Deezer upgrades lossless audio to 24-bit/192 kHz for all subscribers at no extra cost

Deezer has announced that it is upgrading its flagship HiFi service to support lossless FLAC streaming at up to 24-bit/192 kHz, moving beyond the CD-quality 16-bit/44.1 kHz standard it has offered since launching its lossless tier. The French music streaming platform confirmed the enhancement will be included at no additional cost for eligible paid subscribers across its 180-plus country footprint. The upgrade represents a meaningful shift in how mainstream streaming services position audio quality, bringing what was previously a niche audiophile specification into the core subscription experience rather than treating it as a premium add-on.

The technical distinction lies in how digital audio captures sound: bit depth determines precision in volume measurement, while sample rate dictates how frequently the audio signal is sampled. Together, these specifications define a recording's resolution, with 24-bit/192 kHz allowing significantly more detail, depth, and dynamic range to be preserved from studio master to listener. Deezer emphasized that compatibility depends on track availability and user device capabilities, meaning not all songs in its catalog will deliver the maximum resolution. The company frames the move as part of its broader strategy to normalize high-fidelity listening for everyday users while maintaining competitive positioning against rivals who have similarly invested in lossless offerings in recent years.