What is Better than SoundCloud? 20+ Best SoundCloud Competitors and Alternatives

Looking for great music streaming sites and platforms like SoundCloud? Well, SoundCloud may be the biggest name in music streaming world—boasting more than 140 million users—but it isn’t the only option.

There are numerous alternatives to SoundCloud, some of which offer better features like quality audio and paid royalties. In this article, we’ll go through 20+ of the best SoundCloud competitors.

What is SoundCloud?

SoundCloud is one of the largest music streaming services in the world and a popular competitor to Spotify. Discover, stream, and share music with friends and family.

One of the unique features of SoundCloud is its emphasis on community and user-generated content. Anyone can create an account and upload their own music, whether it’s original compositions or remixes of existing songs.

This has made SoundCloud a popular platform for independent artists and aspiring musicians to get their music heard by a wider audience.

In addition to user-generated content, SoundCloud also features music from established artists and record labels. This includes both mainstream and underground music, making it a great place to discover new and emerging artists.

SoundCloud also offers a range of social features that allow users to connect with each other and discover new music. Users can follow each other, like and repost tracks, leave comments, and share music across social media platforms. This has helped to create a vibrant and engaged community on the platform.

SoundCloud‘s free version allows users to access a limited catalog of music and includes ads. The paid subscription, called SoundCloud Go, offers ad-free streaming, offline listening, and access to a larger catalog of music.

Features of SoundCloud

Stream millions of songs
Personalized recommendations
Create & share playlists
Lyrics

Offline listening
Cross-Platform availability
Social Sharing
Create collaborative playlists

Pricing:

Freemium. $12/mo.

SoundCloud Competitors and Alternatives

Spotify

Spotify is like your own personal DJ, playing all your favorite music at your fingertips. Enjoy a personalized music experience with a variety of curated playlists, access a vast library of songs and get recommendations based on your listening habits as well as factors like your location, time of day, and mood.

Create custom playlists, ad-free listening, higher-quality streaming as well as offline playback. With over 50 million songs and thousands of playlists, you can find just the right tune to get you going.

Spotify offers both free and paid subscription options. The free version is supported by ads and has some limitations, such as the inability to download music for offline listening. The paid version, called Spotify Premium, allows users to download songs, listen to music without ads, and access additional features like higher-quality audio and exclusive content.

Pricing:

Freemium. $9.99/mo.

Bandcamp

If you’re interested in supporting independent musicians and artists, Bandcamp is the platform for you. It allows you to directly connect with artists and purchase their music, supporting them in a direct and transparent way.

You’ll have the opportunity to discover a wide range of music genres and choose between digital downloads or physical formats like vinyl and CDs.

Additionally, Bandcamp offers a streaming option, allowing you to listen to music before making a purchase decision. Embracing an artist-first approach, Bandcamp is known for its dedication to supporting emerging talents.

Pricing:

Freemium. $10/mo.

Deezer

Deezer is a music streaming service that was launched in 2007. It is based in France and is available in over 180 countries worldwide. Deezer offers a vast library of music with over 73 million tracks available for streaming.

Users can access Deezer on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, and smart speakers.

Deezer has several unique features, including a “Flow” feature that creates a personalized playlist for each user based on their listening history and preferences.

The music streaming service also offers live radio stations and podcasts, as well as lyrics and music videos for some songs.

In addition, Deezer has partnerships with several hardware manufacturers, such as Samsung, to integrate its service into their products. Deezer also partners with record labels and artists to offer exclusive content and live performances.

Deezer offers both a free and paid subscription service. The free version of Deezer is ad-supported and provides limited access to the music library. Paid versions include deezer Premium at $10.99/month and deezer Family at $17.99/month. Both comes at one month free trial with unlimited access to the library without ads.

Pricing:

Freemium. $10.99-$17.99/mo.

Amazon Music

Amazon Music is a music streaming media offered by Amazon. It allows users to stream or download millions of songs and albums from various genres, including pop, rock, classical, hip-hop, and more.

Amazon Music also offers playlists, personalized recommendations, and radio stations based on user preferences.

There are two paid tiers of Amazon Music: Amazon Music Unlimited and Amazon Music Prime. Amazon Music Unlimited provides access to an expanded music library with no advertisements at $8.99/month after a 3 months free trial.

Amazon Music Prime is included with Amazon Prime membership and offers a more limited selection of music with advertisements.

Both tiers allow users to access music through the Amazon Music app or website on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart speakers.

Pricing:

Freemium. $8.999/mo.

Funkwhale

Funkwhale is a community-driven project where you can listen to and share music and audio within a decentralized, open network. You are part of this project, and you can join independent pods that communicate using standard, free and open source technology.

You are not tied to any corporation or entity, which gives you independence and the freedom to make choices.

Pricing:

Free. Open-source.

YouTube Music

YouTube Music is another popular music streaming service that offers a variety of features and pricing options. YouTube Music offers access to a large music library, including official songs, remixes, live performances, and covers.

Get custom playlists based on your listening history and preferences, such as the “discover mix” and “new release mix.”

YouTube music also gives you access to music videos and live performances from popular artists. Users can listen to music and watch music videos, and switch between audio and video playback seamlessly.The service is integrated with YouTube, allowing users to watch music videos and other content on the platform. Want to listen to your favorite songs offline? Well, YouTube Music gives you the ability to download songs and playlists for offline listening.

Users can use the service for free with ads and limited features or subscribe to an ad-free version. YouTube Music Premium costs $9.99 per month, $14.99/month for the Family plan and $4.99 per month for the Student Plan.

Pricing:

Freemium.$9.99/mo.

Apple Music

Launched by Apple Inc. in 2015, Apple Music is a music and audio streaming service billed as one of the best competitors to Spotify.

It features a user-friendly interface, high-quality audio, and exclusive content from top artists. Apple Music offers access to over 75 million songs, including exclusive releases and live recordings.

The service creates custom playlists for users based on their listening history and preferences, such as the “New Music Mix” and “Favorites Mix.”

The personalized recommendation system and integration with Apple’s ecosystem make it a compelling option for fans of Apple products. Users can also download songs and playlists for offline listening.

Apple Music offers a variety of subscription options, including: Individual at $10.99/month; Family at $16.99/month; Student at $5.99/month and Apple One at $14.95/month, which bundles Apple Music with other Apple services like Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud, and more.

Pricing:

Paid. $10.99/mo.

Qobuz

Qobuz is a high-resolution music streaming and download service that was launched in France in 2007. The company has since expanded to offer its services in several other countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

One of the main features that sets Qobuz apart from other music streaming services is its focus on high-quality audio. Qobuz offers lossless streaming and downloads in a variety of high-resolution audio formats, including FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF, which means that users can listen to their favorite music in the best possible sound quality.

Qobuz also prides itself on its extensive catalog of music. The service has partnerships with all of the major record labels, as well as many independent labels, which means that users can access a wide variety of music across all genres.

Like Spotify, Qobuz featurs curated playlists, as well as personalized recommendations based on users’ listening habits. The service’s editorial team regularly features new and emerging artists, as well as in-depth interviews and articles on music and culture. Monthly subscription is available at $12.99/month

Pricing:

Freemium. $12.99/mo.

Tidal

Tidal is a music streaming platform known for its high-quality audio streaming. It offers a vast library of over 70 million songs and more than 250,000 high-definition music videos. Tidal differentiates itself by providing lossless audio and Hi-Fi streaming options, appealing to audiophiles who prioritize superior sound quality.

The platform also features exclusive content, including music videos, documentaries, and artist interviews. Tidal offers various subscription plans, including a premium option and a higher-priced Hi-Fi tier.

Pricing:

Freemium. $9.99/mo.

Pandora

Play the songs, albums, playlists and podcasts you love on the all-new Pandora, a popular internet radio platform that focuses on personalized music recommendations.

It uses the Music Genome Project, an algorithmic system, to analyze songs based on various attributes such as melody, harmony, and instrumentation. Pandora creates personalized radio stations tailored to the user’s musical preferences, making it a great choice for discovering new music.

The platform offers both free and premium subscription options, with the premium tier providing additional features like ad-free listening and offline playback.

Pricing:

Freemium. $4.99/mo.

ViMusic

ViMusic is a free and open-source android app that enables users to enjoy songs from YouTube Music without limitations. It allows users to search for songs, artists, video clips, or entire playlists, and stores them in the app’s cache for offline listening.

ViMusic also offers customizable features like rearrangement or shuffle of songs, display of song lyrics, and a timer to cater to personalized music preferences.

The app provides a seamless playback experience and caters to users’ preferences, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a personalized music experience.

Pricing:

Free. Open-source.

iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio is a streaming platform that combines live radio, podcasts, and curated playlists. It offers access to over 850 radio stations across the United States, allowing users to listen to live broadcasts and catch up on missed shows.

iHeartRadio also provides personalized recommendations based on the user’s favorite artists and genres. In addition to radio, the platform offers a vast collection of podcasts and on-demand content. iHeartRadio offers both free and paid subscription options, with the paid tier offering additional features like unlimited skips and offline listening.

Pricing:

Freemium. $4.99/mo.

Napster

Napster is a music streaming platform that has evolved from its early days as a peer-to-peer file-sharing service. It offers a vast catalog of over 60 million songs, covering various genres and artists. Napster provides personalized recommendations, playlists, and radio stations to cater to different musical tastes.
The platform also features offline listening and allows users to create and share playlists with others. Napster offers a premium subscription option for ad-free and enhanced listening experiences. There is a 30 days free trial then $10.99/mo.

Pricing:

Paid. $10.99/mo.

Last.fm

Last.fm is a music discovery platform that tracks users’ listening habits and provides personalized recommendations based on their musical preferences. It scrobbles the songs users play on various devices and creates a profile of their music taste.

Last.fm offers music recommendations, artist information, concert listings, and social features that allow users to connect with like-minded music lovers. The platform also features radio stations based on users’ listening history and curated playlists.

If you reside in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany you can listen to Last.fm for free. Residents of other countries will have to pay $2.50 per month to listen to radio.

Pricing:

Freemium. $2.50/mo.

Wynk Music

Wynk Music is a popular Indian music streaming app developed by Bharti Airtel. It offers a wide range of music in various languages, including Bollywood, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and more. Wynk Music provides a personalized music experience with curated playlists, recommendations, and radio stations.

The platform also offers music videos, lyrics, and a karaoke feature for users to sing along. Wynk Music offers both free and premium subscription options, with the premium tier offering ad-free listening and unlimited downloads.

Enjoy free online music streaming, set caller tunes, listen to podcasts, download MP3 music offline, and much more. On the Wynk Music App, you can indulge in the latest and most popular podcasts available in different languages such as English and Hindi.

Pricing:

Freemium. $0.60/mo.

7digital

7digital is a B2B digital music platform that provides end-to-end music solutions for today’s leading apps in fitness, social, radio, gaming and background music.. You can browse through their diverse catalog of high-quality music in various genres and choose to purchase and download individual tracks or albums.

If you prefer, you can also subscribe to their streaming service and immerse yourself in the extensive music library they offer. 7digital is designed to deliver a seamless and user-friendly music experience tailored to your preferences.

With 7digital United States you get Premium MP3 music downloads, free of DRM Restrictions.

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.

Mixcloud

Are you a fan of DJ mixes, radio shows, and podcasts? Mixcloud is the streaming platform that caters to those interests. You can explore their vast collection of DJ mixes across various genres such as electronic and hip-hop.

Mixcloud also hosts radio shows and podcasts from diverse broadcasters and independent creators. By following your favorite DJs and hosts, you can discover new mixes and create personalized playlists.

Mixcloud offers a Premium subscription plan priced at $7.99 per month, granting unrestricted access to all public shows available on the platform.

Pricing:

Freemium. $7.99/mo.

Slacker Radio

Slacker Radio offers a personalized radio streaming service that offers a wide range of music stations curated by human DJs. It provides a blend of algorithmic recommendations and handpicked playlists, allowing users to discover new music based on their preferences.

Slacker Radio offers a free tier with limited features and advertisements, as well as a premium subscription option that provides ad-free listening, offline playback, and unlimited skips.

The platform also features news, sports, and talk radio stations, providing a comprehensive audio experience.

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.

TuneIn Radio

If you’re interested in exploring live radio stations from around the world, TuneIn Radio is the platform for you. It is a global audio streaming service providing news, radio, sports, music, and podcasts to over 75 million monthly active users. Stream radio broadcasts in various languages and genres, covering music, news, sports, and more.

TuneIn Radio provides on-demand content, including podcasts and audiobooks, enabling you to enjoy your favorite shows and discover new audio content. TuneIn Radio app is free, giving you access to 100,000 real radio stations and 5.7M podcasts.

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.

Anghami

Are you located in the Middle East or North Africa region? Anghami is a music streaming platform specifically tailored to Arabic and international music, catering to users in that region.

Anghami offers an extensive catalog of Arabic songs as well as international tracks. With personalized recommendations, curated playlists, and radio stations based on your musical taste,

Anghami provides an immersive music experience. The platform also features music videos, lyrics, and social sharing capabilities all for free

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.

Boomplay

For users in Africa, Boomplay Music is a popular music streaming platform that caters to your needs. You can explore a vast catalog of music from local African artists and international musicians.

Boomplay Music offers personalized recommendations, playlists, and radio stations tailored to different African music genres and moods. The platform features music videos, lyrics, and a social aspect where you can follow and share playlists with others.

You can download Boomplay app and stream music for free. Boomplay Premium provides ad-free access to a vast library of songs and videos, allowing unlimited downloads, all at a monthly subscription fee of $1.5.

Pricing:

Freemium. $1.5/mo.

Audius

If you’re looking for a platform that empowers artists and embraces a decentralized music ecosystem, Audius might be the right choice for you.

Built on blockchain technology, Audius allows musicians to directly upload and share their music with their audience, eliminating intermediaries. Although Audius primarily focuses on electronic music, it also includes a wide range of other genres for free.

You’ll find artist profiles, playlists, and social interaction features, enabling you to discover new music and connect with artists directly. Audius aims to create a more equitable and transparent music industry through its innovative use of blockchain technology.

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.

Resso

Resso offers a unique music streaming experience that combines music with social media features. With Resso, you can like, comment, and share songs in real-time, creating an interactive and engaging atmosphere.

The platform provides personalized recommendations, curated playlists, and synchronized lyrics, enhancing your music discovery journey. You’ll have the opportunity to create and share your own playlists, connect with friends, and interact with fellow music enthusiasts.

Resso’s free plan comes with limited features. The premium version offers an array of enticing premium features, including the ability to download songs, enjoy high-quality audio playback, skip tracks, and fast forward or rewind songs.

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.

Beatport

For electronic dance music (EDM) enthusiasts, Beatport is the ultimate platform to explore. With a vast catalog of tracks, mixes, and DJ sets across various genres within the EDM spectrum, including techno, house, and trance, Beatport caters to your specific taste.

The platform is particularly popular among DJs and offers exclusive tracks and remixes. You’ll find charts, DJ profiles, and tailored recommendations within the EDM community.

Beatport is subscription based with pricing ranging from $9.99 to 29.99 for music discovery and purchase, ensuring you have access to the latest and greatest in electronic music.

Pricing:

Paid. $9.99/mo.

SoundClick

SoundClick is a music-centric community and platform where artists like you can upload and share your music with a global audience. It provides you with a space to showcase your work, interact with fans, and directly sell your music.

SoundClick offers a variety of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop, and more. You can stream songs, create playlists, and discover emerging artists. The platform also features charts, radio stations, and a social aspect where you can connect and collaborate with other musicians.

Downloading SoundClick is free. No signup fees or monthly charges. You can still upgrade to a paid plan later and pay from $8 t0 $15 per month .

Pricing:

Freemium. $8-$15/mo.

Musixmatch

Musixmatch is a lyrics-focused platform that provides a comprehensive database of song lyrics. It offers synchronized lyrics that scroll in real-time along with the music, allowing users to sing along and understand the meaning behind the songs.

Musixmatch integrates with popular music streaming services and media players, providing instant access to lyrics while listening to music. The platform also features translations, artist profiles, and user-contributed annotations. Musixmatch is available as a free app for mobile and desktop devices.

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.

Shazam

Shazam is a popular music recognition app that identifies songs by analyzing snippets of audio.

Shazam, you have a powerful music recognition app at your disposal. You simply analyze snippets of audio by holding your device up to a song playing around you. Shazam will then provide you with the song title, artist, and other relevant information.

Discover more than just music identification—explore lyrics display, music videos, and personalized recommendations based on the songs you identify. Save your favorite songs and create playlists, all for free on your mobile device.

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.

Yandex Music

Yandex Music serves as your go-to music streaming platform, catering primarily to users in Russia and neighboring countries. Immerse yourself in a vast library of Russian and international music across various genres and artists.

Enjoy personalized recommendations, curated playlists, and radio stations based on your preferences. Delight in music videos, lyrics, and a social aspect where you can share your favorite tracks and playlists with others.

Choose between free and premium subscription options, with the premium tier granting you ad-free listening, offline playback, and higher audio quality.

Pricing:

Freemium. $2.58/mo.

Jango

Jango is an American online music streaming service available worldwide. It is completely free to use.

To begin your music journey with Jango, simply search for the name of your favorite artist or band, and watch as the magic unfolds.

Jango will create a custom station tailored to their music and that of similar artists, providing you with a unique and personalized listening experience.

If you’re in the mood for exploring different genres, Jango offers hundreds of expertly programmed stations to choose from.

Whether you’re into the Top 100 hits, Hot Country tunes, or Classic Rock anthems, Jango has a station for every taste and mood.

The best part? Jango now offers unlimited free listening and a completely ad-free experience. You can enjoy your favorite songs and discover new tracks without any interruptions.

Jango is dedicated to providing you with a seamless and immersive music experience, making it easier than ever to enjoy the music you love.

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.

Nuclear

Nuclear is a music player that supports popular platforms like Youtube, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, and even your local library. With its flexible plugin system, you can easily add more options to enhance your music experience.

Say farewell to proprietary music players that bombard you with ads, track your activities, and create profiles of your preferences.

Nuclear seamlessly integrates with Last.fm and Mastodon, enabling you to import your favorite tracks and share your current listening choices. It empowers you to enjoy the music you love, on your terms, and without any cost.

Pricing:

Free. Proprietary.