The amount of data Spotify uses mainly depends on the selected audio quality. Depending on your settings, one hour of music streaming consumes between 40 MB and 150 MB of data. While normal quality requires around 40 MB per hour, Premium users in the highest quality can use up to 150 MB. In addition, other factors such as ads, cover displays, and podcast videos can significantly increase consumption.
If you stream music for one hour daily, you should expect a monthly usage of between 1.2 GB and 4.5 GB, depending on the quality setting. Especially with limited data plans, it is important to know how to manage this.
Spotify Data Usage by Quality Levels
The different quality levels on Spotify have a direct impact on your data usage. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all available options and their consumption rates.
Low Quality (24 kbps)
At the lowest quality setting, Spotify uses about 10–20 MB per hour. This setting is particularly useful when you have a very limited data allowance, but the sound quality is significantly reduced. Music sounds flat and lacks dynamic range. For occasional listening on the go, this setting may be sufficient—especially for podcasts or audiobooks, where audio quality is less critical.
Normal Quality (96 kbps)
The default setting consumes around 40 MB per hour. For a three-minute song, this equals roughly 2 MB of data. This quality strikes a good balance between sound quality and data consumption and is sufficient for most users. With one hour of daily listening, you’ll use around 1.2 GB per month. The sound is acceptable, especially when using phone speakers or basic headphones.
High Quality (160 kbps)
High quality increases consumption to about 70 MB per hour. A three-minute track uses about 3.5 MB. This option is available only for Premium users and provides noticeably better sound. The difference becomes clear when using high-quality headphones or speakers. Monthly usage comes to around 2.1 GB with one hour of daily listening.
Very High Quality (320 kbps)
Premium users can expect up to 150 MB per hour. Each three-minute track consumes roughly 7.2 MB—this is Spotify’s best available sound quality. Music sounds richer and more dynamic. However, this setting should only be used if you have plenty of data or are mainly streaming over Wi-Fi.
Factors That Affect Spotify Data Usage
Besides audio quality, several other factors can influence how much data Spotify consumes. These are less obvious but still relevant.
Audio Quality and Bitrate
The chosen bitrate has the biggest impact. Higher bitrates mean better sound but also higher data usage. Spotify adjusts quality automatically depending on your network connection—lower quality for weak signal, higher quality for strong. You can also set it manually for more control.
Ads and Visual Content
Ads between songs also use data, especially video ads. Cover animations (Canvas), lyrics displays, and artist images add to consumption. These animated covers can use several extra MBs per hour. Premium users benefit from ad-free playback, which lowers data usage. Lyrics and artist info also use small amounts of data.
Video Podcasts and Extra Features
Video podcasts consume far more data than audio—sometimes ten to twenty times as much. Features like Autoplay, which plays similar songs automatically, can increase usage unnoticed. Syncing playlists across devices and loading updates also use small amounts of data.
How to Monitor Spotify Data Usage
To stay on top of your Spotify data consumption, you can use built-in tools on your device or provider apps. Regular monitoring helps avoid unexpected costs.
Check Data Usage on Android
On Android, go to "Network & Internet" → "Data Usage". There you’ll see Spotify’s daily and monthly consumption. You can even set app-specific data limits and alerts. Many devices show graphs so you can identify heavy-use days easily.
Check Data Usage on iOS
On iPhone, go to "Settings" → "Mobile Data" and scroll down to Spotify. Here you’ll see usage stats since the last reset. You can also disable mobile data for Spotify entirely if you only want to use it on Wi-Fi.
Provider Apps
Most carriers have their own apps such as "MyVodafone," "MeinMagenta," or "MyO2." These give detailed usage stats and warnings. Often, provider apps are even more accurate than phone settings since they use billing data directly.
Effective Tips to Save Data on Spotify
With the right settings, you can significantly reduce Spotify’s data usage. Here are the best methods.
Download Music for Offline Playback
The best way to save data is to download your music over Wi-Fi. Premium users can download up to 10,000 songs on up to 5 devices. Once downloaded, playback uses no mobile data. This is perfect for commuters or travel. Make sure you have enough storage space on your device.
Enable Data Saver Mode
Spotify has a built-in Data Saver that automatically reduces quality and disables visuals like Canvas. This can cut data usage by up to 85%. You’ll find this option in "Settings → Data Saver and Offline Mode."
Prefer Wi-Fi
Use Wi-Fi whenever possible. Disable "Download over mobile data" in the settings to prevent accidental mobile downloads. Many public places offer free Wi-Fi, so take advantage of them to download albums or playlists.
Adjust Quality Settings
Lower streaming quality on mobile data to "Normal" or "Low". For podcasts, high quality is rarely necessary. You can also set separate preferences for Wi-Fi and mobile data, so you can enjoy higher quality at home but save data on the go.
Spotify Offline Mode
The Offline Mode is one of Spotify’s most powerful features to avoid data use.
Activate Offline Mode
This mode blocks all internet use. You can turn it on in "Settings → Playback". Keep in mind, you can stay offline for up to 30 days before reconnecting to verify your Premium account. After that, you can continue offline again.
Manage Downloads
Check your downloads regularly and delete old content to free space. Filter your library by "Downloads" to see all offline tracks. You can also choose download quality—lower quality saves space per song.
Extra Settings to Reduce Data Use
Disable Canvas and Autoplay
Canvas animations and Autoplay both increase data usage. Turn them off in "Settings → Playback". Especially Autoplay can secretly use large amounts if you fall asleep or leave your phone running.
Set Video Podcasts to Audio-Only
In "Settings → Downloads & Streaming", you can enable "Audio only for video podcasts". This dramatically reduces data usage since only audio is streamed.
Comparison: Spotify vs. Other Streaming Services
Compared to competitors, Spotify is mid-range in terms of data use. YouTube Music consumes more due to video (up to 150 MB per hour for audio only, much more for videos). Apple Music is similar to Spotify but offers lossless audio that can reach up to 2 GB per hour. Amazon Music and Deezer are close to Spotify. Podcast-only apps like Audible generally use less because of lower bitrates.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How much data does Spotify use per hour?
Between 10 MB (low) and 150 MB (very high), depending on settings. On normal quality, it’s about 40 MB per hour.
Can I use Spotify without mobile data?
Yes, with Premium Offline Mode. Download your music on Wi-Fi, then listen offline with zero mobile data usage.
How do I enable Data Saver?
Go to Settings → "Data Saver and Offline Mode" → Enable "Data Saver". This lowers quality and disables visual extras.
Does Spotify use data in the background?
Yes, but only minimal amounts for updates and syncing. In Offline Mode, there’s virtually no usage. To be safe, close the app completely.
How many songs can I download?
Premium users can download up to 10,000 songs per device on 5 devices. That equals about 100–200 hours of music, depending on track length.
What quality should I use on the go?
"Normal" (96 kbps) is the best balance. Use "Low" if you have very limited data. At home on Wi-Fi, you can switch to High or Very High.
