Is SoundCloud Better Than Spotify? A Detailed Comparison
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18 December 2024
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10 mins read
SoundCloud and Spotify are two leading music streaming platforms, each with millions of users. Spotify, with over 640 million users, is known for its extensive music library and personalized playlists, while SoundCloud is celebrated for its focus on independent artists and unique tracks.
This blog compares SoundCloud and Spotify across key aspects like music discovery, user experience, sound quality, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
What is Spotify?
Spotify is a music and podcast streaming service that offers a mix of famous artists and new talent. It was founded in 2006 and launched in 2008, starting in Sweden before expanding to the UK, the US, and many other countries. Spotify allows users to explore global music charts, create custom playlists, and share curated playlists.
What is SoundCloud?
SoundCloud, a music-streaming website, was created in August 2007. The service has become a popular platform for emerging artists to present their creations globally. According to SoundCloud, around 30 million artists use the platform.
SoundCloud vs. Spotify: Is SoundCloud Better Than Spotify?
Both SoundCloud and Spotify have unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your individual needs.
- Music Catalog
Spotify:
Spotify offers over 100 million songs, primarily from mainstream and popular artists, along with a broad range of podcasts and audiobooks.
SoundCloud:
With over 200 million tracks, Soundcloud emphasizes independent artists and niche genres, making it ideal for discovering new and different music.
- New Tracks and Artists
Spotify:
Spotify offers features like Discover Weekly, Daily Mix, and Release to help users find music based on their listening history, moods, and favorite artists.
You can use Spotify's Daily Mix playlists to find new music and artists. These playlists are often divided into moods and genres. In the same way, Spotify offers personalized mixes that aren't day-specific.
Spotify also offers a Release Radar for tracks by artists you already follow or singles you think you might enjoy.
SoundCloud:
SoundCloud, like Spotify, offers Daily Mix playlists. Both platforms also feature artist stations that play music similar to your favorites. They even have playlists for activities like studying and working out.
- Sound Quality
Spotify:
Generally provides superior audio quality. Free users can stream at 160 kbps, while premium subscribers enjoy up to 320 kbps.
SoundCloud:
Streams at 128 kbps for free users and offers up to 320 kbps with the SoundCloud Go+ subscription. For audiophiles, Spotify's higher bitrate gives it an edge in sound quality.
- User Experience and Interface
Spotify:
Known for its user-friendly interface, it allows easy navigation across devices, including smartphones, desktops, and smart TVs. Features like personalized playlists (e.g., Discover Weekly) enhance the user experience.
SoundCloud:
While it has a more straightforward interface that encourages community interaction (comments, likes), it lacks a dedicated desktop app, which may hinder usability for some users
- Pricing
Spotify:
Spotify Premium provides enhanced features like offline listening and higher audio quality for a monthly fee.
SoundCloud:
SoundCloud Pro offers similar benefits but is often seen as more affordable for independent musicians looking to promote their work.
- App Availability
Spotify:
Spotify is available on desktop and mobile platforms. The desktop app can be downloaded from any browser, while the mobile apps for iOS and Android are available through the App Store and Google Play Store.
Download Links:
- iOS
- Android
- Desktop (Free, with in-app purchases)
SoundCloud:
SoundCloud also has apps for iOS and Android. It offers a desktop player, but it's only available in Chrome, Brave, and Edge. Spotify also works on Safari, giving it a slight edge in this area.
Download Links:
- iOS
- Android
- Desktop (Free, with in-app purchases)
- Organizing Your Library
Spotify:
Spotify has an easy-to-use interface. In the "Your Library" section, you can access all your favorite songs and playlists. You can also organize your content based on what you've downloaded.
SoundCloud:
SoundCloud also provides access to your library through the "Library" section. However, its organizational features are more limited than those of Spotify. For instance, you can't rearrange the order of your playlists.
- Social Features
Spotify:
Spotify lets you follow friends and artists and see what they listen to. You can share your music and make your playlists public. One of Spotify’s best social features is Spotify.
SoundCloud:
SoundCloud is great for social sharing. You can like, repost, and even comment on tracks, which makes it different from Spotify (where you can only comment on podcasts). You can also follow other users and stay updated on their latest posts in the Feed section.
SoundCloud or Spotify: Which Platform Offers a Better Music Listening Experience?
If you're looking for undiscovered artists and unique tracks, SoundCloud is the best place to explore. You’ll also find some big-name artists available on both platforms, but this is where SoundCloud shines.
On the other hand, Spotify offers a more complete listening experience for fans of well-known artists. It also provides better value with its monthly pricing plans. Spotify’s premium subscriptions offer more flexibility, and the platform gives you more options for customizing your playlists.
More to explore in Spotify
- How to Play Spotify on Peloton
- How Can I Use Spotify on Nintendo Switch?
- How to Get Spotify Premium for Free on an iPhone
- How to Discover Spotify DNA to Find Your Unique Music Identity
- How Many Monthly Listeners on Spotify Are Good In 2024?
- How Many Songs Can You Have in a Spotify Playlist?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I listen to music offline?
Yes, both Spotify and SoundCloud offer offline listening options. However, offline listening is available only with premium subscriptions on both platforms.
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Is SoundCloud better for independent artists?
Yes, SoundCloud is known for its focus on independent and up-and-coming artists. It’s an excellent platform for discovering new, lesser-known music and for artists to share their work.
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Can I share music on these platforms?
Both SoundCloud and Spotify allow users to share music. SoundCloud allows reposting and commenting on tracks, while Spotify lets you share what you’re listening to with friends and followers.
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Do both platforms have podcasts?
Yes, both SoundCloud and Spotify offer podcasts. Spotify has a broader selection of popular podcasts, while SoundCloud also hosts podcasts but is more focused on music.
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Are there free versions of these platforms?
Yes, both SoundCloud and Spotify offer free versions with ads, but some features, like offline listening and higher sound quality, are available only with premium subscriptions.
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Can I create playlists on both platforms?
Yes, you can create playlists on both SoundCloud and Spotify, but Spotify offers more advanced playlist features and customization options.
In Conclusion
Choosing between SoundCloud and Spotify depends on your preferences. SoundCloud is ideal for discovering new, independent artists, and unique tracks, while Spotify offers a polished experience with mainstream music and advanced playlist features. Both platforms cater to different needs, so pick the one that aligns with your listening habits.
