Spotify Encourages Subscribers to Switch with Latest Price Increase
Spotify has announced a price increase for its subscription plans in the U.S., marking the third hike in under three years. This change makes Spotify Premium one of the most expensive music streaming services currently available.
New Subscription Prices
The updated pricing for Spotify subscriptions is as follows:
- Spotify Premium Individual: $12.99 per month (previously $11.99)
- Spotify Premium Student: $6.99 per month (previously $5.99)
- Spotify Premium Duo (2 users): $18.99 per month (previously $16.99)
- Spotify Premium Family: $21.99 per month (previously $19.99)
These new rates are effective immediately for new subscribers. Existing customers will see the increased charges on their next billing date.
Market Comparison
This price hike positions Spotify Premium higher than similar offerings from its competitors, including Apple Music, Tidal, and YouTube Music. Notably:
- Spotify’s Premium Individual is now $2 more expensive than Apple Music.
- Amazon Music Unlimited offers a lower rate of $10.99 for Prime members, further widening the pricing gap.
Spotify’s Justification
In a blog post, Spotify stated the changes reflect “the value that Spotify delivers.” The company asserts that these price adjustments help support artists through higher payouts, although it pays rightsholders less per stream compared to services like Tidal and Apple Music.
Features and Competition
The timing of the price increase follows Spotify’s introduction of lossless, CD-quality streaming in September 2025. This feature came after a lengthy development process that began in February 2021. Despite these upgrades, other services like Apple Music offer lossless audio at competitive prices and higher quality.
Spotify has also expanded its platform with podcasts and audiobooks, but its core demographic seems to prefer features like personalized recommendations and social sharing.
Should You Switch Services?
With these price changes, many users are reconsidering their music streaming options. Competitors provide significant value:
- YouTube Music Premium costs $10.99 per month but does not support lossless audio.
- YouTube Premium, for $13.99 monthly, offers both YouTube Music and additional content.
- Apple Music and Tidal offer higher-quality lossless audio at $10.99 per month.
Ultimately, the decision to remain with Spotify or switch to a different service may depend on individual preferences, particularly regarding audio quality and features. With Spotify being the largest music streaming service by active user count, its latest price increase prompts a critical evaluation of its value proposition.
