Spotify is officially increasing prices across all of its paid subscription plans in the United States. The changes were widely rumored and are now rolling out to users, with higher charges set to appear on February billing cycles.
Spotify Now Costs More Than Apple Music and YouTube Music
For US subscribers, the price increases apply across the board. Spotify Premium Individual now costs $12.99 per month, up from $11.99 in 2025 and $9.99 just a few years ago. The Duo plan rises to $18.99, the Family plan jumps to $21.99, and even the Student plan is no longer immune, increasing to $6.99 per month.
Updated Spotify US Pricing at a Glance
- Individual Premium: $12.99 per month
- Duo: $18.99 per month
- Family: $21.99 per month
- Student: $6.99 per month
Spotify says users will receive email notifications explaining the changes, and the updated pricing will roll out gradually over the next month.
With these increases, Spotify now sits at the top of the pricing ladder among mainstream music streaming services in the US.
- Apple Music: $10.99 per month
- YouTube Music: $10.99 per month
Both competitors also offer cheaper student and family options, along with broader value propositions. Apple bundles Apple Music with services like iCloud and Apple TV+ through Apple One, while Google often promotes YouTube Premium at a small premium over music-only plans.
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Against that backdrop, Spotify’s new pricing looks increasingly difficult to justify for users who primarily want a straightforward music streaming experience.
Spotify Says the Price “Reflects the Value”
In its announcement, Spotify stated that the higher prices reflect the value it delivers to users. However, the company’s focus has expanded far beyond music in recent years.
Related: Spotify Premium Adds Music Videos in the U.S. and Canada
Spotify has invested heavily in podcasts, exclusive content deals, audiobook credits, and AI-driven features. At the same time, long-requested improvements like higher-quality audio streaming have taken years to materialize. For some users, that raises a fair question about whether Spotify’s broader ambitions actually improve the core music experience.
Who Is Affected by the Price Increase
The new pricing applies to US subscribers, as well as users in Estonia and Latvia. Regions affected by Spotify’s international price increases last summer are not included this time.
If you are already subscribed, no immediate action is required. The updated price will simply appear on your next billing statement, starting in February.
