Genie Music vs Melon comparison

By starting price alone, Melon is ₩550 cheaper. But price is not everything, so check the highlighted rows in the table below.

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

CurrencyUSDKRWEUR

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

Highlighted rows are where they differ.

ItemGenie MusicVisit siteMelonVisit site
Starting price₩9,240+External source₩8,690+External source
Free tierPaid onlyPaid only
Lossless audioSupportedSupported
Best qualityFLAC 24bit streaming (Ultra High Quality pass), Dolby AtmosFLAC 16bit/44.1kHz streaming (Hi-Fi pass), AAC 320kbps
Offline playback-Some plans only
Family planNoneNone
Family plan detailsNo family plan (not confirmed officially)No family plan (not confirmed officially)
Korean musicStrong. 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 tracksAbout 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
TypeMusic streamingMusic streaming
CompanyGenie Music (KT group), South KoreaKakao 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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