SoundCloud vs Spotify
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose
| Feature | SoundCloud | Spotify |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 4.2 | 3.9 |
| App Store | ||
| Google Play | 4.7 | 4.3 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Downloads | 100M+ | 1B+ |
| Size | ||
| In-App Purchases | ||
| Requires Internet | ||
| Age Rating | Teen | Teen |
| Developer | SoundCloud | Spotify AB |
Choose SoundCloud if...
SoundCloud is essential for indie music enthusiasts and creators who need platform control, but casual listeners may find the ad-heavy free tier and technical glitches frustrating. Choose this over Spotify if you value music discovery and free-tier flexibility, but look elsewhere if you want polished UI and reliable offline listening.
Choose Spotify if...
Spotify remains the default choice for music streaming due to its unmatched catalog and discovery features, but it's increasingly difficult to recommend wholeheartedly. Best for users who prioritize music discovery and don't mind paying for Premium to avoid the ad-heavy free experience; avoid if you need reliable technical performance or want included audiobooks without extra fees.