Agreed, subscription model you don't own the content, at any time they can lock you out or restrict your access. I started downloading my music because all the services i tested don't have all content i wanted and they suck, the UX is terrible, basic features they lack to deliver without bugs, i use Symfonium on my Android to stream my music and the app is great, one guy do better what big tech with lots of money can't do. The app is payed but is worth every cent. Everytime i can help the creators i like, i buy the content they sell, music, books etc. Mediocre content is instant block for me.
Music seems to be the thing I put off the most, but I recognize it should be one at the top of the list. I've been downloading audio more recently because the ads are relentless when you don't pay the subscription.
I love music and i listen all day, so is very important to me to have a good app and high quality music files. I rarely see ads online, i have Adblock in all places and moded apps, but i pay for Spotify subscription and have a family plan, but i have the app, and sometimes musics i like just get removed from the app, is frustrating.
I use YouTube music when looking for new music. This is where the ads appear for me. I refuse to pay any subscription. Artist should be grateful I'm listening. If I I appreciate a song to the point where I want to listen to it over and over then that is worth my sats. I will give to those who bring value to my life.
If you use Android just use the revanced manager, you can mod your apps to remove the ads, and I agree, we only know if it's worth to pay for the content, we need to consume it first
What's the revanced manager? I'm new to Android.
Is an app that you can patch other apps to add functions, remove ads etc. https://revanced.app take a look, you need to install the app, download the APK of the app you want to patch, select the APK from the manager, it'll show if the app is supported, if so I'll see the list of patches available, then you patch it and install the patched APK. It works well with YouTube, YT Music, others apps have a limited amount of patches.