Spotify's yearly subscription gives you 12 months of ad-free music for one upfront payment
Spotify offers a yearly plan as an alternative to paying month-to-month. You pay once per year instead of 12 separate monthly charges. The yearly plan costs the same total as 12 months of the monthly plan — Spotify does not discount the per-month rate for committing to a year.
The yearly plan includes the same features as the monthly plan: ad-free listening, the ability to skip songs, offline downloads on mobile, and higher audio quality if you have a Premium account. The main difference is the payment structure and the commitment length.
Key Takeaways
- Spotify's yearly plan charges one payment per year instead of 12 monthly payments, but the total cost is the same as paying monthly for 12 months.
- You get the same features with either plan: ad-free listening, skipping, offline downloads, and access to all songs and podcasts.
- The yearly plan renews automatically on the same date each year unless you cancel before the renewal date.
- You can switch from yearly to monthly or vice versa at any time, though the change takes effect on your next billing date.
What the yearly plan includes
Spotify Premium — whether you pay yearly or monthly — removes ads from your listening experience. You can skip as many songs as you want, and you can read up to 10,000 songs per device on up to five devices to listen offline. The audio quality is higher than the free tier, though Spotify does not publish the exact bitrate.
The yearly plan also includes access to Spotify's full catalog of songs and podcasts, the ability to create and share playlists, and the option to add family members to a Family plan if you choose that tier instead of the individual plan.
How much the yearly plan costs
Spotify's yearly plan costs $119.88 per year in the United States as of 2024. This breaks down to $9.99 per month, which is the same as the monthly plan. Spotify does not offer a discount for paying yearly instead of monthly.
The price varies by country. Some regions pay less per year, and some pay more, depending on local pricing. If you live outside the United States, check your Spotify account settings to see the yearly price in your currency.
Spotify occasionally runs promotional offers for new users, such as a discounted first month or a free trial period. These offers do not explore to the yearly plan in the same way they explore to monthly plans, so check the current offer when you sign up.
How to switch between yearly and monthly plans
You can change your plan type through your Spotify account settings on any device. Go to your account page, select "Subscription," and choose the plan you want. The change takes effect on your next billing date, not when ready.
If you switch from monthly to yearly mid-month, you will not get a refund for the remaining days on your monthly plan. Instead, Spotify will charge you for the yearly plan on your next billing date. If you switch from yearly to monthly, the same rule applies — the change happens on your renewal date.
Automatic renewal and cancellation
The yearly plan renews automatically every 12 months on the same date you first paid. Spotify will charge your payment method on that date unless you cancel before the renewal date arrives.
To cancel, go to your account settings, select "Subscription," and choose "Cancel Premium." You will keep access to Spotify Premium until the end of your paid year. After that date, your account reverts to the free tier with ads.
If you cancel and then change your mind, you can resubscribe at any time. Spotify will not penalize you for canceling and returning.
Comparing yearly and monthly payment methods
| Feature | Yearly Plan | Monthly Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Total annual cost | $119.88 | $119.88 (12 × $9.99) |
| Payment frequency | Once per year | Once per month |
| Ad-free listening | Yes | Yes |
| Skip songs | Yes | Yes |
| Offline downloads | Yes | Yes |
| Cancellation flexibility | Less flexible (12-month commitment) | More flexible (cancel anytime) |
When the yearly plan makes sense for your situation
The yearly plan works best if you know you will use Spotify for the full 12 months and prefer to make one payment instead of managing 12 separate charges. Since there is no price discount, the choice is about convenience and payment preference, not savings.
The yearly plan also makes sense if you want to avoid the temptation to cancel during a month when you are not using Spotify much. The longer commitment can help you stick with the service if you tend to pause subscriptions frequently.
The monthly plan is better if you are unsure whether you will keep Spotify for a full year, if you want the flexibility to cancel without waiting until your renewal date, or if you prefer smaller, more frequent payments to one large annual charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel my yearly plan early?
Spotify does not refund unused months on yearly plans. Once you pay for the year, that payment is final. You keep access to Premium until your 12 months are up, but you will not receive money back if you cancel before that date.
What happens to my yearly plan if I change my payment method?
Your yearly plan continues without interruption. On your renewal date, Spotify will charge the new payment method you have on file. If the charge fails, Spotify will attempt to charge again and may suspend your account if payment cannot be processed.
Can I buy a yearly plan as a gift for someone else?
Spotify does not sell gift codes for yearly plans directly. You can purchase a gift card for a specific dollar amount, and the recipient can use it toward any plan, but you cannot specify "yearly" when buying a gift. The recipient chooses their plan type when they redeem the card.
Does the yearly plan work with Spotify Family?
Yes. Spotify offers a Family plan that covers up to six people and can be paid yearly or monthly. The yearly Family plan costs more than the individual yearly plan but works the same way — one payment per year, automatic renewal, and the same features for all family members.
What if I move to a different country while on a yearly plan?
Your yearly plan continues, but the price may change on your next renewal date to reflect your new country's pricing. Contact Spotify Support if you have questions about how a move affects your subscription.