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YouTube Music limits lossless sound to higher-cost rivals
Its top setting reaches 256 kbps, while Premium is still needed to go beyond the normal 128 kbps cap.
YouTube Music's default setting tops out at 128 kbps, which keeps data use down but leaves sound quality below rivals that offer lossless audio. The app can be pushed to 256 kbps for better playback, but only with a Premium subscription.
Downloads do not upgrade themselves, so old files need to be removed and fetched again.
- 128 kbps
- Normal cap
- 256 kbps
- Top setting
- $12 monthly
- Premium
- $16 monthly
- YouTube Premium
Why it mattersListeners paying for music may assume they are getting top quality, but the setting still determines what they hear.
