Audio quality on Pandora

[PT-19]

Having a celebration of life soon for a family member.  Created an "album" for him and want to play then.  Which is better sound quality for playing Pandora, android phone or laptop?

Moderator Edit: Edited title for clarity

[AdamPandora · Accepted solution]

@PT-19 Here are some details regarding audio quality on Pandora:

For listeners accessing Pandora from a computer, Ad-supported Pandora is 64kbps AAC+, while Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium subscribers have the option of 192kbps.

On Android and iOS devices, ad-supported listeners and Pandora Plus subscribers get anywhere from 24kbps to 64kbps in mono or stereo, depending on the phone, carrier, connection type and - in some cases - the user's settings. Only Pandora Premium subscribers can receive 192kbps on their iOS and Android devices.

Most home-listening devices get 128kbps - whether the account is free or paid.

Hope this helps!

[PT-19]

Thanks for your reply. So, I would do best with my computer, getting 192kbps. (I have Pandora Plus). I assume it would be in stereo as well?

I'll just need to download the app onto my computer, as I've been only using it on my phone.

[AdamPandora]

@PT-19 If you're looking for 192 kbps, then I do recommend you use a computer.

Additionally, make sure that you:

• have a strong WiFi or internet connection
• ensure that the highest quality audio is enabled (Profile > Settings > Content Settings > and ensure the best quality is enabled.)

One last thing to note is that the Pandora account your community profile is connected to is not upgraded to Pandora Plus. Make sure you are logged into your upgraded account if it is registered under a different email address.

If you need help confirming your subscription status or have any additional questions, you can contact our support team for further assistance here.

Thanks for being a part of the community! 

[PT-19]

Hi Adam,

Thanks for your reply. After downloading Pandora onto my laptop, I looked in my profile settings, clicked on content settings and do not see any option to chose the highest audio quality... ?

Sincerely,
Phyllis

[AdamPandora]

@PT-19 You should see it under Content Settings:

I took a look at your account and see that the highest quality we offer is already selected, so you should be good to go.

Hope this helps!

[PT-19]

Thank you Adam! It's weird that I couldn't see that.
Also, I'm concerned that I can't play the station I created for my
brother's celebration of life unless I'm connected to wi-fi. I had read
recently that if you had a Pandora Plus account you could listen offline.
Am I missing something? I do not have a phone account with unlimited data
so really had hoped to be able to play it offline at that event.

[AdamPandora]

@PT-19 Unfortunately, Offline listening is not possible when streaming Pandora from a computer.

Since offline listening was created to address cellular connection issues, it is only available on mobile devices. 

I recommend getting in touch with the venue you will be hosting the celebration at, as they may be able to help coordinate setting you up with their personal WiFi if available.

I hope this helps clarify. 

[whowasat]

Plenty of users have been trying to tell you that 192 kbps is simply not enough in 2025.  Others do better, and so should Pandora.