Thinking about upgrading to Spotify Premium? Whether you're switching from another service or exploring its features, Spotify Premium offers ad-free listening, offline downloads, and high-quality audio for millions of tracks. But is it worth the price?
With one of the biggest active monthly user bases, Spotify is the most popular music streaming service on the market. But if you're not sure about upgrading to a paid account, or switching from somewhere else, here's your ultimate guide to Spotify Premium plans, pricing, and features in 2024, with a quick comparison to Apple Music to help you decide.
What Do You Get with Spotify’s Free Plan?
Most Spotify users start with the free plan. It’s ad-supported and offers standard features like searching and creating playlists, but here’s what to expect:
- Ad interruptions between songs and podcasts
- Limited skips, capped at six per hour (not ideal for song skippers)
- Basic sound quality at 96–160 kbps, compared to Premium’s 320 kbps
- Shuffle play on mobile: songs play randomly unless you’re on a web player or tablet
If you’re a casual listener, Spotify’s free plan may be all you need. For higher-quality sound, offline downloads, and zero ads, take a look at Spotify’s Premium plans.
How Much Does Spotify Premium Cost Per Month?
Spotify Premium offers several options to fit different budgets and needs. Here’s a closer look:
Spotify Premium Individual Plan - $10.99/month
For single users, this plan includes all Premium benefits: ad-free listening, offline downloads, and on-demand playback. If you're new to Premium, you’ll also get a three-month free trial (sign up here), a nice way to see if Premium is worth it for you.
Spotify Premium Duo Plan - $14.99/month
Designed for two people living together, the Duo plan offers each user their own account while saving on the individual rate. The Duo Mix playlist blends both users’ music tastes, making it a fun way to discover new tracks together. Learn more on Spotify Duo.
Spotify Premium Student Plan - $5.99/month
Eligible students can enjoy all Premium perks at half the cost, plus access to SHOWTIME and Hulu. This means extra savings on entertainment, though student status must be verified each year to keep the discount. Check eligibility and benefits at Spotify Premium for Students.
Spotify Premium Family Plan - $16.99/month
The Family Plan is a great option for up to six users and includes access to Spotify Kids, a kid-friendly app with tailored content. Parents also get control over explicit content settings, making it a safe choice for families with young listeners. Details on Spotify Family.
What Do You Get with a Spotify Premium Subscription?
Spotify Premium offers a variety of exclusive features that go beyond what’s available with a free account. Here’s what you can expect:
- Ad-Free Listening: Enjoy uninterrupted music and podcasts without any ads, creating a seamless listening experience.
- Higher Sound Quality: Stream at up to 320 kbps for clearer, more detailed audio quality.
- Offline Downloads: Download songs, albums, and podcasts to listen without an internet connection. Find out how to download Spotify playlists for offline listening.
- Unlimited Skips and On-Demand Playback: Skip songs freely and listen to any song on-demand, without limitations.
- Audiobooks: Spotify Premium users now have access to a growing collection of audiobooks. Learn more about the Spotify audiobooks offer and what’s available.
- Exclusive Content and Early Access: Certain playlists, releases, and podcasts are available exclusively or early for Premium users, giving you a first look at new content.
With these features, Spotify Premium transforms listening from a casual experience to a more personalized, high-quality one.
Spotify Premium vs. Apple Music: Which is Right for You?
Spotify and Apple Music offer similar features, but each has its strengths:
- Catalog size: Apple Music has 100 million+ songs, while Spotify has about 80 million.
- Audio quality: Apple Music offers lossless audio (ALAC), whereas Spotify maxes out at 320 kbps.
- Free tier: Only Spotify offers a free, ad-supported plan.
Both services charge the same for individual and family plans, but Spotify’s Duo plan adds value for couples or roommates.
How to Sign Up for Spotify Premium
Interested in upgrading to Spotify Premium? Here’s how you can sign up in just a few steps:
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Visit the Spotify Premium Page
Head to the Spotify Premium page to view all available plans. -
Select Your Plan
Choose the subscription that best suits you, whether it’s the Individual, Duo, Student, or Family plan. -
Log In or Create an Account
If you already have a Spotify account, log in. If you’re new, you’ll be prompted to create a free Spotify account first. -
Add Payment Details
Enter your payment information to start your subscription. Spotify also offers free trials on select plans, so you can try Premium before paying. (If you need to update your payment method later, here’s a guide on how to change payment method on Spotify). -
Confirm and Start Enjoying Premium Features
Once your registration is complete, you’ll have instant access to Spotify Premium’s ad-free listening, offline downloads, and enhanced audio quality.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Spotify Premium
How Much Is Spotify Premium Per Month?
Spotify Premium plans start at $10.99/month for individuals.
- Duo Plan: $14.99/month
- Student Plan: $5.99/month
- Family Plan: $16.99/month
What’s Included in Spotify Premium?
Premium features include:
- Ad-Free Listening: Enjoy music and podcasts without interruptions.
- Offline Downloads: Save your favorite songs, albums, and podcasts to your device.
- Higher Sound Quality: Stream in 320 kbps for a richer listening experience.
- Unlimited Skips: Skip as many songs as you like.
- On-Demand Playback: Play any song or podcast anytime.
Can I Switch Plans Anytime?
Yes, you aren't locked into a contract. You can upgrade, downgrade or cancel your plan any time. You can find these options in your account settings.
Is Spotify Premium worth it?
If you love ad-free music, better audio quality, and offline downloads, Premium is worth the upgrade. New users can also enjoy a free trial, so there’s no commitment upfront.
Transfer Spotify Playlists Free Your Music
If you're thinking about switching platforms, Free Your Music lets you quickly transfer your playlists to or from Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
