Best VPNs for Spotify to stream everywhere

Spotify is the world’s most popular music streaming service, with more than 750 million users in 2025. However, like many other streaming platforms, it’s region-locked. In other words, some albums may not be available in your country, and depending on where you live, Spotify may not be accessible at all. Don’t worry though: you can easily unblock Spotify abroad using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

VPNs mask your true location by routing all of your internet traffic through a server somewhere else in the world. For instance, to access Spotify abroad, all you’d have to do is connect to a server in a country where Spotify is available, like the USA. Better still, VPNs enhance your privacy by encrypting your data, which stops snoopers like your ISP or public hotspot owners from seeing what you do online.

You’ll find more detailed reviews of my recommended Spotify VPNs a little further down. For now, though, here’s a quick overview of each.

The best VPNs for Spotify:

1. NordVPN My first choice VPN for Spotify! A veteran provider with an impressive security toolkit and the ability to unblock virtually anything. Boasts high speeds, 24/7 support, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Spotify.
2. Surfshark Best budget VPN provider for Spotify and Spotify Premium. A reliable service known for its extensive security features. Has fast speeds, excellent unblocking abilities, and no simultaneous connection limit.
3. Total VPN Speedy, security-conscious, and able to access Spotify from almost anywhere. An excellent choice for any day-to-day task, including streaming.
4. ProtonVPN A zero-logs provider with 20,000 servers globally. Prioritizes privacy, speed, and unblocking ability. Works with Spotify, Netflix, and more.
5. ExpressVPN A novice-friendly VPN capable of unblocking Spotify from anywhere. Steady speeds, strong security, and lower prices than ever before.
6. IPVanish Quick, versatile, and security-conscious VPN that can help you regain access to Spotify abroad. Very affordable, with no connection limits.
7. CyberGhost Perfect VPN for beginners. Delivers high speeds and offers servers optimized for everyday tasks like streaming. Strict no-logs policy.
8. PureVPN Quick enough for uninterrupted streaming and simple enough for anybody to use. Strong on privacy and ideal for unblocking Spotify abroad.
9. Private Internet Access Great for experienced users who want full control. Fast and reliable, with unlimited connections and 24/7 live chat.
10. PrivateVPN A reputable, no-logs VPN that works in high-censorship countries and unblocks Spotify abroad. Low monthly price but a fairly small network.

How to use Spotify abroad with a VPN

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before; they’re simpler than you might think. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be streaming Spotify unrestricted in no time.

Here’s how to use Spotify from anywhere with a VPN:

1. Pick a VPN provider. I recommend NordVPN because it is fast, secure, and works with every TV and music streaming service I’ve tried.
2. Download and install the VPN app, making sure to get the correct version for the devices you’ll be streaming Spotify on. All of the VPNs listed allow at least five simultaneous connections.
3. Open the VPN app, log in, and select a server in a country where Spotify is available, such as the US, the UK, or Canada.
4. Once the connection is established, open Spotify and use it like you normally would to stream all your favorite music!

How I found the top Spotify VPNs

Finding the right VPN out of the hundreds on the market can be a time-consuming and expensive business. I’ve done the hard part, so you don’t have to, evaluating each provider in five main areas and eliminating any providers that fall short. So what exactly did I focus on in my testing, and why? Let’s find out:

• Speed: For the best streaming experience, you’ll need a quick, consistent connection. I tested each VPN’s fastest-available US server at three times of day (using a 250 Mbps connection) to find out which were the most reliable.
• Network suitability: To give you the broadest range of Spotify content options, I looked for providers with servers in lots of countries. I also tested each VPN with Spotify (obviously) as well as popular streaming services like Netflix.
• Security and privacy: A good VPN keeps your online activities hidden. Providers were evaluated on more than a dozen factors, including their encryption strength, audit history, and which protocols they support.
• Ease of use: VPNs don’t have to be a pain to use! I focused on services with user-friendly signup processes, high-quality customer support, and features that improve the user experience, such as streaming-optimized servers.
• Value for money: Subscription price doesn’t always correlate with VPN quality. I carefully evaluated providers based on their lowest price, how often they go on sale, and how many connections they allow, among other factors.

This is just an overview, but you can read more about my testing process in the methodology section at the bottom of this post.

Best Spotify VPNs: Compared

I’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – the #1 choice for Spotify.

The best VPNs for Spotify

Below, I’ll dive deeper into my top VPNs for Spotify. These reviews are based on my firsthand experiences using each service for day-to-day tasks like streaming, torrenting, and making video calls.

Here’s my list of the top VPNs for Spotify:

1. NordVPN

May 2026 Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2026

NordVPN is my top choice for Spotify. It has more than 9,000 servers spread across 130+ countries and can access even the most stubborn streaming platforms from abroad. That includes Spotify, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, so you’re free to access all of your favorite content while traveling. In fact, NordVPN even works in places like China, where the internet is heavily restricted! There’s a 10 simultaneous connection limit and live chat-based support in case you have any issues.

This provider has a track record of industry-leading performance, and as expected, it was the fastest VPN I tested, with an average speed of 201.22 Mbps. With around 5 Mbps between its highest and lowest results, NordVPN is perfect for tasks where a stable connection is crucial, such as live streaming or torrenting. Needless to say, listening to Spotify won’t be a problem.

This provider all but ensures your security using unbreakable ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. Further, NordVPN has an audited no-logs policy and publishes regular transparency reports for your peace of mind. It also has an ad and tracker-blocker, though this is mostly intended for browsing the web and doesn’t consistently get rid of Spotify ads. If you’re visiting a country with oppressive online censorship, just switch to the NordWhisper protocol, and you’ll be able to browse as normal.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS, with desktop clients for Windows, Linux, and MacOS. NordVPN’s website provides detailed setup instructions for routers.

BEST VPN FOR SPOTIFY:NordVPN is my #1 choice VPN for unblocking Spotify. Boasts exceptional performance, a robust set of privacy tools, and great unblocking abilities. Better still, every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN or check out our video review:

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2. Surfshark

unblocks spotifyTested May 2026

Surfshark is the best low-cost Spotify VPN. For starters, it bucks industry trends by allowing users to connect as many devices as they like. It’s also extremely versatile, working with Spotify, Disney+, Netflix US, and Amazon Prime Video, to name but a few platforms. With anti-censorship features and a network spanning 100 countries, this beginner-friendly VPN can handle anything you throw at it. There’s 24/7 live chat too, and in my experience, staff are helpful and quick to respond.

This service is very quick, delivering average speeds of 192.87 Mbps. That’s nearly 200x faster than Spotify’s recommended speed and more than enough for streaming 4K video. Surfshark was noticeably more reliable than most, too, speeds varying by just 5 Mbps across a full day of testing.

One of the best things about Surfshark is that it requires very little setup. Thanks to its uncrackable encryption, strict no-logs policy, kill switch, and leak protection, your privacy is all but guaranteed. Also, for a budget VPN, it includes a surprising number of advanced features, such as a tool that filters out ads, trackers, and several different types of adult content. You can even try its multi-hop servers (which apply two layers of encryption) if you’re looking for even greater privacy.

Surfshark offers apps for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. It also works with select wireless routers, but must be manually installed.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the best value VPN for regaining access to Spotify abroad. Boasts high speeds, plenty of security features, and unlimited connections. What’s more, every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here, or check out our video review.

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3. Total VPN

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2026

Total VPN is a veteran provider with more than 10 years in the industry. It’s 1,800+ servers are spread across more than 80 countries, and it’s capable of unblocking plenty of popular streaming services, including Spotify, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Users can connect five devices at the same time, plus there’s a ticket system in case you run into any problems. I’d prefer if live chat-based support were available, but its absence is understandable given Total VPN’s low monthly cost.

Total VPN did quite well in my latest round of performance testing. Its average speed was 173.78 Mbps, which is much faster than most of its competitors, and well above what’s required for listening to Spotify. You’ll be able to stream music, watch movies, or torrent without the slightest interruption, even during peak times.

Let’s talk about privacy. Total VPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it can’t reveal what you get up to under any circumstances. It prevents ISP snooping using uncrackable AES-256 encryption, a kill switch (though not on Windows just yet), and automatic DNS and IPv6 leak protection. It’s also possible to let certain websites bypass the VPN entirely, and Total VPN’s Hydra protocol even lets you browse safely on networks with VPN-blocking systems.

Total VPN has its own Windows, iOS, Android, and MacOS apps. However, it doesn’t support routers or Linux systems just yet.

IDEAL FOR STREAMING:Total VPN has what it takes to help you stream audio, video, or even live gameplay. This highly secure service even offers a no-logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee on long-term subscriptions. There’s also a 14-day guarantee for monthly subscribers.

Take a look at our comprehensive Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2026

ProtonVPN is one of the best services on the market if you’re looking to stream. It has over 20,000 servers in 120+ countries and even offers custom profiles for quickly swapping between different tasks. I was able to seamlessly access Spotify, BBC iPlayer, and Max, though it’s worth noting this VPN won’t work in places with strict digital censorship. On the plus side, you can secure up to 10 devices at once, and customer support is available around the clock.

Let’s talk about performance. ProtonVPN’s highest speed was at noon, though there wasn’t a huge difference at other times of day (just 7 Mbps). Overall, I recorded an average speed of 140.87 Mbps, placing it roughly in the middle of the pack. In short, it’s capable of handling data-intensive tasks like streaming and gaming perfectly well.

ProtonVPN offers a robust suite of privacy features, including ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, an obfuscated Stealth protocol, and double-VPN servers that encrypt your data a second time. Naturally, this is all underpinned by a proven no-logs policy. Further, ProtonVPN stands out from the crowd by supporting port forwarding as standard (most providers charge extra for this). Whether you’re trying to stay safe on public wifi or unblock Spotify while traveling, ProtonVPN would be a great choice.

Apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and Windows, plus there are manual setup guides for routers. While slightly more expensive, ProtonVPN offers an unlimited free plan (albeit with a few restrictions).

ADVANCED AND SECURE:ProtonVPN is ideal for experienced users thanks to its customizable security tools.  Offers competitive performance and unbreakable encryption, plus it works with a huge range of popular streaming services. Paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2026

ExpressVPN makes unblocking your favorite tracks as simple as can be. Simply choose one of its servers in a location where Spotify is available (there are 105 countries to choose from) and get started! It even works with Netflix and automatically obfuscates your traffic in countries like the UAE and China. I found the newly-redesigned apps to be extremely newcomer-friendly, but having access to 24/7 support via live chat is always reassuring.

This VPN has its own protocol called Lightway, which tries to maximize your speeds using multi-lane tunneling. After a day of testing using a 250 Mbps connection, I recorded an average speed of 137.74 Mbps, so while there’s room for improvement, it’s still suitable for the majority of activities. Here are the full test results:

If you’re searching for a VPN that offers deep customization and lots of advanced features, you may want to look elsewhere. That said, ExpressVPN would be a fantastic option for anyone new to VPNs since its encryption, kill switch, and leak protection are all enabled by default. There are several protocols to choose from, too, and ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy (as evidenced by its nearly two dozen audits). Its tracker and ad-blocking tool does have to be manually enabled in the settings, but this is straightforward and only takes a second.

ExpressVPN has addressed criticisms about its cost with new, tiered pricing. There are now three options: Basic ($3.49/month), Advanced ($4.49/month), and Pro ($7.49/month), which allow 10, 12, and 14 connections, respectively. While still not the cheapest option around, this is a step in the right direction.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS, with custom firmware simplifying the router setup process.

LISTEN ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is a trustworthy, secure service with high speeds and powerful privacy features. Great at unblocking any TV and music streaming service. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.

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6. IPVanish

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2026

IPVanish is another easy-to-use provider that works flawlessly with Spotify. Unlike most of its rivals, it owns all 3,200 of its servers outright, allowing it to address vulnerabilities and roll out updates more quickly. It also doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect, which is always a plus. I can confirm that this VPN works perfectly with Spotify, ITVX, and Disney Plus, among many other platforms. If you run into any trouble, just contact customer support via the 24/7 live chat service.

IPVanish is more than fast enough for listening to music, watching live TV, and torrenting. Its average speed of 159.84 Mbps is competitive, though I recorded nearly 20 Mbps of fluctuation, which is slightly higher than I’d like. Let’s see how IPVanish did at different times of day:

This is a completely logless provider and has undergone several independent audits to prove it. IPVanish shores up its security offering with unbreakable encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, as well as a few less-common additions. These include an automatic tracker and ad-blocking, a tool that checks if links are safe to open, and OpenVPN traffic scrambling.

IPVanish has its own apps for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Its website provides detailed setup guides for Linux systems and routers, too. There’s even an Advanced plan that includes the VPN, a secure browser, and a terabyte of cloud storage for a little over a dollar more each month.

SECURE ALL OF YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish is great for families thanks to its high degree of user-friendliness and lack of connection limits. Boasts strong security and a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Read our full review of IPVanish here.

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7. CyberGhost

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2026

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN that streamlines your experience by telling you which servers are best for streaming, torrenting, playing games, and maximizing your privacy. While Spotify isn’t mentioned specifically, I was able to access it (as well as Netflix, Hulu, and Max) with the general-purpose American servers. There are over 100 countries to choose from, and you’re allowed to connect up to seven devices at once. If you need help, staff are on-hand 24/7 over live chat.

This provider’s American servers delivered pretty solid performance, averaging 13.247 Mbps using the WireGuard protocol on a 250 Mbps connection. This is well above what’s needed for most day-to-day tasks, though there’s still room for improvement where consistency is concerned. Here’s a look at CyberGhost’s results:

CyberGhost does a great job of protecting your privacy, and even includes a few features that’ll appeal to experienced users. For instance, it allows you to change packet size, send data over a random port, and connect automatically in certain situations. It doesn’t log any personally identifiable information either, and shields you with powerful encryption, leak protection, and a tool that blocks ads and trackers. You can even pay with Bitcoin for extra anonymity if you’d like.

This VPN offers apps for Linux, Android, Windows, MacOS, and iOS. Alternatively, you can manually install it on most routers.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is great for beginners thanks to its simple server selection system, robust security toolkit, and high speeds. Unblocks Spotify, Spotify Premium, and most popular video streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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8. PureVPN

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2026

PureVPN is great for international travelers, offering 6,500 servers in 60+ countries and allowing you to secure 10 devices at the same time. What’s more, it can reliably access stubborn region-locked platforms like Apple Music, Peacock,  Disney+, and Netflix from abroad. I did have to try a few servers before finding one that worked with Spotify, but made sure to favorite it for quicker access next time. There’s also 24/7 support over live chat, so you could always just ask which server to use.

To get a better understanding of PureVPN’s performance, I tested its American servers multiple times using a 250 Mbps connection. This VPN had an average speed of 137.44 Mbps and just 9 Mbps of variability, which is pretty impressive.

PureVPN clearly cares about your anonymity, given it’s one of the only providers that still works in China and other places with extreme digital censorship. User traffic is shielded from snoopers using either ChaCha20 or AES encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, as well as an independently audited no-logging policy. It blocks ads and trackers too, with some plans including a password manager and dark web-monitoring features.

PureVPN’s apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV Stick. You’ll find manual setup guides for routers on PureVPN’s website.

LOW COST:PureVPN lets you stream Spotify on any restricted network. Highly secure despite its low price tag. Works with most geo-blocked streaming platforms, works anywhere in the world,  and comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PureVPN.

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9. Private Internet Access

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2026

Private Internet Access can help you regain access to Spotify during a vacation abroad. In fact, its network spans over 90 countries (many of which offer streaming-optimized servers), so it’s easy to unblock platforms like BBC iPlayer and Sling TV as well. I liked that I was able to secure any number of devices, since low connection limits may require you to leave some unprotected. Should you run into any problems, staff can be reached, day or night, using the 24/7 live chat service.

This all sounds great, but what kind of speeds can you expect? In my testing, PIA delivered an average speed of 76.62 Mbps on a 250 Mbps connection. That’s plenty for streaming Spotify and live TV, though there’s clearly room to improve. You could use the WireGuard protocol and lower encryption from 256-bit to 128-bit for a small speed boost, but you’d have to decide whether you value speed or privacy more.

Just a heads up: PIA is intended more for experienced users than novices. There’s a ton of advanced functionality, and most features can be customized in some way. With an audited no-logs policy, uncrackable encryption, and leak protection, you’ll be able to use Spotify safely from almost anywhere. However, despite having an obfuscated protocol, PIA doesn’t work in places like China.

PIA has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You’ll also have the option of browser extensions (available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera). Last but not least, it’s possible to manually set PIA up with a router.

NO LOGS VPN:Private Internet Access successfully unblocks Spotify and has servers in 91 countries globally. Comes packed with advanced privacy tools and can protect every device you own. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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10. PrivateVPN

Unblocks SpotifyTested May 2026

PrivateVPN only has around 200 servers in 63 countries, but don’t write it off just yet. This provider owns its entire network and even acts as its own ISP, giving it full control over user traffic. Not only that, it has proven to be one of the most reliable options for streaming, easily accessing Spotify, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus from anywhere. With a 10-connection limit and 24/7 support over live chat, this low-cost VPN would be a great addition to any traveler’s toolkit.

After testing PrivateVPN’s US servers at three times of day, I recorded an average speed of 51.16 Mbps. That’s slower than the providers above, but still enough to watch 4K video on several devices at the same time. If your internet connection is fairly slow to begin with, though (mine was 250 Mbps), I’d suggest trying a different service. Here’s how PrivateVPN did:

This is arguably one of the easiest VPNs to use, thanks to the streamlined interface of PrivateVPN’s desktop and mobile apps. Like PIA, this VPN refuses to keep any logs of your activities and allows you to switch between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption. It also offers an app-specific kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a Stealth mode (only visible in the Advanced view) capable of beating country-wide censorship in places like the UAE or China.

You can use PrivateVPN with Spotify by downloading an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. You’ll need to configure the VPN manually to use it with Linux or your wireless router.

EXCELLENT UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN is a secure and reliable service with first-class streaming ability. Easy to use, privacy-conscious, and able to unblock Spotify anywhere. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Using a free VPN to unblock Spotify

I understand how tempting it is to opt for a free VPN, especially since Spotify Premium keeps getting more expensive. Unfortunately, free VPNs tend to be significantly worse than their paid counterparts. With low bandwidth caps and terrible unblocking ability, you won’t be able to use Spotify for long (assuming you’re ever able to gain access in the first place).

Remember that free VPNs aren’t truly free. They monetize by making you the product: inundating you with advertisements and, in some cases, inserting tracking cookies in your browser to mine browsing data and sell it to third-party sites.

So for those reasons, I recommend avoiding the risk and staying away from free VPNs altogether. However, if you’re set on trying to unblock Spotify for free, here are some tips on doing so safely.

How to access Spotify from anywhere for free (safely):

• Find a quality VPN with a free trial, these can last anywhere between a day and a week so might be just what you need for a short term.
• Choose a reputable VPN that has a free basic tier, such as ProtonVPN. This comes with limited server locations and data caps, but is a reputable, secure, no-logs provider that’s worth a try before you commit to a paid plan.
• Make the most of the money-back guarantees on the best VPNs for Spotify listed above. These last 30 – 45 days. Unlike free trials, you do need to make a payment upfront, but you have the reassurance that you can claim a full refund if you’re not happy with the service. Check out our article explaining how to claim a refund from NordVPN to see how simple the process is.

Countries where Spotify is available

Currently, Spotify is available in the following countries:

This might seem like a large list, but there are several countries with high levels of GDP/capita where it’s still not present, such as China, Russia, and Iran. In some cases, this is due to international sanctions, but in others, it’s down to music licensing rights.

Spotify bids for rights from original copyright holders such as record labels and content producers. It also has rivals trying to do the same, which means there will invariably be some countries where Spotify won’t be able to operate.

Whenever you log in to Spotify, the app will try to determine your location via the IP address you use. If it’s from a country that’s not supported, then it’ll use a technique called geo-blocking to restrict access. The only way to overcome this problem is to change your IP address via a VPN.

Spotify also incorporates a separate library depending on what part of the world you log in from. This is similar to how Netflix operates – users in Latin America will be able to access a different library of content as compared to their North American counterparts.

When you log in to the Spotify app or website, your authentication details are saved for 14 days. It doesn’t matter if you travel abroad and access it from a separate country – you’ll still be able to access streaming music for that period. Afterward, you’ll have to log in again – at this point, Spotify will check whether you’re present in the same country as listed in your profile. If you’re not, a VPN can do the trick.

If you don’t try to mask your location, Spotify might ping you with the following error message:

“Your country does not match the one set in your profile.”

Spotify history and controversies

Spotify was first built in Stockholm, Sweden, by engineers Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon in 2005. It came about after Daniel slept over at Martin’s house on a bare mattress with just his laptop in tow. For the first year or so, the two of them slugged it out in an apartment, hacking away furiously at the product. Public beta didn’t come until spring 2007.

The company hit its stride early. It was able to raise a $21.6 million series A round just a little over a year after the public beta launch. It went on to raise two more rounds, in 2009 and 2010, snaring rockstar investors such as Sean Parker to help the company grow.

A gargantuan $100 million series D round came in 2011, the same year that Spotify finally launched in the US. Mark Zuckerberg described himself as a fan of the company, famously proclaiming that “Spotify’s so good”.

In 2015, Spotify declared that it had paid out over $3 billion to artists to date and had 75 million active users. It’s doubled the active user figure in just two years.

But despite all these lofty standards, the company hasn’t exactly shied away from controversy. Artists on the platform earn less than one US cent per stream. Taylor Swift famously pulled all of her music in 2014 after complaining that streaming services like Spotify don’t reward artists enough and that music is a form of art that should be considered valuable.

In 2017, Spotify was also accused of creating fake artists. This is not to suggest that the music was composed by an AI platform, but more likely by artists paid and contracted by Spotify itself. The move attracted a fair bit of controversy but isn’t far removed from a similar strategy at entertainment behemoth Netflix, whose original entertainment division is now starting to become a massive force in its own right.

Surely that’s the worst of it, right? Well…

In 2025, Ek once again faced criticism for investing $700 million in a startup creating AI-powered combat drones. This, combined with the fact that Spotify had taken money from the US government to play ICE recruitment ads during a period of intense crackdown on immigration, left a sour taste in many users’ mouths.

Accessing Spotify with a VPN: FAQs