Spotify for Windows

Elevate your music-listening experience

Spotify is a freemium multimedia app that allows you to listen to music without needing to download it on your device. With this audio streaming app, you can access millions of songs from all genres and eras, from classic rock to reggaeton hits.

Spotify also allows you to create your own playlists, follow your favorite artists, and discover new songs thanks to personalized recommendations. This online music player is free to download and use, though the free version has lots of ads. For a seamless listening experience, consider subscribing to its premium option which also allows you to skip songs and download them for offline streaming.

Lots of songs and playlists

As mentioned, Spotify features millions of songs from various artists around the world. That means you can find tunes of various genres with a few clicks. You can choose to manually search for the songs you want to listen to or check out the curated playlists that the streaming platform made. Beyond genre classifications, these playlists vary in themes so you can find one that fits your mood.

This digital music service also makes personalized playlists according to your listening behavior. Among them are the six Daily Mixes, which are automatically generated based on your streaming activities to provide you with comfortable and familiar music. Another set of playlists curated according to your listening preferences are the On Repeat, Your Time Capsule, Daily Drive, and Repeat Rewind. Spotify also provides Discover Weekly and Release Radar playlists that feature new music picked for you and the latest music from artists you follow.

However, it should be noted that some songs may not be available in certain countries. This is mostly due to agreements between the platform and right holders, such as artists and record labels, which lead to content either not being available on the platform right away or getting removed altogether. One workaround to this issue is importing local files to your library if you have the music as files on your device.

More than just music

You can go for days exploring Spotify’s vast database of songs, but the platform’s content doesn’t stop there. It also features millions of podcast titles from various creators. From an upbeat motivational channel and an educational podcast to a horror-filled true crime show and informative daily-life hack channel, the platform has it for you. Each episode is accompanied by quick metadata that helps you get the gist of their topic before pressing play.

Spotify also features thousands of audiobooks. However, unlike the songs and podcasts that are free for all users, you’ll have to purchase the individual titles of the audiobooks you want to listen to. If you’re a Premium subscriber, you’ll get a monthly allocation of 15 hours of free access to the 150,000 titles that are part of the bundle. This bundle offer is also available for Family and Duo accounts.

Spotify for Windows VS Spotify for Mobile

Compared to its mobile versions, however, Spotify’s Windows app lacks a number of features that users could maximize to fully enjoy their listening experience. One of the most notable features that the desktop app lacks is the ability to play a uniquely-made playlist from an AI DJ. Desktop users are also unable to take part in Jam sessions, where one person can share a song with a group of other users collaborate on what songs to play next, and uncover suggested songs based on all of your combined music preferences.

However, the desktop app does have some additional functionalities that you won’t find on the mobile versions. One of these features is the ability to arrange your playlists into folders, allowing you to create a much more organized collection of tunes, especially if you’re the type to curate new playlists for every mood you have. You can also keep track of your friends’ listening activity, as long as their settings aren’t set to private listening. 

Another positive aspect of the Windows version of this streaming service is that it’s much more forgiving to its free users. While users with a Premium subscription can fully enjoy both the desktop and mobile versions of the service, it’s a well-known fact that free users listening on their mobile devices are forced to listen to repetitive ads after every other song they play. However, the desktop app has fewer intrusive ads, which allows users to still enjoy the full listening experience.

An essential application for music lovers

Spotify emerges as a powerhouse in the realm of audio streaming, offering an extensive library of music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Its user-friendly interface and personalized playlists cater to diverse tastes. While the free version introduces occasional ads, opting for the premium subscription ensures an uninterrupted and immersive listening experience. Whether you're into the latest hits, curated playlists, or immersive podcasts, Spotify stands as a versatile and indispensable digital music companion.