Spotify to raise subscription prices in early 2026, here’s what to expect

Spotify is preparing to raise subscription prices in the United States during the first quarter of 2026, according to people familiar with the matter.

If implemented, this increase will be the first price rise in the US since July 2024. Currently, an individual Premium plan in the US costs US$11.99 per month, up from the US$9.99 rate when the service first launched in the country fourteen years ago.

The price hike follows a wave of similar increases in other global markets, including the UK, Switzerland and Australia. Spotify reportedly used those adjustments to respond to rising costs and pressure from major record labels.

Financial analysts estimate that even a small increase, for example, US$1 per month on individual plans, could contribute about US$500 million annually to Spotify’s revenue.

The move also comes at a time of leadership transition within Spotify: as the company aims to show sustained profitability moving forward, the pricing strategy appears to be part of a broader push to stabilise and strengthen financial performance.

At present Spotify has not publicly confirmed the amount of the increase or the date when new pricing will take effect. Company representatives declined to comment when asked.

The news has triggered a wave of criticism and frustration among many longtime users. On social‑media platforms, dozens of comments reflect anger toward the price hike, with some subscribers calling the company greedy, others complaining about lack of added value, and many actively discussing switching services.

One recent post summarised the mood bluntly, “Fucking love this bullshit ‘shareholders first’ society we live in. People are too fucking comfortable defending large corporations.” Another user laid out a common argument among disgruntled listeners, “At least over here pricing was reasonable. But this… this is the second price increase in less than two years in the US.” Some said they were already planning to ditch Spotify altogether. One comment read, “Spotify doesn’t pay artists directly if I am not mistaken. I switched over to YouTube Music a while back… Spotify is a rip.”

Others were more pragmatic, acknowledging price rises as inevitable, but critical of Spotify’s communication. Polling data underscores the sentiment: a recent survey found that about one‑third of potential subscribers would consider switching services if prices increase, citing alternatives such as Apple Music and Amazon Music.