For years, people have been asking the same question in comments and forums: When is Spotify going to offer lossless audio?
Apple rolled it out back in 2021, Tidal built its whole identity around sound quality, Amazon pushed HD and Ultra HD, and Spotify kept saying it was coming “soon”.
But after years of waiting, the update has finally landed!
Spotify Lossless is rolling out to Premium subscribers, offering FLAC streams up to 24-bit, 44.1 kHz across nearly the entire catalog at no additional cost.
The obvious question then becomes: when comparing Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music, which service offers the best balance of sound quality, features, and real-world usability?
That is what I want to unpack in this post.
What Lossless Audio Really Means
Let me start with the basics.
Most music streaming services used to send you compressed audio. Spotify’s “Very High” setting, for example, used 320 kbps Ogg Vorbis, which sounds good, but it still removes data that was in the original studio master.
Lossless audio does something different. It compresses the file in a way that keeps all the original data and reconstructs it perfectly on playback. Apple uses its own ALAC format, while Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon rely heavily on FLAC. In all cases, the idea is the same: you get the full detail of the original recording.
On a good pair of headphones or speakers, that usually means:
- Clearer vocals
- Better separation between instruments
- A more natural sense of space and dynamics
The jump from compressed to lossless is a big one. That said, the transition from lossless to high-resolution (such as 96 kHz or 192 kHz) is much more subtle, and you often only notice it with proper wired equipment in a quieter setting.
Spotify Lossless: A Late Arrival With a Practical Ceiling
Spotify Premium now includes a Lossless option you can toggle in the audio settings. When you switch it on, you can stream in FLAC at up to 24-bit, 44.1 kHz, which is slightly above traditional CD quality and a clear step up from the old 320 kbps streams.
I like the way Spotify has done this for a few reasons:
- It is part of the normal Premium plan, so there is no extra tier
- Most of the catalog supports it
- It works on mobile, desktop, and compatible speakers through Spotify Connect
There are still limits. That 44.1 kHz ceiling means Spotify does not enter true hi-res territory, where Apple, Tidal, and Amazon reach up to 24-bit, 192 kHz.
If you are an audiophile with serious gear, that difference might matter. For most people, the new Lossless option is already a noticeable upgrade within an app they use every day.
Apple Music: High Specs, No Extra Charge
Apple was early to the lossless rollout. Most of the Apple Music catalog is available in ALAC at resolutions ranging from standard CD quality (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) up to 24-bit, 192 kHz.
You get:
- Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless without paying more
- A large range of Spatial Audio tracks
- Smooth integration across iPhone, Mac, Apple TV, HomePod, and CarPlay
There is a catch, though. AirPods still use Bluetooth, and Bluetooth compresses audio. You need wired headphones or an external DAC to take full advantage of Hi-Res Lossless.
On paper, Apple Music beats Spotify by a significant margin on technical specifications. In reality, if you listen to music with AirPods while commuting, you are not hearing that entire jump. With a wired setup, you absolutely can.
Tidal: Streaming for Audiophiles
Tidal has built its brand around sound quality. Its Max tier offers hi-res FLAC up to 24-bit, 192 kHz, plus extras like Dolby Atmos.
This is where I think Tidal makes the most sense:
- You already own good wired headphones, a DAC, or a hi-fi system
- You want consistent access to hi-res files
- You like the editorial and hi-fi-focused feel of the app
Tidal used to rely heavily on MQA, which sparked debate among engineers, but the service has shifted toward hi-res FLAC for more transparency.
The trade-off is cost and catalog. You usually pay more for the Max tier, and you may notice gaps where other platforms have tracks that Tidal does not.
Amazon Music Unlimited: Strong Specs, Less Spotlight
Amazon Music Unlimited often flies under the radar, but on paper, it sits right beside Apple and Tidal. HD and Ultra HD tracks reach 24-bit, 192 kHz, and you do not pay extra for the higher resolutions.
Here is where it stands out:
- Very high resolution included in the standard Unlimited plan
- A deep catalog of HD and Ultra HD content
- Simple setup with Echo speakers and Fire TV devices
The drawback is the experience. The interface works, but it doesn't feel as polished or intuitive as those of Spotify or Apple. Discovery tools are also less refined. If you want hi-res streaming at a reasonable cost and already use Echo speakers, it is a stronger option than most people expect.
Side-By-Side Comparison
Before diving deeper, it helps to take a step back and view all four services in one place. This is how I compare Spotify vs Apple Music vs Tidal vs Amazon Music when I focus on sound quality and everyday usability:
Maximum Resolution
- Spotify: Up to 24-bit, 44.1 kHz FLAC
- Apple Music: Up to 24-bit, 192 kHz ALAC
- Tidal: Up to 24-bit, 192 kHz FLAC
- Amazon Music Unlimited: Up to 24-bit, 192 kHz Ultra HD
How Lossless Audio Is Offered
- Spotify: Included in Premium
- Apple Music: Included in the standard subscription
- Tidal: Highest quality available in the Max tier
- Amazon Music Unlimited: HD and Ultra HD included for Unlimited users
Where Each One Fits Best (In My View)
- Spotify: Everyday listening, discovery, playlists, and social features
- Apple Music: Apple users who want high specs and wired listening sometimes
- Tidal: Audiophiles and hi-fi fans with dedicated gear
- Amazon Music Unlimited: Value-focused listeners with Echo setups
Things To Consider Before You Pick a Service
Specs and charts are useful, but they are not the whole story. The service you stick with usually comes down to how you listen day to day, not what the numbers say.
Here are the main points to consider before choosing a streaming service:
Your Headphones and Speakers
If you mostly use Bluetooth earbuds, Bluetooth becomes the limiting factor, no matter which app you choose. Even modern codecs still compress audio, so you never get full hi-res streams over a standard wireless connection.
A wired setup with a basic DAC reveals much more of what Apple, Tidal, and Amazon offer at the highest resolutions.
The Devices You Use
If you are deep into the Apple ecosystem, Apple Music will feel natural across your devices. If you live with Echo speakers or Fire TV, Amazon Music Unlimited makes sense.
Spotify still wins on ubiquity. Spotify Connect works almost everywhere, and that convenience is hard to beat when you want music to follow you from room to room.
How You Discover New Music
Spotify’s recommendations still feel the most personal to me. Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Daily Mix are what keep many people tied to the platform.
Apple, Tidal, and Amazon have their own versions, but if discovery is what keeps you listening, Spotify still has the edge.
Data, Storage, and Offline Listening
Lossless streaming uses more data and more storage. Hi-res tracks can take up significant space when downloaded. If you have a tight data cap or limited storage, you may need to adjust your settings: use lossless quality on Wi-Fi and standard quality on mobile data.
So Who Wins: Spotify, Apple, Tidal, or Amazon?
Here is how I would sum it up.
- If you are already satisfied with Spotify, the new Lossless option is a strong enough upgrade that you probably don't need to switch. You get better sound without losing the interface and playlists you already enjoy.
- If you want the highest resolution possible and listen through wired gear, Apple Music and Tidal give you more room to explore.
- If you want high-resolution audio at a great value and already use Echo speakers, Amazon Music Unlimited is a good fit.
When people search for the perfect streaming platform, they often hope there is a single winner. But the reality isn’t black and white. The right choice depends on your devices, headphones, and how much you value the difference between lossless and hi-res audio.
For most listeners, Spotify Lossless finally makes staying with Spotify an easy decision. If you are more serious about audio, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music Unlimited all take you further.
