Music is always a great companion, whether you are doing the dishes, tending to livestock, or doing the laundry. Spotify Premium offers it in abundance, thanks to its extensive library and impressive features like ad-free streaming and background play functionality. However, these features cost a couple of dollars per month which may be too much for someone on a tight budget to add to their bills.
If you are in this boat, you do not have to deny yourself the pleasure of using Spotify Premium. There are several ways to access discounted or free Spotify Premium without hurting your light wallet. This article will detail how to get Spotify Premium at the lowest prices.
How to get discounted Spotify Premium
Not only does Spotify offer music, but it also provides numerous podcasts in one app, which makes it irresistible.
Unfortunately, Spotify Free prevents you from enjoying the app’s best features, leaving Spotify Premium as your best option.
However, if your budget does not give room for paying the regular subscription fee, there are some ways you can get a discount for Spotify Premium.
1. Use Raise and Rakuten to get a significant discount
Instead of going through the standard method of subscribing to Spotify Premium, you can opt for a discount gift card.
Raise offers Spotify Premium Subscription Gift Cards at up to 4.50% off. That means you can buy a $60 gift card for $57.33. You can also get a discount for a $30 gift card, which comes at 3.50% off, while the $10 gift card offers 1.70% off. If you go for the $60 gift card, you can spend even less than $57.33 to get it since Raise offers a $10 credit for your first gift card purchase.
You can save even more by signing up on Rakuten.com, which provides a $10 bonus for your first time. That means you can save $20 more and still get the value of a $60 Spotify Premium gift card.
You can cash in on the $20 bonuses by going to Raise through the Rakuten portal to buy your Spotify Premium Subscription Gift Card. Ultimately, you will pay $37.33 for the $60 gift card, which will get you up to six months of Spotify Premium. That means you spend less than $40 instead of $60 for six months of premium service.
You can save even more for your Spotify Premium if you take advantage of special deals we will cover later.
2. Check Groupon for Spotify Deals
If you are thinking about how to get cheap Spotify Premium, check Groupon offers for deals from time to time. These deals can go from 50% to free for a specific period.
Check Spotify Premium deals on Groupon.com to see if any deals are available on the website.
The discounts often sell out quickly, so take advantage of them immediately. Before buying a deal, read the fine print to know if you are eligible for it.
Groupon also offers deals on Pandora Premium, an impressive alternative to Spotify Premium.
For example, this Pandora Premium deal offers a free 30-day Trial Pass or a three-month subscription to Pandora On-Demand Premium.
Spotify Free vs. Premium – Quick comparison
Spotify offers free and premium versions. Expectedly, the premium version has more user-friendly features than the free version.
- Ad: Spotify Free affects user experience by playing ads every few songs. However, the premium version runs ad-free.
- Offline listening: Spotify Free does not allow you to download songs for offline listening, which is a shame because you cannot always be online. That means you cannot listen to songs without the internet with the free version. However, Spotify Premium removes this problem by letting you download as many songs as you want without restriction.
- Shuffle: Spotify Free restricts you from listening to the music you want; it essentially chooses for you by shuffling to random songs. However, Spotify Premium lets you turn off the shuffle and select your favorite songs.
- Audio quality: Spotify Free offers only low audio quality, meaning that you will miss out on the full richness of the songs. However, Spotify Premium lets you choose your preferred quality, including the High and Very High options.
How to choose free or cheaper Spotify Premium
The easiest way to get Spotify Premium is to sign up for the one-month free trial. This trial only works if it is your first time using an email address and account information on Spotify.
The free subscription to Spotify Premium offers you all the benefits of a paid subscription. You will not pay a dime for ad-free listening, offline listening, shuffle control, on-demand playback, and other premium benefits for a month. After the one-month trial, you can see whether the premium subscription is worth your money.
You can get your free Spotify Premium for the first month by visiting Spotify’s website or mobile app.
Currently, there is a limited offer of three-month free Spotify Premium that you’ll find on the homepage. Once you sign up, you will have several plans, but choose the Premium Individual plan for the free trial. Spotify will ask you to provide your billing address and account information. If your data is correct, you will start enjoying Spotify Premium immediately.
It’s worth mentioning that Spotify will start charging you $9.99 after the expiration of the one-month trial. Therefore, we recommend canceling your subscription after activating the free trial if you do not have an immediate plan to continue using the streaming service’s premium plan.
Not to worry, canceling the subscription won’t remove your premium benefits; you will continue to enjoy them until the trial expires.
How to get a Spotify Premium Discount
What happens when the one-month free trial for Spotify Premium expires? You are torn between taking from your tight budget or downgrading to Spotify Free. None of them is a choice that can make you happy. It’s good that you can get Spotify Premium discounts that will significantly reduce what you must pay for a subscription.
For example, if you are in the United States (US), Spotify charges subscribers in some countries less than it charges you. Spotify Premium users in the US – $9.99, and the United Kingdom (UK) – £9.99 ($12.63) pay the highest for the service.
Some countries pay significantly lower than both countries for various reasons, including local market conditions and currency value. That means subscribing to Spotify Premium in these countries makes you pay less than in the US.
As tempting as that may sound, it is not wise to travel out of the country to sign up for cheaper Spotify Premium.
Thankfully, there is a way around that. A virtual private network (VPN) is a cheap and convenient way to travel to countries with more affordable Spotify Premium subscriptions without leaving your room. It allows you to take on the IP address of the VPN server in another country of your choice.
With your device taking on the IP address of another country, the Spotify server will identify your connection as one originating from that country, not the US. Consequently, Spotify will subject you to the same subscription prices available to locals.
Get Spotify Premium special offers
There are many Spotify Premium special offers and discounts out there. Besides the general one-month free trial, you can find even better deals if you look well.
For example, you will get three months of Spotify Premium for free if you use PayPal as your payment method.
Moreover, you can get more favorable deals for Spotify Premium by using a VPN to mask your location and assume a different country where a subscription is much cheaper. If you need to learn how to do that, the next section will help.
Also read: How to Get a YouTube Premium Discount
How much does Spotify Premium cost?
As mentioned, Spotify Premium pricing varies sharply depending on your location or country. For example, Spotify Premium subscribers in the US pay up to six times more than users in India.
While you’re justified to think the disparity in pricing is unfair, Spotify uses the low-price strategy to penetrate new markets such as Turkey, Nigeria, and more. It’s good that you can also take advantage of the low prices with the help of a VPN. But first, you must know the countries with the cheapest Spotify Premium plans.
Therefore, we’ve developed a list of the best countries you can choose.
| Region | Country | Spotify Premium price (monthly) | Suitable VPNs |
|---|---|---|---|
| South America | Argentina | $1.22 | Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN |
| Asia | India | $1.45 | NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark |
| Asia | Turkey | $1.54 | Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN |
| Africa | Egypt | $1.62 | Surfshark, ExpressVPN |
| Africa | Nigeria | $1.95 | Surfshark |
| South America | Colombia | $2.98 | Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN |
| Europe | Poland | $4.20 | Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN |
| Europe | Bulgaria | $4.54 | Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN |
| Europe | Hungary | $4.93 | Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN |
Note: The prices are for the Individual plan. They are valid as of May 2023.
How to get Spotify Premium cheaper with a VPN
Each country has a two-letter code attached to its Spotify web link. This code takes you directly to pricing plans for the country it represents. For example, if you add “UK” to the Spotify main URL, the prices will show in pounds.
Likewise, if you add “NG,” representing Nigeria, to the streaming service’s website, the prices will be displayed in the country’s local currency, Naira.
However, the code change is not enough to fool the Spotify server because it will geo-block you from making a subscription outside your region. Therefore, you need a VPN to effectively fool the server that you are subscribing from a different location where the subscription fee is very affordable.
A reliable VPN will help you fake your whereabouts and level the playground by letting you pay the lowest price possible for Spotify Premium. It can also unblock video streaming restrictions, allowing you to watch Spotify Premium with a VPN.
Here are the top three VPNs to get Spotify Premium cheaper:
1. ExpressVPN
A top VPN network to consider if you want Spotify Premium at a low price. It has blazing-fast servers with unbeatable security and privacy features.
Has an effective network of over 3,000 servers present in 88 different countries worldwide
TrustedServer technology (for enhanced security)
Protects connection with reliable AES-256 data encryption
Does not keep log of user traffic usage
A split tunneling feature that works fluently
Has Network Lock (kill switch) feature
Supports Tor over VPN on all servers
Peer to peer enabled servers
Each account can connect up to five devices at once
30-day tested pay-back policy
Pros
- Reliably unblocks numerous streaming services
- Observers no lag or buffering
- Ensures thorough privacy
Cons
- You can only choose a location, not a specific server
ExpressVPN has servers in most countries across the world. The VPN provider’s presence in 94 countries makes it ideal for getting Spotify Premium. You will have plenty of choices in choosing an affordable Spotify Premium.
Also, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with no risk and can get you a refund anytime you ask for it within 30 days of payment. While this guarantee is not as ideal as a specific free trial, your money is only tied up for about a month, and it’s safe for you to collect back. However, request a refund within 30 days to avoid straining your pocket.
Once you settle on a VPN, choose the country with a cheap Spotify Premium subscription.
2. Surfshark
A pocket-friendly VPN that has a plethora of impressive features and helps you get Spotify Premium cheaply.
More than 3,200 efficient VPN servers in 100 different countries
Runs on RAM-based servers (best for privacy)
Does not contain users’ logs
Robust data AES-256 (industry-grade) encryption
Supports Peer to Peer traffic on most servers
Security-enhancing smart kill switch feature
Functional CleanWeb ad and malware blocking feature
Split tunneling with dependable effectiveness
No limit to the number of connections per account
30 days of no-questions-asked refunds
Pros
- Has user-friendly interface
- Has Camouflage Mode, adding extra security
- Accepts crypto payments such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple
Cons
- Based in the Netherlands (a member of the global data-sharing 14-Eyes alliance)
When shopping for the best VPN to get cheap Spotify Premium, your first consideration should be whether a VPN offers a free trial. Remember that you are trying to get a cheap Spotify Premium here, so it’s best to avoid spending on a VPN. In this case, Surfshark offers a seven-day trial, which is more than enough to get cheap Spotify Premium from any country you want.
You can access the trial on Android, iOS, and macOS, and don’t forget to cancel your subscription if you have no intention of paying.
Another top consideration should be the number of countries the VPN offers. The higher the number of countries, the higher the chances of finding more countries with cheap Spotify Premium.
In terms of reach, Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in over 100 countries, making it a perfect Spotify VPN.
Also, this VPN provider employs the WireGuard tunneling protocol and Nexus technology to ensure great connectivity. Therefore, you won’t experience significant speed drops regardless of the distance of the location you choose.
3. NordVPN
A famous VPN service with an extensive server network worldwide. That means you can subscribe to Spotify Premium cheaply from any country where it has a low subscription plan.
Has a network of 5,600+ speedy VPN servers scattered in over 60 countries
Reliable threat protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker)
Industry standard, most secure encryption available: AES-256
A user-friendly kill switch feature
Split tunneling feature with high efficiency
Offers multi-hop VPN for double encryption
Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality
Ensures that no logging is done
Users can connect up to six devices simultaneously with each account
A 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked
Pros
- Owns RAM-based servers for top-notch privacy
- Blocks any third party interference
- Offers special discouts to students
Cons
- Some servers can be slow
NordVPN is another great fit for getting cheap Spotify Premium. While it does not have servers in up to 100 countries, the 60 countries where it has servers offer more than enough options to get affordable Spotify Premium. Also, it can work on all Spotify-friendly devices, including Android, Mac, iOS, and Windows.
Furthermore, NordVPN offers free trials that ensure you do not have to pay a cent to use the VPN provider. Firstly, NordVPN’s Android app offers a seven-day free trial, which Google Play organizes. So, you can use the app without paying for seven days.
Secondly, you can pay for a month of NordVPN and get a refund within 30 days. See it as saving your money for 30 days because the VPN provider will refund you as long as your initial payment is, at most, 30 days. Therefore, we advise you to cancel your trial or request a refund in time to avoid getting charged.
Spotify Premium discount packages
In the US, Spotify Premium offers four monthly plans ranging from $5 to $16. So, you must choose the plan that provides the best value for your month. To help you make the best decision, we will detail the costs of different Spotify Premium plans and explore any deal that might be in store for you.
Spotify Premium Student
Spotify Premium for students is one of the streaming service’s cheapest plans. It costs only $4.99 monthly, 50% off the standard price. While it’s tempting for everyone, including non-students, to subscribe to the student plan, Spotify has strict measures to ensure only students can use it.
Before Spotify can approve your subscription to the student plan, you need to prove that you are a student at an accredited higher education institution. The plan will also get you access to an ad-supported Hulu plan, providing you with even more savings.
Spotify Premium Individual
Spotify Premium Individual is the most popular plan on the streaming service because anyone can subscribe to it without hassle. It provides an individual with over 100 million ad-free tracks and offline listening, making it ideal for commuters and travelers who can’t always be offline. The individual plan offers all Spotify Premium benefits at $10 monthly.
Spotify Premium Duo
Spotify Premium Duo is another discounted plan. As its name suggests, it is for two individuals. Instead of you and your friend or partner paying $20 combined to use Spotify Premium, the Duo plan lets you spend $13 — you save $3.50 each.
This plan has all the features of Spotify Premium, but it adds an extra element, Duo Mix, a playlist for the two people on the plan. The playlist will update regularly with music both of you enjoy.
Spotify Premium Family
Spotify Premium Family is the most discounted and cheapest plan. If your family loves music, subscribing to Spotify Premium Family is a no-brainer. Instead of each family member paying $10 for Spotify Premium, six family members can enjoy all the benefits of premium service for only $16, saving $7.33 each.
If you and five family members/friends split the cost, you will pay only $2.66 monthly for Spotify Premium — making this plan the cheapest, even cheaper than Spotify Premium Student. If some family members already use Spotify Premium, they can keep their data, including playlists, recommendations, and saved music.
Spotify Partner Premium Plans
Spotify also offers partner premium plans from a partnership with large corporations. These deals provide significant discounts to customers and employees of the companies. Here’s how to get discounted Spotify Premium from some popular companies:
Starbucks Employees
Starbucks lets its employees or “partners” use Spotify Premium for free. However, you must verify your affiliation with the company to take advantage of the free deal.
PayPal
Paypal lets its customers enjoy three months of free Spotify Premium. However, this deal only applies if you haven’t already had a Spotify Premium account. If it’s your first time, sign up for a Paypal account and set yourself up for three months of free Spotify Premium.
Hacks to avoid losing money to shady deals and illegal mods
The search for cheap Spotify Premium can throw shady deals your way. Therefore, you must be careful to avoid falling for scams.
Firstly, watch out for phishing emails offering deals too good to be true. You should treat any email or third-party website requesting your login or credit card information as fraudulent.
Also, avoid Groupon and other deals that do not apply to your Spotify account. Paying for such deals might expose you to losing your money. You can avoid them by reading the fine print and understanding what you are paying for.
Another risk of searching for cheap Spotify Premium is exposure to illegally modified apps that offer the premium version for free. They typically look real, but there is a huge risk of them being problematic. Downloading illegal mods may bring viruses, spyware, or malware to your device.
Besides viruses causing your phone to crash, spyware or malware can steal your personal information. Therefore, it is best to stick to the official Spotify app.
Also read: How to Get Netflix at a Discount
Conclusion
From leveraging discounts and deals to using a VPN to take advantage of lower prices in other countries and watch Spotify Premium, there is no shortage of ways to get cheap and even free Spotify Premium. Instead of paying the regular price for an individual plan, you can leverage discounted plans such as the Duo and Family plans.
Also, keep looking for Spotify gift cards and deals to utilize them when available. The deals are typically time-bound, meaning you can miss out on them if you do not use them sooner.
Finally, you can use reliable VPN providers such as Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN to take advantage of the cheapest deals outside your country.
FAQs
We do not recommend freemium VPNs, even though there are a few reliable options. Free VPNs typically cannot bypass Spotify’s geo-blocks and are based in only a few countries where Spotify plans are relatively expensive, defeating the purpose of getting cheap plans.
No, Spotify Premium works abroad for as long as possible if there is an active subscription. Therefore, you don’t need to turn on a VPN to use Spotify Premium, which you paid for using another country’s pricing plan. However, you must use your VPN to confirm your subscription status every 30 days to stay active.
Spotify sets prices based on the potential value of the country and the purchasing power of its people. That means users in a developed country like the UK will pay higher fees than subscribers in a developing country like Nigeria for Spotify Premium.
There is a low chance that a few illegal mods are safe to use, but it is usually hard to tell. Therefore, we advise that you do not take chances.
Spotify’s main rivals are YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Deezer. Spotify costs the same amount as YouTube Music but is cheaper than Apple Music and Deezer, which cost $11 monthly.
Interestingly, you do not. Spotify allows non-premium subscribers to download and listen to podcasts offline.
