Is Spotify Premium Worth It? (2024)

Spotify Premium is worth it because of its ad-free listening, high audio quality, offline listening, and unlimited skips. As opposed to Spotify Free, where there are certain limitations, Spotify Premium lets you experience the platform to the best of its capabilities.

Many consider Spotify Premium a useless investment, however, the benefits that come with this upgrade outweigh the price. For those capable of enduring the free version with ads, limited skips, and shuffle mode (on mobile devices), then it would be. But, for those who want the complete Spotify experience, Spotify Premium is the way to go.

Let’s take a look at what both versions offer so you can make a more informative decision when it comes to this juggernaut of a music streaming platform.

Spotify Free

Spotify Free is a great way to get to know that platform better, with certain limitations of course. The free version allows access to the massive song library, playlists, and podcasts but the most important factor that comes into play here is the audio streaming quality.

The free version has a limited audio streaming quality of 160kbps. This is considered a moderate audio quality and can pass for most listeners. For audiophiles, on the other hand, who own quality or professional speakers/headphones/earphones, the difference will be more than obvious.

Spotify Free is ad-supported, meaning that after a few songs, a must-watch ad will play, putting a damper on the whole music-listening experience. You also cannot skip songs whenever you like, there is a limited number of skips per day.

The ultimate kicker is if you’re using Spotify Free on a mobile device. The app is integrated to support only a shuffle mode for playlists, meaning you cannot listen to the desired song if you choose to do so. For iPads, tablets, and the web player, however, you can still go with the on-demand route, even if you’re a free user.

Spotify Premium

Spotify Premium truly embodies what Spotify is all about. For a reasonable monthly price, you can enjoy the premium audio streaming quality of 320kbps (double the quality of the free version). But, aside from the audio quality, other benefits certainly outweigh the only factor that might be an issue – the price.

Spotify Premium allows for ad-free music listening, meaning no more show-stoppers when you’re enjoying your music. It also features unlimited skips which is a blessing. Finally, the cherry on top is the offline experience. You can download your favorite tracks and listen to them without an internet connection.

There’s a reason why Spotify is the world leader when it comes to music streaming platforms and not being able to experience it fully would be a shame.

The 4 price plans that Spotify has to offer, allow for a versatile choice as well as the most affordable and right one, depending on the individual.

Spotify Premium Pricing

Spotify Premium offers 4 price plans to choose from – Individual, Duo, Family, and Student.

The Individual Plan costs $9.99/month. You get access to 1 account and can enjoy music ad-free, unlimited skips, and the chance to download and listen to music offline.

The Due Plan costs $12.99/month. You can connect 2 accounts (a couple, a family member, etc.) and enjoy the benefits that are the same as the individual plan. This includes ad-free music, unlimited skips, and offline listening.

The Family Plan costs $15.99/month. This plan allows for 6 accounts to be connected (an entire family) and features ad-free music, unlimited skips, and offline listening. Additionally, this plan grants a feature to block explicit music and the use of the Spotify Kids app.

The Student Plan costs $4.99/month. This plan lets you bask in the perks (ad-free music, skips, and offline listening) for a very affordable price with the additional Hulu (ad-supported) plan and SHOWTIME streaming service if you reside in the US.

Is Spotify Premium Worth It?

To answer the question concisely – Spotify Premium IS worth it. You can enjoy your music without the ever-tedious ads, skip songs whenever you like, listen to music offline without depending on an internet connection, and enjoy the audio quality of the highest standard.

The pros certainly outweigh the cons when you factor in what Spotify Free offers as opposed to Spotify Premium. Not to mention the affordable price you pay for a monthly subscription.

In this day and age, to be able to enjoy one of the best music streaming platforms out there, create your own playlists, listen to your music offline, with no ads to dull the experience, and skip songs whenever you want – Spotify Premium would be a wise choice.

Free vs Premium Overview

Spotify FreeSpotify Premium
PriceFreeIndividual – $9.99/month, Due – $12.99/month, Family – $15.99/month, Student – $4.99/month
Song LibraryUnlimited AccessUnlimited access
AdsYesNo
Unlimited SkipsNo (daily limit)Yes
Offline ListeningNoYes

Conclusion

Spotify Premium is definitely worth the price, especially if you listen to a lot of music. The ad-free listening, unlimited skips, and offline experience are all great features that make Spotify Premium worth the monthly subscription fee. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to upgrade to premium, I say go for it! You won’t be disappointed.

Milan Trajkovikj

Milan Trajkovikj

I’m the Deputy Editor for Musician Wave and a touring and recording bass guitarist. I love to share my passion for all things music. I’ve been playing music for over ten years and I love exploring it further through writing. You'll also find me on the Musician Wave YouTube channel.

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