Travel Tips

How Much Data Does Spotify Use?

Learn how much mobile data Spotify uses based on audio quality and listening habits. Get tips to monitor and reduce your data consumption, and explore how Roamless eSIM can optimize your music streaming experience abroad.

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services worldwide. The amount of mobile data it uses depends mainly on the audio quality setting and how long you listen. For people using a global eSIM, especially when traveling internationally, understanding how much data Spotify consumes can help avoid unexpected charges and manage mobile data more efficiently. This guide explains Spotify’s data usage across different settings and offers practical tips to monitor and reduce your data consumption.


social media apps on smartphone


Does Spotify Use a Lot of Data?

It depends on your streaming quality and listening habits. At low audio quality, Spotify uses relatively little data, while very high quality consumes much more. Adjusting the audio settings lets you balance sound quality with data usage, which is especially important if you have limited mobile data.

Spotify Data Usage by Different Audio Quality Settings

Spotify offers four main audio quality levels for streaming music. Each level uses a different amount of data: higher quality requires more data but delivers better sound. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best setting for your data plan and listening preferences.

The table below shows estimated data usage for each audio quality level, including per minute, per hour, and longer-term consumption:


Audio Quality

Data Usage per Minute

Data Usage per Hour

Data Usage per Week (2 hrs/day)

Data Usage per Month (2 hrs/day, 30 days)

Low (24 kbps)

~0.18 MB

~10.8 MB

~151.2 MB

~648 MB

Normal (96 kbps)

~0.72 MB

~43.2 MB

~604.8 MB

~2.6 GB

High (160 kbps)

~1.2 MB

~72 MB

~1 GB

~4.3 GB

Very High (320 kbps)

~2.4 MB

~144 MB

~2 GB

~8.6 GB

Table 1: Estimated Spotify Data Usage by Audio Quality Levels

Note: These four audio quality settings apply to both mobile data and Wi-Fi streaming options on Spotify. Additionally, Spotify offers an Automatic streaming quality option that adjusts audio quality dynamically based on your network connection to optimize data usage and listening experience [1].

For more information, you can also check out our post on How Much Data Does Streaming Use.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures provided are estimates based on user reports and general observations. Actual data consumption may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual listening habits. If you notice unusually high data usage despite adjusting these settings, consider contacting Spotify’s official customer support.

How to Check Spotify Data Usage on Your Device

Monitoring your Spotify data usage helps you keep track of how much mobile data the app consumes. This is especially useful if you have limited data plans or want to avoid unexpected charges.Both iOS and Android devices offer built-in options to check individual app data usage easily.

On iPhone Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.

  3. Scroll down to find Spotify in the list of apps.

  4. The amount of mobile data used by Spotify will be displayed here.

On Android Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Apps or Applications.

  3. Find and select Spotify from the list.

  4. Tap Data Usage or Mobile Data & Wi-Fi.

  5. Here you can see how much mobile data Spotify has consumed.

By regularly checking this information, you can adjust your listening habits or app settings to manage your mobile data better.

How to Reduce Spotify Data Usage

Spotify offers several features to help you lower mobile data consumption while enjoying your music. These options are especially useful if you have limited data or want to extend your plan’s usability.

Here are effective ways to reduce data usage on Spotify:


  • Enable Data Saver Mode: This mode lowers streaming quality when using mobile data, helping reduce data use without a big impact on sound quality.

  • Adjust Streaming Quality: Set your streaming quality to Low or Normal for mobile data usage to limit consumption.

  • Download Music Over Wi-Fi: Spotify Premium users can download playlists and albums while connected to Wi-Fi and listen offline without using mobile data.

How to Enable Data Saver Mode

  1. Open the Spotify app.

  2. Tap your profile picture at the top.

  3. Tap the Settings and Privacy icon in the top right corner.

  4. Scroll down and tap the Data-saving option to enable it [2].

How to Adjust Streaming Quality

  1. In the Spotify app, go to Settings.

  2. Tap Audio Quality.

  3. Under Streaming, select a lower quality option (Low or Normal) for mobile data.

These adjustments allow you to save data while maintaining good sound quality.

How Does Spotify Compare to Other Music Streaming Platforms?

Many popular music streaming services offer similar audio quality options but differ slightly in data consumption due to their encoding methods and default settings. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best service based on your data plan and sound quality preferences.

The table below shows approximate data usage per hour for several well-known platforms at their normal quality settings:


Streaming Service

Typical Data Usage per Hour (Normal Quality)

Spotify

About 43 MB

Apple Music

About 36 MB

Deezer

About 42 MB

YouTube Music

About 40 MB

TIDAL

About 70 MB

Amazon Music

About 36 MB

SoundCloud

About 40 MB

Pandora

About 30 MB

Table 2: Approximate Data Usage per Hour for Popular Music Streaming Services

Note: Spotify’s data consumption is generally comparable to most other music streaming brands at normal quality. These comparisons help you balance your preferences between data usage and sound quality when choosing a music streaming platform.

For more details, you can also read our posts on How Much Data Does YouTube Use, How Much Data Does Google Maps Use and Does FaceTime Use Data.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures in this table are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual streaming settings. Actual data consumption can differ across platforms and users. If you notice unusually high data usage, consider contacting the customer support of Spotify or the relevant music streaming service for assistance.

Using Spotify with Roamless

Using Spotify with a travel eSIM, like Roamless, offers convenience and flexibility, especially for people traveling internationally. Roamless provides easy activation without needing physical SIM swaps, letting you manage your data plans directly from the app.


  • Flexible Data Plans: Roamless offers pay-as-you-go and fixed data packages tailored to different travel needs, helping you control your costs while streaming music.

  • Wide Coverage: With support in over 200 countries, Roamless ensures you can enjoy Spotify nearly anywhere you go.

  • Optimized Data Usage: Combining Roamless’s plans with Spotify’s Data Saver mode helps maximize your data allowance, reducing unexpected charges.

  • Offline Listening: Download your favorite playlists or albums while on Wi-Fi before traveling or during breaks, so you can listen offline without using mobile data.

This combination helps you enjoy music while abroad more easily and with better control over your data costs.

For more information, you can also read our guide on How Much Data Do I Need for Travel Abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much mobile data does Spotify use?
-
Spotify uses about 0.18 MB per minute at low quality and up to 2.4 MB per minute at very high quality, with normal quality using around 0.72 MB per minute.

How do I find my data usage?
-
On iOS, go to Settings > Cellular and check Spotify’s data usage. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Data Usage.

How do I adjust the Spotify audio quality?

-To adjust Spotify’s audio quality, open the app > go to Settings > on mobile or tablet devices, select Audio Quality to choose your preferred streaming quality. On the desktop app or browser, click your profile icon > go to Settings > select Audio Quality.

How much data does 1 hour Spotify use?
-
At normal quality, about 43 MB per hour. Low quality uses less, and very high quality uses more.

Does Spotify use data when offline?
- No
, Spotify does not use mobile data when playing downloaded music offline. This feature requires a Premium subscription.

How do I make Spotify use less data?
-
Enable Data Saver mode, lower audio quality, and download playlists over Wi-Fi to listen offline.

Does Spotify Lite use less data than the Spotify app?
- Yes
, Spotify Lite is designed to use less data and storage, ideal for limited data plans and older devices.

How much data does a podcast on Spotify use?
-
Podcasts typically use about 20-30 MB per hour depending on audio quality.

Sources

[1] Support Spotify, ‘’Audio quality’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/audio-quality/?ref=related

[2] Support Spotify, ‘’Internet and data usage’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/internet-and-data-usage/

Written by

Roamless

Published on

Jul 18, 2025

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Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services worldwide. The amount of mobile data it uses depends mainly on the audio quality setting and how long you listen. For people using a global eSIM, especially when traveling internationally, understanding how much data Spotify consumes can help avoid unexpected charges and manage mobile data more efficiently. This guide explains Spotify’s data usage across different settings and offers practical tips to monitor and reduce your data consumption.


social media apps on smartphone


Does Spotify Use a Lot of Data?

It depends on your streaming quality and listening habits. At low audio quality, Spotify uses relatively little data, while very high quality consumes much more. Adjusting the audio settings lets you balance sound quality with data usage, which is especially important if you have limited mobile data.

Spotify Data Usage by Different Audio Quality Settings

Spotify offers four main audio quality levels for streaming music. Each level uses a different amount of data: higher quality requires more data but delivers better sound. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best setting for your data plan and listening preferences.

The table below shows estimated data usage for each audio quality level, including per minute, per hour, and longer-term consumption:


Audio Quality

Data Usage per Minute

Data Usage per Hour

Data Usage per Week (2 hrs/day)

Data Usage per Month (2 hrs/day, 30 days)

Low (24 kbps)

~0.18 MB

~10.8 MB

~151.2 MB

~648 MB

Normal (96 kbps)

~0.72 MB

~43.2 MB

~604.8 MB

~2.6 GB

High (160 kbps)

~1.2 MB

~72 MB

~1 GB

~4.3 GB

Very High (320 kbps)

~2.4 MB

~144 MB

~2 GB

~8.6 GB

Table 1: Estimated Spotify Data Usage by Audio Quality Levels

Note: These four audio quality settings apply to both mobile data and Wi-Fi streaming options on Spotify. Additionally, Spotify offers an Automatic streaming quality option that adjusts audio quality dynamically based on your network connection to optimize data usage and listening experience [1].

For more information, you can also check out our post on How Much Data Does Streaming Use.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures provided are estimates based on user reports and general observations. Actual data consumption may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual listening habits. If you notice unusually high data usage despite adjusting these settings, consider contacting Spotify’s official customer support.

How to Check Spotify Data Usage on Your Device

Monitoring your Spotify data usage helps you keep track of how much mobile data the app consumes. This is especially useful if you have limited data plans or want to avoid unexpected charges.Both iOS and Android devices offer built-in options to check individual app data usage easily.

On iPhone Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.

  3. Scroll down to find Spotify in the list of apps.

  4. The amount of mobile data used by Spotify will be displayed here.

On Android Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Apps or Applications.

  3. Find and select Spotify from the list.

  4. Tap Data Usage or Mobile Data & Wi-Fi.

  5. Here you can see how much mobile data Spotify has consumed.

By regularly checking this information, you can adjust your listening habits or app settings to manage your mobile data better.

How to Reduce Spotify Data Usage

Spotify offers several features to help you lower mobile data consumption while enjoying your music. These options are especially useful if you have limited data or want to extend your plan’s usability.

Here are effective ways to reduce data usage on Spotify:


  • Enable Data Saver Mode: This mode lowers streaming quality when using mobile data, helping reduce data use without a big impact on sound quality.

  • Adjust Streaming Quality: Set your streaming quality to Low or Normal for mobile data usage to limit consumption.

  • Download Music Over Wi-Fi: Spotify Premium users can download playlists and albums while connected to Wi-Fi and listen offline without using mobile data.

How to Enable Data Saver Mode

  1. Open the Spotify app.

  2. Tap your profile picture at the top.

  3. Tap the Settings and Privacy icon in the top right corner.

  4. Scroll down and tap the Data-saving option to enable it [2].

How to Adjust Streaming Quality

  1. In the Spotify app, go to Settings.

  2. Tap Audio Quality.

  3. Under Streaming, select a lower quality option (Low or Normal) for mobile data.

These adjustments allow you to save data while maintaining good sound quality.

How Does Spotify Compare to Other Music Streaming Platforms?

Many popular music streaming services offer similar audio quality options but differ slightly in data consumption due to their encoding methods and default settings. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best service based on your data plan and sound quality preferences.

The table below shows approximate data usage per hour for several well-known platforms at their normal quality settings:


Streaming Service

Typical Data Usage per Hour (Normal Quality)

Spotify

About 43 MB

Apple Music

About 36 MB

Deezer

About 42 MB

YouTube Music

About 40 MB

TIDAL

About 70 MB

Amazon Music

About 36 MB

SoundCloud

About 40 MB

Pandora

About 30 MB

Table 2: Approximate Data Usage per Hour for Popular Music Streaming Services

Note: Spotify’s data consumption is generally comparable to most other music streaming brands at normal quality. These comparisons help you balance your preferences between data usage and sound quality when choosing a music streaming platform.

For more details, you can also read our posts on How Much Data Does YouTube Use, How Much Data Does Google Maps Use and Does FaceTime Use Data.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures in this table are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual streaming settings. Actual data consumption can differ across platforms and users. If you notice unusually high data usage, consider contacting the customer support of Spotify or the relevant music streaming service for assistance.

Using Spotify with Roamless

Using Spotify with a travel eSIM, like Roamless, offers convenience and flexibility, especially for people traveling internationally. Roamless provides easy activation without needing physical SIM swaps, letting you manage your data plans directly from the app.


  • Flexible Data Plans: Roamless offers pay-as-you-go and fixed data packages tailored to different travel needs, helping you control your costs while streaming music.

  • Wide Coverage: With support in over 200 countries, Roamless ensures you can enjoy Spotify nearly anywhere you go.

  • Optimized Data Usage: Combining Roamless’s plans with Spotify’s Data Saver mode helps maximize your data allowance, reducing unexpected charges.

  • Offline Listening: Download your favorite playlists or albums while on Wi-Fi before traveling or during breaks, so you can listen offline without using mobile data.

This combination helps you enjoy music while abroad more easily and with better control over your data costs.

For more information, you can also read our guide on How Much Data Do I Need for Travel Abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much mobile data does Spotify use?
-
Spotify uses about 0.18 MB per minute at low quality and up to 2.4 MB per minute at very high quality, with normal quality using around 0.72 MB per minute.

How do I find my data usage?
-
On iOS, go to Settings > Cellular and check Spotify’s data usage. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Data Usage.

How do I adjust the Spotify audio quality?

-To adjust Spotify’s audio quality, open the app > go to Settings > on mobile or tablet devices, select Audio Quality to choose your preferred streaming quality. On the desktop app or browser, click your profile icon > go to Settings > select Audio Quality.

How much data does 1 hour Spotify use?
-
At normal quality, about 43 MB per hour. Low quality uses less, and very high quality uses more.

Does Spotify use data when offline?
- No
, Spotify does not use mobile data when playing downloaded music offline. This feature requires a Premium subscription.

How do I make Spotify use less data?
-
Enable Data Saver mode, lower audio quality, and download playlists over Wi-Fi to listen offline.

Does Spotify Lite use less data than the Spotify app?
- Yes
, Spotify Lite is designed to use less data and storage, ideal for limited data plans and older devices.

How much data does a podcast on Spotify use?
-
Podcasts typically use about 20-30 MB per hour depending on audio quality.

Sources

[1] Support Spotify, ‘’Audio quality’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/audio-quality/?ref=related

[2] Support Spotify, ‘’Internet and data usage’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/internet-and-data-usage/

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services worldwide. The amount of mobile data it uses depends mainly on the audio quality setting and how long you listen. For people using a global eSIM, especially when traveling internationally, understanding how much data Spotify consumes can help avoid unexpected charges and manage mobile data more efficiently. This guide explains Spotify’s data usage across different settings and offers practical tips to monitor and reduce your data consumption.


social media apps on smartphone


Does Spotify Use a Lot of Data?

It depends on your streaming quality and listening habits. At low audio quality, Spotify uses relatively little data, while very high quality consumes much more. Adjusting the audio settings lets you balance sound quality with data usage, which is especially important if you have limited mobile data.

Spotify Data Usage by Different Audio Quality Settings

Spotify offers four main audio quality levels for streaming music. Each level uses a different amount of data: higher quality requires more data but delivers better sound. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best setting for your data plan and listening preferences.

The table below shows estimated data usage for each audio quality level, including per minute, per hour, and longer-term consumption:


Audio Quality

Data Usage per Minute

Data Usage per Hour

Data Usage per Week (2 hrs/day)

Data Usage per Month (2 hrs/day, 30 days)

Low (24 kbps)

~0.18 MB

~10.8 MB

~151.2 MB

~648 MB

Normal (96 kbps)

~0.72 MB

~43.2 MB

~604.8 MB

~2.6 GB

High (160 kbps)

~1.2 MB

~72 MB

~1 GB

~4.3 GB

Very High (320 kbps)

~2.4 MB

~144 MB

~2 GB

~8.6 GB

Table 1: Estimated Spotify Data Usage by Audio Quality Levels

Note: These four audio quality settings apply to both mobile data and Wi-Fi streaming options on Spotify. Additionally, Spotify offers an Automatic streaming quality option that adjusts audio quality dynamically based on your network connection to optimize data usage and listening experience [1].

For more information, you can also check out our post on How Much Data Does Streaming Use.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures provided are estimates based on user reports and general observations. Actual data consumption may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual listening habits. If you notice unusually high data usage despite adjusting these settings, consider contacting Spotify’s official customer support.

How to Check Spotify Data Usage on Your Device

Monitoring your Spotify data usage helps you keep track of how much mobile data the app consumes. This is especially useful if you have limited data plans or want to avoid unexpected charges.Both iOS and Android devices offer built-in options to check individual app data usage easily.

On iPhone Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.

  3. Scroll down to find Spotify in the list of apps.

  4. The amount of mobile data used by Spotify will be displayed here.

On Android Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Apps or Applications.

  3. Find and select Spotify from the list.

  4. Tap Data Usage or Mobile Data & Wi-Fi.

  5. Here you can see how much mobile data Spotify has consumed.

By regularly checking this information, you can adjust your listening habits or app settings to manage your mobile data better.

How to Reduce Spotify Data Usage

Spotify offers several features to help you lower mobile data consumption while enjoying your music. These options are especially useful if you have limited data or want to extend your plan’s usability.

Here are effective ways to reduce data usage on Spotify:


  • Enable Data Saver Mode: This mode lowers streaming quality when using mobile data, helping reduce data use without a big impact on sound quality.

  • Adjust Streaming Quality: Set your streaming quality to Low or Normal for mobile data usage to limit consumption.

  • Download Music Over Wi-Fi: Spotify Premium users can download playlists and albums while connected to Wi-Fi and listen offline without using mobile data.

How to Enable Data Saver Mode

  1. Open the Spotify app.

  2. Tap your profile picture at the top.

  3. Tap the Settings and Privacy icon in the top right corner.

  4. Scroll down and tap the Data-saving option to enable it [2].

How to Adjust Streaming Quality

  1. In the Spotify app, go to Settings.

  2. Tap Audio Quality.

  3. Under Streaming, select a lower quality option (Low or Normal) for mobile data.

These adjustments allow you to save data while maintaining good sound quality.

How Does Spotify Compare to Other Music Streaming Platforms?

Many popular music streaming services offer similar audio quality options but differ slightly in data consumption due to their encoding methods and default settings. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best service based on your data plan and sound quality preferences.

The table below shows approximate data usage per hour for several well-known platforms at their normal quality settings:


Streaming Service

Typical Data Usage per Hour (Normal Quality)

Spotify

About 43 MB

Apple Music

About 36 MB

Deezer

About 42 MB

YouTube Music

About 40 MB

TIDAL

About 70 MB

Amazon Music

About 36 MB

SoundCloud

About 40 MB

Pandora

About 30 MB

Table 2: Approximate Data Usage per Hour for Popular Music Streaming Services

Note: Spotify’s data consumption is generally comparable to most other music streaming brands at normal quality. These comparisons help you balance your preferences between data usage and sound quality when choosing a music streaming platform.

For more details, you can also read our posts on How Much Data Does YouTube Use, How Much Data Does Google Maps Use and Does FaceTime Use Data.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures in this table are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual streaming settings. Actual data consumption can differ across platforms and users. If you notice unusually high data usage, consider contacting the customer support of Spotify or the relevant music streaming service for assistance.

Using Spotify with Roamless

Using Spotify with a travel eSIM, like Roamless, offers convenience and flexibility, especially for people traveling internationally. Roamless provides easy activation without needing physical SIM swaps, letting you manage your data plans directly from the app.


  • Flexible Data Plans: Roamless offers pay-as-you-go and fixed data packages tailored to different travel needs, helping you control your costs while streaming music.

  • Wide Coverage: With support in over 200 countries, Roamless ensures you can enjoy Spotify nearly anywhere you go.

  • Optimized Data Usage: Combining Roamless’s plans with Spotify’s Data Saver mode helps maximize your data allowance, reducing unexpected charges.

  • Offline Listening: Download your favorite playlists or albums while on Wi-Fi before traveling or during breaks, so you can listen offline without using mobile data.

This combination helps you enjoy music while abroad more easily and with better control over your data costs.

For more information, you can also read our guide on How Much Data Do I Need for Travel Abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much mobile data does Spotify use?
-
Spotify uses about 0.18 MB per minute at low quality and up to 2.4 MB per minute at very high quality, with normal quality using around 0.72 MB per minute.

How do I find my data usage?
-
On iOS, go to Settings > Cellular and check Spotify’s data usage. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Data Usage.

How do I adjust the Spotify audio quality?

-To adjust Spotify’s audio quality, open the app > go to Settings > on mobile or tablet devices, select Audio Quality to choose your preferred streaming quality. On the desktop app or browser, click your profile icon > go to Settings > select Audio Quality.

How much data does 1 hour Spotify use?
-
At normal quality, about 43 MB per hour. Low quality uses less, and very high quality uses more.

Does Spotify use data when offline?
- No
, Spotify does not use mobile data when playing downloaded music offline. This feature requires a Premium subscription.

How do I make Spotify use less data?
-
Enable Data Saver mode, lower audio quality, and download playlists over Wi-Fi to listen offline.

Does Spotify Lite use less data than the Spotify app?
- Yes
, Spotify Lite is designed to use less data and storage, ideal for limited data plans and older devices.

How much data does a podcast on Spotify use?
-
Podcasts typically use about 20-30 MB per hour depending on audio quality.

Sources

[1] Support Spotify, ‘’Audio quality’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/audio-quality/?ref=related

[2] Support Spotify, ‘’Internet and data usage’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/internet-and-data-usage/

Written by

Roamless

Published on

Jul 18, 2025

Share on

Scan to get the app

or click here

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services worldwide. The amount of mobile data it uses depends mainly on the audio quality setting and how long you listen. For people using a global eSIM, especially when traveling internationally, understanding how much data Spotify consumes can help avoid unexpected charges and manage mobile data more efficiently. This guide explains Spotify’s data usage across different settings and offers practical tips to monitor and reduce your data consumption.


social media apps on smartphone


Does Spotify Use a Lot of Data?

It depends on your streaming quality and listening habits. At low audio quality, Spotify uses relatively little data, while very high quality consumes much more. Adjusting the audio settings lets you balance sound quality with data usage, which is especially important if you have limited mobile data.

Spotify Data Usage by Different Audio Quality Settings

Spotify offers four main audio quality levels for streaming music. Each level uses a different amount of data: higher quality requires more data but delivers better sound. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best setting for your data plan and listening preferences.

The table below shows estimated data usage for each audio quality level, including per minute, per hour, and longer-term consumption:


Audio Quality

Data Usage per Minute

Data Usage per Hour

Data Usage per Week (2 hrs/day)

Data Usage per Month (2 hrs/day, 30 days)

Low (24 kbps)

~0.18 MB

~10.8 MB

~151.2 MB

~648 MB

Normal (96 kbps)

~0.72 MB

~43.2 MB

~604.8 MB

~2.6 GB

High (160 kbps)

~1.2 MB

~72 MB

~1 GB

~4.3 GB

Very High (320 kbps)

~2.4 MB

~144 MB

~2 GB

~8.6 GB

Table 1: Estimated Spotify Data Usage by Audio Quality Levels

Note: These four audio quality settings apply to both mobile data and Wi-Fi streaming options on Spotify. Additionally, Spotify offers an Automatic streaming quality option that adjusts audio quality dynamically based on your network connection to optimize data usage and listening experience [1].

For more information, you can also check out our post on How Much Data Does Streaming Use.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures provided are estimates based on user reports and general observations. Actual data consumption may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual listening habits. If you notice unusually high data usage despite adjusting these settings, consider contacting Spotify’s official customer support.

How to Check Spotify Data Usage on Your Device

Monitoring your Spotify data usage helps you keep track of how much mobile data the app consumes. This is especially useful if you have limited data plans or want to avoid unexpected charges.Both iOS and Android devices offer built-in options to check individual app data usage easily.

On iPhone Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.

  3. Scroll down to find Spotify in the list of apps.

  4. The amount of mobile data used by Spotify will be displayed here.

On Android Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Apps or Applications.

  3. Find and select Spotify from the list.

  4. Tap Data Usage or Mobile Data & Wi-Fi.

  5. Here you can see how much mobile data Spotify has consumed.

By regularly checking this information, you can adjust your listening habits or app settings to manage your mobile data better.

How to Reduce Spotify Data Usage

Spotify offers several features to help you lower mobile data consumption while enjoying your music. These options are especially useful if you have limited data or want to extend your plan’s usability.

Here are effective ways to reduce data usage on Spotify:


  • Enable Data Saver Mode: This mode lowers streaming quality when using mobile data, helping reduce data use without a big impact on sound quality.

  • Adjust Streaming Quality: Set your streaming quality to Low or Normal for mobile data usage to limit consumption.

  • Download Music Over Wi-Fi: Spotify Premium users can download playlists and albums while connected to Wi-Fi and listen offline without using mobile data.

How to Enable Data Saver Mode

  1. Open the Spotify app.

  2. Tap your profile picture at the top.

  3. Tap the Settings and Privacy icon in the top right corner.

  4. Scroll down and tap the Data-saving option to enable it [2].

How to Adjust Streaming Quality

  1. In the Spotify app, go to Settings.

  2. Tap Audio Quality.

  3. Under Streaming, select a lower quality option (Low or Normal) for mobile data.

These adjustments allow you to save data while maintaining good sound quality.

How Does Spotify Compare to Other Music Streaming Platforms?

Many popular music streaming services offer similar audio quality options but differ slightly in data consumption due to their encoding methods and default settings. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best service based on your data plan and sound quality preferences.

The table below shows approximate data usage per hour for several well-known platforms at their normal quality settings:


Streaming Service

Typical Data Usage per Hour (Normal Quality)

Spotify

About 43 MB

Apple Music

About 36 MB

Deezer

About 42 MB

YouTube Music

About 40 MB

TIDAL

About 70 MB

Amazon Music

About 36 MB

SoundCloud

About 40 MB

Pandora

About 30 MB

Table 2: Approximate Data Usage per Hour for Popular Music Streaming Services

Note: Spotify’s data consumption is generally comparable to most other music streaming brands at normal quality. These comparisons help you balance your preferences between data usage and sound quality when choosing a music streaming platform.

For more details, you can also read our posts on How Much Data Does YouTube Use, How Much Data Does Google Maps Use and Does FaceTime Use Data.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures in this table are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual streaming settings. Actual data consumption can differ across platforms and users. If you notice unusually high data usage, consider contacting the customer support of Spotify or the relevant music streaming service for assistance.

Using Spotify with Roamless

Using Spotify with a travel eSIM, like Roamless, offers convenience and flexibility, especially for people traveling internationally. Roamless provides easy activation without needing physical SIM swaps, letting you manage your data plans directly from the app.


  • Flexible Data Plans: Roamless offers pay-as-you-go and fixed data packages tailored to different travel needs, helping you control your costs while streaming music.

  • Wide Coverage: With support in over 200 countries, Roamless ensures you can enjoy Spotify nearly anywhere you go.

  • Optimized Data Usage: Combining Roamless’s plans with Spotify’s Data Saver mode helps maximize your data allowance, reducing unexpected charges.

  • Offline Listening: Download your favorite playlists or albums while on Wi-Fi before traveling or during breaks, so you can listen offline without using mobile data.

This combination helps you enjoy music while abroad more easily and with better control over your data costs.

For more information, you can also read our guide on How Much Data Do I Need for Travel Abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much mobile data does Spotify use?
-
Spotify uses about 0.18 MB per minute at low quality and up to 2.4 MB per minute at very high quality, with normal quality using around 0.72 MB per minute.

How do I find my data usage?
-
On iOS, go to Settings > Cellular and check Spotify’s data usage. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Data Usage.

How do I adjust the Spotify audio quality?

-To adjust Spotify’s audio quality, open the app > go to Settings > on mobile or tablet devices, select Audio Quality to choose your preferred streaming quality. On the desktop app or browser, click your profile icon > go to Settings > select Audio Quality.

How much data does 1 hour Spotify use?
-
At normal quality, about 43 MB per hour. Low quality uses less, and very high quality uses more.

Does Spotify use data when offline?
- No
, Spotify does not use mobile data when playing downloaded music offline. This feature requires a Premium subscription.

How do I make Spotify use less data?
-
Enable Data Saver mode, lower audio quality, and download playlists over Wi-Fi to listen offline.

Does Spotify Lite use less data than the Spotify app?
- Yes
, Spotify Lite is designed to use less data and storage, ideal for limited data plans and older devices.

How much data does a podcast on Spotify use?
-
Podcasts typically use about 20-30 MB per hour depending on audio quality.

Sources

[1] Support Spotify, ‘’Audio quality’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/audio-quality/?ref=related

[2] Support Spotify, ‘’Internet and data usage’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/internet-and-data-usage/

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services worldwide. The amount of mobile data it uses depends mainly on the audio quality setting and how long you listen. For people using a global eSIM, especially when traveling internationally, understanding how much data Spotify consumes can help avoid unexpected charges and manage mobile data more efficiently. This guide explains Spotify’s data usage across different settings and offers practical tips to monitor and reduce your data consumption.


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Does Spotify Use a Lot of Data?

It depends on your streaming quality and listening habits. At low audio quality, Spotify uses relatively little data, while very high quality consumes much more. Adjusting the audio settings lets you balance sound quality with data usage, which is especially important if you have limited mobile data.

Spotify Data Usage by Different Audio Quality Settings

Spotify offers four main audio quality levels for streaming music. Each level uses a different amount of data: higher quality requires more data but delivers better sound. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best setting for your data plan and listening preferences.

The table below shows estimated data usage for each audio quality level, including per minute, per hour, and longer-term consumption:


Audio Quality

Data Usage per Minute

Data Usage per Hour

Data Usage per Week (2 hrs/day)

Data Usage per Month (2 hrs/day, 30 days)

Low (24 kbps)

~0.18 MB

~10.8 MB

~151.2 MB

~648 MB

Normal (96 kbps)

~0.72 MB

~43.2 MB

~604.8 MB

~2.6 GB

High (160 kbps)

~1.2 MB

~72 MB

~1 GB

~4.3 GB

Very High (320 kbps)

~2.4 MB

~144 MB

~2 GB

~8.6 GB

Table 1: Estimated Spotify Data Usage by Audio Quality Levels

Note: These four audio quality settings apply to both mobile data and Wi-Fi streaming options on Spotify. Additionally, Spotify offers an Automatic streaming quality option that adjusts audio quality dynamically based on your network connection to optimize data usage and listening experience [1].

For more information, you can also check out our post on How Much Data Does Streaming Use.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures provided are estimates based on user reports and general observations. Actual data consumption may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual listening habits. If you notice unusually high data usage despite adjusting these settings, consider contacting Spotify’s official customer support.

How to Check Spotify Data Usage on Your Device

Monitoring your Spotify data usage helps you keep track of how much mobile data the app consumes. This is especially useful if you have limited data plans or want to avoid unexpected charges.Both iOS and Android devices offer built-in options to check individual app data usage easily.

On iPhone Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.

  3. Scroll down to find Spotify in the list of apps.

  4. The amount of mobile data used by Spotify will be displayed here.

On Android Devices

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Apps or Applications.

  3. Find and select Spotify from the list.

  4. Tap Data Usage or Mobile Data & Wi-Fi.

  5. Here you can see how much mobile data Spotify has consumed.

By regularly checking this information, you can adjust your listening habits or app settings to manage your mobile data better.

How to Reduce Spotify Data Usage

Spotify offers several features to help you lower mobile data consumption while enjoying your music. These options are especially useful if you have limited data or want to extend your plan’s usability.

Here are effective ways to reduce data usage on Spotify:


  • Enable Data Saver Mode: This mode lowers streaming quality when using mobile data, helping reduce data use without a big impact on sound quality.

  • Adjust Streaming Quality: Set your streaming quality to Low or Normal for mobile data usage to limit consumption.

  • Download Music Over Wi-Fi: Spotify Premium users can download playlists and albums while connected to Wi-Fi and listen offline without using mobile data.

How to Enable Data Saver Mode

  1. Open the Spotify app.

  2. Tap your profile picture at the top.

  3. Tap the Settings and Privacy icon in the top right corner.

  4. Scroll down and tap the Data-saving option to enable it [2].

How to Adjust Streaming Quality

  1. In the Spotify app, go to Settings.

  2. Tap Audio Quality.

  3. Under Streaming, select a lower quality option (Low or Normal) for mobile data.

These adjustments allow you to save data while maintaining good sound quality.

How Does Spotify Compare to Other Music Streaming Platforms?

Many popular music streaming services offer similar audio quality options but differ slightly in data consumption due to their encoding methods and default settings. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best service based on your data plan and sound quality preferences.

The table below shows approximate data usage per hour for several well-known platforms at their normal quality settings:


Streaming Service

Typical Data Usage per Hour (Normal Quality)

Spotify

About 43 MB

Apple Music

About 36 MB

Deezer

About 42 MB

YouTube Music

About 40 MB

TIDAL

About 70 MB

Amazon Music

About 36 MB

SoundCloud

About 40 MB

Pandora

About 30 MB

Table 2: Approximate Data Usage per Hour for Popular Music Streaming Services

Note: Spotify’s data consumption is generally comparable to most other music streaming brands at normal quality. These comparisons help you balance your preferences between data usage and sound quality when choosing a music streaming platform.

For more details, you can also read our posts on How Much Data Does YouTube Use, How Much Data Does Google Maps Use and Does FaceTime Use Data.

Disclaimer: The data usage figures in this table are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as device type, network conditions, and individual streaming settings. Actual data consumption can differ across platforms and users. If you notice unusually high data usage, consider contacting the customer support of Spotify or the relevant music streaming service for assistance.

Using Spotify with Roamless

Using Spotify with a travel eSIM, like Roamless, offers convenience and flexibility, especially for people traveling internationally. Roamless provides easy activation without needing physical SIM swaps, letting you manage your data plans directly from the app.


  • Flexible Data Plans: Roamless offers pay-as-you-go and fixed data packages tailored to different travel needs, helping you control your costs while streaming music.

  • Wide Coverage: With support in over 200 countries, Roamless ensures you can enjoy Spotify nearly anywhere you go.

  • Optimized Data Usage: Combining Roamless’s plans with Spotify’s Data Saver mode helps maximize your data allowance, reducing unexpected charges.

  • Offline Listening: Download your favorite playlists or albums while on Wi-Fi before traveling or during breaks, so you can listen offline without using mobile data.

This combination helps you enjoy music while abroad more easily and with better control over your data costs.

For more information, you can also read our guide on How Much Data Do I Need for Travel Abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much mobile data does Spotify use?
-
Spotify uses about 0.18 MB per minute at low quality and up to 2.4 MB per minute at very high quality, with normal quality using around 0.72 MB per minute.

How do I find my data usage?
-
On iOS, go to Settings > Cellular and check Spotify’s data usage. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Data Usage.

How do I adjust the Spotify audio quality?

-To adjust Spotify’s audio quality, open the app > go to Settings > on mobile or tablet devices, select Audio Quality to choose your preferred streaming quality. On the desktop app or browser, click your profile icon > go to Settings > select Audio Quality.

How much data does 1 hour Spotify use?
-
At normal quality, about 43 MB per hour. Low quality uses less, and very high quality uses more.

Does Spotify use data when offline?
- No
, Spotify does not use mobile data when playing downloaded music offline. This feature requires a Premium subscription.

How do I make Spotify use less data?
-
Enable Data Saver mode, lower audio quality, and download playlists over Wi-Fi to listen offline.

Does Spotify Lite use less data than the Spotify app?
- Yes
, Spotify Lite is designed to use less data and storage, ideal for limited data plans and older devices.

How much data does a podcast on Spotify use?
-
Podcasts typically use about 20-30 MB per hour depending on audio quality.

Sources

[1] Support Spotify, ‘’Audio quality’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/audio-quality/?ref=related

[2] Support Spotify, ‘’Internet and data usage’’, Accessed July 2025. - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/internet-and-data-usage/

Travel Tips

How Much Data Does Spotify Use?

Learn how much mobile data Spotify uses based on audio quality and listening habits. Get tips to monitor and reduce your data consumption, and explore how Roamless eSIM can optimize your music streaming experience abroad.

Learn how much mobile data Spotify uses based on audio quality and listening habits. Get tips to monitor and reduce your data consumption, and explore how Roamless eSIM can optimize your music streaming experience abroad.

Written by

Roamless

Published on

Jul 18, 2025

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