Spotify Web Player (How to Use, Differences to Spotify Apps, Pros/Cons)

5 min readNov 1, 2023

Streaming music with Spotify is possible through a variety of platforms — from mobile apps to smart speakers. One option that offers convenient access is the Spotify web player. Here’s an in-depth look at how to use the Spotify web player, how it differs from the desktop and mobile apps, and its pros and cons.

What is the Web Player on Spotify?

The Spotify web player is an online version of the streaming service that you can access from any web browser. It provides the core Spotify experience directly on the web, without needing to download any apps.

To use it, simply go to open.spotify.com and log in with your Spotify credentials. This will open the web player, allowing you to search playlists, artists, albums, podcasts and start streaming music instantly.

How do you use the Spotify Web Player?

Using the Spotify web player is very similar to the mobile and desktop apps. Here are the key things you can do:

Search for artists, songs, albums, playlists and podcasts using the search bar.
Browse personalized recommendations and playlists on the home screen.
View your music library and playlists.
Listen to any song, album or playlist with the full set of playback controls — shuffle, repeat, previous, play, next.
Like songs to add them to your music taste profile.
Adjust the volume.
Connect Spotify to speakers, TVs and other devices as an audio source.

Overall, it provides the core playback features and a browsing experience optimized for the web.

Should You Use the Spotify Web Player or Desktop App?

The Spotify web player is great for quick, convenient access from any computer. However, for the best experience, the desktop app is preferable if you can download it.

Here are some key differences:

Offline Access — The desktop app allows you to listen offline and download songs. The web player requires an internet connection.
Enhanced Features — The desktop app has extra tools like equalizer settings, keyboard shortcuts, Connect for speakers, and remote control.
Better Performance — The desktop app often provides better streaming quality and less latency compared to web playback.
Desktop Integration — The desktop app offers deeper integration like multimedia key support, desktop notifications and system media controls.

Overall, the web player is suitable for casual listening at work or on public computers. For daily personal usage, the desktop app is better if you have the option to install it.

The difference in features between Spotify Web Player and Desktop App

Here’s a quick overview of the main features supported in each:

Spotify Web Player

Playback of songs, albums, playlists
Search songs, artists, podcasts
Create and view your library
Like songs
Volume control
Share songs

Spotify Desktop App

Supports all web player features
Works offline
Change audio quality
Keyboard shortcuts
Equalizer
Remote control through mobile
Connect to speakers
Notifications
Multimedia key support
System media controls

Can you use the Spotify web player on your phone?

Yes, the Spotify web player works on mobile browsers like Chrome and Safari as well. However, it’s optimized for desktop so the interface doesn’t translate as cleanly to a smaller phone screen. Using the mobile app is recommended instead on phones.

The web player can be handy on mobile when you want quick access without installing the app. For example, listening on a friend’s phone or public computer. But in most cases, you’ll have a better experience using the native iOS and Android apps.

Using Spotify on Your Computer at Work

Listening to Spotify on work computers where you can’t download apps can be a challenge. Here are some tips:

Use the Web Player — As mentioned, the web player is your best bet to stream music from your desktop web browser.
Remote Control with Mobile — You can remote control the web player on your work desktop using the Spotify app on your phone.
Use a Private/Incognito Window — This prevents your activity from being logged in the browser history.
Use Headphones — Wear headphones to avoid disturbing coworkers with your music.
Clear Cookies and Data — Remove Spotify login cookies after use so the next user can’t access your account.

What Spotify Apps are available?

In addition to the web player and desktop app, Spotify offers a few other apps:

Mobile app — Available for both iOS and Android devices. Great for listening on the go.
Tablet app — Optimized for larger screens like the iPad.
TV app — Available for many smart TV platforms like Samsung, LG, Roku. Streams Spotify to your home stereo system.
Gaming console apps — Spotify has apps for Xbox and PlayStation so you can listen while gaming.
Auto apps — Hands-free listening with apps for CarPlay, Android Auto, and other vehicle entertainment systems.

Spotify web player on Safari

The Spotify web player works well on Safari, since it is a modern web browser. Performance is generally good, though the desktop app may have slightly better latency. Safari supports all the core playback and browsing features.

One tip is to enable the “Ask websites not to track me” setting for privacy. Since Safari is the default iOS browser, the web player experience translates fine from iPhone to desktop. Overall, Safari is a fully supported way to listen on the Spotify web player.

Summary

The Spotify web player provides convenient streaming access directly from any web browser.
It includes all the essential playback, library, and browsing features.
The desktop app offers a richer experience, especially offline listening.
The web player works across all browsers, but optimized for desktop instead of mobile.
You can remote control the web player from your smartphone.
Make sure to use headphones and clear browsing data if accessing from a shared work computer.

While not as full-featured, the Spotify web player shines for quick access when you can’t download the desktop app. Both platforms let you enjoy the entire Spotify music library wherever you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download songs on the web player?

No, the Spotify web player does not allow downloading songs for offline listening. Only the desktop and mobile apps support offline downloads. The web player requires an internet connection to stream music.

Is the web player free to use?

Yes, you can use the Spotify web player for free. However, the free tier includes advertisements and limited skips/shuffles. To enable unlimited on-demand playback, you need a paid Premium subscription.

What countries support the web player?

The Spotify web player can be used in most countries where Spotify services are available, including the US, Canada, UK, Australia and more. However, a few restricted countries block access due to licensing issues.