Spotify, the music streaming service, is now available for free. But what do you get for your money? First and foremost, Spotify offers a much more comprehensive listening experience than other music streaming services. You can access all of your favorite songs and albums in one place, without having to search through different services or websites. Additionally, Spotify offers ad-supported listening which means that you have to pay to listen to all of the ads that come with the service. However, there are some downsides to Spotify. First and foremost, it can take a while for your songs to play back completely. Additionally, some of the songs that you love may not be available because they are only available in ad-supported mode or they may not be compatible with Spotify’s other features. Overall, if you’re looking for a music streaming service that is more comprehensive and convenient than others on the market, then Spotify is a good option - but make sure that you’re willing to pay for it!
The free version of Spotify streams tracks at 96kbps on the mobile apps and 160kbps on your computer. That’s a small, but noticeable drop in quality compared to a CD. With Spotify Premium, you have the option to listen to tracks at up to 320kbps, which is essentially the same as CD quality audio.
If you’re worried about burning through data at that higher level, you can choose different streaming qualities for Wi-Fi and cellular. Plus, you have the ability to download music for offline listening with Spotify Premium.
Of course, that doesn’t mean much unless you have a good pair of headphones to appreciate the higher quality. Check out our Best Headphones guide to find a pair for your needs. Better sound quality is just one of the benefits of paying for Spotify Premium. If you’re interested in giving it a whirl, you may be able to save a little money on a subscription.
