Spotify has recently made headlines with its pricing changes in the US. While the streaming service has raised its Premium subscription from $10.99 to $11.99 per month, it has also introduced a new ‘Basic’ plan priced at $10.99 per month. This new plan offers ad-free music streaming similar to the Premium tier but excludes the 15 hours of monthly audiobook listening available with the Premium subscription.
Last year, Spotify had increased the cost of its Premium plan from the original $9.99 per month to $10.99 per month. With the latest price hike to $11.99, the introduction of the Basic plan suggests that Spotify is catering to users looking for a more affordable option without audiobook access. This move also aligns Spotify’s pricing with competitors like Apple Music and Tidal, both offering music-only plans at $10.99 per month.
Additionally, Spotify provides an Audiobooks Access Tier priced at $9.99 per month, which includes 15 hours of monthly audiobook listening. However, this tier requires users to endure advertisements while streaming music. The new Basic plan aims to offer a middle ground between the Premium and Audiobooks Access tiers, appealing to users who prioritize ad-free music listening over audiobooks.
As streaming services continue to evolve and diversify their offerings, Spotify’s pricing adjustments reflect the company’s strategy to cater to a broader range of consumer preferences. With the introduction of the Basic plan, users now have more flexibility in choosing a subscription tier that aligns with their specific needs and budget.
