Quit Spotify, Buy Music Instead—Cheaper Than I Thought

The Shift from Spotify Premium to a More Sustainable Music Collection

For years, I felt trapped by my Spotify Premium subscription. I believed that if I canceled it, I would be forced to either endure annoying ads or spend hundreds of dollars each month on downloads and physical media. But when I finally decided to quit Spotify, I discovered that there are actually many ways to enjoy ad-free music without breaking the bank.

One of the first things I noticed was that my $12 monthly Spotify Premium fee was almost equivalent to the price of a single digital album or a brand-new CD. This made me think I could only afford to add one album to my collection each month without going over budget. However, I realized that this wasn’t necessarily the case. Instead of spending $12 per month on a streaming service, I could choose to invest in physical media and still stay within the same budget.

Used CDs: Affordable and Durable

I’ve grown to love the used CD section in record stores and thrift shops because they often offer the best prices while also being a more reliable format. If you’re okay with a slightly worn jewel case, you can find great CD albums in excellent condition for as little as $3 to $5. This means I can buy a few CDs each month while staying within the range of a typical Spotify subscription.

Although vinyl records and cassette tapes are currently more popular, I don’t mind going against the trend. CDs have their own advantages, such as lower prices and less emphasis on aesthetics. Plus, they tend to last longer than other formats. A well-maintained CD from the 90s is more likely to sound the same today as it did when it was first released, offering better value for money.

Converting CDs into Digital Files

The best part about buying CDs is that they can easily be converted into digital files for offline listening. All you need is a disc drive connected to your computer. While modern PCs rarely come with built-in drives, you can purchase an external one for around $40, like the ASUS ZenDrive Silver. For those who want a more advanced option, the ASUS BW-16D1X-U offers support for M-Disc and Blu-ray, opening up new possibilities for data storage.

Once you have the drive, you can rip CDs into MP3s or lossless audio files like FLACs. These files can then be stored on your laptop or loaded onto your smartphone for ad-free, offline listening at any time.

Choosing the Right Music Player

There are several apps available for playing local music files. On Android, I use Phocid, which is free and open-source and available on F-Droid. For those who prefer the Google Play Store, Gramophone is another great option for ad-free offline music playback. On iOS, Apple Music allows you to listen to local music files directly.

Loyalty Programs at Record Stores

As I shifted away from streaming and started visiting physical record stores, I learned that store owners often appreciate regular customers. Many stores offer loyalty programs where you get discounts based on how much you purchase. This can make CDs and other music formats even more affordable, though it’s important to stay mindful of your budget to avoid overspending.

Free Music from Artists

Another surprising discovery was that some artists offer their music for free or through a name-your-price model. By visiting an artist’s official website, you might find that the music you've been streaming for years is available at no cost. This is especially common among indie artists, and platforms like Bandcamp often feature unique offerings.

Libraries and Digital Services

If you haven’t checked out your local library recently, you should. Many libraries offer music that you can borrow for weeks, allowing you to test out new artists before purchasing. Some even provide digital services like Freegal Music and Hoopla, which include free music streaming and limited MP3 downloads.

Rediscovering Radio

One thing I miss about Spotify is its ability to recommend new music. To combat this, I’ve turned back to radio. Whether through traditional antennas or online platforms like Radio Garden, there are countless stations broadcasting curated music for free. Internet radio offers a vast world of options, making it easy to discover new songs without relying on algorithms.

The Value of Physical Music

While I may now spend more on music than I did with Spotify Premium, collecting has become a rewarding hobby. Physical music offers long-term ownership, and if needed, you can always resell it to recoup costs. From vintage cassette players to MiniDiscs, there are still many ways to enjoy music in a tangible form.