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SoundCloud alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave SoundCloud: inconsistent audio quality and track metadata, and mainstream catalogue needs a Go+ subscription. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces SoundCloud, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Audiomack currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Spotify logoSpotifyFree plan + paidNoWeb, Windows, macOS +25 of 555.3
  1. Spotify logo

    1. SpotifyTop pick

    Best for: Most listeners who want a huge catalogue, great recommendations and apps on every device

    Free plan + paidWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from SoundCloud

    Far bigger mainstream catalogue and better personalised playlists.

    Pros

    • Excellent personalised playlists and recommendations
    • Free tier with ads
    • Works on nearly every device via Spotify Connect
    • Podcasts and audiobooks in the same app

    Cons

    • Low per-stream payouts to artists
    • Lossless tops out at CD-level 24-bit/44.1kHz
    • Home screen pushes podcasts and audiobooks
    Visit Spotify Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Spotify a good SoundCloud alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Users
    788 million, 306 million subscribers
    Checked Oct 25, 2026newsroom.spotify.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Markets
    184
    Checked Oct 25, 2026newsroom.spotify.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, with ads
    Checked Oct 25, 2026spotify.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Lossless
    Up to 24-bit/44.1kHz FLAC
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.spotify.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Premium plans
    Individual, Duo, Family, Student
    Checked Oct 25, 2026spotify.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best SoundCloud alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Audiomack logo

Best SoundCloud alternative for most people

Audiomack

Free streaming and uploads with a strong hip-hop and Afrobeats community.

Bandcamp logo

Best SoundCloud alternative for a free option

Bandcamp

Lets fans buy music directly from artists, with a bigger cut going to the artist.

Mixcloud logo

Best SoundCloud alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Mixcloud

Licensed home for DJ mixes and radio shows, which SoundCloud often takes down.

Audius logo

Best SoundCloud alternative for open source

Audius

Decentralised streaming platform that also lets artists upload freely.

Spotify logo

Best SoundCloud alternative for Mac

Spotify

Far bigger mainstream catalogue and better personalised playlists.

Spotify logo

Best SoundCloud alternative for Windows

Spotify

Far bigger mainstream catalogue and better personalised playlists.

Audiomack logo

Best SoundCloud alternative for iPhone and Android

Audiomack

Free streaming and uploads with a strong hip-hop and Afrobeats community.

Audiomack logo

Best SoundCloud alternative for working in the browser

Audiomack

Free streaming and uploads with a strong hip-hop and Afrobeats community.

SoundCloud alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to SoundCloud?

Audiomack ranks first right now. Free streaming and uploads with a strong hip-hop and Afrobeats community. Bandcamp and Mixcloud follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to SoundCloud?

Yes. Audiomack (free plan + paid), Bandcamp (free), Mixcloud (free plan + paid) and Audius (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to SoundCloud?

Yes: Audius.

Why do people switch from SoundCloud?

The complaints we hear most: inconsistent audio quality and track metadata; mainstream catalogue needs a Go+ subscription; discovery can be noisy.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces SoundCloud, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.