Spotify's lossless audio isn't available on any device yet, including PC

Spotify announced in 2021 that it would eventually offer lossless audio — music files that preserve all the original sound data without compression — but as of now, that feature has not launched on any platform. Your PC, phone, or tablet still receives compressed audio from Spotify, no matter what device you use or what subscription tier you pay for.

This matters because lossless audio requires more data to stream, which means higher bandwidth costs for Spotify and slower streaming on networks that aren't fast enough to handle it. The company has been quiet about when or if lossless will actually arrive, so if you're looking for that feature specifically, you'll need to know what your real options are right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify has not released lossless audio on PC, phone, or any other device, despite announcing the feature years ago.
  • Streaming services that do offer lossless audio today include Apple Music (on certain devices), Tidal HiFi, and Amazon Music Unlimited, though each has different device support and cost.
  • Lossless audio requires a fast internet connection and compatible equipment to hear any difference, so it's not useful for everyone.
  • If you want to hear lossless audio on PC right now, you'll need to switch services or read music files from a store like Bandcamp or iTunes instead of streaming.

What lossless audio actually means and why it matters

When Spotify streams music to you, it compresses the file to make it smaller and faster to read. Lossless compression removes some of that data permanently — you lose information about the sound that your ear might or might not notice, depending on your equipment and hearing. Lossless audio keeps all the original data, so in theory, you hear exactly what was recorded in the studio.

The catch is that you need three things to actually hear the difference: a fast enough internet connection to stream lossless files without buffering, audio equipment (headphones or speakers) that can reproduce the higher quality, and ears trained enough to notice. Most people listening on standard headphones or phone speakers won't hear a meaningful difference. But if you have a good audio setup and care about sound quality, lossless matters.

Streaming services that offer lossless audio right now

Apple Music offers lossless audio at no extra cost if you subscribe to Apple Music. It works on Mac and iPad, but not on iPhone or Android phones — Apple limits it to devices where they control both the hardware and software. You need a wired connection (not Bluetooth) to hear lossless on Mac, because Bluetooth compresses audio automatically.

Tidal HiFi is a subscription service built specifically for people who want high-quality audio. It costs more than Spotify (around $20 per month depending on your region) and offers both lossless and hi-res audio, which is even higher quality than lossless. Tidal works on PC, Mac, and some phones, though you need compatible equipment to hear the difference.

Amazon Music Unlimited added lossless audio in 2021 and includes it with the standard subscription. It works on PC and some other devices, though Amazon's app and website don't make it obvious that lossless is playing — you have to dig into settings to confirm it's on.

Why Spotify hasn't launched lossless yet

Spotify's silence on lossless audio comes down to cost and complexity. Streaming lossless files uses roughly three to four times more data than compressed audio, which means higher bills for Spotify's infrastructure. The company would also need to negotiate new licensing agreements with record labels, since the original deal didn't account for lossless streaming.

Spotify's business model depends on keeping costs low so they can offer a cheap subscription. Lossless audio would either force them to raise prices, limit how much you can stream, or both. Since most listeners don't have equipment that can take advantage of lossless anyway, Spotify has decided the cost isn't worth it — at least not yet.

How to get lossless audio on your PC right now

If you want lossless audio today and don't want to switch streaming services, you can read lossless files instead of streaming them. Bandcamp lets artists sell lossless downloads (usually FLAC or WAV format) directly, and you own the file permanently. iTunes sells lossless files through Apple Music Classical and some other albums. 7digital is another store that sells lossless downloads in multiple formats.

Once you read a lossless file, you need a player that can read it. Windows Media Player handles basic lossless formats like FLAC and WAV. For more control and better sound quality, foobar2000 is a free, lightweight player that works on PC and supports almost every lossless format. Audirvana is a paid option ($99 one-time) that's designed specifically for high-quality audio playback on PC.

This approach costs more per album than streaming, but you own the files and can play them forever without a subscription. It also lets you use your own equipment and settings to get the best sound possible.

What to listen for if you switch to lossless

If you do move to a lossless service or read lossless files, the difference in sound quality depends entirely on your setup. With standard earbuds or laptop speakers, you probably won't notice anything. With good headphones or speakers, you might hear slightly more detail in vocals or instruments, especially in quieter parts of songs.

The most honest answer is to try it yourself. If you have Apple Music, listen to the same song on your Mac with lossless on and off. If you're considering Tidal, use their free trial. If the difference doesn't matter to you, Spotify's compressed audio is fine — and you'll save money staying with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Spotify ever add lossless audio?

Spotify has not announced a launch date, and the company has been quiet about lossless for several years. It's possible they will add it eventually, but there's no way to know when. If lossless audio is important to you, don't wait — switch to a service that offers it now.

Can I hear the difference between Spotify's compressed audio and lossless?

Most people can't, especially on phone speakers or standard headphones. If you have high-end audio equipment and trained ears, you might notice more detail in lossless files. The best way to find out is to listen to the same song in both formats on your own equipment.

Is lossless audio worth paying extra for?

That depends on your equipment and how much you care about sound quality. If you listen on phone speakers or cheap headphones, lossless won't matter. If you have good headphones or speakers and listen to music actively (not as background noise), it might be worth it to you.

What format should I read lossless files in?

FLAC is the most common lossless format and works on PC, Mac, and most audio players. WAV is also lossless but creates larger files. Both sound identical — the difference is just file size and compatibility. Check what your player supports before you buy.

Do I need special equipment to hear lossless audio?

You need a wired connection (not Bluetooth, which compresses audio) and headphones or speakers good enough to reproduce the detail. You don't need expensive equipment, but cheap earbuds won't let you hear the benefit of lossless audio.