Commutes can get boring sometimes — especially long daily commutes! Some of us like to carry a book along. Others like to use this time to catch up on phone calls. If you’re the kind of person who likes to listen to some tunes on your commute, you’ve come to the right place!
Here are some of the best music streaming apps in India, in no particular order:
1. Gaana — Gaana is one of India’s top music streaming apps. You can use this app to listen to music in Hindi, Punjabi, English, Tamil, Telugu and a number of other languages. You can also listen to the radio and to podcasts. The app is free to use, but the free version does have advertisements. They have a premium plan called “Gaana Plus” which would cost you a minimum of Rs 99 a month. The paid membership also allows you to download music for offline listening.
2. Jio Saavn — Saavn has been around for almost 15 years now. In recent years, they merged with Jio Music to form Jio Saavn. They have a music library as wide as Gaana’s — over 45 million tracks. Here as well, you can listen to podcasts and radio channels. The free version has ads, just like most music streaming apps. To go ad-free, you’ll need to choose between paying Rs 99/month or Rs 399/year.
3. Spotify — Spotify has made a name for itself around the world. t was introduced in India in 2019. You can find mainstream music as well as music from lesser-known artists. Again, listening to music on Spotify is free, but there will be ads. They have a wide range of Spotify Premium plans for you to choose from. You can pay as low as Rs 7/day or Rs 25/week, or go for their longer duration plans. They also have duo plans (for two people) and family plans.
Pro Tip: If you’re a student, check out their student discount!
4. Amazon Music — Amazon Prime Music was launched as an exclusive feature for Amazon Prime members. However, they eventually launched a free version with ads. There’s no membership exclusive for Amazon Music. You’ll need to become an Amazon Prime member to listen to ad-free music. Prime membership costs Rs 129/month and Rs 999/year. This includes PrimeVideo, PrimeMusic among other benefits.
Pro Tip: If you’re between 18-24 years old, you can get the membership at 500/year!
5. Hungama Music — Music is one among many offerings that Hungama gives you. Hungama Music has a wide music library and is free for listening with ads. The paid subscription would cost you Rs 99/month for music and videos. However, you can also subscribe to movies, TV shows and short films in addition to music on Hungama for Rs 149/month.
6. Youtube Music — Youtube needs no introduction, but did you know that there’s an exclusive Youtube Music app? It’s a free app that allows you to listen to and discover music from the world over. Similar to the other apps, they do have ads in the free version. Paid plans start from Rs 109/month, and allow you to avoid interruptions from ads as well as download music for offline listening. You could also opt to pay Rs 139/month to get Youtube Premium instead, which includes Youtube Music.
7. SoundCloud — SoundCloud is a service that allows aspiring musicians, creators or anyone to upload their own tracks. It’s great for discovering up and coming artists, as well as unique, experimental tracks. Listening and uploading are both free. They do have premium packages for creators, but listening is absolutely free.
8. Airtel Wynk — Wynk has been around since 2014. It boasts of a library with over 30 million songs in English, Hindi, Bengali, and a number of other languages. Just like its competitors, the free version comes with ads. If you’re an Airtel user, you can find recharge packs/other benefits to claim your Wynk membership. For others, Wynk Premium costs Rs 49/month and Rs 399/year.
9. Apple Music — Contrary to the name, Apple Music is available for both iOS and Android. It was, however, initially intended for Apple users. This platform has a library of over 75 million songs in a number of different languages. If you’re a student, you can subscribe to Apple Music at Rs 49/month. Individual and family plans cost Rs 99/month and Rs 149/month respectively.
There’s something for everyone! Depending on your taste in music, preferences and budget, choose the app that works for you. We hope this makes your daily commute a little smoother! Another thing you can do for a smooth commute is download Tummoc! Right from an easy trip planner, to accurate public transportation info — we’ve got you covered!
Happy listening, Happy commuting!
What commuting hacks & tips would you like us to write about next? Let us know in the comments!