Comparison

OpenWav vs UpNext

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

OpenWav

This platform empowers independent musicians to release music, sell merchandise, and host events. Artists can build direct fan communities, own their data, and monetize their work without upfront costs or ads.

Highlights
  • Release music and exclusive drops
  • Design and sell custom merchandise
  • Create events and sell tickets
  • Build exclusive fan communities
  • Track sales and own fan data
  • Direct fan support and engagement
Features
Read full description

OpenWav is the next-generation music platform built for indie artists to drop music, monetize and engage with fan communities. OpenWav gives you the tools to create, connect, and earn—on your terms. What you can do on OpenWav: Stream Music – Release singles, albums, and exclusive drops with immersive player and direct fan support Make Merch, Your Way – Design and sell custom merch globally with no inventory or upfront costs Create Events & Sell Tickets – Host shows, listening parties, or concerts—sell tickets directly to fans Build Your Fan Community – Start exclusive chat channels, drop updates, and grow your core audience Own Your Data - Track sales, build your mailing list, and be direct with your fan base with no ads. Join a Movement – Be part of a community where indie artists thrive and fans show up with real support Drop your sound. Grow your wave. Get paid.

About

UpNext

This app connects independent music artists and industry professionals. Discover collaborators, share your work, and promote your music through playlist placements and social ad campaigns. Grow your network and advance your music career.

Highlights
  • Network with artists and professionals
  • Discover collaborators via video
  • Run playlist placement campaigns
  • Launch social ad campaigns
  • Build a curated feed
  • Get feedback on music
Read full description

UpNext – The Independent Artist Network UpNext is the network for independent music artists and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and build real momentum together. Built for the new generation of artists, producers and industry pros, UpNext helps you discover people in your lane, form genuine creative relationships, and unlock new opportunities. Whether you're looking to collaborate, get feedback, grow your network, or professionally promote your music, UpNext brings everything into one platform. Key Features: Network Follow artists, share posts, and build a curated feed around your sound and style. Studio Take collaboration further with group rooms to create tracks together. Marketing Get submitted to independent curators to professionally promote your music and reach new listeners. Built for Independent Artists From emerging creators to fast-growing artists, UpNext is designed to help you build real connections, grow consistently, and move your career forward on your terms. Ready to be UpNext? Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

OpenWav4 screens
UpNext4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: OpenWav at 4.9 against UpNext's 3.9. OpenWav also leads on review sentiment (97% vs 68%) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). UpNext's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. OpenWav sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and UpNext sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $29.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

OpenWav holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 164 and 41 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 97% of OpenWav's written reviews are positive against 68% of UpNext's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpenWav ships an update every 9 days, UpNext every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
OpenWav versus UpNext: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenWavUpNext
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (164 ratings) — better3.9 (41 ratings)
Positive reviews97.1% of reviews — better67.9% of reviews
Number of ratings164 — better41
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size144 MB71 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperOP3N, LLCPSounds Limited

Customer experience

OpenWav

All ratings165 ratings
Positive97.6%
Neutral1.2%
Negative1.2%
Written reviews34 reviews
Positive97.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative2.9%

UpNext

All ratings41 ratings
Positive65.9%
Neutral7.3%
Negative26.8%
Written reviews28 reviews
Positive67.9%
Neutral7.1%
Negative25.0%

Bugs and requests

OpenWav

Reported bugs

1 issue
  • Minor bugs in new platforms

Requested features

2 requests
  • Partnership with TIDAL for integration
  • Live streaming with gift earning functionality like TikTok

UpNext

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

OpenWav

One-time10
  • Music Credits Pack$0.99
  • Music Credits Pack$1.29
  • Music Credits Pack$1.49
Show 7 more
  • Music Credits Pack$1.99
  • ADDICT$1.99
  • BTS: Bohan’s new album stud...$1.99
  • Music Credits Pack$2.99
  • Music Credits Pack$4.99
  • Music Credits Pack$9.99
  • Music Credits Pack$19.99
1 purchases

UpNext

Subscriptions1
  • UpNext Manager Monthly$29.991 Month

Questions

Is OpenWav free?
OpenWav is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is UpNext free?
UpNext is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, OpenWav or UpNext?
OpenWav is rated higher. OpenWav averages 4.9 out of 5 from 164 ratings, while UpNext averages 3.9 from 41 ratings.
Do OpenWav or UpNext have ads?
Neither OpenWav nor UpNext shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OpenWav or UpNext?
OpenWav ships an update every 9 days, and UpNext every 3 weeks. Most recently, OpenWav was updated on November 3, 2026 and UpNext on November 4, 2026.

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