Spotify price increase hitting February, Premium now $12.99 a month

Spotify just announced a major price hike hitting February, and your Premium bill is about to jump significantly. The music streaming giant revealed January 15 that all Premium plans are getting pricier across the US, Estonia, and Latvia. Here’s what you need to know about the coming changes.

When Does the Price Increase Hit?

The price changes take effect in February 2026 for current subscribers. Spotify will send emails over the next month explaining the update to existing customers. The timing means your next billing date determines when you see the higher charge.

If your renewal is early February, you’ll pay the new price immediately. Later in the month, you’ll get a bit more time with current rates. New subscribers starting today already see the increased pricing on Spotify’s website.

What’s Behind the Price Jump?

In the official announcement, Spotify said the increase helps them keep delivering a great experience and benefit artists. Higher costs for licensing music rights and investing in features drive the need for premium pricing.

This is the third major increase since mid-2023. The company raised prices to $10.99 in July 2023, then to $11.99 in June 2024. Each hike reflects the platform’s push for profitability while spending heavily on podcasts, audiobooks, and AI tools.

All Premium Plans Getting the Treatment

“Over the next month, Premium subscribers across the U.S., Estonia, and Latvia will receive an email explaining what this update means for their subscriptions.”

— Spotify Official Announcement, January 15, 2026

Is Spotify Still Beating the Competition?

At $12.99, Spotify Premium now costs more than Apple Music at the same price point. Amazon Music Unlimited sits at $10.99, making it a cheaper option for budget-conscious listeners. YouTube Music also offers competitive pricing around similar levels.

The increases suggest Spotify is confident users value the platform’s personalization, discovery features, and massive library enough to justify premium pricing. The company serves over 600 million users globally, with 250 million on paid subscriptions.

What Should You Do About the Price Hike?

Existing subscribers have options when the email arrives. You can accept the new rate and continue enjoying unlimited skips, offline downloads, and ad-free listening. Some users might explore family plans if friends want to split costs and reduce per-person expenses.

The free tier remains unchanged, though it includes ads and limited skips. Switching plans or canceling are also choices, especially if you’re on the pricier Family plan seeing a $2 monthly hit. Will this next price jump finally push you to explore other music streaming services?

Sources

• Spotify Newsroom – Official pricing announcement for Premium subscriptions
• CNBC – Coverage of the February price increase and company strategy
• Reuters – Breaking news on US, Estonia, and Latvia pricing changes

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.