Spotify’s Lossless Audio: Closing the Gap with Apple Music

On September 10, 2025, Spotify finally launched lossless audio, a game-changing feature that levels the playing field with Apple Music, which has long touted lossless as a key selling point since its 2021 debut. After years of delays since teasing “Spotify HiFi” in 2021, this upgrade delivers CD-quality streaming to Premium subscribers at no extra cost, shaking up the music streaming wars. Source: Spotify.

Lossless Quality

Spotify now streams in 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC format, preserving every nuance of the original recording without compression artifacts. This matches CD quality and slightly exceeds it, covering nearly all of Spotify’s 100 million+ songs. It’s a direct answer to Apple Music’s lossless offering (up to 24-bit/192 kHz), which has been a major draw for audiophiles, included in its standard $10.99/month plan since 2021.

How to Access It

In the Spotify app, navigate to Profile > Settings & Privacy > Media Quality and toggle “Lossless” for Wi-Fi, cellular, or downloads. A notification confirms when it’s active on your account. The rollout is gradual, hitting over 50 markets (US, UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, Sweden) through October 2025. Update to the latest app version to enable it. A “Lossless” indicator appears in the Now Playing bar when streaming in FLAC.

Device Compatibility

Lossless works on mobile, desktop, tablet, and Spotify Connect-enabled speakers from brands like Sony, Bose, Samsung, Sennheiser, Yamaha, and Bluesound. Sonos and Amazon device support arrives in October. For true lossless playback, use wired headphones or non-Bluetooth connectionsBluetooth compresses audio, limiting fidelity. The feature is exclusive to Premium subscribers ($11.99/month individual), not the free tier.

Performance and Data

Lossless files are larger, so expect slight buffering on first play (caching reduces this later). A stable Wi-Fi connection (at least 5 Mbps) is ideal for streaming, with downloads recommended for offline use. While Spotify’s 24-bit/44.1 kHz is a step up from its previous 320kbps max, it falls short of Apple Music’s hi-res 192 kHz ceiling, but the inclusion at no extra cost makes it a strong counterpunch.

Why It’s a Big Deal

Apple Music’s lossless and spatial audio have been key differentiators, pressuring Spotify to deliver after years of teasing HiFi. Initially planned as a premium “Supremium” tier, Spotify’s decision to include lossless in the standard Premium plan mirrors Apple’s strategy, avoiding extra fees. This move broadens access, letting millions enjoy crystal-clear audio without needing high-end gear, though audiophiles with premium DACs will hear the most benefit.

Why It Matters

Spotify’s lossless launch is a direct shot at Apple Music, closing a gap that’s defined their rivalry since Apple introduced lossless and spatial audio for free. With 246 million Premium subscribers, Spotify’s rollout could sway users who’ve flirted with Apple’s hi-fi edge, especially as it supports a wide range of devices. The gradual rollout and Bluetooth limitations have sparked some chatter, but the no-cost inclusion is a win for fans. Spotify’s ecosystemplaylists, podcasts, and now losslesskeeps it competitive in a crowded market.

Final Thoughts

Spotify’s lossless audio, delivering 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC, finally matches Apple Music’s hi-fi prowess, bringing CD-quality sound to Premium users at no extra cost. It’s a bold move to win back audiophiles, with seamless integration across devices. Want to dive into how it compares to Apple Music’s hi-res or setup tips for lossless playback? Check details at Spotify or the official blog. For more on Spotify’s lossless launch, visit Spotify Newsroom or Spotify Support.