How much data does Spotify use? Our 2026 guide shows usage from 10MB to 150MB per hour based on audio quality. Learn how to reduce usage and save your mobile data.
How much data does Spotify use? Complete 2026 Usage Guide
How much data does Spotify use? Complete 2026 Usage Guide
How much data does Spotify use? Complete 2026 Usage Guide
How much data does Spotify use? The short answer is that Spotify typically consumes between **24MB and 150MB of data per hour** for music streaming, depending heavily on your audio quality settings. If you stream video podcasts, this number jumps significantly, potentially using gigabytes in a single session.
Even in 2026, where 5G networks are standard and data plans are more generous than ever, managing your monthly cap remains a priority for many commuters and mobile users. Whether you are trying to stretch a limited plan or just curious about your digital footprint, understanding exactly how much data does Spotify use per hour is the first step to taking control of your usage.
Summary
You will find that Spotify’s data consumption varies wildly based on your settings. While listening to music on “Low” quality uses a modest 24MB per hour, cranking it up to “Very High” consumes around 150MB per hour. You should also be aware that video podcasts are data hogs compared to standard audio. Below, you will find a breakdown of usage per song, per hour, and per month to help you manage your plan effectively.
TLDR
- Low Quality: Uses approx. 10–12MB per hour (best for saving data).
- Normal Quality: Uses approx. 40–43MB per hour (standard default).
- Very High Quality: Uses approx. 140–150MB per hour.
- Video Podcasts: Can use over 1GB per hour.
- Quick Fix: Turn on “Data Saver” in settings to instantly reduce usage.
📑 Table of Contents
Spotify data usage by audio quality
The primary factor determining how fast you burn through your mobile plan is the audio bitrate, measured in kilobits per second (kbps). Spotify allows you to manually adjust this quality. It is important to check your general app data usage settings to see if Spotify is the main culprit consuming your allowance.
Here is how the data usage breaks down across the four main quality settings available in 2026:
| Quality Setting | Bitrate | Data Per Hour (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 24kbps | 10 – 12 MB |
| Normal | 96kbps | 40 – 43 MB |
| High | 160kbps | 70 – 75 MB |
| Very High | 320kbps | 140 – 150 MB |
Note: If you are using newer “Lossless” or “Supremium” HiFi tiers, data usage can skyrocket to over 600MB per hour due to the massive file sizes required for CD-quality audio.
Data consumption breakdown: Songs, hours, and months
To help you visualize exactly how much data does Spotify use, we have broken down the consumption into the timeframes that matter most to your daily routine.
How much data does Spotify use per song?
Based on the average song length of roughly 3 to 3.5 minutes, the data cost per track varies significantly:
* **Low Quality:** Approx. **0.5MB** per song.
* **Normal Quality:** Approx. **2MB** per song.
* **Very High Quality:** Approx. **7MB to 8MB** per song.
How much data does Spotify use per hour?
Whether you are on a short commute or a long road trip, here is what you can expect to use:
* **1 Hour:** Ranges from **10MB** (Low) to **150MB** (Very High).
* **2 Hours:** Ranges from **20MB** to **300MB**.
* **8-Hour Workday:** If you stream music all day at the office on Very High quality, you will consume approximately **1.2GB** of data in a single shift.
How much data does Spotify use per month?
Your monthly usage depends on your daily habits. For example, if you listen for **1 hour every day** on **Normal** quality (96kbps), you will use approximately **1.2GB per month**. However, if you are a power user listening for **4 hours a day** on **Very High** quality, your monthly usage could exceed **18GB**.
Podcast and video streaming data usage
It is crucial to distinguish between audio-only podcasts and video podcasts, as the data requirements are vastly different.
🎙️ Audio Podcasts
These consume data similarly to music tracks. Depending on the compression, an audio podcast typically uses between 25MB and 60MB per hour.
📹 Video Podcasts
Video is data-intensive. Streaming a video podcast in high resolution can easily consume 1GB to 3GB per hour. If you are on a limited plan, switch to “Audio Only” mode immediately.
You might also notice the “Canvas” feature—those short, looping videos that play during some songs. Fortunately, these are highly optimized and have a very minor impact on your total data usage compared to full video streaming.
How to make Spotify use less data
If you are nearing your monthly cap, you don’t have to stop listening to music. There are several ways to save mobile data while still enjoying your favorite tunes.
Activate Spotify Data Saver mode
The easiest method is to use the built-in Data Saver. This feature automatically sets your music quality to Low (24kbps) and disables the Canvas visuals.
* **How to do it:** Open the Spotify app, tap your profile picture, go to **Settings and privacy**, and toggle on **Data Saver**.
Adjust audio quality settings manually
You can customize your experience by setting different qualities for WiFi and Cellular connections.
1. Go to **Settings > Audio Quality**.
2. Under “Cellular streaming,” select **Low** or **Normal**.
3. Under “WiFi streaming,” you can leave it on **Very High** since data is usually unlimited at home.
Download songs for offline listening
The most effective way to stop data usage completely is to prepare ahead of time. This is why many users look for the best offline music apps, and Spotify Premium is one of the top contenders.
When you download a playlist over WiFi, it uses **0 MB of mobile data** to play those songs later. Note that you need a Spotify Premium subscription to download music, but the data savings often justify the cost.
Does Spotify Free use more data than Premium?
Surprisingly, the version of Spotify you use does affect your data consumption.
* **Spotify Free:** This version tends to be less data-efficient. You are forced to listen to ads (which require data to load) and you cannot download music for offline playback. This means you are constantly streaming, 100% of the time.
* **Spotify Premium:** While Premium offers higher bitrate options that *can* use more data (Very High quality), it gives you the tools to use significantly less. By removing ads and enabling offline downloads, Premium users generally have an easier time managing their data caps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long will 1GB of data last on Spotify?
If you have 1GB of data remaining, it will last approximately **24 hours** on Low quality, **10 hours** on Normal quality, or roughly **6 to 7 hours** on High quality.
How long does 5GB of data last on Spotify?
With a 5GB data plan, you can stream music for about **120 hours** on Low quality. If you prefer standard quality (Normal), 5GB will last you between **40 and 50 hours**.
Does Spotify use data when listening to downloaded music?
No, not for the music itself. Once downloaded, the audio plays from your device’s local storage. However, the app may use a tiny amount of data (kilobytes) to update your listening history or “scrobbles” unless you switch the app explicitly to “Offline Mode” in the settings.
How much data does Spotify use on iPhone vs. Android?
The data usage is virtually identical across both platforms because consumption relies on the bitrate (kbps) of the audio file, not the operating system. However, if your phone has a system-level “Low Data Mode” enabled, it may prevent Spotify from downloading artwork or updates in the background.
Can you use Spotify without WiFi or data?
Yes, but only if you have Spotify Premium. You must download your albums and playlists while you have an internet connection first. Once they are downloaded, you can play them anywhere without a WiFi or cellular connection.
Written by
Conor Byrne
