How to Use SpotDL: Review, Tutorial, and Best Alternatives

Part 1: What Is SpotDL?

• Project type: Open source Spotify downloader
• Hosting: GitHub
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Pricing: Free to use
• Main function: Download Spotify tracks, albums, and playlists
• Audio formats: MP3, M4A, OPUS (128 kbps standard, up to 256 kbps with YouTube Premium)
• Metadata support: Keeps song info, album art, and lyrics
• Playlist support: Supports full playlists and albums
• Sync feature: Updates local files when playlists change
• Use Case: Offline listening and local music management

SpotDL is a feature-rich music downloader that saves Spotify tracks, albums, and playlists as MP3 or other audio files by sourcing audio from YouTube or YouTube Music. It does this efficiently and for free. The tool automatically embeds useful metadata such as title, artist, album artwork, and even lyrics, which helps keep your music library clean and organized. It works consistently across Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it easy to move your library between devices without redoing anything.

Originally developed as an open-source project on GitHub and released under the MIT License, SpotDL is designed as a command-line utility written in Python. At the same time, there are prebuilt executables, web interfaces, Docker images, and community tools built around it, giving users several ways to access and use the software.

Because SpotDL runs on Python, it requires a few supporting tools such as Python itself, FFmpeg, or Visual C++ Redistributable, along with some basic technical setup. This may sound intimidating at first, but the official GitHub documentation explains each step clearly. Even if you have never used a command line before, the setup usually comes down to a few simple commands. Once that part is done, SpotDL stays out of the way and lets you focus on downloading and listening to your music offline for personal use.

Free access is one reason people stick with SpotDL, but its features matter too. While not every user will need everything it offers, tools like metadata preservation, built-in searching, flexible audio output formats, and an optional web-based interface add real value. SpotDL also includes a sync function to keep local folders updated with Spotify playlists.

Part 2: How Does SpotDL Work?

At its core, SpotDL connects to the Spotify API and reads metadata such as song title, artist, album, and album artwork. Instead of downloading audio directly from Spotify, it uses this information to search for matching audio on YouTube or YouTube Music. Once a match is found, SpotDL downloads the audio and saves it as MP3 or other supported formats with all relevant tags embedded.

As a user, you choose exactly what you want to download. This can be a single song, an album, or an entire playlist. After you provide a Spotify link, SpotDL processes everything in batches, which saves time when working with large music collections. The result is a local library that mirrors your Spotify playlists while remaining fully playable offline.

Part 3: Limitations of SpotDL You Should Know

SpotDL has a lot going for it, but it is not without drawbacks. One of the biggest for many users is the command-line interface. If you are already comfortable using terminal tools, this may not feel like an issue. For beginners, however, the lack of a graphical interface can make the first setup feel less approachable.

Another limitation comes from where SpotDL sources its audio, as consistency is not always guaranteed. Because it pulls music from YouTube, you may sometimes end up with clean versions of songs instead of explicit ones. This usually happens due to how content is uploaded and labeled on YouTube, but it can still be frustrating if you expect a specific version of a track. The final result may not always match what you hear on Spotify.

For users who prefer a more polished experience, alternatives like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter are often considered. ViWizard focuses on convenience, with a user-friendly interface that works directly with the Spotify Web Player. It also supports multiple output formats, including MP3, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, M4A, and M4B, and provides customer support for users who want guidance when managing their music library.

ViWizard Spotify Music Converter

Download Spotify music, podcasts and audiobooks as MP3 and more. Keep full sound and listen offline anytime.

Available on:

Free Download

Free Download

Secure Download

Part 4: Is SpotDL Safe and Legal to Use?

Free tools are always appealing, but they often come with trade-offs. When it comes to SpotDL, safety and legality can feel unclear at first, and that uncertainty is worth noting.

SpotDL itself is open source and generally safe when downloaded from trusted sources like GitHub. Issues usually arise when users rely on third-party websites that bundle the tool with unwanted or harmful software. Sticking to official sources greatly reduces security risks.

From a legal standpoint, SpotDL does not host music itself. However, it enables downloading audio from YouTube, which can violate the terms of service of those platforms. Depending on your location, this may also be illegal. Checking local laws and understanding how downloaded content can be used is the safest way to avoid potential problems.

Part 5: How to Use SpotDL on Windows

On Windows, the simplest way to start is with the prebuilt executable files. You download and run the file, and everything is ready without installing Python or managing dependencies. FFmpeg, included in the executable, handles audio conversion and automatically embeds metadata like album art and track details from Spotify. You can paste Spotify links into the command line or use a GUI wrapper, and the tracks will download in your chosen format with all tags applied. The setup takes only a few minutes, and the ready-to-use file ensures everything works smoothly.

Step 1 Open your web browser and go to the Python official website. Download and install Python 3.7 or later, and make sure to check Add Python to PATH.

Step 2 Go to the FFmpeg official website, download the latest build, and extract the files. Add the bin folder to your system PATH so SpotDL can find it.

Step 3 Download and install the Visual C++ Redistributable 2019 or later from Microsoft. Restart your computer if prompted.

Step 4 Open Command Prompt. Type the following command to install SpotDL:

pip install spotdl

Step 5 Navigate to the folder where you want your downloads saved by typing cd followed by the folder path, for example:

cd C:\Users\YourName\Music

Step 6 Copy the Spotify track, album, or playlist link you want to download. In Command Prompt, type:

spotdl <Spotify-URL>

Step 7 To download multiple tracks from a text file, create a file called songs.txt and paste each Spotify link on a separate line. Then type:

spotdl --file songs.txt

Step 8 To change the download format or quality, add the optional flags, for example:

spotdl --format wav <Spotify-URL>
spotdl --bitrate 320 <Spotify-URL>

Part 6: How to Use SpotDL on Mac with Python

On a Mac, SpotDL usually runs through Python, giving access to all features. Installing Python allows SpotDL and FFmpeg to work together to convert tracks to MP3 or other formats and embed metadata automatically. You open a terminal and run commands to download single tracks, albums, or entire playlists. Batch downloads and automation are possible as well. The setup takes a few extra steps, but Mac users gain flexibility and the ability to update tools and scripts when needed.

Step 1 Open Terminal on your Mac.

Step 2 Install Python 3.7 or later if you do not have it yet. You can use the official website or Homebrew by typing:

brew install python

Step 3 Install FFmpeg using Homebrew by typing:

brew install ffmpeg

Step 4 In Terminal, type the following command to install SpotDL:

pip3 install spotdl

Step 5 Navigate to the folder where you want to save your downloads using the cd command.

Step 6 Copy the Spotify track, album, or playlist link, and type:

spotdl <Spotify-URL>

Step 7 To download multiple tracks from a file, create songs.txt with one Spotify link per line. Then type:

spotdl --file songs.txt

Step 8 To set the format or quality, use optional flags, for example:

spotdl --format wav <Spotify-URL>
spotdl --bitrate 320 <Spotify-URL>

Part 7: How to Use SpotDL on Linux with Python

On Linux, everything is handled through the command line, making the process efficient once Python and FFmpeg are installed. SpotDL works the same as on other platforms, letting you download tracks, albums, or playlists and even schedule automated downloads. All operations run locally, keeping the process stable and reliable even for large libraries. Interruptions are rare, and Linux users get precise control over downloads and file management.

Step 1 Open Terminal.

Step 2 Install Python 3.7 or later using your package manager, for example:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3

Step 3 Install FFmpeg, for example on Debian or Ubuntu:

sudo apt install ffmpeg

Step 4 Install SpotDL by typing:

pip3 install spotdl

Step 5 Navigate to the folder where you want your music downloaded using cd.

Step 6 Copy the Spotify track, album, or playlist link, and type:

spotdl <Spotify-URL>

Step 7 To download multiple tracks from a file, create songs.txt with one link per line, then type:

spotdl --file songs.txt

Step 8 To choose format or quality, use optional flags, for example:

spotdl --format wav <Spotify-URL>
spotdl --bitrate 320 <Spotify-URL>

Part 8: How to Use SpotDL Online at spotdl.io

If installing software is not an option, the online version of SpotDL works entirely in the browser. However, there’s no evidence that spotdl.io is officially connected to the open-source SpotDL, and the site appears to be a separate service with its own interface. The outputs may therefore differ from what the official SpotDL produces. This tool is mentioned solely as an alternative for users who prefer an online solution. It offers a similar built-in search tool for devices where installing Python or FFmpeg is impractical and provides a simple way to get MP3 downloads directly online.

Step 1 Open your web browser and go to https://spotdl.io.

Step 2 Copy the Spotify track, album, or playlist link that you want to download.

Step 3 Paste the link into the input box on the website.

Step 4 Click Start to begin the process.

Step 5 Click Convert. The tool will process the music to prepare it for MP3 download.

Step 6 Click Download. The MP3 will be saved directly to your device.

Step 7 Repeat the process for any additional links you want to download.

Part 9: How to Fix SpotDL Not Working

SpotDL is a powerful tool, but sometimes it may fail to download music or encounter errors. Here are some proven steps and tips from the SpotDL community to fix or minimize issues:

Part 10: Best Alternatives to SpotDL

SpotDL is fast and customizable with Python command lines, but its reliability can be inconsistent, and it can feel intimidating for non-technical users. If you are using Windows or Mac, or find SpotDL frustrating, ViWizard Spotify Music Converter is a strong alternative. It lets both Premium and free Spotify users download music directly from Spotify's original catalog.

ViWizard Spotify Music Converter offers a simpler, more user-friendly way to download Spotify music, podcasts, and audiobooks without any technical setup. On Windows and Mac, you can add tracks, choose the output format, and convert to MP3, M4A, M4B, WAV, FLAC, or AIFF in just a few clicks. Linux users can try playlists on PC or Mac first and transfer downloads to Linux later if needed.

Because ViWizard works directly with the Spotify Web Player, it preserves the original audio and even supports lossless formats. Metadata stays intact, and large downloads can be organized by playlists, albums, or artists. All downloads are saved locally and can be easily transferred across devices.

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

ViWizard All-In-One Music Converter

Get access to unlimited music downloads from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Pandora, SoundCloud, YouTube Music, and many more with this all-in-one tool.

Available on:

Free Download

Free Download

Secure Download

Step 1Install ViWizard on Your Computer

Start by downloading and installing ViWizard Spotify Music Converter on your Windows or Mac computer. When you open the program, you'll see a built-in Spotify-style interface. Log in to your Spotify account, and you can browse songs, albums, and playlists directly without leaving the app.

Step 2Add Spotify Music for Conversion

Select the tracks, albums, or playlists you want to save offline. You can search within the program or paste Spotify links to add content. Then add the items to your conversion list. You can choose just a few tracks or an entire playlist, depending on how much you want to export.

Step 3

Before converting, open the settings or Preferences menu. Pick a format like MP3, WAV, or FLAC so your files will work with most players. You can also adjust audio quality and decide how the files should be organized, for example by artist or album. This makes it easier to manage your offline music library later.

Step 4Convert and Save Music

When you're ready, click Convert. ViWizard removes Spotify's DRM and saves your songs as normal audio files on your computer. Once the conversion is complete, open the output folder to find your tracks. You can then transfer them to your phone, USB drive, or another device and play your Spotify playlists without needing the Spotify app or an internet connection.

Part 11: SpotDL vs. Alternatives: Feature Comparison

Conclusion:

SpotDL is an interesting tool to begin with, and it has grown into a capable solution for downloading Spotify music. It's free, flexible, and works well with large playlists, and it rewards users who are comfortable tinkering with the command line. Some downloads may fail, and metadata can occasionally be off, but for those who enjoy hands-on control, it's hard to beat.

ViWizard Spotify Music Converter, on the other hand, is simpler and more reliable. It works smoothly across Windows and Mac, keeps metadata accurate, supports multiple formats, and handles both Free and Premium Spotify accounts. It may be a paid option, but for users who value stability and clean results, it delivers exactly that.

There's no single wrong way to use either tool. If you like free and customizable downloads, SpotDL fits the bill. If you want ease of use, consistent results, and minimal setup, ViWizard Spotify Music Converter is the better choice. Both have their place, and the right one depends on your workflow and priorities.