Music streaming has become an essential part of daily life in India, with both domestic and international players competing for attention. On one side are local services like JioSaavn, and on the other, global giants such as Apple Music and Spotify. Adding another layer to the competition, telecom operators are now bundling free music subscriptions into their recharge packs, giving users access to premium services at no extra cost.
Currently, Airtel and Jio are leading the pack with enticing deals: Airtel offers Apple Music, while Jio includes JioSaavn Pro. But which one delivers better value? Let’s break it down.
Jio’s Offer: JioSaavn Pro Free for 3 Months
Jio users—both prepaid and postpaid—can claim a three-month free subscription to JioSaavn Pro via the MyJio app. However, this deal is not valid for those already subscribed to JioSaavn.
Key JioSaavn Pro features include:
- Ad-free streaming.
- Offline downloads for listening without internet.
- High-quality audio at 320kbps.
- Unlimited JioTunes for Jio numbers.
After the free trial, JioSaavn remains competitively priced. Individual plans begin at just ₹89 per month, with student plans as low as ₹49. Duo and family options cost ₹129 and ₹149 for two months respectively, while a unique daily plan is available at ₹5 for short-term access.
Airtel’s Offer: Apple Music Free for 6 Months
Airtel has partnered with Apple to give its users six months of free Apple Music access, available via the Airtel Thanks app. Customers simply need to activate the offer and link their Apple account.
Apple Music benefits include:
- A vast catalogue of over 100 million songs.
- Lossless and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.
- Sing feature with time-synced lyrics for karaoke-style playback.
- Exclusive live performances, curated playlists, and artist interviews.
- 24/7 live radio stations.
- Cross-platform availability: iOS, Android, Mac, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and web.
Pricing after the free period is also competitive: ₹99 per month for individuals, ₹149 for families, and ₹59 for students.
Platform Compatibility
- JioSaavn Pro: Android, iOS, iPad, desktop apps, and the web.
- Apple Music: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and the web.
Apple Music’s broader platform reach makes it slightly more versatile, especially in households with mixed devices.
Which Offer Wins?
When put side by side, Airtel’s Apple Music deal comes out ahead:
| Service | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Apple Music (via Airtel) | 6 months free access, Spatial and lossless audio, karaoke-style Sing, exclusive content, live radio, 100M+ songs. |
| JioSaavn Pro (via Jio) | 3 months free access, ad-free streaming, offline downloads, 320kbps audio, unlimited JioTunes, budget-friendly post-trial plans. |
While JioSaavn Pro is more affordable and offers unique perks like JioTunes, Airtel’s Apple Music subscription provides double the free trial duration and a richer feature set.
If music quality, exclusive features, and longer free access matter most, Airtel’s Apple Music plan is the clear winner. For those seeking affordability and JioTunes integration, JioSaavn Pro remains a practical choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prefer a premium, feature-heavy experience—or a budget-friendly music service with essential perks.
