spotDL Spotify Downloader [2024 Review]

Part 1. Detailed Review: spotDL

spotDL is a command-line tool that enables users to download Spotify songs for free. It works by using the Spotify API to search for the desired music and then downloading it directly from YouTube. The tool is written in Python and is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is completely free and open-source, which means that anyone can use it without any restrictions.

Key Features

📑 Download Music from Spotify for free

spotDL allows all users to download Spotify music. This helps those without a premium subscription to listen to Spotify music offline.

📑 High-Quality Audio Downloads

spotDL downloads music in high-quality audio. And users can convert Spotify tracks to MP3 format.

📑 Command-Line Interface

It has a command-line interface (CLI) that allows users to interact with the tool using text commands. This feature is useful for people who are comfortable with using the command line and want to automate the downloading process.

📑 Cross-Platform Compatibility

spotDL is compatible with several operating systems, like Windows, macOS and Linux. This ensures that users can use the tool on their preferred platform without any issues.

📑 Automatic Metadata Retrieval

spotDL automatically retrieves metadata for downloaded Spotify tracks, including artist name, album name, track title, and album art.

📑 Open Source and Free to Use

It is an open source tool, which means that its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify and distribute.

Part 2. How to Use spotDL Spotify Downloader

The installation process for spotDL is relatively straightforward, but it can be challenging for those who are new to command-line tools. In this section, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to install spotDL on your computer and start downloading Spotify tracks in no time, whether you are a Windows, Mac, or Linux user.

How to Install spotDL

Step 1. Before you can install spotDL, you need to have Python installed on your computer from the official Python website.

Step 2. Since Pip is a package manager for Python, it makes it easy to install and manage packages. To install pip, open your command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and enter the following command: python -m ensurepip --default-pip.

Step 3. Once you have Python and pip installed, you can install spotDL by entering the following command in your command prompt or terminal: pip install spotDL.

Step 4. To verify that spotDL has been installed correctly, enter the following command in your command prompt or terminal: spotDL --version. If spotDL has been installed correctly, you should see the version number displayed.

How to Download Spotify Songs from spotDL

Step 1. Open Spotify and find the song you'd like to download.

Step 2. Right-click on the target song and hit "Copy Song Link".

Step 3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).

Step 4. Run the following command: spotDL [URL], replacing [URL] with the URL you copied from Spotify.

Step 5. Once the song is found, click on the "Download" button to download and convert Spotify song to MP3.

Part 3. Best Alternative to spotDL - AudFree Spotify Downloader

While spotDL is an excellent tool for downloading Spotify songs without cost, it has its limitations. For instance, it only lets you download individual Spotify tracks, not playlists and podcasts. Besides, its installation process is a bit complicated for novices. If you're looking for an alternative to spotDL that offers more features, AudFree Spotify Downloader is a unique choice.

It is a comprehensive tool that facilitates you to download songs, playlists, albums, podcasts and audiobooks from Spotify with free account. It supports various output formats such as MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and more, and it preserves the original audio quality of the songs. The tool also comes with advanced features such as batch downloading, automatic metadata retention, and customizable output settings.

How to Use AudFree Spotify Downloader

Step 1. After installing AudFree Spotify Downloader, launch it and the Spotify app will also open automatically. Just select the Spotify song, album or playlist you desire to download for free. Drag and drop it to the tool's main screen directly or copy and paste the track link to the search bar, then press the "+" button on the right.

Step 2. Please click the three-dot button on the top right corner. Select "Preference" > "Convert" bar, you can choose the output format of Spotify songs as MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, etc. Besides, you can also change the sample rate up to 48000hz and bit rate up to 320kbps for high quality listening.

Step 3. When all the settings are done, click the "Convert" button and then it will batch download Spotify playlists at 5X speed. Once done, you have the freedom to listen to Spotify offline without premium on the desired device and player.

Part 4. In Conclusion

spotDL is a convenient option for anyone looking to download Spotify songs without paying for offline listening. It is free and open source, but has drawbacks. If you're looking for a tool that offers more features and supports downloading all content from Spotify, AudFree Spotify Downloader is a great alternative. Just choose the right tool to enjoy Spotify music properly.