Spotify recently launched in South Africa but we were asked the question… whats the difference? So we took the top four music services available in the country and listed their variations.
Spotify was launched in South Africa today and it has opened up a dialogue about music streaming services available in South Africa.
These are the ‘top’ four that are currently being spoken about online: Apple Music, Deezer, Google Play Music and Spotify (but recommendations are encouraged in the comments section).
There have been some myths thrown around but it turns out that the streaming services are all similar. They all offer a massive music selection (with local artists included) and are all relevant in price. On a premium offering, all are advert free and supply a higher audio quality. Each service offers the ability to be hosted via an app on your mobile phone and tablet or via their website.
Each service also offers their own perks that are designed to entice the user to purchase a subscription, like if you are on Vodacom, you pay less to be on Deezer.
Apple Music
Cost: R59.99 per month with a free 3-month trial period.
R29.99 per month for students with a free trial period.
R89.99 per month for the family plan which includes up to 6 profiles.
Songs: 45 million songs available
The only thing with Apple Music is that it is only available on Apple products and does not have a free option (besides the 3-month trial).
Deezer
Cost: R59.99 per month with a 30-day free trial period.
R89.99 per month for the family plan which includes up to 6 premium profiles. Parental controls can be implemented through this plan.
Or free with ads.
Songs: 53 million songs available
Google Play Music
Cost: R59.99 per month with a 30-day free trial period.
R89.99 per month for the family plan which includes 6 profiles that can be played on up to 10 devices.
Or free with a 50,000 song limit
Songs: 40 million songs available
Spotify
Cost: R59.99 per month with a 30-day free trial period.
Or free with ads.
Songs: 40 million in 2017 with hundreds added weekly.
What we have found…
The music streaming sites are all similar in price (although some offer free accounts or student discounts).
When it comes to subscribers, the undisputed king of on-demand streaming music is Spotify. The Swedish-born service helped pioneer the current market and has tens of millions more paying subscribers than the competition, not to mention countless millions more free users.
But the truth is that there is no real difference in cost, what it ultimately comes down to is personal preference. Thankfully each service offers a free trial period where the service can be tested out so you as the user can find the best fit for yourself.
Which would you recommend?
So loads of conversations about music streaming services in South Africa today… which is your favourite (if you have one).
— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) March 13, 2018
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