[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!

[OTMAN_HI-RES]

Dear Spotify Team and Community,

As a passionate music lover and long-time Spotify user, I strongly believe that it’s time for Spotify to introduce a lossless audio option (e.g., FLAC or ALAC) for users who value high-fidelity sound.

While 320 kbps streaming is decent, it doesn't compare to the rich detail, clarity, and depth offered by true lossless formats—already available on platforms like Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music. With more users investing in high-quality headphones, DACs, and home audio systems, the demand for Hi-Res audio is growing rapidly.

Spotify is a leader in music accessibility and discovery. Adding a lossless tier would not only satisfy audiophiles and music purists but also help Spotify stay competitive in a market where sound quality is becoming a top priority.

Please consider this idea seriously. Many users would gladly pay for a HiFi tier that provides an immersive and uncompromised listening experience. 

Thank you for reading and I hope fellow music enthusiasts will support this idea!

[Samppa3]

Spotify team (or whoever) clearly isn’t listening. Maybe lossless/hi-res is coming, but support ignores this thread — everything here is falling on deaf ears.

[bzero]

we need a huge **bleep** storm on social media, documenting the endless energy of fans commenting on Lossless and how Spotify ignores this issue since years. This must be heard by the world now! We need to make some noise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mariolezama]

Yes, they should have already delivered Lossless and HIFI quality by now, please do something about it, I would like to go back to Spotify Premium as long as you keep your promise made a long time ago which is High quality content, so disappointment. 

[rightrich]

Ironic

##- Please type your reply above

[ar_richard]

Dear Spotify Support Team,

As a loyal Spotify Premium subscriber, I’m reaching out to urge you to add 16-bit/44.1kHz lossless audio in FLAC format to the Premium tier, aligning with industry standards and user expectations in 2025. Here’s why this upgrade is overdue and essential for users like me:

1. Enhanced Audio Quality for Premium Users: Spotify’s current 320kbps Ogg Vorbis is solid, but it’s lossy, discarding data that impacts clarity on high-end setups. I use ADAM Audio D3V near-field monitors, which reveal fine details in music. Lossless FLAC at 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD quality) preserves every bit of the original recording, delivering the full dynamic range (96dB) and frequency spectrum (up to 22kHz) that my monitors are built for. This would elevate the listening experience for enthusiasts without requiring niche 192kHz formats.
2. Industry Standard and Competitive Parity: Competitors like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal offer 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC or ALAC at no extra cost in their $10.99/month plans. Spotify’s lack of lossless puts Premium subscribers at a disadvantage, especially when paying the same price. Your 2021 HiFi announcement promised CD-quality audio, but four years later, we’re still waiting. Adding FLAC to Premium would match the market and reward loyal users, avoiding a costly “Super premium” tier that feels like a cash grab.
3. Bandwidth and Infrastructure Support: Internet speeds in 2025 make lossless streaming practical. Average U.S. broadband is ~230Mbps, and 5G mobile hits ~100Mbps. A 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC stream uses just 5-10Mbps, a fraction of available bandwidth, even on mobile data. FLAC’s 40-60% compression over WAV keeps file sizes manageable (~15-25MB per song), and its error correction ensures smooth playback. Spotify’s 250M+ subscribers and $4.5B in 2024 revenue give you the resources to implement this without raising Premium prices.
4. Artist and Listener Benefits: Lossless audio respects artists’ work, preserving studio masters as intended. For listeners, it’s a tangible upgrade, especially for genres like jazz and classical, where dynamics shine on gear like my D3Vs. FLAC’s metadata and compatibility make it ideal for your platform, as proven by Tidal and Apple Music. This move would also counter criticisms about artist payouts by showing Spotify values quality.

I urge Spotify to add 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC to the Premium tier in 2025, not as a separate HiFi plan. This is a fair ask given competitors’ offerings, modern bandwidth, and your market leadership. Please prioritize this to keep Spotify ahead and satisfy audiophiles like me who love your platform.

Thank you for considering this feedback. I’m happy to discuss further or share more about my listening setup.

Best, ar (richard) - two:3Studios -  Premium Subscriber

[PabloAlonso]

Me canse de esperar, puse ROON con TIDAL y música Local. Si pago mas por ello, pero no tiene comparación. Se escuchan todos los detalles como corresponde!
Mientras sigo pagando mi suscripción premium de Spotify porque hay algunas cosas que Tidal no tiene, pero espero que algún día cumplan sus promesas...

[petsy48]

I gave up on Spotify many years ago. I've tried them all and settled with Qobuz. I am a beta tester for Qobuz Connect and that was my last stumbling block. Maybe that may sway those wanting to try something else while waiting for Spotify Hi-res.

[PaulMac]

SPOTIFY - thanks for your tireless work keeping everyone regularly updated on what's been happening with the introduction of HiFi quality streaming.

So far you've managed an enormous 2 updates since this thread was first started and accepted by yourselves as 'under consideration'. That was some time ago. Like a LONG LONG TIME ago!

As of today it's been:

11 years 1 months 26 days
or 133 months 26 days
or 582 weeks 1 days
or 4075 calendar days

I don't mean to rush you but how much longer do you need to consider it?

[Samppa3]

Dearest PaulMac,

Looking at these statistics, it seriously seems like Spotify is suffering from a severe case of dementia — or perhaps even a worsening form of Alzheimer’s. It clearly shows signs of restlessness (distracted by other things), aggression (constantly blaming its competitors), and irritability (completely unwilling to address the HiFi topic at all). At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if it forgot it ever promised HiFi in the first place.