Has there ever been a time when you found yourself caught in the dilemma between going Spotify Free or going Spotify Premium? So, let’s go deeper and try to understand these differences, maybe then you will be able to decide which one is better for your musical preferences.
The Price Debate: Which is better – having music that is free, or moving up to get music that costs money?
Let me start with the money issue. Spotify free is as the name suggests has no charge at all it will not cost its users a single penny. You get access to millions of tracks in exchange, which in my opinion, cannot be disputed in case you are more on the economical side of things. However, in the same way that one gets a free buffet, there is a hitch – ads. To use the metaphor of a song: an ad may appear at the catchy tune of your favorite song or just when you are on the chorus.
Conversely, Spotify Premium comes with a price tag of £11. 99 / $11. 99 / AU$13. Should cost $99 per month for an individual. However, the added fee removes any form of advertising that can be annoying to users, something that can be appealing to many people. Family and student options are also here, and depending on the number of members in your household you may choose the Family option which allows up to 6 accounts.
Features:
Spotify Free users may feel somewhat like these people who browse around the stores without actually intending to buy anything. While it is possible to watch and judge performances, it is impossible to fully appreciate everything the service brings to the table. However, free users are limited to shuffle mode on mobile platforms, which means that you cannot simply select a song to play – the music simply shuffles.
While the free version of Spotify limits users in many ways, Spotify Premium removes all barriers. There is no limitation to the song selection, the songs can be shuffled, and you can download up to 10000 songs which can be listened to freely without an internet connection. Think about being in a plane and you cannot access the Wi-Fi, but you are dancing to your favorite songs without any disruptions.
Sound Quality
If you are the sort of person who cannot ignore the nuances of a good headphone and a great one, then sound reproduction does count. Spotify Free sounds quite good, but with Spotify Premium the sound quality can get even better. Unfortunately, premium users can stream at maximum of 320kbps meaning music to them will be clearer and detailed.
Nevertheless, even Spotify Premium at 320 kbps is not ideal when it comes to music streaming. Some competitors offer better streaming quality and there are rumors that soon Spotify is to launch a ‘premium plus’ tier version.
Discovery and Social Features
Regardless of the tier you’re choosing, the discovery feature on Spotify is one of the best in the market. Downloads are enjoyable when you listen to Discover Weekly where Beats chooses songs for you based on your preferences. These features are available both to Free and Premium users, so you won’t lose the ability to discover new songs.
However, there is the Spotify Duo for two people living in the same house, which grants Premium users a tiny advantage. This involves the creation of a Duo Mix, where the two are able to play the songs of their choice by compiling a playlist for both users; in this case, people who might want to listen to heavy metal but their partners prefer jazz, the two can come to an agreement and get to listen to something they both like.
Verdict: Which You Should Opt for?
So, which is it? For people who listen to music at an average level, do not mind advertisement and have certain restrictions, Spotify Free is perfect. It allows you to get all sorts of music you can imagine without having to pay a single penny.
Yet, if you do it as more than a hobby, do not like listeners’ interactions interfering with your tracks, and enjoy being a master of your own fate in a playlist, Spotify Premium is the solution. As for the benefits such as the improved sound quality, the possibility to listen to podcasts offline, as well as an unlimited number of skips – it is definitely worth paying the monthly fee.
Therefore, it all comes down to the choice between the Free or Premium in consideration of what is more important: the money saved or the ability to listen to songs without interruption and in great quality. In any case, Spotify has something for you, no matter who you are.
