SAEDNEWS: Spotify’s new Lossless Listening feature finally puts the platform on par with rivals like Apple Music and Tidal, offering CD-quality sound for audiophiles and everyday listeners alike. While it may use more data, it promises to deliver music the way it was meant to be heard.
According to Saed News; Spotify has finally introduced its long-promised Lossless Listening feature, offering Hi-Fi quality audio to millions of users worldwide. But what exactly is lossless sound, and how will it change the way you listen to music? Here’s everything you need to know.
Lossless listening means music is streamed at CD-quality or higher, without the compression that usually reduces sound detail on standard streaming platforms. In simple terms, you’ll hear tracks exactly as artists recorded them, with every instrument and vocal preserved.
Spotify had teased this feature since 2021 under the name “Spotify HiFi,” but it was delayed multiple times. Now, the platform is officially rolling it out as part of its effort to compete with Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music, all of which already offer Hi-Fi or lossless sound.
Currently, Spotify Premium streams at up to 320 kbps (Ogg Vorbis). While that’s good enough for most casual listeners, audiophiles argue it still compresses music files, cutting out subtle details.
Lossless listening boosts the bitrate dramatically, often to 1,411 kbps or higher, depending on the track. This means:
Richer soundstage
More clarity in vocals and instruments
Better experience with high-quality headphones or speakers
However, it also means larger file sizes and higher data usage, something mobile listeners should keep in mind.
Apple Music: Offers lossless at no extra cost, plus Dolby Atmos spatial audio.
Tidal: Known for its Hi-Fi and Master Quality tracks, popular with audiophiles.
Amazon Music Unlimited: Provides Ultra HD sound for Prime members at a competitive price.
Spotify’s advantage lies in its personalized playlists, algorithms, and massive user base. Adding lossless quality makes it more competitive, especially for users who don’t want to leave their favorite playlists behind.
To fully enjoy lossless audio, you’ll need:
A premium Spotify subscription (expected to cost extra).
High-quality headphones or speakers capable of handling lossless files.
A strong internet connection (Wi-Fi recommended).
If you’re listening on basic earbuds or a standard Bluetooth speaker, you may not notice much difference. But on good equipment, the improvement is significant.
Spotify has started testing the feature in select regions and is expected to roll it out gradually worldwide in 2025. Some reports suggest it may be part of a new “Supremium” tier with additional perks like advanced playlist tools and higher payouts for artists.
The launch of lossless listening marks a major shift in Spotify’s strategy. For years, the company focused on convenience and discovery. Now, it’s signaling that sound quality matters just as much as playlists.
For music fans, it means no longer having to choose between Spotify’s features and the best sound available. For the industry, it’s another sign that Hi-Fi streaming is becoming the new standard.
