YouTube Music's help pages don't list a lossless option. The highest settings, High and Always High, stream at up to 256kbps AAC and Opus, which are compressed formats rather than lossless files. Choosing the bitrate is a YouTube Music Premium feature, and everyone else is set to Normal, which is up to 128kbps.
So if lossless is your must-have, YouTube Music isn't the app for that today. If you just want the best sound it offers, it only takes a few taps. Here's every setting, from YouTube Music Help, read in October 2026.
YouTube Music audio quality settings
| Setting | Bitrate | What YouTube says |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Up to 48kbps AAC and Opus | Uses least data |
| Normal | Up to 128kbps AAC and Opus | The default setting |
| High | Up to 256kbps AAC and Opus | Uses extra data |
| Always High | 256kbps AAC and Opus | Keeps high quality even when the connection is poor |
Notice the difference between High and Always High. High is an upper limit, so quality can drop when your connection does. Always High holds 256kbps even on a weak signal, which uses more data but stops the sound going muddy on a train.
How to change audio quality on Android
- Open YouTube Music and tap your profile picture.
- Tap Settings, then Data saving.
- Tap Audio quality on Wi-Fi or Audio quality on mobile network.
- Choose Low, Normal, High or Always High.
How to change audio quality on iPhone and iPad
- Open YouTube Music and tap your profile picture.
- Tap Settings, then Playback and restrictions.
- Tap Audio quality on Wi-Fi or Audio quality on mobile network.
- Choose your setting.
You can set Wi-Fi and mobile separately, which is the smart way to do it: Always High on Wi-Fi, something lower on mobile data if your allowance is tight.
Download quality is a separate setting
Downloads have their own quality control, and only three choices. Go to your profile picture, then Settings, then Download and storage, then Audio quality.
| Download setting | Bitrate | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 48kbps AAC and Opus | Uses least storage |
| Normal | 128kbps AAC and Opus | The default |
| High | 256kbps AAC and Opus | Better sound, more storage |
Here's the catch YouTube points out: songs you've already downloaded stay at their old quality unless you download them again. Changing the setting only affects future downloads. If you raise it, delete and re-download your favourite albums. My guide to listening to YouTube Music offline covers downloads in more detail.
Why your music may still sound flat
- You're on Normal: without Premium, you can't choose a bitrate, and it's set to Normal for your location.
- High drops on a weak signal: switch to Always High if you notice quality dipping.
- Old downloads: re-download after raising the download setting.
- The original upload: YouTube's partner help says poor audio is often down to the file the label delivered, such as a low-bitrate MP3. No app setting can add detail that isn't in the source.
Stream only on Wi-Fi
If you've set high quality and worry about data, YouTube Music has a Stream via Wi-Fi only switch. On Android it's under Settings, then Data saving; on iPhone it's under Settings, then Playback and restrictions.
Curious what else a membership includes? I've listed every perk in my guide to YouTube Premium benefits.
Is it worth paying for better quality?
The bitrate choice is part of YouTube Music Premium, so free listeners stay on Normal. If sound quality is the main reason you're thinking of upgrading, compare what you'd get first. My guides to what's free on YouTube Music and YouTube Music Premium lay out the differences.
My take
For most people, Always High on Wi-Fi and High on mobile is the sweet spot, and you'll struggle to hear more on phone earbuds. If you're a lossless listener with good headphones, YouTube Music's own settings top out at 256kbps, so set your expectations there.
If you're weighing it against Spotify, I compare the two side by side in my YouTube Music versus Spotify comparison.
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Frequently asked questions
Does YouTube Music have lossless audio?
YouTube Music's help pages don't list a lossless option. Its highest settings stream at up to 256kbps AAC and Opus.
What is the best audio quality on YouTube Music?
Always High, which keeps 256kbps AAC and Opus even when your connection is poor.
Can free users change YouTube Music audio quality?
No. YouTube says Premium members can select the bitrate. Otherwise it's set to Normal for your location.
Why didn't my downloads get better after I changed the setting?
Changing download quality only affects future downloads. Re-download songs to get the new quality.
What's the difference between High and Always High?
High has an upper limit of 256kbps and can drop on a poor connection. Always High holds 256kbps even when the connection is poor.
How do I make YouTube Music stream only on Wi-Fi?
Turn on Stream via Wi-Fi only. On Android it's under Settings, then Data saving; on iPhone it's under Settings, then Playback and restrictions.
Why does a song sound poor even on Always High?
YouTube says the quality of the file the label or distributor delivered sets the limit. A low-bitrate source can't be improved by an app setting.
Can I set different quality for Wi-Fi and mobile data?
Yes. YouTube Music has separate Audio quality on Wi-Fi and Audio quality on mobile network settings.
