Apple Music, JOOX & Spotify: 2020 Review of Music Streaming Services in South Africa

South Africans are spoilt for choice when it comes to music streaming services in the form of music apps and music players in 2020. Music streaming can be enjoyed usually via an app or a website-based desktop music player.

We usually stream music on our way to work, but these days we listen to music while we wait out the lockdown. The days of using CDs appear to be fading, while there is nostalgia associated with using LPs for some. Regardless, music streaming seems to be the way to go for many in 2020.

So, how does one decide which music streaming service to sign up with now? Let’s review some of the many options available in South Africa. This review summarises what several music streaming companies have to offer which South Africans may find interesting. It is entirely coincidental if we haven’t listed or referred to any particular music app or music player in this review.

Apple Music South Africa review1,2

Apple Music was launched in South Africa in 2015. As part of Apple’s iPhone, Mac and Apple TV ecosystem, it is easy to see how popular Apple Music could be around the world. That being said, Apple Music is available for Android devices too.

Are you new to Apple Music in South Africa? Then you can enjoy 3 months of everything Apple Music has to offer for free. Apple Music advertises that it provides its users with 60 million songs to listen to at any time.

Apple Music offers 3 packages that cost either R29.99, R59.99 or R89.99 per month in 2020. The ‘Student’ option for R29.99 arguably offers most of what many users would want from a music streaming service.

JOOX South Africa review1,3

JOOX was launched in South Africa in 2017 after having a massive impact on the Asian music streaming market. JOOX has a close connection with local artists, which they actively promote in some instances. Listening to local South African music makes it quite favourable to use JOOX. Nevertheless, millions of songs, according to the JOOX website, including international tracks, can be streamed via their service.

Unlimited free music with JOOX South Africa is yours if you are a DStv subscriber, which a total of 5 users can enjoy. Other first-time users get 14-days of free unlimited music.

Like most music streaming services, a free version is provided, which has ads and some limitations. Do you want to enjoy everything JOOX has to offer, but you aren’t a DStv subscriber? Then, you could sign up for JOOX VIP subscription for R59.99 per month in 2020.

Spotify South Africa review1,4

Spotify arrived in South Africa in 2018. With its headquarters being based in Sweden, this music streaming service is arguably one of the most well-known. Spotify’s key strength lies in its massive international collection of music in 2020.

Sources:

1. Which music streaming platform is best for me?
2. Apple Music
3. JOOX Music
4. Spotify
5. Disclaimer