How to Enjoy Spotify Premium Without Breaking the Bank
Spotify Premium elevates your music experience, but its price can be a bit daunting. If you’re looking to keep the beats flowing while saving some cash, there are several smart strategies to explore.
1. Uncover Hidden Free Trials
For new users, Spotify offers a free month of its Premium service. However, many don’t realize that they sometimes provide special promotions for two or even three months free. Keep an eye out during big shopping events like Black Friday or New Year’s, or check your email for tempting offers if you haven’t been active for a while. Even if you’ve been on Premium before, Spotify may send comeback deals right to your inbox. Remember to compare subscription options to ensure you’re not overspending on features you don’t use.
If you decide to dive into a free trial, set a reminder to cancel before the billing date to avoid unexpected charges.
2. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
If you’re a student, you’re in luck! Spotify offers a special student plan that slashes the subscription price in half to just $5.99 per month. To qualify, simply verify your status through SheerID, usually by uploading your student ID or enrollment letter. This discount lasts for four years, but you’ll need to reverify every year; once you graduate, the standard rate will apply.
In addition to your Premium account, students also get access to Hulu (with ads) at no extra charge, making this offer even more enticing.
3. Consider Family or Duo Plans
If you’re no longer a student, sharing your Spotify subscription could be the way to go. The Spotify Duo plan allows two people living at the same address to each have their own Premium account for about $16.99 monthly—just over $8 per person.
For larger households, the Family plan is even better; at around $19.99 per month, up to six individuals can enjoy separate Premium accounts. This plan also includes parental controls for younger listeners and a Family Mix playlist that curates music based on everyone’s tastes.
4. Snag Discounted Gift Cards or Cashback Offers
Buying Spotify gift cards can be an excellent way to save. Look for sales during major holiday events like Cyber Monday, where retailers often offer discounted cards. Additionally, purchasing gift cards through cashback sites like Rakuten can earn you money back on your purchase. Although these gift cards can’t be applied directly to Family or Duo plans if you’re using those discounts, they can significantly reduce costs when switched back to an individual plan.
5. Check Your Phone or Service Bundles
Before subscribing to Spotify Premium, check whether it’s included with your phone or internet plan. Many providers offer this perk to both new and existing customers. For example, Verizon provides several months of Premium for customers on certain Unlimited plans. Likewise, various smart devices like Google Nest speakers and Roku also come with trials for Spotify, so it’s worth investigating.
Be mindful, however, that many of these deals will auto-renew at the standard Premium price after the promotional period, so remember to adjust or cancel your plan to avoid unwelcome charges.
6. Be Cautious with Regional Pricing via VPNs
For the tech-savvy, some users consider using a VPN to capitalize on regional pricing discrepancies. In some countries, Spotify Premium is significantly cheaper than in the US. However, this route is fraught with complications, such as needing a local payment method and the risk of performance issues. While it might save you a few bucks, consider whether the hassle is worth it for just a modest discount each month.
By exploring these options, you can enjoy all that Spotify Premium has to offer while keeping your budget intact. Happy listening!
