As someone who’s deeply passionate about music, I’ve always believed that audio quality matters just as much as the songs themselves. My daily soundtrack flows through my trusted Q Acoustics M20 HD bookshelf speakers, my iPhone paired with Skullcandy Crusher Wireless headphones, and my living room setup featuring Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2 speakers powered by a Marantz PM6007 amplifier. Each piece delivers an incredible sound experience, rich, immersive, and detailed. But lately, I’ve been wondering: am I truly getting the best from my gear when I stream on Spotify?
Spotify’s convenience and massive library are undeniable, but is its streaming quality holding me back from hearing my favourite tracks the way they were meant to be heard? This curiosity has led me to explore the growing world of Hi-Res audio streaming services like Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and Apple Music Lossless. In this article, I’ll dive into what Hi-Res audio really means, compare the top platforms, and share my journey of moving my playlists and upgrading my listening experience. If you love music as much as I do and crave that next-level sound quality, this deep dive is for you.
What Is Hi-Res Audio, Really?
Hi-Res Audio, short for High-Resolution Audio, is all about hearing music in greater detail and clarity than standard streaming services typically offer. While platforms like Spotify stream music in compressed formats (usually up to 320 kbps), Hi-Res Audio goes further by delivering lossless or uncompressed files with higher bitrates, bit depths, and sampling rates.
To put it simply: Hi-Res Audio lets you hear more of what the artist actually recorded in the studio. You’ll notice finer textures in vocals, more depth in instrument separation, and an overall fuller, more dynamic soundstage, especially if you’re using quality gear. It’s the difference between watching a 4K film and a DVD, once you notice it, it’s hard to go back.
Why Audiophiles and Music Lovers Care About Audio Quality
For true music lovers, listening isn’t just a background activity; it’s an experience. That’s why so many audiophiles chase higher-quality sound: they want to hear music exactly how it was intended, with every nuance intact.
Low-quality streaming can flatten out a song’s dynamics and mask subtle details like reverb tails, breathy vocals, or the warm tones of analogue instruments. With Hi-Res Audio, those details come alive. You feel the texture of each guitar string, the placement of each drum hit, and the air around the vocals, especially when you’re listening through good speakers or headphones.
Understanding Audio Quality: What’s the Difference?
When comparing music streaming platforms, three technical terms matter most for audio quality:
- Bitrate (kbps) – how much audio data is transferred per second (higher = better sound fidelity).
- Bit Depth – how precisely the signal is measured (higher = greater dynamic range).
- Sample Rate – how frequently the audio signal is captured per second (higher = more accurate reproduction).
To get the best understanding of sample rate, bit depth, and bit rate, read this article.
Let’s break this down by platform:
| Platform | Max Bitrate (kbps) | Bit Depth | Sample Rate | Compression | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify Premium | 320 kbps | 16-bit | 44.1 kHz | Lossy (compressed) | AAC / Ogg Vorbis |
| Apple Music | N/A (Lossless) | Up to 24-bit | Up to 192 kHz | Lossless & Hi-Res | ALAC |
| Tidal HiFi | 1,411 kbps (CD quality) | 16-bit | 44.1 kHz | Lossless | FLAC |
| Tidal HiFi Plus | ~2,304–9,216 kbps* | Up to 24-bit | Up to 192 kHz | Lossless / MQA | FLAC / MQA |
| Amazon Music HD | 850–3,730 kbps | 16-bit | 44.1 kHz | Lossless | FLAC |
| Amazon Ultra HD | 3,730–9,216 kbps | Up to 24-bit | Up to 192 kHz | Lossless | FLAC |
| Qobuz Studio | 2,304–9,216 kbps | Up to 24-bit | Up to 192 kHz | Lossless | FLAC |
| Deezer HiFi | 1,411 kbps | 16-bit | 44.1 kHz | Lossless (CD quality) | FLAC |
*Tidal MQA bitrate varies due to compression technique, often averaging between 2,304 kbps and 4,608 kbps, but may peak higher depending on the track.
So What Do These Numbers Mean?
- Spotify delivers good quality at 320 kbps, but it’s lossy, meaning it permanently removes parts of the audio to make the files smaller. For casual listening, this is fine — but detail and nuance are sacrificed.
- Hi-Res platforms like Apple Music, Tidal HiFi Plus, and Amazon Ultra HD offer lossless and high-resolution audio that retains much more of the original recording. You’ll notice better soundstage, clarity, instrument separation, and dynamics.
The Best Hi-Res Music Streaming Services in 2025: Side-by-Side Comparison
With so many streaming platforms claiming superior sound quality, it can be tough to know which one truly delivers. To help you decide, I’ve broken down the leading music streaming services, comparing their audio specs, pricing in both the UK and US, and the pros and cons that matter most to music lovers and audiophiles alike.
1. Spotify Premium
- UK Price: £10.99/month (Individual)
- US Price: $10.99/month
- Max Audio Quality: 320 kbps (Ogg Vorbis)
- Bit Depth / Sample Rate: 16-bit / 44.1 kHz (lossy)
Pros:
- Excellent music discovery and curated playlists
- Widely supported on all devices
- Easy-to-use interface
- Large user base for social features
Cons:
- No Hi-Res or lossless tier available
- Audio compression sacrifices detail
- No audiophile-grade streaming option
2. Apple Music (Lossless & Hi-Res Lossless)
- UK Price: £10.99/month (Individual), £16.99 (Family)
- US Price: $10.99/month (Individual), $16.99 (Family)
- Max Audio Quality: Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz (ALAC)
- Bitrate: Not applicable – uses lossless ALAC
Pros:
- Lossless and Hi-Res included at no extra cost
- Massive library in Hi-Res format
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
- Great spatial audio and Dolby Atmos content
Cons:
- Hi-Res requires external DAC for iPhones
- Not ideal for non-Apple users
- No FLAC support, limited file format flexibility
3. Tidal HiFi / HiFi Plus
- UK Price: £10.99/month (Unified HiFi+ plan from April 2024)
- US Price: $10.99/month
- Max Audio Quality: Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz (FLAC & MQA)
- Bitrate: 1,411–9,216 kbps (varies with MQA)
Pros:
- Huge catalog of HiFi and Hi-Res tracks
- Supports FLAC and MQA (studio-quality)
- Curated content for hip-hop/R&B fans
- Compatible with high-end streaming gear
Cons:
- MQA format is controversial among audiophiles
- FLAC-only downloads limited to some plans
- HiFi Plus no longer offers lower-tier pricing
4. Amazon Music Unlimited (HD & Ultra HD)
- UK Price: £10.99/month (Prime), £11.99/month (non-Prime)
- US Price: $9.99/month (Prime), $10.99/month (non-Prime)
- Max Audio Quality: Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz (FLAC)
- Bitrate: 850–9,216 kbps
Pros:
- HD and Ultra HD included in standard plan
- Massive Hi-Res library
- Works well with Alexa-enabled devices
- Available at discount for Prime members
Cons:
- Clunky app experience
- No advanced playback settings or exclusive features
- Not as focused on audiophile needs
5. Qobuz Studio
- UK Price: £12.99/month (Studio Solo) or £129.99/year
- US Price: $12.99/month or $129.99/year
- Max Audio Quality: Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz (FLAC)
- Bitrate: 2,304–9,216 kbps
Pros:
- Pure FLAC, no proprietary formats
- Option to buy and download tracks
- Excellent metadata, booklets, and editorial content
- Loved by audiophiles and purists
Cons:
- UI not as modern or user-friendly
- Smaller music catalog than Spotify/Apple
- Fewer algorithmic recommendations
6. Deezer HiFi
- UK Price: £14.99/month (Family plan includes HiFi)
- US Price: $10.99/month
- Max Audio Quality: 16-bit / 44.1 kHz (CD Quality, FLAC)
- Bitrate: 1,411 kbps
Pros:
- Clean, intuitive app design
- CD-quality lossless streaming
- Decent catalog and music discovery
Cons:
- No Hi-Res (above CD quality) options
- Less aggressive rollout of lossless features
- Limited appeal to high-end audiophiles
Summary Chart
| Service | Max Quality | UK Price | US Price | Hi-Res Support | Lossless | Free Tier? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | 320 kbps (lossy) | £10.99 | $10.99 | ❌ | ❌ | Yes |
| Apple Music | 24-bit / 192 kHz (ALAC) | £10.99 | $10.99 | ✅ | ✅ | No |
| Tidal HiFi+ | 24-bit / 192 kHz (FLAC/MQA) | £10.99 | $10.99 | ✅ | ✅ | Limited (trial) |
| Amazon Music | 24-bit / 192 kHz (FLAC) | £10.99–£11.99 | $9.99–$10.99 | ✅ | ✅ | Limited (trial) |
| Qobuz Studio | 24-bit / 192 kHz (FLAC) | £12.99 | $12.99 | ✅ | ✅ | No |
| Deezer HiFi | 16-bit / 44.1 kHz (FLAC) | £14.99 (fam) | $10.99 | ❌ (CD quality only) | ✅ | Yes (limited) |
How to Get the Best Out of Hi-Res Streaming
To truly appreciate the detail and depth of Hi-Res audio, your gear needs to be up to the task. While good headphones like my SkullCandy Crusher Evo offer decent sound, pairing your streaming service with a dedicated Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) and amplifier can unlock much more. Without the right hardware, you risk bottlenecking the sound quality, no matter how good the source.
Beyond gear, network stability plays a big role. Hi-Res files are much larger than typical streams, so having a fast, reliable internet connection helps prevent buffering or drops in quality. If your Wi-Fi is patchy, consider using wired Ethernet or improving your router setup.
When it comes to playback, make sure your app settings are optimised. Many platforms allow you to toggle between different streaming qualities; always choose the highest or “lossless” setting. Also, some apps support offline downloads in Hi-Res, which can help maintain quality without relying on constant streaming.
If you’re often on the move but don’t want to compromise on sound quality, check out my review of the JBL Charge 5, a rugged portable speaker that balances durability and impressive audio performance.
Is It Worth Switching from Spotify?
So, is it really worth making the jump from Spotify to a Hi-Res streaming service? For casual listeners, Spotify’s ease of use, huge library, and discovery features might outweigh the audible differences. However, if you’re like me, someone who treasures music as an experience and owns capable audio equipment, the upgrade is noticeable and rewarding.
After testing platforms like Tidal HiFi and Apple Music Lossless on my Mordaunt Short speakers and SkullCandy headphones, I found that the clarity and depth of the sound exceeded Spotify’s compressed streams. Instruments felt more present, vocals crisper, and overall dynamics richer.
Of course, the higher cost and slightly steeper learning curve of new apps might be a deterrent. But if you have good headphones or speakers and a decent network, the jump to Hi-Res streaming is worth it.
Who should upgrade? If you’re passionate about music, enjoy audiophile-grade sound, or simply want to get the most out of your equipment, Hi-Res streaming is a clear winner. But if you primarily listen on basic earbuds or casual settings, Spotify might still be your best bet.
But wait!
Spotify is preparing to launch its long-awaited lossless audio tier, now expected to be called Spotify Music Pro. This premium add-on is anticipated to roll out in late 2025, nearly five years after its initial announcement in 2021.
What Is Spotify Music Pro?
Spotify Music Pro is set to offer 24-bit/44.1kHz lossless audio (FLAC format), delivering CD-quality sound. Unlike competitors like Apple Music and Amazon Music, which include lossless audio in their standard subscriptions, Spotify plans to offer this feature as a separate paid tier. The Music Pro plan may cost an additional $£5–$£6 per month on top of the existing Premium subscription.
While Spotify has not confirmed an exact launch date, the company has indicated that Music Pro is in the final stages of development. References to “lossless” audio have appeared in the app’s code, suggesting that the feature is nearing availability. Can you wait, or will you switch now?
For those serious about getting the best from your hi-res streams, investing in quality speakers is key. My detailed thoughts on the Q Acoustics M20 HD after a year of use highlight why these remain some of my favorite bookshelf speakers.