Here are the Best Equalizer Settings for Spotify

Spotify’s equalizer can completely change the way you hear music. By adjusting the bass, mids, and treble, you can bring out hidden details, make vocals shine, or give your favorite tracks more punch. In this guide, you’ll learn where to find the EQ, how each frequency works, and the best settings for different genres.

Where to Find Spotify’s Equalizer

iOS: Go to Settings → Playback → Equalizer. Toggle it on, pick a preset, or adjust sliders.

Android: Go to Settings → Equalizer. Some phones open the device’s built-in EQ instead of Spotify’s own.

Desktop (Windows/Mac): Click your profile icon → Settings → scroll to Playback → toggle Equalizer on. Choose a preset or adjust manually.

Note: Spotify’s EQ will not apply when using Spotify Connect or casting to another device. Adjust EQ on the device that is actually playing the audio.

Frequency Cheat-Sheet (What Each Band Changes)

• 60 Hz: Sub-bass thump and kick drum depth
• 150 Hz: Bass body; too much here sounds boomy
• 400 Hz: Low-mid “mud” area; trimming adds clarity
• 1 kHz: Core midrange; affects fullness and vocal tone
• 2.4 kHz: Presence and attack; sharpness of vocals and instruments
• 15 kHz: Air and sparkle; too much can sound hissy

Tip: The right EQ balance can vary depending on whether you’re tuning for music, gaming, or TV audio, so it’s worth exploring profiles like the best equalizer settings for gaming or the best equalizer settings for TV to complement your Spotify setup.

Balanced (All-Purpose)

Settings: 60 Hz +2 | 150 Hz +1 | 400 Hz 0 | 1 kHz 0 | 2.4 kHz +1 | 15 kHz +2

Why it works: Adds warmth and sparkle without distorting the original mix.

Best for: General listening, mixed playlists, and switching between genres. For a broader overview of everyday audio profiles, see the guide to the best equalizer settings for music.

Vocals (Singer-Focused)

Settings: 60 Hz −3 | 150 Hz −1 | 400 Hz +2 | 1 kHz +4 | 2.4 kHz +4 | 15 kHz +2

Why it works: Reduces bass rumble and boosts vocal clarity in the 1–4 kHz range.

Best for: Acoustic, pop ballads, folk, and K-pop.

Spoken Word (Podcasts/Audiobooks)

Settings: 60 Hz −4 | 150 Hz −2 | 400 Hz 0 | 1 kHz +3 | 2.4 kHz +4 | 15 kHz +1

Why it works: Cuts low-frequency hum, sharpens the vocal range, and keeps treble controlled.

Best for: Podcasts, audiobooks, interviews. If your Spotify app runs into connection errors such as the No healthy upstream issue on Spotify, address it first so playback tests aren’t disrupted.

Hip-Hop / R&B

Settings: 60 Hz +6 | 150 Hz +3 | 400 Hz 0 | 1 kHz +1 | 2.4 kHz +1 | 15 kHz +1

Why it works: Adds heavy bass impact while keeping vocals and cymbals clear.

Best for: Rap, trap, and R&B.

Pop

Settings: 60 Hz +3 | 150 Hz +2 | 400 Hz +1 | 1 kHz +2 | 2.4 kHz +3 | 15 kHz +4

Why it works: Boosts both ends of the spectrum for an energetic, radio-ready sound.

Best for: Mainstream pop, upbeat tracks, dance-pop.

Rock / Metal

Settings: 60 Hz +4 | 150 Hz +2 | 400 Hz 0 | 1 kHz −1 | 2.4 kHz +1 | 15 kHz +3

Why it works: Strengthens drums and bass while keeping guitars sharp without harshness.

Best for: Rock, hard rock, metal, punk. If you listen while playing, you may also benefit from adjustments inspired by the best equalizer settings for gaming.

EDM / Dance

Settings: 60 Hz +5 | 150 Hz +3 | 400 Hz 0 | 1 kHz −2 | 2.4 kHz +1 | 15 kHz +4

Why it works: Deep sub-bass for club feel, bright highs for crisp drops, scooped mids for space.

Best for: House, techno, trance, festival mixes.

Classical / Jazz / Acoustic

Settings: 60 Hz −1 | 150 Hz +1 | 400 Hz +3 | 1 kHz +2 | 2.4 kHz +3 | 15 kHz +4

Why it works: Adds clarity and space while keeping a natural tonal balance.

Best for: Orchestral, jazz, unplugged acoustic performances. If you’re adjusting EQ for films or live performances on a bigger screen, the best equalizer settings for TV can be a helpful companion read.

Quick Reference: Spotify EQ Settings by Genre

Genre / Use Case	60 Hz	150 Hz	400 Hz	1 kHz	2.4 kHz	15 kHz	Key Effect
Balanced (All-Purpose)	+2	+1	0	0	+1	+2	Warmth and sparkle
Vocals (Singer-Focused)	−3	−1	+2	+4	+4	+2	Clear, upfront vocals
Spoken Word	−4	−2	0	+3	+4	+1	Clear speech, no rumble
Hip-Hop / R&B	+6	+3	0	+1	+1	+1	Deep, impactful bass
Pop	+3	+2	+1	+2	+3	+4	Bright, energetic
Rock / Metal	+4	+2	0	−1	+1	+3	Punchy drums, sharp guitars
EDM / Dance	+5	+3	0	−2	+1	+4	Club-style bass & highs
Classical / Jazz / Acoustic	−1	+1	+3	+2	+3	+4	Clear, spacious detail

Tune It To Your Gear

Headphones & Earbuds: Bass-heavy models often benefit from a slight reduction at 60–150 Hz. Bright models may need a small cut at 15 kHz for smoother highs. Open-back headphones can feel more satisfying with a gentle +1 to +2 dB lift at 60 Hz for added body.

Speakers or Laptops: Add a modest boost at 60–150 Hz for warmth, but keep 400 Hz flat or slightly reduced to avoid muddiness.

Car Audio: Road noise masks lows and low-mids. Try a +3 dB bump at 60–150 Hz, a small −1 dB cut at 400 Hz for clarity, and +2 dB around 2.4–15 kHz for extra detail.

Fast Fixes for Common Problems

• Boomy bass: Reduce 150 Hz by 1–2 dB; trim 60 Hz if needed.
• Muddy sound: Lower 400 Hz slightly.
• Harsh vocals or guitars: Reduce 2.4 kHz by 1–2 dB.
• Dull highs: Increase 15 kHz by 1–2 dB.
• Sibilance (“S” sounds): Lower 15 kHz slightly.

Quick Setup Checklist

• Start from Flat and adjust one slider at a time.
• Keep changes small for natural sound.
• Match settings to your gear and environment.
• Save different EQ setups for headphones, speakers, and car.
• Watch for desktop app improvements that can enhance your experience, such as new features highlighted in the latest Spotify desktop update with The Jam and other changes.