SoundCloud review
Indie artists, DJ mixes and remixes from creators worldwide
- SoundCloud
- Free + paid plans
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Web
Does it deserve #8?
The verdict
SoundCloud is where you find music before it reaches the big platforms: bedroom producers, DJ mixes, unofficial remixes and new artists uploading directly. The free tier is generous for listening, and creators can upload and share their own tracks. The catch is a cluttered app, ads on the free tier and a weaker experience for mainstream albums. Get it for underground and electronic music.
- Independent and underground music
- DJ mixes and remixes
- Free uploads for creators
- Timed comments on tracks
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Huge library of mixes, remixes and new artists
- Free listening with a usable mobile app
- Creators can upload and share directly
What could be better
- Ads and a limited mainstream catalog on the free tier
- Cluttered interface and patchy recommendations
Fans of electronic, hip-hop and underground music, and the artists making it
you mostly stream mainstream albums and want polished playlists
Questions about SoundCloud
Is SoundCloud free?
Yes, you can listen for free with ads. Paid listener plans remove ads and add offline listening and the full catalog, while separate Artist plans give creators more upload and promotion tools.
Can I upload my own music to SoundCloud?
Yes. Anyone can upload tracks with a free account, and paid Artist plans add more upload time, detailed stats and distribution tools.
What are the best alternatives to SoundCloud?
The closest alternatives are Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Music. See all of them ranked on our SoundCloud alternatives page.
Where does SoundCloud rank?
SoundCloud ranks #8 of 8 in our Music & Podcasts ranking, with an overall score of 7.7 out of 10.