Spotify is an app many people use every day without thinking much about it. You follow an artist, a new album comes out, and you start listening right away. Today, Spotify offers over 100 million tracks and millions of albums, from global pop to independent music. Big artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, and BTS release albums that reach listeners worldwide. For many people, Spotify is the main way to keep up with favorite artists and new releases.
In daily use, the experience is simple. You stream albums online at home, at work, or on the go. Free users can do this through Spotify's ad-supported plan, which supports artists through ads. However, offline listening is limited to Premium subscribers. Even then, downloaded albums stay inside the Spotify app. They cannot be copied, moved, or backed up, and they stop working when the subscription ends. This leads some users to look for other options.
MP3 is a widely used format that works on almost any device. So, can you really save Spotify albums as MP3 files? Yes, but only through unofficial methods. This post focuses on how to do that and introduces some of the best Spotify album to MP3 downloaders, starting with ViWizard Spotify Music Converter.
Part 1. Can You Download a Spotify Album to MP3?
Before getting into tools and methods, it helps to understand what Spotify actually allows. Yes, you can download albums for offline listening, but that does not give you real MP3 files. Spotify saves the songs as cached files on your device. These files help tracks load faster and let you listen without internet using Offline Mode or Airplane Mode. The files are protected, and even Premium users cannot move the downloads outside the app or use them on other devices.
The reason is DRM (digital rights management). It keeps music tied to your account and subscription. To get a Spotify album as an MP3, you need a separate tool. This could be a desktop converter, a web-based downloader, or a recording tool. Each works differently, but all let you save the audio in a standard format you can use anywhere. The next question is which tool is worth choosing. The best Spotify album downloaders do more than just make MP3s. Tools like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter make it possible in a practical and reliable way.
Download Spotify music, podcasts and audiobooks as MP3 and more. Keep full sound and listen offline anytime.
Part 2. Download & Convert a Spotify Album to MP3 on PC or Mac (Desktop Converters)
Desktop Spotify album downloaders are applications for Windows or Mac that allow Spotify albums to be saved as MP3 or other common audio formats. For example, ViWizard Spotify Music Converter can connect to either a Premium or free Spotify account, load albums, and convert the tracks directly to the computer.
It supports MP3 conversion at 256Kbps or 320Kbps, and users can customize the output to suit any device. Entire albums or playlists can be converted at once, making it easy to build a complete music library while preserving the original album structure and metadata such as artist, title, and album artwork. Desktop album downloaders remove DRM and allow MP3 conversions for personal use, so they should be used responsibly and in line with legal and service terms.
Note:
When using desktop converters, it is important to ensure the program is set up correctly and that files are exported to the desired location. Most tools are easy to download and install on Windows, while installation on Mac may require a few extra steps. Fully featured versions are usually paid, and free versions may have limitations.
ViWizard Spotify Music Converter
ViWizard Spotify Music Converter lets you convert Spotify songs, full albums, playlists, and even podcasts into MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, or M4B. In other words, it makes your Spotify library playable anywhere, even without the app. The program keeps metadata intact, so album art, track info, and artist names stay organized. It handles batch downloads, which is perfect if you want to save multiple albums or a large playlist in one go.
The bitrate can be set to 256Kbps or 320Kbps, or customized to suit any device. Installation is straightforward on Windows and slightly more involved on Mac. The only thing to keep in mind is that fully featured versions are paid, while free versions have limits. Desktop converters like this remove DRM and allow MP3 conversion for personal use, so it's best to stick to offline libraries for yourself.
Key Features of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter
Free Trial Free Trial* Security verified. 5, 481,347 people have downloaded it.
- Download Spotify songs, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks extremely fast at up to 15x speed
- Convert Spotify into MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B losslessly
- Lets you play Spotify tracks offline on any device without restrictions
- Works seamlessly on Windows and macOS, supporting the built-in Spotify Web Player
- Pros
- Converts songs, albums, playlists, podcasts
- Supports MP3, FLAC, WAV, and more
- Keeps metadata like album art and track info
- Can batch convert multiple albums
- Cons
- Full features require paid version
- Conversion speed can vary
- Needs installation
Use ViWizard Spotify Music Converter (PC or Mac)
Step 1 Open ViWizard Spotify Music Converter on your computer. The built-in Spotify web player will appear.
Step 2 Sign in to your Spotify account. Both free and Premium accounts work.
Step 3 Browse your library and find the album, playlist, podcast, or audiobook you want to download.
Step 4 Click the "+" button to add it to the conversion list. ViWizard will automatically load and analyze the content.
Step 5 Go to Preferences in the top-right corner and choose MP3 as the output format. You can also set the bitrate and sample rate to match your needs.
Step 6 Save your settings, review your selection, and click Convert to start. The program works quickly to process your files.
Step 7 When the conversion finishes, click the Folder icon to open the output folder. Your MP3 files are ready for offline listening or transfer to any device.
ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder
ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder takes a more all-in-one approach. It can capture audio from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and more, and save it as MP3, FLAC, or WAV. You can record full albums or playlists at once without having to monitor the process. Metadata stays mostly intact, so your offline library looks neat, and podcasts or audiobooks can be saved as well. It works on both Windows and Mac. The main trade-off is that it's a heavier program than a simple Spotify converter, but the flexibility to record from almost any streaming source makes it worth it if you want more than just Spotify.
A versatile all-in-one streaming music recorder to extract songs, albums, playlists, and exclusive content from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, SoundCloud, Qobuz and LINE MUSIC into popular formats like MP3 - with support for original sound quality, fast batch conversion, and built-in music management to help you save, organize, and enjoy your favorite tracks anytime, anywhere.
- Pros
- Records Spotify and other streaming audio
- Saves as MP3, FLAC, or WAV
- Keeps metadata
- Can record full playlists or albums
- Cons
- Paid version needed for unlimited use
- Installation required
Use ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder (PC or Mac)
Step 1 Open ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder after installation.
Step 2 In Preferences, select MP3 as the output format. You can also adjust audio quality, sample rate, and file naming.
Step 3 Return to the main screen and select Spotify as your streaming source.
Step 4 Sign in to your Spotify account using the built-in web player and find the album, playlist, or podcast you want to record.
Step 5 Click the Convert button to start recording the audio.
Step 6 When the recording is finished, your MP3 files are ready for offline listening or transfer to any device.
SpotDL (Desktop/Open-Source Edition)
SpotDL is for anyone who likes a free, open-source solution. It doesn't pull directly from Spotify; instead, it uses Spotify metadata to find the same track on YouTube or YouTube Music and downloads it as an MP3 with album art and track info. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it can handle large playlists or entire albums. The catch is that you need some comfort with command-line tools, and audio quality can vary because it comes from YouTube. For those comfortable with setup, it's a powerful free option. You grab it from GitHub, follow the instructions, and it's ready to go.
- Pros
- Free and open-source
- Handles large playlists or albums
- Keeps metadata and album art
- Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Cons
- Requires command-line knowledge
- Audio quality depends on YouTube source
- Less beginner-friendly
Use SpotDL (PC)
Step 1 Open your web browser and go to the SpotDL release page on GitHub.
Step 2 Download and install SpotDL following the instructions on the page. After installation, the downloader window will open in your browser.
Step 3 Type the Spotify album, playlist, artist, or song name into the search field and press the search button.
Step 4 SpotDL will show a list of matching results. Select the items you want to download and add them to the download queue.
Step 5 Click the Cloud icon at the top-right to view the queue, then press Download to start downloading your MP3 files.
Step 6 Once the download is complete, your music is ready to play offline or transfer to any device.
Part 3. Download a Spotify Album to MP3 Online (Web-Based Tools)
Web-based Spotify album downloaders work in a similar way. They let you download Spotify tracks by entering a link into a browser, without installing software. Most web tools handle one song at a time, so downloading a full album requires repeating the process for each track. Bit rates are usually limited to 192 Kbps, and 256 Kbps or 320 Kbps are less common. The music source is often not Spotify, so downloads can be inconsistent compared with desktop converters like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter.
Web-based tools are free, but they generate revenue through ads or pop-ups, and availability may change over time as sites are updated or removed. This method is suitable for casual downloads, such as single tracks or a few albums, but it is less practical for building a complete music library.
Spotisaver
Spotisaver is a web-based Spotify to MP3 converter that works completely in your browser. Find the track, album, or playlist you want in Spotify, tap the three-dots button next to it, and select "Copy Link". Then go to the Spotisaver website, paste the link into the box at the top, and press Submit. After a moment, a Download button appears next to each track, or you can grab everything at once using the Download ZIP button. Track info and album art are kept intact, so your offline files stay organized. It works well for grabbing entire playlists or albums in one go without signing in or installing software.
- Pros
- No installation needed
- Keeps metadata like album art
- Can download playlists or albums
- Cons
- Free tool shows ads
- Some downloads are one track at a time
- Availability may change
SpotifyMate
SpotifyMate works in a similar way. Copy the link for the song, album, or playlist in Spotify, open the SpotifyMate site, paste the link into the field labeled "Paste URL from Spotify", and click Download. The site converts the link and saves it as a high-quality MP3 on your device. SpotifyMate works in any modern browser on computers or phones. It supports albums, playlists, and single tracks, and lets you choose the audio quality before downloading.
- Pros
- High-quality MP3 (up to 320 kbps)
- Works on all browsers and devices
- No account required
- Cons
- Can be inconsistent at times
- Full albums need multiple downloads
- Free version shows ads
Spotimate
Spotimate is a simple web tool for converting Spotify tracks or small playlists to MP3. Copy the Spotify link, paste it into the main box on the site, and click Download. The file is converted and ready to save. It works in any browser and does not need an app. Audio quality is usually around 128 kbps, which is fine for casual offline listening. Spotimate is quick and easy if you just want one or two songs for a phone, tablet, or MP3 player.
- Pros
- Simple and fast
- Works on desktop and mobile
- No installation required
- Cons
- Lower quality (around 128 kbps)
- Ads present
- Not ideal for large playlists
Spotdownloader
Spotdownloader.app converts albums, playlists, or single tracks to MP3 up to 320 kbps. Copy the Spotify link, paste it into the site, and click Download. Metadata such as album art and artist info is preserved, keeping your library organized. The interface is simple, and the files are ready to play on any device with a browser. Occasionally the site may change domains or go offline, but it remains a reliable option for saving high-quality Spotify tracks without installing anything.
- Pros
- Downloads albums and playlists in high quality
- Keeps metadata and album art
- No login required
- Cons
- Site may change or go offline
- Occasional download errors
- Free version only
SpotDL Online (spotdl.io)
SpotDL Online works like the desktop version but runs entirely in a browser. Copy a Spotify link, open spotdl.io, paste the link where prompted, and press Convert. After a short wait, a Download button appears for saving the MP3 file. It can fetch individual tracks, playlists, or full albums quickly. No software installation or command-line knowledge is needed, making it easy to build an offline collection in just a few clicks.
- Pros
- No installation or command line needed
- Downloads tracks, albums, and playlists
- Keeps metadata
- Cons
- Batch downloads may fail sometimes
- Audio quality depends on source
- Free version may show ads
Part 4. Record & Rip a Spotify Album to MP3 (Recording Tools)
Recording tools capture audio as it plays on the computer and save it as MP3 files. Programs like Audacity or dedicated recorders such as ViWizard Audio Capture can record Spotify directly, allowing tracks or albums to be saved without conversion software.
Recording requires tracks to play in full, and the files then need to be split, renamed, and tagged manually. This process is slower and more labor-intensive than other methods, making it less practical for most users. Recording is generally not recommended for building a music library.
ViWizard Audio Capture
ViWizard Audio Capture records any audio playing on your computer and saves it as MP3 and other formats. It works on both Windows and Mac and can capture music from Spotify, browsers, or local players. To get started, download and install the software, add the Spotify desktop app with the plus button if it is not already listed, then launch Spotify from within the program and play your songs. Audio Capture records the tracks and automatically splits albums into individual songs. During recording, it matches metadata from its digital music library, including track titles and album art, while keeping the sound quality clean. After recording, you can trim or merge recordings as needed.
A multifunctional audio recording tool that captures any sound playing on your computer, including streaming music, live radio, game sounds, background music, and online meetings, with built-in auto-splitting and advanced editing features to save recordings in MP3, WAV, and other formats while maintaining the highest quality and embedding track details.
- Pros
- Records Spotify and system audio
- Saves as MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, or M4A
- Splits albums into tracks automatically
- Keeps metadata and clean sound
- Cons
- Needs installation
- Paid version required for unlimited use
- Only works on computer playback
Audacity
Audacity is a free audio editor and recorder that can capture system audio, including Spotify. It cannot import Spotify links directly, so you need to set the recording source to capture internal audio, such as WASAPI loopback on Windows or a virtual audio driver on Mac. Click the red record button, play your music, and Audacity records the waveform in real time. When finished, click stop and export the audio as MP3 or WAV. Audio quality depends on your system setup, so recording to WAV first and converting to MP3 helps preserve the best sound. It requires more hands-on work than some other tools, but it gives full control over recording and editing.
- Pros
- Free and open-source
- Can record any system audio
- Allows editing, trimming, effects
- Exports MP3 or WAV
- Cons
- Cannot import Spotify links directly
- Requires setup for internal audio capture
- Large recordings can be slower
Part 5. Save a Spotify Album for Offline Listening on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android (Official Method, No MP3)
Unofficial methods to get a Spotify album as an MP3 still require a third-party tool like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter, but it is worth understanding Spotify's official offline feature. This option keeps everything within the app and works across devices as long as the subscription remains active. It offers convenience, but with clear limitations:
- Subscription: You need Spotify Premium, around $12 to $13 per month
- Devices: Offline downloads work on up to 5 devices
- Songs per device: You can save up to 10,000 songs per device
- Online check: Each device must go online at least once every 30 days so Spotify can verify your account and count plays
- File access: Downloads stay in the Spotify app and cannot be moved or made into MP3
Desktop (PC or Mac)
Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your computer.
Step 2 Navigate to the album you want to download. You can find it in your Library via the sidebar or search for it directly.
Step 3 Click the Download toggle (downward arrow) on the album page to start saving it to your device.
Step 4 Check the progress by looking for the green arrow icon on the album or by opening the Downloads section in your Library. Wait until the download finishes.
Step 5 Go to File > Offline Mode to ensure Spotify plays only your downloaded album and ignores live internet streams.
Mobile (iOS or Android)
Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your mobile device.
Step 2 Go to the album you want offline. You can access it via Library > Albums or search for it directly.
Step 3 Tap the Download toggle (downward arrow) to save the album to your device.
Step 4 Check the progress in your Library or by looking for the green arrow icon on the album.
Step 5 Tap the gear icon to open Settings, scroll to Data-saving & Offline, and toggle Offline Mode on.
Step 6 Go to Library, use the Downloaded filter to view all offline albums, and tap the album to play. Spotify will automatically recognize you are offline and play only the downloaded album.
Part 6. Compare the Best Spotify Album Downloaders
| Tool / Feature | Compatibility | Output Formats | Speed | MP3 Quality | ID3 Tags & Album Art | Supports Albums, Songs, Playlists, Podcasts, Audiobooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ViWizard Spotify Music Converter | Windows, macOS | MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, AIFF | Fast | Up to 320 kbps | Yes, keeps metadata and album art | Albums, Songs, Playlists, Podcasts, Audiobooks |
| ViWizard Streaming Audio Recorder | Windows, macOS | MP3, WAV, FLAC | Moderate | High, configurable | Yes, preserves album art and track info | Albums, Songs, Playlists, Podcasts, Audiobooks |
| SpotDL (Desktop) | Windows, macOS, Linux | MP3 | Depends on internet & source | High, variable | Yes, includes album art if available | Albums, Songs, Playlists |
| Spotisaver | Windows, macOS, Mobile | MP3 | Depends on internet | Good | Yes, album art included | Albums, Songs, Playlists |
| SpotifyMate | Windows, macOS, Mobile | MP3 | Depends on internet | Good | Yes, album art included | Albums, Songs, Playlists |
| Spotimate | Windows, macOS, Mobile | MP3 | Depends on internet | Medium | Yes, includes basic album art | Albums, Songs, Playlists |
| Spotdownloader | Windows, macOS, Mobile | MP3 | Depends on internet | Good | Yes, keeps album art and tags | Albums, Songs, Playlists |
| SpotDL Online | Windows, macOS, Mobile | MP3 | Depends on internet & source | High, variable | Yes, preserves album art | Albums, Songs, Playlists |
| ViWizard Audio Capture | Windows, macOS | MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, AIFF | Moderate | Lossless | Yes, can assign album art manually or automatically | Albums, Songs, Playlists, Podcasts, Audiobooks |
| Audacity | Windows, macOS | MP3, WAV, OGG | Moderate | Depends on setup | No, album art not preserved | Albums, Songs, Playlists, Podcasts |
Bonus: How to Keep, Transfer, or Back Up Spotify Albums as MP3 Files
After downloading albums as MP3 files, managing them becomes important. You can either store, move, or backup your MP3 files so they remain accessible across devices and over time.
Option 1: Save Spotify Albums as MP3 Files on Your Desktop
The easiest way to keep your Spotify albums as MP3s is to save them on your computer using a desktop converter. Programs like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter can help you save albums directly to your device's hard drive and organize files by artists, playlists, or albums. Once the album is saved, it's ready to play anywhere on your computer, such as Windows Media Player, VLC, or other media players, without worrying about subscription restrictions. This also sets the stage for other options, like transferring music to smartphones, tablets, or MP3 players, or backing it up to USB drives, cloud storage, or media servers.
Option 2: Transfer Spotify Albums as MP3 Files to Smartphones, Tablets, or MP3 Players
After saving albums to your desktop, you can move them to your mobile devices or MP3 players. In my experience, dragging files via USB or syncing through apps like iTunes or Google Drive works reliably, letting you take your music anywhere and listen offline without relying on the Spotify app.
Option 3: Back Up Spotify Albums as MP3 Files to USB Drives, Cloud Storage, or Media Servers
For extra peace of mind, it's smart to back up your MP3 albums. Move them to a USB drive, upload them to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox, or store them on a home media server. Having at least one backup prevents headaches if a device fails or files are accidentally deleted. Cloud storage also makes it easy to access your music from multiple devices without repeatedly downloading everything.
Conclusion:
Spotify is really a good place to stream music, and loved by a majority of people, especially youngsters. If you want to listen to Spotify music offline, you can choose to upgrade to the Premium which will cost $12.99 per month. If you have little budget but still want to download Spotify albums to MP3, you can consider ViWizard Spotify Music Converter. This useful music converting tool can help you download Spotify music for offline listening with lossless quality. If you like it, just get the free download below and have a try!
You May Be Interested
Nick Orin, a software developer at ViWizard, focuses on providing solutions for software-related challenges, including reviews, troubleshooting, and optimization tips.
Leave a Comment (0)