Why is there no equalizer on Spotify Android?
Spotify is one of the world’s most popular music streaming services, with over 406 million monthly active users as of 2022. Spotify has free and premium subscription options, and users can access the service through mobile apps (Android and iOS), desktop apps, web player, speakers, TVs, gaming consoles, and more.
An equalizer, often shortened to EQ, is an audio filter that allows users to adjust the levels of specific frequency bands. The most common frequencies adjusted are bass and treble. Equalizers enable listeners to customize the sound output to suit their preferences and headphone or speaker setup. For example, some may prefer amplified bass for modern pop music, while others may want brighter treble for acoustic genres. Using EQ presets or manual adjustments gives users more control over their listening experience.
On streaming services like Spotify, having EQ capability allows users to tweak the audio output to their liking rather than relying on default signature sound. Music apps like Apple Music and YouTube Music have built-in equalizers to cater to users who want more audio customization. Many wonder why this feature has not been implemented natively within Spotify’s Android app.
Popularity of Equalizers
Equalizers remain a popular tool for customizing the listening experience on music apps. According to a Reddit poll on the Spotify subreddit, over 60% of respondents reported using an equalizer or other sound processing method to adjust their audio. This allows users to boost or reduce certain frequency ranges to compensate for weaknesses in their headphones or speakers. With music being mastered and streamed at increasingly loud volumes, many users feel equalizers help restore the intended dynamic range.
The primary benefits of equalizers are the ability to tailor the sound signature to one’s preferences and gear. For example, some may boost bass for a warmer tone or reduce harsh treble. This can help achieve a clearer, punchier, or more balanced sound. Equalizers also allow correcting for deficiencies in headphones, earbuds, or speakers that lack bass, have sibilant highs, etc. Rather than buy new equipment, a simple EQ adjustment can enhance the experience.
Overall, equalizers remain highly popular for the customization and control they provide over the listening experience. Many users view them as essential for enjoying music across different apps and devices.
Equalizer Availability on Other Platforms
While Spotify’s Android app lacks an equalizer, the feature is available on several of Spotify’s other platforms. For example, Spotify’s iOS app and desktop apps for Windows and macOS all include equalizer settings, allowing users to customize the sound on those devices. This disparity highlights that the lack of an equalizer specifically impacts Android users.
Additionally, many other popular music streaming services have managed to integrate equalizers into their Android apps. Apps like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, and YouTube Music all offer equalizers in their Android iterations. Given Spotify’s resources and position as an industry leader, their Android app having no equalizer stands out compared to competitors.
Speculated Reasons for Lack of Android Equalizer
There are a few speculated reasons as to why Spotify has not implemented an equalizer in their Android app:
Some believe Spotify is more focused on developing features for their iOS app over Android. As noted on the Spotify community forums, “The spotify app has never included an equaliser but has always used the android system equaliser. If your phone doesn’t ship with an equaliser, you’ll need to download a third party one.”1 This suggests Spotify relies on the built-in Android equalizer rather than building their own.
There may also be technical limitations or challenges in implementing an equalizer specifically for the Android platform. The Android ecosystem has much more device fragmentation compared to iOS. Supporting an equalizer across the wide array of Android devices may require significant development effort.
Overall, the lack of an official equalizer feature on Spotify’s Android app seems to stem from a combination of greater focus on iOS, and the technical complexities of supporting equalizer functionality across Android devices. Many users still hope Spotify will devote resources to add an equalizer option natively in their Android app in the future.
User Demand for Android Equalizer
There has been a strong demand from users for Spotify to add an equalizer to their Android app. On Reddit forums such as r/spotify, many users have requested this feature and expressed frustration at its absence.
Some users argue that an equalizer is a standard feature that should be included on the Android app just like it is on the iOS app and desktop versions (Source). They claim the lack of equalizer negatively impacts their listening experience and ability to customize the sound to their preferences.
Adding an equalizer could benefit Spotify by making the Android app more competitive with other streaming services that do include EQ options. It would also improve overall user satisfaction and retention on the platform. The demand indicates an equalizer is a highly desired feature that many users would welcome.
Workarounds
Since Spotify’s Android app lacks a built-in equalizer, many users turn to third-party equalizer apps as a workaround. Some popular options include SpotiQ, SpotiQ Ten, Poweramp Equalizer, Music Volume EQ – Equalizer, and Equalizer FX.
These apps offer features like multiple frequency bands, bass boost, preset equalizer settings, and systemwide audio tuning. However, there are some disadvantages to relying on third-party equalizers. They often require a separate purchase or subscription, only work with local music files or specific apps, introduce audio latency, and may not integrate seamlessly with Spotify’s interface and controls.
Many Spotify Android users argue a systemwide, built-in equalizer would provide a better experience than disjointed third-party workarounds. Nonetheless, these apps help fill the void for now.
Recent Developments
There has been no official announcement from Spotify regarding plans to add an equalizer to the Android app. However, some users have noticed signs that Spotify may be working on this feature:
In early 2022, some Android users reported seeing an “Equalizer” option briefly appear in the settings before disappearing again (https://community.spotify.com/t5/Android/My-Equalizer-feature-disappeared/td-p/1010977). This suggests Spotify could be testing the feature on Android.
Additionally, Spotify has been expanding the equalizer feature on other platforms like iOS and desktop, so it seems reasonable that Android support could come eventually. But so far Spotify has not confirmed any timeline for adding an equalizer to the Android app.
While many users have requested an equalizer on Spotify’s user forums and help boards, Spotify has not publicly responded to indicate if or when this might become a reality on Android.
Alternatives for Android Users
Some music streaming services offer built-in equalizers on their Android apps, which can be an alternative for Spotify users seeking more audio control options:
YouTube Music has a basic 5-band equalizer in its Android app settings that allows some audio adjustments. However, it lacks more advanced EQ features and custom presets available in other apps. The main advantage of YouTube Music is its large catalog of official songs and music videos. The free, ad-supported tier also makes it more affordable than some competitors.
Tidal offers a robust 10-band equalizer in its Android app, with presets for different genres. It provides high-fidelity lossless audio quality. However, Tidal requires a paid subscription which can be cost-prohibitive for some users. The catalog, while extensive, is smaller than Spotify’s.
Amazon Music has a customizable equalizer in its Android app settings. It allows adjusting bass, mid, and treble frequencies. Amazon Music provides access to 60+ million songs for Prime members. However, the equalizer options are considered less intuitive than some competitors.
Pandora includes a simple equalizer to adjust balance and amplification in its mobile app. However, features are considerably more limited compared to dedicated music streaming services. The free ad-supported tier also limits customizable options.
Overall, while alternatives exist, Spotify is still considered the most well-rounded service for features, usability, catalog size, and affordability. However, Android users have options to explore if the lack of a native equalizer is a deal-breaker.
Conclusion
While Spotify’s Android app lacks a built-in equalizer, this omission is likely due to development priorities rather than technical limitations. The feature’s absence despite strong user demand illustrates the challenges of feature parity between platforms. In the meantime, Android users have some workarounds through third-party apps, but these introduce drawbacks like ads and security concerns. Looking ahead, Spotify may eventually add an equalizer to Android as it expands feature alignment. Though not ideal, alternatives like adjusting EQ settings on headphones or speakers can help enhance sound quality. By understanding Spotify’s rationale and exploring other options, Android users can still enjoy their music even without a native equalizer.
References
[1] Davidson, Lauren. “How to Get an Equalizer on Spotify.” Lifewire, 29 Nov. 2022, https://www.lifewire.com/get-equalizer-for-spotify-5188901.
[2] Kastrenakes, Jacob. “Spotify Is Finally Getting a Much-Requested Feature: An Equalizer.” The Verge, 29 Nov. 2022, https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/19/23030579/spotify-equalizer-ios-android-update-release.
[3] Peters, Jay. “Spotify Now Has an Equalizer for iOS, with Android Support Coming ‘Soon.'” The Verge, 19 Apr. 2022, https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/19/23030579/spotify-equalizer-ios-android-update-release.
[4] “A First Look at Our New Equalizer.” Spotify for the Record, Spotify, 19 Apr. 2022, https://newsroom.spotify.com/2022-04-19/a-first-look-at-our-new-equalizer/.