SoundCloud review

SoundCloud is less a replacement for Spotify than a different kind of library. Artists upload their own tracks, so it is full of independent releases, remixes, bootlegs and DJ sets that never reach the bigger services. Listening is free with ads. Go removes ads and lets you save unlimited tracks offline with high quality audio, with a seven-day trial. Go+ adds full catalog access and mixing in select DJ apps, comes with a 30-day trial, and directs your subscription into fan-powered royalties for the artists you play. Students can get Go+ at half price. Artist plans for uploads, boosting and distribution sit alongside the fan plans. The downsides are that Go+ is not available everywhere, including at our location, the app is built around discovery rather than tidy album libraries, and we could not confirm US prices for this update. For fans of underground scenes, it fills a gap the others leave.

Who it is for

Fans of independent artists, remixes and DJ sets who want to support creators directly.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Go: ad-free listening and unlimited offline saves
• Go+: full catalog and mixing in select DJ apps
• Fan-powered royalties from Go+ subscriptions
• Student Go+ plan at 50% off
• Uploads and promotion tools for artists

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Unique independent music, remixes and DJ mixes
• Strength: Go+ subscriptions feed fan-powered royalties
• Strength: Free tier and trials of 7 or 30 days
• Weakness: Go+ is not available in every country
• Weakness: Major-label catalog is less central than on Spotify
• Weakness: USD prices could not be confirmed from our location

Key facts

• Fan plans: Go and Go+
• Free trial: 7 days for Go, 30 days for Go+
• Student: Go+ at 50% off
• Royalties: Fan-powered royalties for Go+ listeners
• Free tier: Yes, with ads

Where it ranks

SoundCloud is No. 9 in our Best Music Streaming Services verdict.