2 min read
After years of anticipation, Spotify has finally rolled out lossless, high-quality music streaming for premium users. The feature, first announced in 2021 but repeatedly delayed due to licensing and technical challenges, will now allow subscribers to stream music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC quality, delivering audio without compression.
Spotify initially promised a HiFi tier in 2021 to match rivals like Apple Music and Amazon Music, both of which introduced lossless streaming years earlier. However, Spotify delayed its launch multiple times, citing licensing hurdles. In 2024, CEO Daniel Ek hinted the service was in its “early days.” Now, in 2025, the company is finally delivering on that promise.
The rollout began in September and will continue through October, covering 50+ countries, including the US, UK, Germany, Japan, Sweden, and Australia. Users will receive an in-app notification once the feature becomes available and can activate it under Settings > Media Quality > Lossless.
The upgrade applies to streaming via Wi-Fi, cellular data, and downloads, but must be enabled manually on each device. Due to bandwidth limitations, Bluetooth devices cannot support lossless streaming, but users can access it through Spotify Connect with supported hardware from Bose, Yamaha, and Bluesound.
| Specification | Details |
| Audio Quality | Up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC |
| Availability | 50+ countries (including the US, UK, Germany, Japan) |
| Devices | Works on Wi-Fi-enabled devices; not on Bluetooth |
| Activation | Settings > Media Quality > Lossless |
| Library | Nearly all 100M+ tracks, with some exceptions |
Advantages of Lossless Streaming
- CD-quality audio with no compression loss
- Enhanced clarity and depth for audiophiles
- Wi-Fi streaming via Spotify Connect with premium devices
- Choice for users to enable lossless on Wi-Fi, cellular, and downloads
- Broader global rollout, covering millions of subscribers
Spotify’s long-awaited launch of lossless streaming bridges a major gap with its rivals, offering a richer listening experience for premium users. While Bluetooth limitations remain, the update represents a milestone for Spotify’s 100-million-song library. The big question: will this new feature help Spotify regain ground against Apple Music and Amazon Music?
