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spotify-qt vs Spotify: catalog facts
spotify-qt	Spotify
Free Free and open source under GPL-3.0, though a Spotify Premium subscription is needed to…	Freemium Lossless streaming requires a Premium subscription.
Windows, Linux	Web
Lighter on resources than the official Spotify client Can configure librespot as its playback back end from within the app	Web player that runs in a browser Lossless audio for Premium subscribers
Requires Spotify Premium to control playback Needs a separate Spotify client such as librespot running to play audio	Lossless audio limited to Premium and supported apps and devices Proprietary service with no local ownership of music
Downloadable app	Web application, Hosted service
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
Account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.