The radio has commercials and people that try to fill air time, Spotify premium does not. I can even pick what I listen to, or get some recommendations! All of this without banal prattle featuring traffic in CT or weed jokes. The only time I listen to the radio is when I can't be bothered to plug my phone into my car's USB for a few minute drive... and when I do, I realize it is trash and quickly turn it off. Yes, I'd rather have silence than listen to the radio.