Apple Music vs Genie Music comparison

By starting price alone, Apple Music is ₩340 cheaper. But price is not everything, so check the highlighted rows in the table below.

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

CurrencyUSDKRWEUR

Apple Music

Apple's music service that includes lossless, Hi-Res and Dolby Atmos, all for ₩8,900/mo

What is good

  • Cheapest individual price among major services (₩8,900)
  • No extra charge for lossless, Hi-Res and Dolby Atmos
  • Family plan for up to 6 people at ₩13,500

What could be better

  • No free tier with ads (trial only)
  • History of some Korean tracks being missing

Apple Music official site

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

At a glance

Highlighted rows are where they differ.

ItemApple MusicVisit siteGenie MusicVisit site
Starting price≈$6.70+ (₩8,900)Official price≈$6.96+ (₩9,240)External source
Free tierTrial onlyPaid only
Lossless audioSupportedSupported
Best qualityLossless up to 24bit/192kHz (Hi-Res needs an external DAC), Dolby Atmos spatial audioFLAC 24bit streaming (Ultra High Quality pass), Dolby Atmos
Offline playbackSupported-
Family planYesNone
Family plan detailsFamily ₩13,500, up to 6 people including yourselfNo family plan (not confirmed officially)
Korean musicWeak (needs checking). At the 2016 launch, tracks from Melon, CJ ENM and KT Music were missing, and a 2021 report said there was no contract with Kakao M. Current status could not be confirmedStrong. Still runs a real-time chart, unlike other major Korean services. KT bundle (Genie Pack)
Number of tracksMore than 100 million tracks (official)About 15 million tracks (2017 outside source, no latest figure)
Good for
  • iPhone and Mac users
  • People who care about sound quality
  • People who want to share with family
  • KT users
  • Teens aged 14~18
  • People who want high-quality sound
TypeMusic streamingMusic streaming
CompanyApple, United StatesGenie Music (KT group), South Korea
Plans
  • Individual ₩8,900
  • Family ₩13,500 (up to 6 people)
  • Apple One bundle from ₩14,900
  • Some free radio
  • 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)
Pros
  • Cheapest individual price among major services (₩8,900)
  • No extra charge for lossless, Hi-Res and Dolby Atmos
  • Family plan for up to 6 people at ₩13,500
  • 24bit FLAC streaming
  • Youth pass at ₩3,960, KT bundle discount
  • Real-time charts, AI DJ, audiobooks
Cons
  • No free tier with ads (trial only)
  • History of some Korean tracks being missing
  • Korean student plan not confirmed, and it is most convenient on Apple devices
  • 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

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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