is updated and then look for the streaming quality section. However, it's worth noting that the rollout is currently ongoing, and some users, including those on the Tom's Guide team, may not have access yet.
For up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews on all things tech, including the latest developments in streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Music, follow Tom's Guide on Google News.
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