Best VPNs for Spotify to stream everywhere

Spotify is one of the most popular apps in the world, offering a library of music content that’s unrivaled in its scale. However, the Spotify catalogue isn’t the same in every country. If you want to retain access to your favorite songs while travelling abroad, you’ll need a VPN.

Short for Virtual Private Networks, VPNs mask your true location by encrypting all the traffic flowing to and from your device and tunneling it via an intermediary server in a location of your choice. This means that a user from the US can, for example, connect to a US server while out of the country and continue to access Spotify as if they were still at home. As a bonus, VPNs keep your online activities private and prevent nosy ISPs or government agencies from figuring out what you’re doing on the web.

We’ll go into more detail about each of our recommended Spotify VPNs later. If you don’t have time to read the whole post, our findings are summarized below.

The best VPNs for Spotify:

1. NordVPN: Our first choice VPN for Spotify! A veteran provider that works well with Spotify. Market-leading speeds for streaming and strong privacy and security. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial.
   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, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
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: Incredibly secure and can access Spotify even on restricted networks. Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. Vast network of 12,000+ servers.
5. ExpressVPN: Thousands of superfast servers dotted around the globe that can unblock and stream Spotify without interruptions. 24/7 live customer support. Robust security and user-friendly apps.
6. IPVanish: Favored by Kodi users. Super-fast servers in the US work with Spotify and other platforms. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections with a single account.
7. CyberGhost: Ideal VPN for beginners. Easy-to-use apps that are simple to install. Over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. Tests revealed impressive streaming and download speed.
8. PureVPN: A reliable, low-cost VPN that is fast enough to stream Spotify without issues. Comes with 256-bit AES encryption. Servers in 65 countries and always-on obfuscation.
9. Private Internet Access: No-logs VPN with servers in 91+ countries. Connect unlimited devices at once. Dedicated streaming servers and adjustable encryption.
10. PrivateVPN: Low-cost subscriptions and servers in 63+ countries. Works well with Spotify, Netflix, and other major platforms. 24/7 support and the option to pay in Bitcoin.

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. We recommend NordVPN because it is fast, secure, and works with every TV and music streaming service we have tested it with.
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 works, such as the US, 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 we found the top Spotify VPNs

Finding the right VPN out of the hundreds on the market can be a time-consuming and expensive business. To help you out, we tested the top providers in five key areas. Our recommendations are based on the results of these tests.

• Speed: For a smooth Spotify experience, you should avoid VPNs that cause inconsistent or overly slow connections. We found the fastest, most stable providers by conducting multiple speed tests over the course of a day.
• Network suitability: To give you the broadest range of Spotify content options, we looked for providers with servers in lots of countries. We 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 safe from potentially malicious third parties. We found the best by evaluating each provider against more than a dozen different security and privacy metrics.
• Ease of use: If you find the right provider, VPN software can be incredibly easy to use. We used a wide range of metrics to find the most user-friendly VPN services.
• Value for money: Subscription price doesn’t always correlate with VPN quality. Our team 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 our testing process in our methodology section below.

Best Spotify VPNs compared

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

The best VPNs for Spotify

Before recommending any VPN, we at Comparitech put them through a rigorous testing process to ensure they’re up to your requirements. The following reviews are the results of our first-hand experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us.

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

1. NordVPN

Sep 2025 Unblocks SpotifyTested Sep 2025

NordVPN is our top choice for Spotify. The provider offers a bunch of customizable options and servers designed to cater to specific aspects of your browsing experience. Overall, users have over 7,400 servers to pick from. These are spread across a whopping 118+ countries.

Once connected, users enjoy some of the fastest speeds available. In our tests for this article, NordVPN was the only provider to exceed 200 Mbps (it’s average was 201.22 Mbps overall). 

In practice, you’re unlikely to notice any impact on your speed while connected — especially when streaming Spotify.

If streaming is your thing, then you’ll be pleased to know that NordVPN works with a huge range of popular platforms. During testing, we used it to access Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video without issue.

NordVPN is a log-less VPN service with zero retention of user data. This superb privacy policy has thwarted several attempts by government agencies to identify Nord users. When approached by the authorities, Nord had no information on its servers that could assist with the investigation. The provider encrypts traffic via AES 256-bit encryption and 2,048-bit DH keys. DNS leak protection is enabled by default.

Apps for both Android and iOS are available, as well as a desktop client for Windows, Linux, and MacOS. A single subscription grants access to 10 simultaneously connected devices.

BEST VPN FOR SPOTIFY:NordVPN is our top choice. Unblocks Spotify and most other major platforms and popular streaming services. Connects up to 10 devices simultaneously. Great on privacy and security. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

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

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2. Surfshark

unblocks spotifyTested Sep 2025

Surfshark has a network of 3,200+ servers spanning over 100 countries. As such, it’s already a good choice for accessing Spotify and Spotify Premium while on vacation.

That’s not all though; this service also works with major platforms like Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video. One of its standout features is that, unlike most other VPNs, Surfshark has no connection limit.

Surfshark is also very quick, and very consistent. In our tests, speeds ranged between 190.19 Mbps and 195.74 Mbps, which is a difference of just 5.55 Mbps. Its overall average was 192.86 Mbps, which is more than fast enough for streaming Spotify while concurrently streaming, gaming or torrenting.

Security-conscious users can activate a kill switch and split tunneling feature, as well as an automatic ad-blocker and malware scanner. WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection are enabled by default, as is AES 256-bit encryption.

Surfshark has a no-logs policy, which means your online activities aren’t being stored on a server somewhere. There is the option to pay in cryptocurrency if you’d like more privacy. Should you run into any trouble, customer support is on hand over live chat 24/7.

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 a great value service that has no issues accessing Spotify and Netflix abroad. Better yet, it includes advanced features that all but guarantee a private internet connection. There’s even 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 Sep 2025

Total VPN is a veteran provider with more than 10 years in the industry. Its 1,800+ servers are spread across more than 80 countries and it’s capable of unblocking plenty of popular streaming services including Spotify, Disney Plus, 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.

This provider generally delivers impressive results during our industry-wide performance tests. Still, our goal is to provide the most up-to-date info, so we ran another round of tests, measuring the speed of Total VPN’s US servers at three points during the day. Here are our findings:

Total VPN did very well, with an average speed of 173.78 Mbps on a 250 Mbps connection. This is actually one of the highest averages we recorded, meaning it’s better-suited to data-intensive tasks than most of its rivals. You’ll be able to listen to music, watch movies, or torrent without the slighest 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.

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 Sep 2025

ProtonVPN is based in privacy-conscious Switzerland and created by the same team behind Proton Mail. Over the years, it has built a sterling reputation for its strong commitment to user privacy. It features an independently audited no-logs policy, ensuring complete confidentiality for its users.

More recently, it’s been impressing us with the rapid expansion of its server network. At the last count, it had more than 12,000 servers available across 117 countries.

As well as working consistently well with Spotify, ProtonVPN is able to access a wide variety of video-streaming services. We tried it out with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus, though it undoubtedly works with more still.

The VPN includes a robust suite of features: AES encryption, a kill switch, multiple protocol choices, obfuscation, split tunneling, multi-hop connections, self-owned bare metal servers (Secure Core), and Tor over VPN. These capabilities make ProtonVPN exceptionally reliable for avoiding ISP snooping and government surveillance, and safeguarding against hackers on public wi-fi.

Speed-wise, the provider averaged 140.86 Mbps, which is a little faster than the combined average speed of the other tested VPNs. 

As well as being fast enough for streaming, ProtonVPN is great for torrenting. It has specialized torrenting servers and port forwarding for more efficient seeding and leeching.

Despite its higher price on longer subscription plans, ProtonVPN offers competitive rates for shorter-term needs, making it a cost-effective option for vacationers needing to access their favorite streaming services. Customer support is readily available via live chat, and users can take advantage of the VPN’s money-back guarantee to test the service without risk.

ADVANCED AND SECURE:ProtonVPN is a highly advanced and fast VPN. It is perfect for streaming privately abroad or at work. It has apps for all platforms with reliable privacy features, including a kill switch, obfuscation, multi-hop, and AES encryption.

Check out our full ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

Unblocks SpotifyTested Sep 2025

ExpressVPN seamlessly combines military-grade encryption protocols with a fast, efficient product. The app is easy to set up and comes with a minimalist, functional design that works without any glitches.

There’s a wide selection of servers to choose from. Over 3,000 servers are spread across 105+ countries. When you log in, the app will suggest a ‘smart location’, which is a server that ExpressVPN feels is best suited for you based on your location.

Once connected, you’ll be able to enjoy Spotify without interruption. The provider’s tested speeds averaged 137.74 Mbps, which is ample for carryout out multiple online activities at the same time. 

Encryption standards are among the best in the business, and keep your online activities secure from prying eyes. The company leverages OpenVPN with AES-256, and also has its own connection protocol that it claims offers protection against future attacks carried out by quantum computers.

Privacy enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the provider retains the bare minimum of data. Some of the details it records are the servers that users connect to and the dates they log on. Individual IP addresses are not recorded. For additional security, the provider also includes a ‘network lock’ that temporarily blocks internet access if the connection unexpectedly drops.

Apps for both Android and iOS are available, as well as desktop clients for Linux, Windows, and MacOS. The provider also has its own router firmware.

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 Sep 2025

IPVanish is a fast VPN that costs little and ships with rigid encryption standards. You will experience no lag during Spotify music playback and a seamless experience when streaming on other platforms. During testing, we successfully used it with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Hulu without issue.

Connections were consistently fast while we were connected to IPVanish’s US servers. Overall, the provider averaged 159.84 Mbps, which is fast enough for streaming in 4K on seven devices simultaneously. As a side note, IPVanish is one of the few VPNs that allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.

IPVanish doesn’t store any data logs at all, and has undergone several independent audits to prove it. It’s almost impossible for your activity to be traced back to you because even network administrators at the company have no information about what you’re doing on the web.

An internet kill switch is included, which halts all internet traffic in the event that the VPN connection drops. As for encryption standards, IPVanish uses AES-256 encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. The latter feature means that even if your account is compromised, all past web sessions will remain encrypted and out of reach from nosy hackers.

There’s the option to choose between 2,400 servers spread across over 140 locations worldwide. Users can easily find the fastest options using the ping time and load values displayed next to each server.

Apps for both Android and iOS, as well as desktop software for Windows and MacOS, are available. Many users find it an excellent option for Kodi because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

SECURE ALL OF YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Easy to use with Spotify. Preferred by users who need high standards of online security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish here or check out our video review below.

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7. CyberGhost

Unblocks SpotifyTested Sep 2025

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly option suitable for users who want a no-frills yet powerful service. It’s a Romanian-registered firm which means there aren’t any mandatory data retention laws to comply with. There’s also an independently audited policy of not storing any data, so privacy concerns are allayed.

The provider operates an extensive server network of around 10,000 servers spread across locations in 100+ countries. Finding a server to access Spotify and bypass regional restrictions is therefore pretty straightforward.

CyberGhost points users to its servers that are particularly well-suited to video-streaming, gaming and torrenting. Its streaming servers are handily labelled with the platforms that they work best with.

We used the servers labelled for BBC iPlayer in the UK and Netflix in the US without issue. We know from experience that the provider works with numerous other big-name platforms, too.

Speeds were a little variable when tested, with a difference of 27.61 Mbps between the fastest and slowest results. That said, even the slowest result was fast enough for streaming in 4K on four devices at the same time.

CyberGhost’s choice of encryption standards is top-tier. Options include WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2. Other features include an internet kill switch; an ad, tracker and malware-blocker; split tunneling; and leak protection.

The premium version grants seven simultaneous connections on a single plan. The company supports both Android and iOS, and there’s native software for Windows and MacOS.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Great privacy, zero logs, and DNS leak protection. 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 Sep 2025

PureVPN is a reliable VPN for both video and music streaming. Best of all, it is super cheap.

Servers are available in 65+ countries and the the provider works seamlessly with Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited. The servers also work to access international streaming platforms like HBO Max and other leading streaming providers, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

PureVPN’s apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux and Firestick, and they offer everything you need to gain online privacy. This includes AES encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, always-on obfuscation and DNS leak protection.

Its WireGuard protocol provides fast speeds suitable for everyday online activities. While connected to PureVPN’s US servers, we recorded an average download speed of 137.44 Mbps. 

Customer support response times are slow, but, in our experience, you won’t need to contact them because the VPN is easy to install and use. You can test it risk-free using its 31-day money-back guarantee.

LOW COST:PureVPN lets you stream Spotify on any restricted network. Works to access regional exclusive albums. The VPN is very secure and reliable despite being cheap. Comes with a no-logs policy, AES encryption, a kills witch, and DNS leak protection.

Read our full review of PureVPN.

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9. Private Internet Access

Unblocks SpotifyTested Sep 2025

Private Internet Access will help you unblock Spotify and use it from any location. It has a server network covering some 91 countries. Several of these locations have dedicated streaming servers available. This makes it very easy to access not only Spotify but also the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

This VPN offers multiple protocol options, including WireGuard and OpenVPN. While connected to OpenVPN, users have the option to drop the level of encryption used on their traffic.

This can provide an increase in speed when necessary. In our tests, PIA averaged 76.62 Mbps, which is fine for Spotify. However, for tasks like multiplayer online gaming, a speed bump could well come in handy. 

You don’t need to worry about your data or online activities being exposed when you connect to a Private Internet Access server. It uses strong encryption and also offers features such as DNS leak protection and a kill switch. It’s also worth knowing that there’s a true no-logs policy in that not even connection logs are kept. PIA also provides you with an unlimited connection allowance.

PIA has apps for Windows, Mac, 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. Consistent connection and download speed and strong privacy protection with its no-logs policy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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10. PrivateVPN

Unblocks SpotifyTested Sep 2025

PrivateVPN has a network that’s only made up of approximately 200 servers, but these can be found in over 63 countries globally. The provider works great with music-streaming services like Spotify, as well as video-streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

In our speed tests, PrivateVPN averaged 51.16 Mbps overall. While slower than most of the other VPNs in this list, it’s still fast enough for streaming 4K video on two devices at the same time.

Like PIA, PrivateVPN allows users to drop the encryption level to increase their connection speed.

This is arguably one of the easiest VPNs to use, thanks to the streamlined interface of PrivateVPN’s desktop and mobile apps. Live chat and email support are available to help (email response times are far quicker than most VPNs we’ve tested), as is free remote help and installation.

As for security, you can expect 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. This is a no-logs service that even lets you pay anonymously in Bitcoin.

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 VPN manually to use it with Linux or your wireless router.

EXCELLENT UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN is a secure and reliable VPN service. Use it to access Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and others. Beginner-friendly VPN that protects privacy with a no-logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Using a free VPN to unblock Spotify

We understand how tempting it is to opt for a free VPN, especially if you’ve already paid for a Spotify Premium account and don’t want to spend any more.

But free VPNs are vastly inferior to paid options. For smooth, uninterrupted audio playback, you’ll need a VPN that doesn’t impose things like bandwidth throttling or data caps. These are common with free options, which also tend to have too many users for their limited number of servers.

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, we 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 level – 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 India, China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Russia, and others.

One of the reasons why Spotify isn’t available across the globe is because of music licensing rights. The company 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 did start hitting its stride early, though. 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 in 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.

Spotify denied the assertions vigorously, although it could significantly reduce the amount of money it pays music right holders – which totaled $2.48 billion in 2016.

Accessing Spotify with a VPN: FAQs