Spotify Very High uses lossy compression at approximately 320 kbit/s in its desktop, mobile and tablet apps. Lossless is Premium playback in FLAC at up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz, preserving audio data rather than discarding some of it during compression. To use it, you need an eligible Premium account, a supported app or device, lossless availability for the track, and a compatible playback path. Whether you will hear a difference depends on the recording, equipment and listener; the higher technical specification is not a promise of an obvious improvement.
What changes between Very High and Lossless?
| Spotify setting | Encoding and published quality | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Very High | Lossy, approximately 320 kbit/s in Spotify desktop, mobile and tablet apps | Audio is compressed in a way that discards some data. The bitrate is a technical description, not a direct measure of how different it will sound to you. |
| Lossless | FLAC, up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz | Lossless compression preserves the audio data. The published maximum describes the stream format, not a guarantee that every track is available at that maximum or that every playback path delivers it. |
These figures are from Spotify Support’s Audio quality and Lossless Audio Quality pages, accessed October 4, 2026; Spotify does not state a publication year for those pages. Spotify lists web-player quality separately: AAC at 128 kbit/s for Free and 256 kbit/s for Premium. Do not use those web-player figures as the desktop, mobile or tablet app values.
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What do you need to listen in Lossless?
- Premium: Spotify identifies Lossless as a Premium benefit. Availability can vary by market and rollout; see Spotify’s Your Premium benefits page for its current account information.
- A supported app or device: Spotify lists mobile app version 9.0.58 or later and desktop app version 1.2.67 or later, along with some third-party devices. Update the app and check the specific device’s support and firmware.
- Lossless enabled: Choose the quality setting for streaming or downloads, and ensure the track is available in Lossless.
- A compatible connection path: The source device, connection method and receiving device all matter. Spotify cites Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and AUX as examples of connection types that can affect quality; compatibility depends on the particular equipment and path.
- A stable internet connection: Spotify recommends a steady 1.5 to 2 Mbps connection for the best Lossless listening experience. This is its recommendation, not a guarantee against interruptions; network stability and available bandwidth also affect playback.
Lossless is not available for music videos, podcasts or audiobooks. Higher-quality playback and downloads can also use more data and storage than lower-quality settings, so consider your data allowance and available device space.
How to turn on Lossless in Spotify
In the mobile, tablet or desktop app
- Open your profile and select Settings and privacy.
- Open Media quality.
- Choose Lossless for streaming and, if wanted, for downloads.
- While playing, check the playback quality indicator where available to confirm the active quality.
On a third-party device
- Start playing music and open Spotify’s device picker.
- Select the third-party device.
- Open Change quality settings and choose Lossless.
- If the option is missing, verify that the specific device supports it and has current firmware.
Spotify’s menu wording or availability may vary with app version and device. Its Lossless Audio Quality help page provides the current setup and support details.
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Will Lossless sound different to you?
It may, but Spotify does not promise a dramatic change. The difference depends in part on the original recording, and a lossless file cannot restore detail that is absent from that source. Spotify’s own FAQ says: “Lossless audio offers high technical fidelity, but it doesn’t always translate to a dramatically different listening experience for everyone.” That is Spotify’s guidance, not the result of an independent controlled listening test.
For a useful comparison, use the same track and playback volume, switch between Very High and Lossless, and avoid changing headphones or other settings at the same time. A level difference can make one version seem better even when the underlying distinction is not obvious. If you cannot reliably tell them apart in your usual listening setup, there is no practical need to chase the higher specification.
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- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
Do you need new headphones or other equipment?
Not necessarily. Spotify supports playback in its apps and on compatible Spotify Connect devices, so a new headphone purchase is not a universal requirement. But the full chain matters: check the computer or phone’s output, the connection method, and the receiving headphones or speaker before spending money.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallDo not assume that every Bluetooth connection blocks Lossless, or that wired headphones automatically make the difference audible. Spotify says connection type can affect quality, while actual support depends on the devices and playback path. If you are considering wired headphones, verify that your source has a compatible output or adapter and that the path supports the quality you want.
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- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
What to do if Lossless is unavailable or keeps buffering
- The setting is missing: Confirm Premium availability for your account and market, update to at least the supported app version, and check whether your device supports Lossless.
- A third-party device does not offer it: Check the manufacturer’s support information and firmware, then use Spotify’s device picker and quality settings for that device.
- Playback stutters or buffers: Check connection stability and available bandwidth. Spotify recommends 1.5 to 2 Mbps for the best Lossless listening experience; if playback remains unreliable, lower the quality setting as Spotify advises.
- The track does not play in Lossless: Confirm that you are listening to music rather than a music video, podcast or audiobook, and that Lossless is available for the selected track.
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