Where Can I Buy Music Online in India: A Comprehensive Guide
In India, buying music online has become incredibly convenient with a wide range of platforms offering diverse options. This guide explores various popular platforms, their features, and the best ways to purchase music in India.
Popular Online Music Platforms in India
Amazon Music
A renowned e-commerce giant, Amazon Music allows users to purchase and download individual songs or entire albums. This platform supports a diverse range of genres and offers a seamless user experience.
ITunes
ITunes, owned by Apple, enables users to buy music directly to their devices. Although it's primarily a digital distribution platform, it supports multiple operating systems, making it accessible across various devices.
Gaana
While Gaana is primarily known as a streaming service, it also offers the option to purchase songs. This platform is beloved for its extensive collection and user-friendly interface.
JioSaavn
Similar to Gaana, JioSaavn provides both streaming and the ability to purchase music. It caters to a wide audience with a vast music library and is increasingly popular in India.
Google Play Music
Although Google Play Music has been integrated into YouTube Music, it still offers the ability to purchase music. This platform is known for its large collection and ease of use.
Wynk Music
This service from Airtel offers both music streaming and purchases. Wynk Music is known for its extensive catalog and competitive pricing.
Bandcamp
An international platform where independent artists sell their music directly to fans, Bandcamp includes many Indian artists. It offers a direct connection between the artist and the consumer, often with personalized experiences.
Beatport
If you're interested in electronic music, Beatport is an excellent place to purchase tracks and albums. It focuses on electronic music and provides a high-quality selection.
Best Payment Methods and Pricing
iTunes
iTunes is available on Windows, iOS, and MacOS. It features the largest collection of music on the planet and allows for the purchase of individual songs or albums. The cost per song typically ranges between Rs. 10 to 18. While iTunes offers good UI and excellent customer support, it is not accessible on Android devices unless accessed via the Apple Music app.
Hungama
Discounted access to MP3 songs is available on Hungama, with a curated collection of English, Hindi, and Punjabi songs. It supports downloading and streaming, accessible via Android, iOS, and web platforms. Hungama offers a subscription-based model with a monthly plan starting at Rs. 99. Though the UI is satisfactory, customer support could be better.
Saregama
Saregama offers a comprehensive catalog of Indian music since the 1970s, with options to buy both CDs and digital music. The platform supports both MP3 and HD WAV formats and offers reasonable pricing. Though the interface is clunky, the collection is extensive and offers high-quality audio.
High-Resolution and Lossless Audio Options
For those seeking the highest quality audio experience, several platforms offer premium options:
7Digital
7Digital provides high-quality, DRM-free MP3 music downloads with a wide selection, including Indian music. It allows users to purchase individual songs or albums at a cost of nearly 1 USD per song. This platform is ideal for audiophiles seeking the best audio quality.
Qobuz
Qobuz offers unlimited high-quality streaming and a significant collection of lossless audio, including Indian tracks. It allows for individual song purchases at a similar cost as 7Digital. Qobuz is highly recommended for those who value high-resolution audio.
HDtracks
HDtracks focuses on providing music in master studio quality, with a significant collection of lossless audio. It requires purchasing entire albums, with per song costs around 1 USD. It is an excellent choice for those who want to own their music in the highest quality format available.
Bandcamp and Beatport
Bandcamp and Beatport, while offering a more diverse selection, cater to niche markets such as independent and electronic music. Bandcamp offers personalized music experiences and can range from 1 USD to 15 USD per song, while Beatport focuses on electronic music and offers a similar pricing structure. Both platforms provide high-quality audio but are more focused on specific genres.
Choosing the right platform depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for mainstream streaming services, high-resolution audio, or direct artist support, there’s an option available for everyone looking to buy music online in India.