---
title: "SoundCloud Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra"
description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about SoundCloud Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Live Streaming products and more."
source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/231003/SoundCloud/"
page_type: "product"
language: "en"
---

# 

 SoundCloud Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons

Last updated on August 20, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team.

[Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Users](#users)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews)

SoundCloud

## What is SoundCloud?

Podcasting solution that allows users to host and share podcasts from a single platform.

## What is SoundCloud used for?

[Live Streaming](https://www.capterra.com/live-streaming-software/)[Podcast Hosting](https://www.capterra.com/podcast-hosting-software/)

Overall rating

Based on 109 user reviews

Reviews sentiment

Positive

83%

Neutral

12%

Negative

5%

Starting price

$12

Flat Rate, Per Month

Free trial  
not available

Includes Free Version

Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Do you work for SoundCloud?[Manage this product listing](https://www.g2.com/products/soundcloud/claim_requests/new?auto=true)

Rating Breakdown

4.5

+−

Features4.3

Value for Money4.3

Ease of Use4.5

Customer Service3.8

Rating Breakdown

4.5

Features4.3

Value for Money4.3

Ease of Use4.5

Customer Service3.8

## SoundCloud Reviewers Verdict

Updated August 2026

AI summary

-   SoundCloud is a strong fit for organizations supporting independent artists or music teams seeking to share and manage original tracks.
-   Users most consistently value its easy music uploading, broad discovery features, and support for independent creators.
-   It enables teams to publish, organize, and share music while building community connections and receiving feedback.
-   Reviewers note pain points like required subscriptions for higher usage, occasional subscription confusion, and slow customer support.
-   It is well matched to teams focused on music sharing and community reach, but buyers needing responsive support or advanced subscription management may want to weigh alternatives.

## Compare with a popular alternative

Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status.

### SoundCloud

4.5 (109)

VS.

[### Zoom Workplace](https://www.capterra.com/p/144037/Zoom-Video-Conferencing/)

[4.6 (14,682)](https://www.capterra.com/p/144037/Zoom-Video-Conferencing/reviews/)

Starting Price

$12

Flat Rate, Per Month

Starting Price

$14.99

Per User, Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

Ease Of Use

4.5 (109)

Ease Of Use

4.6 (14,672)

Value For Money

4.3 (78)

Value For Money

4.5 (9,504)

Customer Service

3.8 (74)

Customer Service

4.4 (8,573)

## SoundCloud alternatives

[TikTok](https://www.capterra.com/p/237591/TikTok/)

[4.6 (655)](https://www.capterra.com/p/237591/TikTok/reviews/)

Starting price

Contact vendor for pricing

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

92%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/237591/TikTok/)

Highest Rated

[Ecamm Live](https://www.capterra.com/p/196795/Ecamm-Live/)

[4.8 (174)](https://www.capterra.com/p/196795/Ecamm-Live/reviews/)

Starting price

$20.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

99%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/196795/Ecamm-Live/)

[Ant Media Server](https://www.capterra.com/p/183566/Ant-Media-Server/)

[4.8 (159)](https://www.capterra.com/p/183566/Ant-Media-Server/reviews/)

Starting price

$109.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

99%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/183566/Ant-Media-Server/)

[Castr](https://www.capterra.com/p/187026/Castr/)

[4.7 (446)](https://www.capterra.com/p/187026/Castr/reviews/)

Starting price

$33.50

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

96%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/187026/Castr/)

[View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/231003/SoundCloud/alternatives/)

## FAQs about SoundCloud

Overview

### What problems does SoundCloud solve?

SoundCloud solves the challenge of getting independent music heard by giving artists, DJs, podcasters, and small entertainment teams an easy place to upload, share, and promote audio. It reduces reliance on labels, fixes limited audience feedback with comments and analytics, and helps listeners discover rare remixes, demos, and emerging artists unavailable elsewhere.

Answer based on 75 reviews

Overview

### Which roles and teams benefit most from SoundCloud?

SoundCloud is most used by creators, including artists, producers, graphic designers, and creative directors, who publish audio, share work, and build audiences. Business owners and executives use it to promote brands and manage content distribution, while students and community-facing teams explore music, discover trends, and support digital engagement workflows.

Answer based on 109 reviews

Overview

### What company size and industries is SoundCloud built for?

SoundCloud is built primarily for small businesses, which make up 81% of reviewers, with strongest adoption in Entertainment at 12% and Music at 10%. It also serves enterprises at 10% and midsize businesses at 9%, with some use in E-Learning at 5%, often for live streaming.

Answer based on 109 reviews

Features and Usability

### What are the key features of SoundCloud?

SoundCloud includes audio hosting and music uploading, playlist creation, and publishing/sharing as core features. Reviewers also highlight audience analytics through Insights, social engagement tools like timed comments, likes, reposts, and messaging, plus support for independent artists with private track sharing, mobile access, and multi-channel distribution.

Answer based on 51 reviews

Overview

### Is SoundCloud more like social media or a streaming app?

SoundCloud works more like an audio social network than a basic streaming app, especially for indie musicians and podcasters. It supports posting tracks, building followers, and interacting with listeners, though search results can feel mixed and some creators want better album sharing and stronger promotion tools.

Answer based on 14 reviews

Overview

### Is SoundCloud good for hosting and sharing audio files?

SoundCloud works well for hosting and sharing audio files, podcasts, music, training recordings, and embedded website audio. Creators and small teams value the easy upload process, organization, playback, and audience interaction, though some audio-focused users want higher playback quality options for more demanding listening needs.

Answer based on 13 reviews

Pricing

### How much does it cost and what fees or limitations are included?

SoundCloud starts at $2.50/month for the yearly-billed Repost plan, while Pro Unlimited costs 12/month billed yearly, and a free version is available. Reviewers say the free account works well to start but has limitations, while some find paid plans expensive and note ads on the free app.

Answer based on 16 reviews

Integrations

### Which third-party tools and platforms does SoundCloud integrate with?

SoundCloud integrates with Instagram, Facebook Apps and Tabs, WordPress, Logic Pro, Arcade, and NaturalReader Commercial. It also supports sharing and embedding for social media and publishing workflows, with Instagram as the most commonly mentioned connection.

Answer based on 9 reviews

Features and Usability

### How easy is it to upload music on SoundCloud?

SoundCloud makes music uploads simple for independent artists, DJs, and new creators who want to publish tracks quickly. Many users like the easy setup, private sharing, playlists, and audience feedback, though some mention upload limits, subscription costs, and occasional upload issues when managing larger catalogs.

Answer based on 19 reviews

## Who uses SoundCloud?

Based on Capterra reviews from the past 6 years

## Features

AI summary

Based on 3,188 Live Streaming reviews

Capterra data shows that buyers of live streaming software rank the following features as their top priorities:

-   **Video Conferencing** (**57%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical)
-   **Video Streaming** (**58%**)
-   **Mobile Access** (**57%**)

SoundCloud includes **Mobile Access**, making it easier for teams to monitor and manage content from anywhere. However, it does not offer **Video Conferencing** or **Video Streaming**. Instead, it provides other features that reviewers also rate as important, including **Real-time Broadcasting** (**54%**) and **Live Streaming Production** (**52%**). These capabilities help businesses deliver live audio experiences, manage broadcasts as they happen, and support production workflows, giving teams more flexibility when running and sharing live events.

Mobile Access

4.7 (52)

61.54% of 52 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Access software remotely via mobile devices

Audience Analytics

4.5 (64)

59.38% of 64 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Track and analyze various metrics such as demographics, psychographics, behavior and other insights

Audience Engagement

4.1 (54)

50.00% of 54 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Use tools to engage with viewers (e.g., commenting, chat room, polling, and Q&A)

Session Recording

4.3 (50)

48.00% of 50 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Record active support and chat sessions for auditing and training

Moderation

3.9 (43)

60.47% of 43 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Controls/tools to moderate the session

Video Monetization Tools

4.0 (30)

56.67% of 30 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Allow users to live stream from your platform for a fee

SoundCloud 18 features

### All Features
- Audience Analytics: Track and analyze various metrics such as demographics, psychographics, behavior and other insights
- Audience Engagement: Use tools to engage with viewers (e.g., commenting, chat room, polling, and Q&A)
- Chat/Messaging: Communicate using direct chat or messages within the system
- Collaboration Tools: Provides a channel for team members to share AI models, media files, communicate, and work together
- Dashboard: Assembly of graphs and charts for visualizing and tracking statistics/metrics
- Engagement Tracking: Tracks metrics that provide insight into how a user interacts with any interface or product
- Hosting: Offering a platform to store, publish, and distribute podcasts.
- Mobile Access: Access software remotely via mobile devices
- Moderation: Controls/tools to moderate the session
- Multi-Channel Distribution: Multiple channels (email, web link, or social media) to distribute products, services, or surveys to customers
- On-Demand Webcasting: An on-demand webcast is a pre-recorded presentation available online at the viewer's convenience
- Performance Analysis: Monitor and analyze the performance and status of a server or system/application
- Publishing/Sharing: Share pre-configured sets of data organized and presented in a specific manner with the organization
- Real-Time Analytics: Analyze and gain insights into data in real-time
- Scheduling: Plan availability and assign specific time slots for tasks and resources
- Session Recording: Record active support and chat sessions for auditing and training
- Social Media Integration: Integrate with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
- Video Monetization Tools: Allow users to live stream from your platform for a fee

---

Features

4.3 (109)

4.3

Based on 109 reviews

## Pricing

Value for money

4.3 (78)

Free Version

[View pricing plan details](https://www.capterra.com/p/231003/SoundCloud/pricing/)

Basic

$0.00

It includes:

-   Access Basic Insights
-   Get Lossless HD Storage
-   Upload up to 3 Hours of Your Work

Pro Unlimited

$12.00

Flat Rate,Per Month

It includes:

-   Access Advanced Audience Insights
-   Everything in Basic and Repost: Unlock Unlimited Upload Time
-   Get Paid Fairly for Your Plays
-   Pin Your Favorite Tracks
-   Replace Your Track Without Losing Its Stats

Repost

$2.50

Flat Rate,Per Month

It includes:

-   Distribute Tracks to All Major Music Services
-   Extend Your Reach With Promotional Tools
-   Get Premium Services to Help You Get Paid
-   Split Payments With Your Collaborators

Value for money

4.3 (78)

4.3

Based on 78 reviews

## Support, customer service and training options

Customer Service

3.8 (74)

Support

-   Email/Help Desk
-   FAQs/Forum
-   Knowledge Base
-   Phone Support
-   24/7 (Live rep)
-   Chat

Training

-   In Person
-   Live Online
-   Webinars
-   Documentation
-   Videos

Deployment

-   Web
-   Android
-   iPhone/iPad

Typical users

-   Freelancers
-   Small businesses
-   Mid size businesses
-   Enterprises

Customer Service

3.8 (74)

3.8

Based on 74 reviews

## User reviews

Overall rating

4.5

Based on 109 reviews

Filter by rating

5(75)

4(16)

3(13)

2(3)

1(2)

Mentioned topic

Sorted by most recent

AW

Angela W.

Graphic Designer

Consumer Goods

### "The ultimate creator launchpad"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

June 11, 2026

As someone balancing the roles of a casual listener and a page manager for an independent artist, my overall experience with SoundCloud has been incredible. It fills a massive gap that mainstream platforms completely ignore. While other apps treat audio like a sterile, one-way broadcast, SoundCloud feels like a living, interactive community where fans and creators actually talk to each other. On the management side, the platform’s customization options are exactly what an independent brand needs to look professional without a massive budget. We heavily rely on the Spotlight feature to pin our newest releases right to the top of the profile so first-time listeners see our best work immediately. Being able to customize the background artwork on our audio waveforms and turn our header banner into a direct, clickable link.

Pros

From a listener’s perspective, there is simply no other platform with this level of raw, unfiltered discovery. You aren’t just stuck listening to the same mainstream radio hits; you get access to underground remixes, live sets, and bedroom demos that you literally cannot find anywhere else. It feels like a living, breathing music community rather than just a sterile streaming library. From the management side, SoundCloud is still the absolute best place to build a grassroots fanbase. The uploading process is seamless, and the ability to instantly share private tracks with collaborators or tastemakers before an official release is a lifesaver.

Cons

no app is flawless. We occasionally run into minor bugs and issues with app or occasional studio dashboard glitches. However, whenever a real technical snag happens, customer support has been quick to respond and actually helpful. If you keep the mobile app updated and clear the cache once in a while, it runs beautifully.

Switched from

[BandLab](https://www.capterra.com/p/10004016/BandLab/)

[YouTube](https://www.capterra.com/p/237905/YouTube/)

BandLab is a great mobile playground for brainstorming raw ideas with other creators, but it lacks the customization and industry footprint we needed. YouTube is an incredible beast for video reach, but it forces you onto a relentless video-creation treadmill, you can't just easily drop a quick unmastered audio demo, a rough mixtape, or a live DJ set there without spending hours editing a video to go with it. We switched our primary focus to SoundCloud because it gave us a professional, audio-first home base.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Jeremy H.

Host and Owner

Entertainment

### "Still one of the best places for Independent Artists"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

3.0

3.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

6/10

May 21, 2026

Pros

A great place for independent artist to sell and share their art. Still one of the top places to find interesting artists

Cons

It is not clear how useful their premium memberships can be other than being able to skip ads as you are listeneing

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AS

Alexis S.

Owner

Retail

### "Variety of music"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

3.0

3.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

6/10

February 19, 2026

My overall experience with SoundCloud is to think about another app to use and have this on the side for variety as well.

Pros

What I like most about SoundCloud is that they have a variety of music choices to choose from everyday.

Cons

What I like least about SoundCloud is the price. I believe it can be more affordable for the people who enjoy it most.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AN

Anonymous User

Technical Team Leader

Paper & Forest Products

### "SoundCloud use"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

February 9, 2026

Very good overall experience and recommendable for your beloved. You can play previously loaded tracks with streaming properity.

Pros

You can listen to the music you love without consuming more data in playing it in youtube for example.

Cons

When you are searching about certain track you feel like you are in a war. You can't find the desired track easily.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

CJ

Cassandra J.

Music content creator

Music

### "The music blaster"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

November 13, 2025

My overall experience with SoundCloud is great I love how you can make your own playlists and rewind songs with out any interruptions

Pros

What I like most about SoundCloud is that it's great to listen to music for free or you can pay for a subscription

Cons

What I like least is that some songs are not the real copyright of regular music and downloads can cause viruses

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Steven Craig W.

CEO-BOSS

Computer Software

### "17+ Years Of Uploaded Songs On SoundCloud & My Honest Review"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

October 30, 2025

I was able to upload all the songs I ever started creating in FL Studio that I thought was worthy of listening to or that other people wouldn't mind listening to and would possibly enjoy the way my music made them feel.

Pros

This is the best way for new artists who have been making their own music to upload it to this platform called SoundCloud that is then easily available to be heard by lots of other users looking to hear new music and that also may make their own music too. Rappers like \[sensitive content hidden\] originate from soundcloud. I uploaded my songs to soundcloud at the minimum of 13 years ago and is still available to listen to them all.

Cons

The only con that I can think of that soundcloud possess is that you have to have a monthly or yearly subscription to get the most out of your account. Older sites for music uploading like www.soundclick.com/ were free to upload as you pleased. Maybe soundcloud can learn from this and offer a better alternative to subscribing their users to become better seen when soundcloud isn't a production company and doesn't guarantee results.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

DD

Dave D.

Graphic Designer

Graphic Design

### "SoundCloud, only worth it to me with Repost Exchange companion site."

3.0

Overall Rating

3.0

3.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

3.0

3.0

Customer Service

1.0

1.0

Likelihood to Recommend

6/10

October 12, 2025

I like being able to have my music home base there. The customer service concerning the website is poor. I appreciate the sister site Repost Exchange for social aspects and getting plays.

Pros

I like being able to upload my music to one place. I like being able to upload my music to one place

Cons

Without Repost Exchange, SoundCloud would be a waste of time. SoundCloud excessively errors out, paying member or not stating "sorry, something went wrong" never giving an explanation when asked.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AN

Anonymous User

Administrative Assistant

Health, Wellness and Fitness

### "Awesome Music Platform"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

July 21, 2025

Overall, I really enjoy using SoundCloud. I like getting inspiration for songs for work, different versions of songs and listening to new mixes of songs. I like that there are little to no ads and I like how diverse it is and how it's awesome for creators starting up.

Pros

I like that SoundCloud is free to use. There is a lot of music on there and a huge diverse selection/versions of a lot of songs. I like that it's a really good tool for creators and people who want to promote their music when they're just starting up and there are little to no ads. You can comment and repost.

Cons

I think the only con I've experienced would be that sometimes you can get some aggressive or random songs. It's not a huge deal, as there could be way worse things.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

JG

Julia G.

Assistant Community Manager

Real Estate

### "Soundcloud is Great and User Friendly for Music."

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

July 16, 2025

I have had a very positive experience with it. I enjoy searching for and listening to music through it. It is great to know that if there is something that I cannot find, it will likely be on SoundCloud.

Pros

I really enjoy soundcloud. Especially because if I am looking for a track that was not released through traditional means, it is usually on Soundcloud and it's great to still have access to them.

Cons

I think that the interface could be a little more updated, perhaps integrated is more accurate a word. But it is such a small thing. Overall the use of it is great.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

MC

M. Cristina M.

Podcaster

Broadcast Media

### "It used to be a great, boutique platform"

3.0

Overall Rating

3.0

3.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

2.0

2.0

Customer Service

1.0

1.0

Likelihood to Recommend

3/10

May 25, 2025

I started being a paying customer 12 years ago, when SoundCloud was a boutique business based in Berlin. They were amazing, responsive, cool and there was a real community. I remember my surprise when one morning I woke up to realise that I had been nominated 'SoundClouder of the day'. That was about 12 years ago. But soon the people there changed, I think they changed ownership and it went downhill from there. The proliferation of spam accounts was particularly bad, and I don't remember ever anyone contacting me on that regard, despite my numerous complaints. Why didn't I leave? Because in 12 years, all my production had been uploaded and shared through their system. But then, when they changed their AI policy in Feb 2025, I finally left, losing in the process all my links, comments, download contacts etc.

Pros

It was one of the first product that allowed independent producers to publish and share their work with no strings attached.

Cons

Unresponsive customer service and ignoring the fact that there was a lot of spam clogging the channel.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

[View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/231003/SoundCloud/reviews/)

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