GoKawiilSpotify Lossless requires wired connections, not Bluetooth, to actually work
Spotify's new Lossless tier delivers CD-quality, uncompressed audio, but Bluetooth connections can't transmit a true lossless signal, meaning wireless earbuds and speakers won't benefit. Listeners need wired headphones, USB-C earbuds, wired computer speakers, or Wi-Fi-based Spotify Connect devices to actually hear the improved quality, and even then, cheap audio hardware may not reveal a noticeable difference.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
As streaming services push lossless audio as a premium feature, many users may pay for quality upgrades their existing gear can't actually deliver, since Bluetooth's bandwidth limits make it incompatible with true lossless playback. This creates confusion about what hardware is actually required and could lead to disappointment for users expecting a dramatic upgrade without changing their equipment.
- Bluetooth cannot carry true lossless audio, so wireless earbuds and speakers won't benefit despite Spotify's Lossless tier.
- Wired headphones, USB-C earbuds, or Wi-Fi-enabled Spotify Connect devices are needed to actually access lossless quality.
- Even with proper wired setup, low-quality headphones may not let listeners perceive any difference from standard high-quality streaming.
FiiO KA13 USB-C DAC/Amp — If you want to actually hear the difference lossless Spotify streams make, a dedicated USB-C DAC/amp like the FiiO KA13 is the easiest upgrade for wired headphones on your phone or laptop. It bypasses your device's built-in audio circuitry to deliver a cleaner, more detailed signal, which is exactly what lossless audio needs to shine. It's compact enough to carry alongside your existing wired headphones or earbuds.
See FiiO KA13 USB-C DAC/Amp on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Ben Stegner, 2026-09-15
Published there as: “How to get Spotify's best audio quality”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.