# OpenWav vs UpNext

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenWav | UpNext |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (164 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openwav/id6447367844/reviews)** | [3.9 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upnext-music-networking/id6740701114/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **164** | 41 |
| Positive reviews | **97.1% of reviews** | 67.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 144 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [OP3N, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1593527314) | [PSounds Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1645766537) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenWav

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openwav/id6447367844)

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:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Music Credits Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Music Credits Pack | $1.29 | one-time |
| Music Credits Pack | $1.49 | one-time |
| Music Credits Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| ADDICT | $1.99 | one-time |
| BTS: Bohan’s new album stud... | $1.99 | one-time |
| Music Credits Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Music Credits Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Music Credits Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Music Credits Pack | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and responsive
- 💡 Great concept for artists
- 🚀 Flexibility in monetizing art
- 🤝 Authentic partnership opportunities
- 🛍️ Easy merch creation and selling

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Reviews read like ads
- 🤔 Potential astroturfing of reviews
- 🤔 Reliance on AI for content

**Reported bugs**

- Minor bugs in new platforms

**Requested features**

- Partnership with TIDAL for integration
- Live streaming with gift earning functionality like TikTok


### UpNext

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/upnext-music-networking/id6740701114)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UpNext Manager Monthly | $29.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*