OpenWav vs UpNext
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | OpenWav | UpNext |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (164 ratings) — better | 3.9 (41 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 97.1% of reviews — better | 67.9% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 164 — better | 41 |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 144 MB | 71 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | OP3N, LLC | PSounds Limited |
Customer experience
OpenWav
UpNext
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
OpenWav
- Music Credits Pack$0.99
- Music Credits Pack$1.29
- Music Credits Pack$1.49
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- 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
UpNext
- UpNext Manager Monthly$29.991 Month








