Genie Music vs Melon comparison

By starting price alone, Melon is ₩550 cheaper. But price is not everything, so see below what differs.

Genie Music and Melon compared side by side in Music streaming.

CurrencyUSD KRW EUR

What is different

Starting price

Genie Music≈$6.96+ (₩9,240)

Melon≈$6.54+ (₩8,690)

Best quality

Genie MusicFLAC 24bit streaming (Ultra High Quality pass), Dolby Atmos

MelonFLAC 16bit/44.1kHz streaming (Hi-Fi pass), AAC 320kbps

Korean music

Genie MusicStrong. Still runs a real-time chart, unlike other major Korean services. KT bundle (Genie Pack)

MelonVery strong. The TOP100 and HOT100 charts are used as a benchmark by K-pop fandoms and the industry. Linked with Kakao

Number of tracks

Genie MusicAbout 15 million tracks (2017 outside source, no latest figure)

MelonMore than 40 million tracks (Kakao official announcement, as of 2018. No latest figure)

Good for

Genie MusicKT users / Teens aged 14~18 / People who want high-quality sound

MelonFans who follow K-pop charts and new releases / People who get Kakao or SKT bundle benefits

Genie Music

Music app from the KT group. Known for 24bit FLAC, real-time charts and an AI DJ

What is good

24bit FLAC streaming
Youth pass at ₩3,960, KT bundle discount
Real-time charts, AI DJ, audiobooks

What could be better

The FLAC pass is the most expensive at ₩15,400
More expensive than other Korean apps when comparing similar passes

Genie Music official site

Melon

Kakao Entertainment's leading Korean music app. Biggest influence on K-pop charts

What is good

No. 1 influence on K-pop charts
FLAC high-quality pass available
Many bundle products such as SKT T Universe and Wavve

What could be better

The FLAC pass (₩13,200) and the offline pass (₩11,990) are separate, so no single pass does both
No family plan

Melon official site

At a glance

Item	Genie MusicVisit site	MelonVisit site
Starting price	≈$6.96+ (₩9,240)External source	≈$6.54+ (₩8,690)External source
Free tier	Paid only	Paid only
Lossless audio	Supported	Supported
Best quality	FLAC 24bit streaming (Ultra High Quality pass), Dolby Atmos	FLAC 16bit/44.1kHz streaming (Hi-Fi pass), AAC 320kbps
Offline playback	-	Some plans only
Family plan	None	None
Family plan details	No family plan (not confirmed officially)	No family plan (not confirmed officially)
Korean music	Strong. Still runs a real-time chart, unlike other major Korean services. KT bundle (Genie Pack)	Very strong. The TOP100 and HOT100 charts are used as a benchmark by K-pop fandoms and the industry. Linked with Kakao
Number of tracks	About 15 million tracks (2017 outside source, no latest figure)	More than 40 million tracks (Kakao official announcement, as of 2018. No latest figure)
Good for	KT users Teens aged 14~18 People who want high-quality sound	Fans who follow K-pop charts and new releases People who get Kakao or SKT bundle benefits
Type	Music streaming	Music streaming
Company	Genie Music (KT group), South Korea	Kakao Entertainment, South Korea
Plans	Smart Music Listening (mobile) ₩8,140 Music Listening ₩9,240 Data Safe Music Listening ₩9,900 Ultra High Quality Music Listening (FLAC) ₩15,400 Genie TeenTeen (ages 14~18) ₩3,960 (incl. VAT, outside sources)	Mobile Streaming Club ₩7,590 Streaming Club ₩8,690 Streaming Plus (offline) ₩11,990 Hi-Fi Streaming Club (FLAC) ₩13,200 MP3 10 Plus ₩15,950 (incl. VAT, outside sources)
Pros	24bit FLAC streaming Youth pass at ₩3,960, KT bundle discount Real-time charts, AI DJ, audiobooks	No. 1 influence on K-pop charts FLAC high-quality pass available Many bundle products such as SKT T Universe and Wavve
Cons	The FLAC pass is the most expensive at ₩15,400 More expensive than other Korean apps when comparing similar passes Offline storage conditions differ between sources, needs checking	The FLAC pass (₩13,200) and the offline pass (₩11,990) are separate, so no single pass does both No family plan No free tier with ads (in preparation)

Prices and benefits may change. Check the official site before you pay.

Prices converted at 1 USD = ₩1,327.84 (2026-10-20). Original price shown in brackets. Taxes as listed by each provider.

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