
New users can take advantage of the Spotify Premium Individual trial and an entire month to check out everything the service has to offer. If you're on the fence, be sure to cancel before your trial is up; otherwise, you'll be charged the then-current rate ($11.99 at the time of publishing). Spotify Premium offers ad-free access to your favorite music and podcasts as well as 15 hours per month of listening time from the Spotify audiobooks subscriber catalog. Shop Now at Spotify

If you've got a large group of people that want to split the cost of a Spotify Premium subscription, it's worth checking out the Spotify Premium Family plan. With it, you'll get up to 6 Premium or Kids accounts for $19.99 per month and the ability to control content that's marked as explicit, plus access to Spotify Kids. The plan manager also gets 15 hours per month of listening time from the audiobook subscriber catalog. Not sold on the plan? You can easily cancel at any time. Buy Now at Spotify

Can't bring yourself to share your Spotify account with your partner? Well, if you opt for the Spotify Premium Duo subscription, you don't have to! This plan gives you 2 Premium accounts for ad-free listening to music and podcasts. On top of that, the main plan manager will also receive 15 hours per month of listening time from the audiobook subscriber catalog, so keep that in mind when deciding who gets to be in charge when it comes to your subscription. Note that this is for "couples who reside at the same address" and you can cancel at any time. Buy Now at Spotify
When you think of streaming music, you probably think of Spotify. As the world's largest audio streaming service, it has become the go-to platform for over 678 million people globally, with an impressive 268 million of them being paying subscribers. It’s a cultural juggernaut that defines music trends, cementing the status of superstars like Taylor Swift and turning tracks like Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" into global anthems.
But Spotify has grown far beyond its origins as just a music-streaming app. It has evolved into an all-encompassing audio destination, offering nearly seven million podcast titles and, more recently, integrating audiobooks directly into Spotify Premium subscription plans. This expansion means that a single subscription can now cover your workout playlist, your morning news podcast, and your latest audiobook obsession, adding a new layer of value for subscribers. With so many features and a variety of subscription tiers to choose from, figuring out how to get the best deal can be a challenge.
That’s where we come in. Here at DealNews, our job is to help you navigate the options and find the smartest ways to save. We've dug into every aspect of Spotify's offerings, from its robust free plan to its money-saving family subscriptions. We’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the right plan and ensure you’re not paying a penny more than you have to.
How to Save the Most on Spotify
Paying the full sticker price for Spotify Premium is something you rarely have to do if you know where to look. While traditional promo codes are hard to come by, Spotify offers a whole host of other ways to cut costs, from long-term free trials and bundled family plans to student discounts and clever gift card strategies. Whether you want to pay nothing at all or just shave a few dollars off your monthly bill, we’ve got a method that will work for you.
Listen for Free with Spotify's Ad-Supported Plan
The easiest way to save is to simply not pay at all. Spotify’s free tier gives you access to its entire massive catalog of over 100 million songs and nearly seven million podcasts. If you primarily listen on a desktop computer, the experience is fantastic, with the only tradeoff being occasional ad breaks. On mobile, the free plan is a bit more restrictive, limiting you to shuffle play for most albums and playlists and allowing only six song skips per hour. Still, for casual listening, it's an unbeatable value.
Take Advantage of Free Trials for New Users
If you're new to Spotify Premium, the service almost always has a generous introductory offer waiting for you. Typically, this comes in the form of a one-month or even a three-month free trial of the full Premium experience. This lets you enjoy ad-free listening, unlimited skips, and offline downloads without spending a dime. Just remember to set a calendar reminder to cancel the subscription before the trial period ends if you don’t want to be charged the regular monthly rate.
Share the Cost with a Duo or Family Plan
This is arguably the best long-term deal for anyone who doesn't live alone. Instead of paying for multiple individual accounts, Spotify’s bundled plans offer huge savings. The Premium Duo plan costs $16.99 per month and covers two people who live at the same address, bringing the cost down to just under $8.50 each. For bigger households, the Premium Family plan is an even better value at $19.99 per month for up to six users under one roof. If you maximize the plan with six people, the cost drops to about $3.33 per person, which is a massive discount. Spotify does require all members of a Duo or Family plan to reside at the same physical address, and may ask for verification.
Score a Major Discount with the Premium Student Plan
For eligible college and university students, the Spotify Premium Student plan is one of the best deals in streaming. For just $5.99 per month, you get all the benefits of a full Premium subscription. As an incredible bonus, the plan also includes access to the ad-supported tier of Hulu at no extra cost. This bundle delivers a huge amount of entertainment value for a fraction of the standard price. You will need to verify your student status through a third-party service like SheerID to qualify.
Pay Annually with a Discounted Gift Card
While Spotify doesn't offer a traditional annual subscription, you can create your own discount by purchasing a 12-month Spotify Premium gift card. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target often sell these for $99. This works out to just $8.25 per month for a Premium Individual plan, saving you over $40 a year compared to paying month-to-month. This is a fantastic option for solo listeners who know they'll be sticking with the service for the long haul.
Check for Bundles with Your Mobile Plan
Some mobile phone and internet providers occasionally offer a free or discounted Spotify Premium subscription as a perk for signing up for certain plans. While these offers aren't always available, it's worth checking with your provider to see if they have any current promotions. Just be sure to do the math; a "free" subscription isn't a good deal if the mobile plan itself is overpriced or includes more data than you actually need.
Look for Special Offers Through Partners Like PayPal
Spotify frequently teams up with other major companies for exclusive promotions. For example, PayPal has historically offered its users an extended three-month free trial of Spotify Premium. These deals can pop up at any time, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your email inbox or check the "offers" section of your PayPal account to see if you're eligible for any special perks.
Check Your Credit Card Perks and Offers
Many credit card issuers provide special perks and rotating offers to their cardholders. Companies like American Express and Chase often feature deals that give you a statement credit for spending on streaming services. Log in to your credit card's online portal and browse the "offers" or "rewards" section. You might find a deal that gives you a few dollars back on your Spotify subscription for a limited time.
This Year’s Pricing and Options
Spotify has been adding a ton of value to its Premium plans, most notably a library of audiobooks to go along with its massive collection of music and podcasts. This shift means Spotify is no longer just a music app; it's aiming to be your all-in-one audio hub.
Choosing the right plan is key to making sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Spotify has a plan for just about everyone, from students and solo listeners to couples and families. While every paid tier gets you the core benefits like ad-free listening and offline downloads, the costs and extra features are where you'll find the biggest differences.
Plan |
Monthly Cost |
Key Features |
---|---|---|
Premium Individual |
$11.99 |
1 account; Ad-free music, offline downloads, unlimited skips, 15 hours of audiobooks per month |
Premium Duo |
$16.99 |
2 accounts; All Individual perks plus a shared Duo Mix playlist |
Premium Family |
$19.99 |
Up to 6 accounts; All Individual perks plus Spotify Kids app and explicit content filter |
Premium Student |
$5.99 |
1 account; All Individual perks (except audiobooks) plus access to Hulu (With Ads) |
Audiobooks Access |
$9.99 |
1 account; 15 hours of audiobook listening per month, plus ad-supported Spotify Free music |
Spotify Free |
$0 |
1 account; Access to the full catalog with ads, shuffle-play on mobile, and 6 skips per hour |
Choosing the right plan is all about your personal situation. The Individual plan is the go-to for most solo listeners, but the real savings kick in with the multi-person plans. The Duo and Family plans are specifically designed for people living at the same address and offer the best per-person value.
For those who are more interested in audiobooks than ad-free music, Spotify introduced the Audiobooks Access plan. This unique tier gives you the monthly 15-hour listening credit for audiobooks while keeping the music and podcast experience on the free, ad-supported level. It’s a creative solution for listeners who prioritize stories over songs.
Premium Individual
The classic, all-access pass for one person. The Premium Individual plan gives you the complete Spotify experience: millions of songs and podcasts without ad interruptions, the ability to download anything for offline listening, and unlimited song skips. With the recent changes, this plan now includes 15 hours of listening time from Spotify’s audiobook catalog each month, making it a comprehensive entertainment package for $11.99 per month.
Premium Duo
Designed for two people living under the same roof, the Premium Duo plan is perfect for couples or roommates. It includes two separate Premium accounts, so each person gets their own music, playlists, and recommendations. In addition to all the standard Premium features, Duo members get an exclusive, auto-generated "Duo Mix" playlist that blends both of your musical tastes. At $16.99 per month, it’s a significant saving compared to two separate Individual plans. The 15 hours of audiobook listening time are included for the plan manager's account.
Premium Family
The Premium Family plan is the ultimate value for households. For $19.99 per month, you get up to six separate Premium accounts for family members residing at the same address. Each person gets their own private account, so there’s no fighting over the queue or messing up each other's recommendations. The plan also includes exclusive features like the Spotify Kids app, a standalone app with curated, kid-friendly content, and the ability to block explicit music. When maxed out with six users, the cost works out to just over $3 per person, making it by far the most cost-effective way to get Spotify Premium. Like the Duo plan, the 15 monthly audiobook hours are allocated to the primary account holder.
Premium Student
If you're a student at an accredited college or university, this is the best deal on the table, hands down. For just $5.99 per month, you get a full-featured Premium Individual account. The deal gets even sweeter because it also includes access to the ad-supported version of Hulu. The only notable exception is that the Premium Student plan does not currently include the 15 hours of audiobook listening time. You’ll need to verify your student status annually to maintain the discount.
Spotify Pricing in Previous Years
For what felt like forever, Spotify's pricing was locked in and predictable. But if you've been a subscriber for a while, you've seen that start to change. As Spotify has poured money into becoming an audio empire—snapping up podcast networks and building a huge audiobook library—its prices have started to creep up to match. It's a classic playbook we're seeing across the board in streaming: first, they add the cool new features, and then, a little while later, the price follows. It’s all part of a race to become the one-stop shop for everything you listen to, not just your favorite songs.
Aside from a dollar-per-month adjustment to Premium Family in 2021, Spotify rates remained steady from 2020 to 2022. Prices jumped for all plans in 2023, with the company citing "evolving market conditions and the need to innovate. Last year saw an even bigger price hike for the Individual, Duo, and Family plans as the company added 15 hours of audiobook streaming.
Ultimately, the takeaway for deal seekers is clear: while Spotify’s price has risen, it has also expanded its offerings. This pattern of price increases isn't unique to Spotify; it's a common strategy seen across the streaming landscape as services mature. Your best defense is to stay informed and proactive. By regularly reassessing your plan and taking advantage of bundled or long-term deals, you can easily offset these industry-wide hikes and keep your costs low. The key to maintaining value is to ensure you’re on the most efficient plan for your needs, whether that means sharing a Family plan or taking advantage of the Student discount.
How to Sign Up
Ready to jump in? Signing up for Spotify is a quick and painless process that only takes a few minutes. Whether you’re creating a brand-new account to take advantage of a free trial or upgrading an existing free account to a Premium plan, the process is designed to be as simple as possible. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to get started.
- Visit the Spotify website or download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Click "Sign up" and choose whether to create an account with your email or to sign up using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account.
- Select the subscription plan that’s right for you, whether it's Free, Premium Individual, Duo, Family, or Student. If you choose a paid plan, you’ll be prompted to enter your payment information, such as a credit card or PayPal account.
- Start listening immediately on the web player or log in to the app on any of your devices once your subscription or account is confirmed.
After you're signed up, you can start building playlists, following your favorite artists, and exploring all the music, podcasts, and audiobooks the platform has to offer. We recommend spending a few minutes right after signing up to 'like' some of your favorite tracks and artists. This will give Spotify's powerful algorithm a head start in understanding your tastes and begin curating personalized playlists like Discover Weekly just for you.
How Spotify Stacks Up with Competitors
Spotify remains the king of streaming in terms of user numbers, but the competition is fierce, with each major service offering a unique angle to attract listeners. While most services have settled around the same price point, the real differences lie in their exclusive features, ecosystem integration, and overall user experience. Your choice will likely come down to which ecosystem you're already a part of and what you value most in a streaming service. Are you an audiophile who demands the highest sound quality, a loyal Amazon Prime member, or someone who can't live without YouTube's vast video library? The table below breaks down the key decision-making factors.
Service |
Monthly Price |
Key Differentiator |
Discounts |
---|---|---|---|
Spotify |
$11.99 |
Best-in-class personalization and playlists |
Duo, Family, and Student plans |
Apple Music |
$10.99 |
Lossless and spatial audio included for free |
Student and Family plans; Apple One |
YouTube Music |
$10.99 |
Unmatched library of unofficial or rare content |
Student, Family, and annual plans |
Amazon Music Unlimited |
$10.99 |
Discounted price for Amazon Prime members |
Discount for Prime members |
Ultimately, the "best" service comes down to your priorities. Spotify wins for its unparalleled personalization, social features, and all-in-one audio library. Apple Music is the clear choice for audiophiles and those deep in the Apple ecosystem. YouTube Music is a no-brainer for YouTube power users, while Amazon Music Unlimited offers unbeatable value for dedicated Prime members. The best part is, you don't have to commit right away. Nearly all of these services offer free trials, giving you the perfect opportunity to test them out for yourself. Keep an eye on DealNews, as we'll be sure to feature the latest and greatest trial offers and subscription discounts as they become available, helping you make the smartest choice for your ears and your wallet.
What to Listen to on Spotify This Year
Spotify has transformed from a simple music player into an audio universe, with a library so vast it can feel a little overwhelming to dive into. Beyond the latest chart-topping singles, there's a world of podcasts, audiobooks, and personalized content waiting to be discovered. Whether you want to lean back and let the algorithm do the work or actively curate your own listening experience, Spotify has a tool or a playlist for it.
- Music Genres: From pop and hip-hop to classical, indie, and hyper-niche subgenres, you can explore millions of tracks. Spotify has an endless supply of playlists for every mood, activity, and decade.
- Podcasts: With nearly seven million titles, Spotify is a podcasting giant. You can find everything from chart-topping true crime series and exclusive comedy shows to daily news briefings and educational deep dives.
- Audiobooks: Premium subscribers get 15 hours of listening time per month from a catalog of over 250,000 titles. You can dive into best-selling fiction, compelling memoirs, and self-help guides right in the same app you use for music.
- Made For You: This is where Spotify's personalization shines. It's home to your Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and multiple Daily Mix playlists, all tailored to your unique listening habits and designed to help you find your next favorite artist.
- Charts: Want to know what the world is listening to? The Charts section gives you a real-time look at the most popular songs and albums, with rankings for the Top 50 globally and for specific countries.
- Curated Stations and Radio: Start a radio station based on any artist, song, or playlist, and Spotify will create an endless stream of similar music. The AI-powered DJ feature even adds a personalized host to guide your listening journey.
With an audio universe this vast, it’s easy to get lost. The sheer volume of content can be daunting, but that’s where Spotify’s real genius lies: it doesn’t just dump a library on you and walk away. It acts as your personal curator, blending the best of both worlds. Its powerful algorithm is constantly working behind the scenes, learning your tastes with every listen to serve up personalized recommendations that feel like they were hand-picked just for you.
At the same time, its team of global music editors has its finger on the pulse of culture, spotting trends and building playlists that capture the moment. This dual approach means you can effortlessly stay on top of what’s buzzing globally while also discovering hidden gems that perfectly match your unique vibe.
Now Playing: This Year’s Biggest Hits and Trends
If there’s one word to describe the music landscape this year, it's "crossover." According to Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped report, genres are bleeding into each other like never before, with country music leading the charge into the mainstream. Artists like Beyoncé and Shaboozey have blurred the lines between country, pop, and hip-hop, creating some of the year's most talked-about and streamed tracks. At the same time, pure pop is having a massive moment, with Sabrina Carpenter’s ridiculously catchy hit "Espresso" officially crowned the most-streamed song globally. The report also highlighted the notable success of female artists, who claimed eight of the top spots on the most-streamed albums list, and the meteoric rise of indie acts like Chappell Roan, whose anthems have become global sensations.
More recently, Spotify's editors dropped their predictions for the Songs of Summer, and the trends point to an even more connected and varied musical world. One of the biggest movements is the global spread of Afro-fusion, with tracks like "Show Me Love" by WizTheMc and breakout star Tyla fusing electronic beats and RandB with Afrobeats. On the flip side of that high energy, a hazy, chilled-out vibe is also taking hold, perfect for those lazy summer evenings. Artists like The Marías are mastering that dreamy sound with tracks like “No One Noticed.” And for late-night energy, dance floors are speeding up with high-BPM garage and rave hits, like the remix of "Say My Name" by Morgan Seatree and Florence + The Machine.
Of course, the audio journey on Spotify doesn't stop with music. Podcasts continue to be a massive draw, with "The Joe Rogan Experience" once again topping the global charts, proving the power of long-form conversation. And in a first for the platform, the 2024 Wrapped report officially crowned the top audiobooks, revealing a full-blown streaming phenomenon in the fantasy genre. Author Sarah J. Maas dominated the list with her wildly popular A Court of Thorns and Roses series, demonstrating that a binge-worthy story can capture listeners' attention just as powerfully as a hit album.
Need to Cancel Your Spotify Premium Subscription? Here's How
Sometimes a subscription just doesn't fit into the budget anymore, or maybe you're switching to a different service. Whatever the reason, Spotify makes the process of canceling your Premium plan mercifully simple. The best part is that canceling doesn't mean deleting your account. You’ll be downgraded to the ad-supported free version, but all of your playlists, saved songs, and listening history will be waiting for you if you ever decide to come back.
Ready to make the switch? Just follow these simple steps. Keep in mind you’ll need to do this through a web browser, as you can’t cancel a subscription directly within the mobile or desktop apps.
- Head over to Spotify.com in your web browser and log in to your account.
- Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select "Account" from the dropdown menu.
- Once you’re on your account page, look for the section labeled "Manage your plan" or something similar. Click on "Cancel plan" or "Change plan."
- Spotify will guide you through a few confirmation steps. Follow the prompts until you see a final confirmation message that your plan has been canceled.
That’s all there is to it. Your account will remain on the Premium plan until your next billing date, so you can continue to enjoy the ad-free experience for the time you've already paid for. After that, it will automatically revert to Spotify Free.
It's also important to note that if you subscribed to Spotify through a third party, like your mobile phone provider or with an in-app purchase on Apple, your billing is handled by them. In that case, you'll need to cancel your subscription directly through that company's platform, not Spotify's.
Spotify FAQs and Terms to Know
Before you go, there are a few key details and rules every Spotify user should be aware of, especially if you're trying to get the best deal. The most important one involves the multi-person plans: Spotify's Premium Duo and Premium Family subscriptions require all members to live at the same physical address. Spotify uses address verification to enforce this, so you can’t split a Family plan with friends across the country to save a few bucks. It’s also good to know that Premium subscribers can download up to 10,000 tracks on a maximum of five different devices for offline listening.
Like any service, Spotify has its own official rulebook, otherwise known as the Terms and Conditions of Use, that covers everything from how billing works to what you can and can't do on the platform. There's even a separate document governing the terms for paid subscriptions. Being a smart subscriber means knowing the basics, especially when it comes to free trials, recurring payments, and user guidelines. Instead of getting bogged down in legal jargon, we recommend keeping their resources handy. For a quick, searchable answer to almost any question, the Spotify Support Center is your best bet.