Most people have made it a habit to stream music on a daily basis, whether they are at work, travelling, or even when taking a break. And even though Spotify is the favourite of a great number of listeners, it is not the best option that suits everyone. Some users would prefer superior prices, richer regional collections, or even superior audio quality–so it would be worth considering other platforms that offer Spotify alternatives.
There are several music apps today that provide a good alternative and have features that can suit various listening styles. Some deal with high-quality sound for audiophiles and those who specialise in Bollywood, indie artists, and regional music. Most of them also offer adaptable subscriptions, downloads, custom playlists, and recommendations.
No matter what you want to spend less or buy something more appropriate to your liking, there could be an option that will suit you. These guidelines list the best alternatives to Spotify, which have clear descriptions, best features, and the latest pricing to enable you to select the appropriate one easily.
The Features To Consider In A Spotify Alternatives
There is more than just selecting an expensive name to choose the right music streaming app. You should have a platform that fits your listening preferences, habits, and price to have a better listening experience. The following are the most significant features that one should consider before leaving Spotify:
Audio Quality Options
Music quality is important, particularly with the use of headphones or external speakers. Find the applications that provide HD, Lossless, or Hi-Res streaming. An improved sound quality will help provide a deeper and more immersive experience, and all songs will sound clean and detailed.
Diverse Music Library
An excellent music application must have international tracks, underground music, and local songs. The bigger the library, the more it is to find a new artist or listen to genres that one would never listen to. Diversity will make sure that you do not get bored with your playlists.
Offline Downloads
Listening is very necessary offline, particularly when one is on the road or in areas with poor network connectivity. Determine whether the app can be used to download high-quality songs that can be played offline. This makes your music available anywhere, around the clock.
Affordable Pricing Plans
The primary consideration when making a choice is the cost of the subscription. Find monthly, annual, or family plans and student discounts. Low-cost services: affordable plans make sure that you do not go deep into your pockets to enjoy the premium features.
List of The Best Spotify Alternatives
1. Apple Music
Apple Music is a good option if you care about audio quality and like finding both worldwide hits and local music. It is a combination of an enormous catalog and exquisite editorial playlists, i.e., you do not simply get the songs, you get moods, themes, and new suggestions. Its soundless music and the option of Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos) really matter when you are concerned about the audio quality.
Apple Music works well everywhere, whether it is on the phone, laptop, or TV. And when you have Student and Family plans, it is simple to spread the happiness (and the expense). Apple Music is one of the best-equipped alternatives to Spotify, especially for people who want a refined and multi-purpose streaming service that allows consumption of Indian and international music.
What You Get
- 100 million and more songs – regional, indie, and mainstream.
- Streaming without loss and Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio, great sound.
- Lyrics on demand and in real time.
- Student, Individual, and Family subscription plans.
- Multimedia Work on devices (phones, PC, smart TVs).
- The playlists and tour guide choices to listen to.
Price
- Individual: 119 / month
- Student: 59 / month
- Family (up to 6 people): 179 / month
2. YouTube Premium YouTube Music
YouTube Music is a logical alternative when you are open to mixing audio and video. Of course, we are talking about official albums, live shows, covers, remixes, or fan uploads. Since it accesses user-generated content that YouTube boasts of, you can discover some of the rarest tracks and live performances that are not easily found elsewhere. Its recommendation system also listens to what you watch, and therefore, the playlists will change according to your taste.
Premium offers background playback, downloading, and no advertisements, ideal for your daily commute or travel. YouTube Music is a versatile, affordable substitute for any individual who likes songs, likes music videos, or likes to go outside the mainstream market.
What You Get
- Official music as well as remixes, live performances, covers, and user posts.
- Video + audio integration: Music videos, live sets, official clips.
- Individual playlists and suggestions based on your history.
- Downloads and Ad-free premium.
- Android, iOS, and web work, integrates with the existing Google account.
- Free ad tier does not require commitment to Premium.
Price
- Individual, Premium: 119-149 / month (plan-based and offer-based)
- It is also free with ad-supported access.
3. JioSaavn
JioSaavn is a compromise when you want a blend of international music with a heavy dose of Bollywood, regional, and language-specific music. It has curated moods, language, and regional tastes, radio-style listening, and intermittent podcasts or original content. The Pro version opens up advertisement-free playback, high-quality streaming, and offline downloads.
What makes it particularly attractive are the frequent discounts, telco packages, and affordable yearly deals, allowing you to obtain premium access without much limitation on the budget. JioSaavn is also a leading competitor among Spotify alternatives for listeners who want a balanced combination of global music with a high level of flexibility and value.
What You Get
- Expansive database: Bollywood, regional, and international songs.
- Playlists based on language/region, playlists based on mood, and radio-style listening.
- Super streaming (Pro).
- Pro with offline downloads and ad-free.
- Periodic exclusivity and readily crosses international and regional music preferences.
- Regular promotions, packages, and low costs to the Indian users.
Price
- Pro Individual: 89-99 / month (standard)
- Limited promotional offers
4. Gaana
Gaana is a favourite when the majority of your listening is dominated by Bollywood or regional music—yet you like to listen to songs in Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, or any other language. It has a simple, no-frills interface, allowing easy navigation by language, mood, or genre. The Gaana Plus subscription eliminates advertisements, enables downloading music, and offers better audio quality, which suits an average listener.
Due to its simplicity, Gaana is perfect for casual listeners or people who prefer regional music without the hassles. Gaana is a reliable option for many users who do not need to worry about playlists and algorithms just to get tunes in their native tongues.
What You Get
- Good collection of Bollywood and regional songs, and a few foreign songs.
- Regional and language filters and supported by lyrics.
- Unlimited downloads and without advertisements with Gaana Plus.
- Easy-to-use, simple interface – user-friendly to everyday folk.
- The possibility of creating playlists and sharing them.
- The one-time promo bundles or discounts in the app store.
Price
- Gaana Plus: 99 / month (or in some cases, a discount is offered, e.g, 3 months or annual packages)
5. Amazon Prime Music (as part of Amazon Prime)
In case you already shop on or subscribe to Prime to get videos or enjoy fast delivery, Prime Music is a good add-on—you can stream music without any additional subscription if you are already paying for Prime. It has millions of songs, playlists, and offline downloading.
It will be convenient if you prefer to listen to something hands-free or want to enjoy the convenience of a smart home, as it works with other Amazon devices (Alexa, Fire devices). Probably, it does not necessarily offer all the rarities of indie music, but in normal mainstream music and casual listening, Prime Music is a strong option among Spotify alternatives, at least by combining it with other Prime advantages.
What You Get
- Availability of a mass catalog of mainstream songs and hits.
- Streaming (without advertisements) and offline downloads (with Prime).
- Compatible with Alexa and Amazon functionality – handy when you utilize it.
- Combination with Prime perks (video, shopping, delivery).
- Basic user interface between gadgets.
- You do not need a music-only subscription even with an already existing Prime.
Price
- Amazon Prime: 299/month or 1,499/year (it also includes Prime Music + Prime advantages)
6. SoundCloud (SoundCloud Go / Go+)
In case you are into exploring underground or indie music, remixes, or DJ mixes, or niche music, SoundCloud is a playground. Since it is based on uploading music by creators themselves, you will frequently hear newer, experimental, or local-hipster music that never makes it to mainstream collections.
The social nature of Soundcloud – likes, reposts, artist and community posts, etc. – is another way that is not present through traditional streaming. It also offers an improved quality of streaming at its paid tier (Go or Go+), which includes ad-free listening and offline downloads. SoundCloud will always have an edge over other streaming services in areas where the listener prefers to explore, promote up-and-coming artists, or venture into niche music.
What You Get
- Massive archive of indie, underground, remixes, and user-uploaded music.
- Consistently updated posts – best when you want to find new or experimental music.
- Social characteristics: follow artists, repost songs, and communicate.
- Unlimited downloads and ad-free play with a paid plan.
- Frequently carries niche genres or local independent songs not of mainstream apps.
- Elastic listening experience – mainstream hits to underground hidden gems.
Price
- The Go+ is listed as costing around US$10.99 / month on the global plan pages of SoundCloud.
- The analogous product should be found in Google Play / App Store at an equivalent price in INR (though it might have increased) among Indian users.
7. Audiomack
Audiomack is dedicated to people who appreciate hip-hop, R&B, rap, Afrobeat, or want to listen to music from emerging artists, independent artists, or artists of the diaspora. The site provides artists with the independence to post content, which has made it a trending place to release new content, mixtapes, and songs that may not be found on the bigger streaming platforms.
To listeners who are discovery and diversity seekers, whether it be locally made indie or worldwide beats, Audiomack provides an unrefined, energetic music atmosphere. The free version is already very generous, and the premium one removes advertisements and enables downloads. Audiomack is a worthy choice among Spotify alternatives for listeners who appreciate variety and are not content with mainstream playlists.
What You Get
- High concentration on hip-hop, Afrobeat, and indie/underground music.
- Creator-based uploads: Fresh tracks, mixtapes, and test songs.
- Free (okay, casual listening and sampling).
- Ad-free streaming and offline downloading at a fee.
- Recommended to find new or unsigned artists, music by diaspora communities, and music of the underground world.
Price
- The prices of subscriptions at Audiomack are shown on the official site worldwide
- The prices in India can be displayed through the app-store payment system (thus they change) – see Google Play / App Store to see the specific INR price.
8. Mixcloud
Mixcloud is the best place when you hope to have a longer musical experience: DJ mixes, radio-style shows, podcasts, or thematic playlists rather than individual tracks or albums. It serves the needs of DJs, radio producers, and creators – mixes, live-sets, and program-style music are more prevalent than regular albums. Mixcloud provides something alternative to normal streaming apps to people who like to interact with music as an experience (such as mixes, playlists, or vibes on a radio show).
The premium tier of listeners introduces offline listening and advertisement-free listening. When you tend to listen to music in the style of deep dives and listening to music in the mood, or listening to the music set created by DJs, Mixcloud may be a welcome change when the usual song-by-song streaming does not please you.
What You Get
- Long-form content: Curated sets, podcasts, and radio-style shows, DJ mixes.
- International network of DJs, producers, and niche producers.
- Free membership as a casual listener.
- Corporate-level on-demand and commercial-free playback.
- Room to explore genres, mixes, and sets unavailable elsewhere.
- More of a radio or music culture than an on-demand playlist listening experience.
Price
- The local pricing is based on app-store pricing at Mixcloud, where the amount of INR will be determined depending on which country you are in at the time of purchase.
Suggested Read: Audiobook Apps
9. Napster (Streaming Service)
Napster has also transformed itself from the early days of P2P technology into a normal on-demand streaming service. It provides a list of songs, playlists, and offline downloads—a simple alternative should you desire a no-frills and no-gimmicks music service.
Napster does not emphasise social functionality or video; it is about delivering your music fast and dependably. Napster can be a lightweight alternative to listeners who prefer lightweight alternatives, i.e., good songs, easy streaming, and no frills. It is available in app stores, so make sure you check the store to find out the pricing and subscription options
What You Get
- Catalog streaming, On-demand streaming with playlists and albums.
- Offline downloading and being multi-device.
- Non-distracting user experience without video and social distractions.
- Dependent plans of individuals and families are based on the region.
- Dependable access to music- good with core listeners.
Price
- Napster costs in INR on Google Play / App Store will vary according to the region; verify at checkout to know the exact cost.
10. Bandcamp
Bandcamp does it differently, offering a one-album or one-track payment per album, directly to the artists, usually independent or emerging artists. It is less about the playlists and more about the discovery, ownership, and supporting creators. You receive DRM-free downloads (MP3, FLAC, and others), in some cases physical merchandise or a vinyl, music that might never end up in any mainstream streaming catalog.
To individuals who appreciate artists, who like to discover less popular styles of music, or to possess music instead of just listening to it, a subscription-based service is not as special as a good alternative to Bandcamp. It is especially fantastic among the fans of indie, experimental, and underground music.
What You Get
- Pay-per-track/pay-per-album support to artists.
- No DRM downloads (MP3, FLAC, and so on) and optional real-life media (vinyl and merch).
- Music outside of mainstream music, indie, experimental, niche music.
- Full ownership: there is no reliance on the availability of songs permanently.
- Flexibility – purchase what you prefer rather than subscribe.
Price in India
- No fixed subscription fee is available. You pay a per-album or per-track price; the price varies depending on what the artist sets.
Comparision Table
| App | Key Strengths | Audio Quality | Library Focus | Pricing (INR, Individual unless noted) | Official Website |
| Apple Music | Lossless/Spatial Audio, editorial playlists, multi-device | Lossless, Dolby Atmos | 100M+ songs, regional/global | ₹119/mo, Student ₹59, Family ₹179 | music.apple.com |
| YouTube Music (Premium) | Videos/remixes/live, smart recommendations | Up to 256kbps | Official + user content, Bollywood/regional | ₹119/mo, Family ₹179, Student ₹59 | music.youtube.com |
| JioSaavn Pro | Regional moods/radio, frequent promos | HD (Pro) | Bollywood heavy, 100M+ tracks | ₹89/mo (promo ₹9 first 2 mo, annual ₹399) | jiosaavn.com |
| Gaana Plus | Simple interface, language filters | High (Plus) | Bollywood/regional focus | ₹99/mo, annual ~₹399-₹599 | gaana.com |
| Amazon Prime Music | Bundled with Prime perks, Alexa integration | Standard HD | Mainstream hits | Included in Prime: ₹299/mo or ₹1499/yr | amazon.in/prime |
| SoundCloud Go+ | Indie/underground, user uploads | High (Go+) | Remixes/DJ, niche global | ~₹400-₹900/mo (USD $4.99-$10.99 equiv.) | soundcloud.com |
| Audiomack Premium | Hip-hop/Afrobeat, emerging artists | HiFi (Premium) | Indie/unsigned, diaspora | ~₹500-₹580/mo (USD $5.99-$6.99 equiv.) | audiomack.com |
| Mixcloud Premium | DJ mixes/podcasts, long-form | Standard | Radio shows, niche sets | ~₹580/mo (USD $6.99 equiv., app store) | mixcloud.com |
| Napster | No-frills streaming, reliable | Lossless (Premier) | Mainstream albums/playlists | ~₹900/mo (USD $10.99 equiv.) | napster.com |
| Bandcamp | Buy/own tracks, support indies | FLAC/MP3 lossless | Indie/experimental, pay-per | Pay-per-album (~₹500-₹750) or track (~₹100-₹125) | bandcamp.com |
Conclusion
The real difference between the various music-streaming services is based on the things you hold in high regard, be it audio quality, regional content, cost effectiveness, or high-end listening features. Although Spotify still has its loyalists across the world, there is an excellent variety of Spotify alternatives that perfectly address different preferences and listening styles.
Love Bollywood hits, regional tunes, worldwide hits, or niche indie artists; there is a platform designed specifically for your style. Examining these options will guide you to find superior pricing, additional customization, and features that will fit the way you listen to music daily. Test two or three free plans, experiment, and you will soon have an idea of which one suits you.
FAQs
What is The Most Viable Substitute for Spotify?
The most popular alternatives are Apple Music and YouTube Music, particularly among those who are interested in high-quality sound, solid recommendations, and vast international repertoires. Such applications as JioSaavn and Gaana are best suited to lovers of regional and Bollywood music.
What is The Audio Quality of The Best Music App?
Apple Music now dominates with Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless audio, and Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos). The high-fidelity sound is highly emphasised by TIDAL as well.
Is YouTube Music Free with YouTube Premium?
Yes, but it is free and has advertisements and does not play behind. YouTube Premium is favoured by most users as it enables them to listen without adverts, download videos offline, and play in the background.
Does YouTube Music Work Without YouTube Premium?
Yes, but the free version has ads and lacks background playback. Most users choose YouTube Premium because it unlocks ad-free listening, offline downloads, and background play.