Call it the Jio effect, but it’s hard to deny that video and music streaming platforms are slowly finding space among price-conscious consumers in the country. We’ve already talked about the apps that mobile users can download and use to stream content, which is likely to become the go-to mode of visual entertainment in the near future.
Just like video, you’ve got music apps that have become accessible to everybody with a smartphone and an internet connection. Here’s a look at some of those apps that are available for Android users (India’s preferred mobile ecosystem) and what they offer for their respective prices.
Gaana
Gaana, is a music streaming product that has been around long before Amazon and even Apple entered the country. This platform, owned by the Times Internet Group offers myriad music genres, packaged through a user-friendly interface, available via mobile as well as desktop.
Its catalogue ranges from latest Bollywood music to international chart busters. You can search, discover all kinds of music, stream curated radio channels that offer old Hindi classics as well.
By paying for it, you can download a nearly unlimited number of songs and save them in your account for offline listening. You also get the content in high definition quality, which makes listening to music a delightful experience.
If you’re still not keen on spending money for music on Gaana, you can happily listen to its content for free, but be ready for the annoying ads that pop-up often.
Amazon Music
Amazon added Music to its Prime lineup in India earlier this year. This platform can be used by anyone who has paid either Rs 499 (introductory membership plan), or Rs 999 for the Amazon boutique of online services.
With Amazon Music, you get a host of features that are intuitive, and the music lineup is more focused on international music. You can search for music via its voice assistant, Alexa, or cast music to a nearby Echo speaker. Because it’s already a paid service, you don’t have to worry about ads, but sadly there’s no free version for Amazon Prime Music.
Jio Music/Saavn
Reliance Jio bought Saavn last year to integrate it with Jio Music, which is likely to work in favour of people who like Indian music.
Saavn is well known for its locally-curated music, and with Jio Music, the platform is likely to become better, with more features in tow. Saavn also works for free, or you can pay Rs 99 per month, and get access to high-quality audio, which can be downloaded on up to 5 devices.
With Jio Music, a user should have an active Jio mobile number, which allows him or her direct access to its content. It’ll be interesting to see how Saavn-Jio Music pans out in the coming years.
Apple Music
Just like every other Apple product, expect the best interface on Apple Music, which can be used by Android users as well. Unlike Gaana and Amazon Music, you can choose between multiple plans.
There’s a free trial of three months on offer, but you’ll have to lock-in your payment details for it to work.
For students, Apple Music costs Rs 60 per month, while anybody else can sign up for Rs 120 per month. There’s also a family plan that costs Rs 190 and can be shared between multiple members in your household.
Airtel Wynk
Airtel’s Wynk is available for free to its subscribers and for non-Airtel users on Android, it’ll cost them Rs 99 per month. This app, according to various reports is very popular in non-metro cities and the content is mostly tuned toward regular listeners in the country.
The interface has vastly improved over the years, and Airtel will continue to ramp up its catalogue with content partnerships. You can also listen to music for free but you’ll need the internet to work for that.
Special mention for Spotify, which has been expected to launch in India. We’re waiting and hopeful that it will price its offering right for consumers.
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