- The level of sound quality on Spotify depends on the type of account and the device.
- Turning off volume normalization and adjusting the equalizer improves the listening experience.
- Adjusting the quality saves data or maximizes sound detail to your liking.
It's the go-to platform for streaming music, but many users still don't know the basic tricks to get the most out of it. A good example is the topic we cover in this article: How to change sound quality on Spotify to save data.
Below, we explain in detail how to modify the audio quality, what differences exist between free and Premium accounts, how other elements such as the equalizer or volume normalization affect it. And what to do to Get the most out of both mobile and computer, whether listening to music or podcasts.
Why is sound quality important on Spotify?
The sound quality in Spotify It depends mainly on the bitrate or bit rate, which determines how much information each second of music contains. A higher bit rate means more nuance, richness, and fidelity in the sound. However, it also means higher mobile data usage and storage space if you download songs. Finding the balance between data quality and consumption is key.
However, Bitrate isn't everything: the device and the headphones or speakers you use play an essential role.No matter how much you activate the highest quality option, if your phone, computer, or headphones aren't keeping up, it'll be difficult to notice any significant differences. Therefore, it's always a good idea to understand the limits of audio quality and its real impact on the experience.
Quality differences between free and Premium accounts on Spotify
Spotify sets different audio quality levels depending on the type of account and the device you use. Free accounts have certain limitations compared to Premium subscriptions.:
- Automatic: Default setting based on your Internet connection.
- Low: Approximately 24 kbit/s, designed to save data.
- Normal: Equivalent to 96 kbit/s, enough for background listening but with little definition.
- High: 160 kbit/s, available for all accounts, offers a good balance between quality and consumption.
- Very high: 320 kbit/s, for Premium subscribers only, is the highest quality available.
In the case of podcast, audio quality is generally around 96 kbit/s for all profiles, even with a paid account.
The difference between the high and very high settings is especially noticeable on high-quality devices, while on basic headphones the differences are smaller. Spotify Premium also allows you to download songs at the highest quality (320 kbps), ideal if you have enough space and want to listen offline.
How to change the sound quality on Spotify?
Changing the sound quality on Spotify is easy, although the option may be somewhat hidden. These are the steps to modify the quality in both the mobile app and the computer.:
- Open the Spotify app on your mobile or enter from your computer.
- Access your profile (icon at the top right) and go to Configuration (the gear icon on mobile).
- Scroll down until you find the section Audio quality o Music quality.
- Disable the option Adjust quality automaticallyThis will prevent Spotify from changing the quality level based on the network.
- Choose the quality level you prefer: Low, Normal, High or Very High (the latter only in Premium).
Remember You can change the sound quality in Spotify independently for Wi-Fi, mobile data, and downloads.This way, you can maintain high quality over Wi-Fi and reduce it when using data to avoid overcharging, or always use the highest quality if you don't have data plan limitations.
What is volume normalization and how does it affect sound?
A relevant, but little-known feature on Spotify is the so-called normalize volume. This setting, enabled by default on all accounts, equalizes the volume of all songs that you hear, so that there are never any abrupt jumps between songs from different albums or artists.
However, Volume normalization can cut dynamic range and affect audio quality., especially when listening in maximum quality. Spotify recommends disabling normalization in situations where you're looking for a purer, more detailed sound experience, especially when using high-end speakers or headphones.
- On mobile or computer, go to Configuration.
- Go to section Reproduction o Sound quality.
- Search normalize volume and disable it.
Note that Each device requires adjusting this option separately, since it does not synchronize between mobile and computer.
Improve Spotify sound quality: advanced tips
For those looking for the best listening experience, in addition to knowing how to change the sound quality on Spotify, it is essential know and take advantage of certain important features of the app:
Use the built-in equalizer
Spotify offers a equalizer in mobile apps (Android and iOS) with which you can manually adjust bass, midrange, and treble according to your preferences or select from various presets such as Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical, or Electronic. This way, you can customize the sound according to the musical genre or the equipment you use.
To activate it:
- Accede to Configuration > Reproduction > Equalizer.
- Choose a preset profile or adjust the bands to your liking.
Although The desktop version does not include a native equalizer., you can install external programs (Equalizer APO on Windows, eqMac on macOS) for a more personalized sound. This allows you to hear a tone more tailored to your preferences.
Activate crossfade (pauseless playback)
El cross fade It is ideal for those who prefer to avoid silences between songs, allowing overlap the end of one track with the start of the next. It offers a smoother transition, perfect for playlists, parties, or long sessions.
- Go to Configuration > Reproduction.
- Active crossfade and adjust the duration (up to 12 seconds).
It is recommended to establish between 5 and 8 seconds for smooth transitions.
Disable data saving mode if you have no rate limitations
El data saving mode Automatically reduces audio quality to save power when using mobile data. If you have enough data or usually use Wi-Fi, turn it off to enjoy the best sound.
This option is in Settings > Data Saver in the mobile app.
Also optimize your device settings
To get the best quality, it's not enough to simply change the sound quality in Spotify: The operating system and hardware also influence playback.. For example in Windows You can improve the quality in the Control Panel and increase the sound settings (up to 24-bit and 192 kHz). MacOS, adjust the options in the Audio MIDI Setup app.
On mobile phones, some models allow you to activate Hi-Res audio in the settings, which may offer superior playback if your device supports this option.
The importance of quality headphones or speakers
No matter how hard we try to change the sound quality on Spotify, no setting will be effective if the audio equipment is of poor quality. The quality of the headphones or speakers It is essential to appreciate all the nuances and details of the music. If you use Bluetooth devices, it is recommended that you use advanced codecs such as aptX or AAC instead of SBC, which compresses the audio too much.
Investing in high-end headphones or speakers is the most effective way to improve your listening experience. Furthermore, Always adjust the equalizer levels according to the equipment and the type of music to obtain the best result.
Differences between Spotify's quality and the competition
Despite possible improvements, Spotify offers lower sound quality compared to other services such as Tidal HiFi, Apple Music or Amazon Music HD, which reach CD qualities (1.411 kbps) or higher. The maximum on Spotify is 320 kbps in Premium, sufficient for most, but far from the lossless or HD experience of other providers.
With these tips, you can Adjust and maximize sound quality on SpotifyFrom choosing the best quality level for your account, configuring the equalizer, disabling normalization to maintain nuances, to optimizing both your device and audio equipment, the possibilities are endless. The experience will depend on the combination of these settings, your hardware, and preferences, but you'll notice a significant improvement in every note you hear.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.