Spotify review

Spotify is the default choice for a reason: it covers music, podcasts and audiobooks in one app, and its plan lineup fits almost every household. The free ad-supported tier lets anyone start without a card, and Premium Individual costs $12.99 a month after a one-month trial. Couples at one address can share Premium Duo for $18.99, families get up to six accounts with parental controls for $21.99, and verified students pay $6.99 with a Hulu plan included. Premium now streams lossless audio up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz, which closes most of the gap with rivals for everyday listening, though Tidal and Qobuz go further for high-resolution files. Premium also adds 15 hours a month of audiobook listening, but on shared plans only the plan manager gets those hours. The main drawback is price: at $12.99, the single plan sits a dollar above Apple Music and Tidal.

Who it is for

Most listeners who want strong recommendations, a free tier and plans for couples, families and students.

Price

Free ad-supported tier; Premium Individual $12.99 per month after a 1-month trial, Duo $18.99, Family $21.99, Student $6.99.

$0 for 1 month, then $12.99 per month after.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Lossless music up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz on Premium
• 15 hours a month of audiobook listening for the plan manager
• Offline downloads with automatic Offline Backup
• Premium Duo for two and Premium Family for up to 6 accounts
• Student plan that includes a Hulu plan for eligible students

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free tier lets you try the app with no card
• Strength: Duo plan fills the gap between single and family pricing
• Strength: Audiobook hours are bundled into Premium
• Weakness: Individual plan costs $1 more than Apple Music
• Weakness: Lossless tops out at 44.1 kHz, below Tidal and Qobuz
• Weakness: Audiobook hours go to the plan manager only on shared plans

Key facts

• Individual: $12.99 per month
• Duo: $18.99 per month, 2 accounts
• Family: $21.99 per month, up to 6 accounts
• Student: $6.99 per month
• Top audio quality: Lossless up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz

Where it ranks

Spotify is No. 2 in our Best Music Streaming Services verdict.