[All Platforms][Music] HiFi Quality - Lossless Streaming 16bit 44.1khz

[timiambeing]

I've just started a trial of Qobuz - they offer the standard 320kbps as well as lossless FLAC streaming (and high res downloads if you purchase them) the sound quality is noticeably better and on classical it's just wonderful to get all that resolution through your hi-fi or headphones! The catalogue has a way to go to get to Spotify's level, but they are getting there. The iPad app isn't' too bad (the desktop app is in need of an upgrade but I hear they are putting all their efforts into mobile apps right now).

So - lossless streaming - if Qobuz can do it then so can Spotify, they must have the same source - and obviously if you are asking £20 a month then those record labels and distributors take enough notice to make the high res tracks available for streaming. What this all means is soon, very soon, we will get lossless streaming and closely followed by high res downloads - but if Spotify aren't careful it will be Apple who get there first with an audiophile premium offering, and when they do it will be a much harder market place to make money in!

** please don't lump this suggestion with the main one on lossless downloads, that's a different idea entirely guys!

[timiambeing]

I've just started a trial of Qobuz - they offer the standard 320kbps as well as lossless FLAC streaming (and high res downloads if you purchase them) the sound quality is noticeably better and on classical it's just wonderful to get all that resolution through your hi-fi or headphones! The catalogue has a way to go to get to Spotify's level, but they are getting there. The iPad app isn't' too bad (the desktop app is in need of an upgrade but I hear they are putting all their efforts into mobile apps right now).

[timiambeing]

So - lossless streaming - if Qobuz can do it then so can Spotify, they must have the same source - and obviously if you are asking £20 a month then those record labels and distributors take enough notice to make the high res tracks available for streaming. What this all means is soon, very soon, we will get lossless streaming and closely followed by high res downloads - but if Spotify aren't careful it will be Apple who get there first with an audiophile premium offering, and when they do it will be a much harder market place to make money in!

[Samppa3]

Another price hike and still no lossless:
https://newsroom.spotify.com/2025-08-04/upcoming-changes-to-spotify-premium-subscriptions/

I wonder what kind of innovations justify a price hike?

[mctesterson]

@Samppa3 asks: "I wonder what kind of innovations justify a price hike?"

Well, you may have noticed that someone recently took the time and money to change the visual look of these Community pages.  That's surely sufficient innovation to justify paying more per month?

Aside from that, it's possible that Spotify will keep raising their prices without launching lossless audio as long as customers keep subscribing after the prices increase.

Several quarters of declining subscriptions might encourage them to launch lossless, especially if many of those who unsubscribe take the time to tell Spotify that lack of lossless audio is the reason why they unsubscribed.  Barring something like that, why would Spotify bother to release a new feature like that as long as mostly everyone is sticking around, apparently happy with lossy lower-quality sound?

[victor_guminski]

Hi Spotify Team,

I've been waiting for Spotify HiFi for a while now, and I was wondering if there are any updates regarding its release. Many users, including myself, are interested in lossless (CD-quality) audio, especially with so many competing services like Tidal, Apple Music, and Amazon Music already offering HiFi and Dolby Atmos support.

Will Spotify HiFi still be launched in 2025 as rumored? Also, will there be any spatial audio support (like Dolby Atmos) included in the future?

Thanks in advance for your response, and please consider prioritizing HiFi quality — it’s something the community truly values.

Kind regards,
Victor Guminski

[MrShinzen]

I don't think it will come. They raised the prices 2 days ago, It would have been an opportunity to introduce Spotify HiFi but they didn't. I got tired of hoping and today I switched to Tidal family.

[mariobro1]

PLEASE GO TO FLAC LOSSLESS FORMAT SO I CAN GO BACK TO YOU GUYS....IT SOUNDS WAY BETTER THAN WHAT YOU HAVE NOW .. TY..👍

[Musicalgenius_1998]

I don't think they will launch the lossless audio quality because they don't have enough money because the music companies are asking more money for offering the lossless audio quality but when the music companies negotiate with apple they don't ask that much money because its apple but Spotify is trapped with this music companies that's why Spotify is repeatedly delaying hifi tier so I guess switch to other music streaming service 

[pwrosenberg]

Please comment - should I replace Spotify ?

[NoOneKnows0]

Introduction:

Spotify, as the largest music streaming service in the world with over 600 million users, holds a unique position in the market. However, limitations in audio quality and the lack of support for advanced audio features are key weaknesses compared to competitors such as Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz.

This proposal aims to introduce a premium advanced plan that delivers the highest audio quality and state-of-the-art audio features, providing an exceptional listening experience while increasing Spotify's revenue.

---

1️⃣Proposed Plan: "Music Pro"

Audio File Quality:

HiFi (CD Quality): 16-bit / 44.1 kHz

Lossless: FLAC / ALAC without quality loss

Hi-Res Audio: 24-bit / 48–192 kHz

Advanced Audio Features:

Dolby Atmos: immersive 3D audio for supported devices

360 Reality Audio (Sony): precise instrument positioning and immersive experience

Spatial / Binaural Audio: 3D sound environment simulation

Advanced Equalizer: Bass, Treble, Presets

Crossfade and Gapless Playback: smooth track transitions

Volume Normalization / Loudness Control: consistent volume levels

Download & Offline Playback at high quality

---

2️⃣Financial Model

Increase all premium plans by $3 (e.g., $10 → $13 per month)

Keep the current royalty share to labels unchanged

Expected additional net revenue: approximately $207 million per month or $2.5 billion per year

---

3️⃣Benefits

Enables all high-quality audio formats (HiFi / Lossless / Hi-Res)

Provides all advanced audio features listed above

Enhances user experience for audiophiles and professional listeners

Increases user retention and reduces cancellations

Strengthens competitive advantage against Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz

Generates sufficient funds to support infrastructure for HiFi and Hi-Res content

---

Conclusion:

With a $3 increase per premium plan, Spotify can:

1. Offer all high-quality audio formats

2. Activate all advanced audio features including Dolby Atmos, 360 Reality Audio, Spatial Audio, and advanced EQ

3. Increase net revenue significantly without affecting label agreements

This plan represents a significant step to solidify Spotify's position as the most advanced music streaming service globally.

[Summersunsets]

Dear Spotify Team,

I am a long-time Spotify user and a dedicated audiophile who enjoys high-quality music playback. I currently use Spotify Premium via Spotify Connect on my Cambridge 851N hi-fi system. While I appreciate the convenience and functionality of Spotify Connect, I am disappointed that even Premium streaming is limited to 320 kbps Ogg Vorbis, which is lossy and does not take advantage of high-end audio systems.

I would like to formally request that Spotify prioritize releasing true CD-quality lossless streaming (1,411 kbps FLAC/ALAC) for Premium or higher users. This level of quality is standard in competing services like Qobuz, Tidal HiFi, and Apple Music Lossless, and it would allow Spotify users with high-end equipment to experience music as the artists intended.

Additional suggestions to consider for HiFi deployment:

1. Make lossless streaming available directly via Spotify Connect, so users can stream directly to supported devices without relying on a computer.

2. Provide a toggle in the app for High-Quality / Lossless streaming, similar to how video services allow HD or 4K selection.

3. Consider expanding bitrate options for desktop and mobile apps to fully utilize hi-res DACs in high-end audio systems.

As a loyal user and supporter of Spotify, I believe adding a true HiFi tier would not only enhance the listening experience but also strengthen Spotify’s position as a leader in music streaming.

Thank you for considering this request. I look forward to seeing Spotify evolve toward lossless and hi-resolution streaming in the near future.

Sincerely

[fatgutsrob]

Good luck with that we have been asking for years