Spotify Rolls Out Lossless Streaming to Premium Subscribers

Lead Spotify has begun offering true lossless audio-24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC-to Premium subscribers worldwide starting September 10, 2025, at no extra cost, with an initial rollout in over a dozen markets and full coverage by October.

Nut Graf After years of delays and teasing, Spotify’s long-promised “lossless” feature arrives directly within existing Premium subscriptions. The upgrade delivers CD-quality, uncompressed sound via mobile, desktop, tablet, and compatible speakers, addressing user demand and industry pressure from rivals such as Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Key Details

  • Rollout Schedule
  • Begins September 10 in select markets including the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, and Japan
  • Expansion to 50+ countries expected by end of October
  • Audio Quality & Format
  • Streams at up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz in FLAC format for “nearly every track”
  • Clearly labeled “Lossless” icon appears in the Now Playing bar
  • Device Compatibility
  • Works across Spotify’s mobile, desktop, and tablet apps
  • Supports third-party Spotify Connect hardware from Sony, Bose, Samsung, and Sennheiser
  • Sonos and Amazon speakers to gain support next month
  • Enabling Lossless
  • Users receive an in-app notification once the feature is available
  • Activation via Settings & Privacy → Media Quality → “Lossless” for Wi-Fi, cellular, and downloads

Background & Impact Spotify first announced a HiFi tier in February 2021 but repeatedly postponed its launch amid licensing negotiations and speculation about gating it behind a pricier subscription. Competitors Apple Music and Amazon Music have offered lossless audio at no extra charge since 2021 and 2019, respectively, intensifying subscriber expectations.

Gustav Gyllenhammar, Spotify’s VP of Subscriptions, said, “The wait is finally over; we’re thrilled to introduce lossless audio to our Premium subscribers. We’ve focused on quality, ease of use, and transparency at every step so users always know what’s happening under the hood”.

Considerations for Listeners Lossless streaming consumes significantly more bandwidth than compressed formats. Spotify recommends using Wi-Fi and wired headphones or speakers for optimal playback, as Bluetooth connections may not support full FLAC bandwidth.

This milestone positions Spotify on par with major streaming rivals, offering audiophiles enhanced fidelity without raising subscription fees and reinforcing Spotify Premium’s competitive value proposition.