Although alternatives like Rimusic are also available , the reality is that Spotify remains the streaming app of choice for most users. But what many don’t know is that there are adjustments you can make to achieve the best possible sound quality , significantly improving your listening experience.
Below we’ll tell you all the settings you can configure so you can enjoy the highest quality music when you listen to it.
- Adjust the audio quality
- Turns volume normalization on or off
- Customize the equalizer
- Set gapless playback
- Remove data saving mode
- Optimize your device settings
- Use quality headphones and speakers
Adjust the audio quality
Audio quality is one of the most important factors for a good music experience. Spotify lets you adjust it depending on whether your priority is listening to music in the highest quality possible or trying to save data. In the mobile app, you can go to the Settings section, located in the main menu (by accessing your profile or the gear icon). Once there, scroll down to Audio Quality and select between Automatic, Low, Normal, High, and Very High.
If you want to enjoy the highest quality, you’ll have to choose the Very High option, although keep in mind that this will consume much more data. On the desktop version, you can also adjust the quality by accessing the Preferences menu in the top bar (or using the shortcut Ctrl + P / Cmd + ,) and looking for the Audio Quality section . It’s worth noting that this option is only available to Premium users, allowing a bitrate of up to 320 kbps.
Turns volume normalization on or off
Activating volume normalization will allow you to listen to music in higher quality.
Volume normalization is a useful feature that adjusts audio levels between songs , preventing sudden volume changes. This way, if you’re listening to a playlist with songs from different albums or artists, you’ll avoid the problem of some being louder than others.
It’s a feature that apps of this type, such as Spotify and Deezer , usually have, and you can activate or deactivate it as you wish.
To do this, you’ll need to go to Settings and look for the Normalize Volume option . If you’re using Spotify on your mobile device, you’ll find this option under Playback. Just toggle the button next to it on or off.
Customize the equalizer
Spotify has its own equalizer
The equalizer is the tool found in most music apps to adjust the sound frequency to the type of music you’re listening to. On mobile devices, you can access the equalizer from Settings. Once inside, find the Playback section and select Equalizer . Here you’ll find preset options like Rock, Pop, or Jazz that can be tailored to specific styles.
But if these presets don’t suit you, you always have the option of adjusting them manually . If you listen to electronic music, you could boost the bass for a more immersive experience, while for classical music, you could emphasize the mid and high frequencies to capture more detail. On the desktop version, although Spotify doesn’t have a built-in equalizer, you can use external software like Equalizer APO on Windows or eqMac on macOS to customize your sound.
Set gapless playback
Gapless playback, also known as crossfade , is an ideal feature for those who enjoy smooth transitions between songs. It eliminates pauses between songs, making listening to your playlists much smoother.
To activate it, go to Settings in the mobile or desktop app. Find the Playback section and enable crossfade. In addition to turning it on and off, you also have the option to choose the length of the overlap between songs. A range of 5 to 8 seconds is recommended to maintain a smooth transition between songs. This setting is particularly useful in settings like parties or gatherings, where smooth playback enhances the collective experience.
Remove data saving mode
Data saving mode lowers sound quality
Spotify has a data saving mode designed to help us reduce our data usage while on our mobile devices. It allows us to save data without having to use Spotify offline , but in return, it lowers the quality of the music we’re listening to.
To disable it, go to Settings and look for the Data Saver section in the mobile app. If you have unlimited data or are connected to Wi-Fi, it’s best to turn it off. This will allow you to enjoy music in the highest quality available.
Optimize your device settings
To achieve the best music quality, it’s best to configure not only Spotify, but also the device you’re using it on. In Windows , open the Control Panel , access the properties of your playback device (by right-clicking on the speaker icon in the taskbar), and select the highest quality available, such as 24-bit and 192 kHz.
On macOS, use the Audio MIDI Setup app to set the output quality to the highest possible level. If you’re using a smartphone, check your sound settings to see if your device supports Hi-Res audio and enable it. This way, both your software and hardware will be ready to enjoy your music in the highest quality.
Use quality headphones and speakers
If you use Spotify from Windows, you can adjust the audio from the Control Panel
The quality of your playback equipment has a significant impact on your listening experience. Therefore, the better your headphones or speakers , the better the sound quality. If you’re using a Bluetooth device, go to your smartphone or computer’s settings and make sure it’s using the highest-quality codecs available, such as aptX or AAC.
If quality is important to you, investing in good headphones is practically essential.
