- Spotify is getting ready to increase the Spotify US subscription price in early 2026, after already adjusting rates in many other countries.
- The price hike is mainly pushed by Spotify’s financial goals and constant pressure from major record labels asking for fairer payouts and inflation-aligned pricing.
- Millions of premium users in the United States will feel the impact, since every plan including Individual, Duo, Student and Family is expected to get a new price.
If you use Spotify in the United States, you might have to pay a little more for your subscription soon. Several reliable reports suggest that Spotify is preparing another price increase for its U.S. plans sometime in the first quarter of 2026. Although the company hasn’t officially announced anything yet, but the sources discussing it, like The Financial Times, are known for accurate industry insights.
Spotify US subscription prices likely to increase in early 2026
According to The Financial Times, people familiar with the company’s internal plans say that Spotify is putting more focus on improving revenue. Over the last few years, the streaming giant has invested heavily in podcasts, audiobooks, and a variety of new features. These additions are costly, and Spotify now appears to be shifting its attention toward showing stronger profitability after years of expansion.
There’s also pressure coming from major music labels. They argue that streaming prices have barely changed over the years, even as inflation rises and the costs of paying artists and rights holders increase. Record companies claim that modest price adjustments are necessary to ensure fair compensation across the industry, which puts Spotify in a difficult position, balancing business needs with subscriber expectations.
Current Spotify subscription plans in the US
If the new price change goes through, it would follow Spotify’s last U.S. price update in June 2024. As of now, the subscription rates are:
- Individual: $11.99 per month
- Student: $5.99 per month
- Duo: $16.99 per month
- Family: $19.99 per month
Spotify is yet to disclose the amount by which they will raise the price the next time. However, even a tiny increment will have an impact on millions of people who rely on the service to enjoy ad-free listening.
How users might respond
Even a small increase could impact millions of subscribers. As competition in the streaming world grows, many users may begin comparing Spotify’s value with alternatives like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.
For frequent listeners, the convenience, personalization, and exclusive features may be enough to justify a higher price. But more casual users might question whether the service is still worth the cost, especially if competitors offer similar features for less.
Related
A broader shift in the streaming industry
This expected price change is part of a bigger trend. Streaming platforms–whether music, video, or podcasts, are focusing more on becoming profitable rather than just gaining new users. At the same time, they’re trying to find a balance between paying creators fairly and keeping subscription prices at a level people are willing to accept.
It is not a surprise that Spotify is planning to raise the price of a US subscription, but it is still something that most users will not like. The decision to move in this direction is due to the company’s financial objectives and external pressure from the industry, rather than being random. For now, it is clear that the streaming market is steadily growing more costly, but we won’t know the precise numbers until 2026 approaches.
