The main difference between Spotify Free and Spotify Premium is in the features and user experience. While Spotify Free users can stream music on the service with ads, for instance, Spotify Premium users do so without any ads. For example, Spotify Free users have to bear audio ads every 15-30 minutes, which include pausing playback. This used to cost $9.99 per month in the US, but without the cuts, it’s now full playback.
Free Spotify forces most playlists to shuffle, allowing users only six skips per hour. With Premium, there is unlimited skips and direct selection, allowing for more control in song choice. These features enable the user to make their playlist exactly how they want, catering to users who have a need for flexibility and customization within their playlists.
Another big difference is offline playback. Spotify Free requires an internet connection for streaming, while Premium allows users to download up to 10,000 songs on up to five devices. This feature appeals to frequent travelers and commuters who often face limited connectivity. According to a report by Spotify in 2023, 45% of Premium users named offline playback as one of the most important features in their subscription.
The quality of the sound differs. Spotify Free features the option of listening to music at only up to 160 kbps, but on Premium, it may provide audio in a resolution of as much as 320 kbps. With the larger bit rate, sounds become sharper and better, mainly to high-value sound players. On Spotify, according to research, in 2022 68% of people reported subscribing due to superior sound.
Free users face platform restrictions on Spotify, like region-based content limitations because of licensing agreements. Premium removes such restrictions, allowing users access to Spotify’s library from around the world. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, for example, Premium users reported uninterrupted access to event-specific playlists curated for international audiences.
Family and group sharing options are only available in Premium. The Family Plan costs $15.99 per month and allows up to six accounts with individual playlists and listening histories. Premium Duo costs $12.99 per month for two people at the same address. Spotify Free doesn’t offer comparable features, so Premium is the best option for families.
The financial model is also different. Spotify Free relies on ad revenue, which contributed an estimated $1.5 billion to Spotify’s 2022 earnings. Premium subscriptions accounted for more than $9 billion in the same period, a testament to how much users value the upgraded features. Learn more about these differences by checking out spotify premium.