Spotify

I start and end my day with Spotify Premium, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether I’m working, walking, or winding down, it’s become my go-to hub for everything audio: music, podcasts, audiobooks… even the occasional video (which, thankfully, I can turn off).

Let’s cut to it: Spotify’s catalog is absurdly massive. Over 100 million songs, 6 million podcasts, and now more than 350,000 audiobooks. From your favorite indie tracks to chart-toppers, obscure remixes to remastered classics, it’s rare to search for something and not find it. And if you’re someone who curates playlists like they’re mood diaries, welcome home.

Spotify’s AI-powered DJ is a standout this year. It doesn’t just recommend songs; it gets you. I’ve had entire mornings where it queued up bangers I didn’t know I needed. And if that’s not your thing, there’s always Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mixes… the personalization game here is top-tier.

Collaboration is another reason I stick around. You can build playlists with friends, peek at what they’re listening to on desktop (Friend Activity is criminally underrated), and even start a Group Session to listen together in real-time, perfect for road trips or remote hangouts.

Audiobook fans get a decent slice of the pie too. With 15 monthly listening hours and 250K+ titles, it’s a handy bonus baked right into your music app. And switching between formats feels seamless, no juggling between apps or losing your place.

But it’s not all perfect. The Smart Shuffle feature was gold… until it vanished (and then quietly reappeared in a weird corner of the UI). Also, no hi-res audio yet, which feels odd in 2025. And unless you’re on Premium, lyrics are locked, which makes karaoke night a little less fun.

Still, the experience is smooth, polished, and cross-device friendly. From smart speakers to car dashboards, Spotify Premium just works.

Is it worth the rising price tag? If you listen daily, absolutely. It’s not just a music app anymore; it’s your personal DJ, book club, and podcast library, all rolled into one.