Spotify vs SoundCloud : Best Music App in 2023

The battle between Spotify and SoundCloud has been raging since the launch of Spotify in 2008, as users flock to these two music streaming services to find their favourite tunes. Both platforms offer an impressive assortment of content from both well-established acts and emerging artists alike, making it easy for listeners to discover something new. But with each boasting a unique feature set and costs associated with listening, how do you decide which is right for you? In this post, we will take a deep dive into the pros and cons of the two platforms so that you can make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.

Music streaming services have become increasingly popular over the years, with Spotify and SoundCloud being two of the most prominent options available. Both platforms have millions of songs, playlists, and podcasts, but they differ in terms of features, pricing, and user experience. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Spotify and SoundCloud to help you decide which one is right for you. Here is the differnece between other music streaming platforms: Spotify vs Apple Music, Spotify vs Amazon Music.

Music Library

When it comes to music streaming services, Spotify and SoundCloud are two of the most popular options. Both offer incredible libraries of music, allowing you to listen to millions of songs from any device. But when it comes to deciding between them, there are a few key differences that can help inform your decision.

Spotify has one of the largest music libraries, with over 30 million songs available for streaming. It has an extensive selection of both current and classic tracks from a variety of genres, allowing users to discover new music as well as enjoy old favorites. SoundCloud’s library is slightly smaller than Spotify’s, but it still boasts over 20 million tracks from up-and-coming artists and established icons alike.

User Interface

The user interface is one of the most important aspects of a music streaming service. Spotify’s app has a sleek and easy-to-use design that makes it simple to find what you’re looking for. The home screen features playlists, albums, and artists, making it easy to jump right into your favorite tunes. SoundCloud also has a modern design, but its interface is more complex and can be confusing for some users. It features a variety of tabs that can be used to find new tracks or explore different genres, although it takes time to get used to them.

Sound Quality

Another major difference between Spotify and SoundCloud is the sound quality of their streams. Spotify offers three streaming options: normal (96 kbps AAC), high (160 kbps AAC+), and extreme (320 kbps MP3). These settings allow users to choose the level of audio fidelity they prefer, with higher bitrates providing better sound quality. On the other hand, SoundCloud streams audio at 128 kbps MP3 regardless of the streaming quality setting chosen. This may be fine for casual listening, but it doesn’t compare to Spotify’s higher quality options.

Subscription Plans

When it comes to subscription plans, Spotify and SoundCloud offer a variety of options. Spotify has four tiers: Free, Premium, Family, and Student. The free version allows users to access the streaming library with ads every few songs. The paid versions remove ads and unlock additional features like offline listening and improved sound quality.

SoundCloud also offers free accounts, but its subscription plans focus on audio creators rather than listeners. SoundCloud Pro and Pro Unlimited both offer a variety of features designed to help musicians distribute their work and collaborate with other users. These paid subscriptions come with unlimited uploads, analytics tools, advanced collaboration options, and more.

Free Trials

Both Spotify and SoundCloud offer free trials of their premium services, so it’s worth testing out both to see which one works best for you. With a combination of generous libraries, user-friendly interfaces, and viable monetization options, these platforms are sure to have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the latest hits or discovering new underground sounds, Spotify and SoundCloud are both great choices.

Platform Availability

Platform availability is another important consideration when choosing a music streaming service. Spotify is available on Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and more. It has an extensive app library with dedicated apps for each device type, allowing users to access the same service across all of their devices. SoundCloud also offers a wide variety of platforms including Windows, MacOS, and mobile devices. Its apps are all integrated into the same platform, making it easy to switch between multiple devices.

Popularity

When it comes to overall popularity, Spotify is still the clear winner. With over 140 million active users every month, it’s one of the most widely used streaming services in the world. SoundCloud also has a large user base with more than 175 million listeners, but it hasn’t reached the same level of mainstream success as Spotify.

Artists Perspective

Finally, it’s important to consider Spotify and SoundCloud from an artist’s perspective. While both streaming services offer musicians a platform to share their music, they also have different approaches when it comes to monetization. On Spotify, artists are paid royalties based on the number of streams they receive. In contrast, SoundCloud pays out revenue through advertising and direct sales instead of royalties. This means that if an artist wants to make money from their music, they may have a better chance of doing so through Spotify than SoundCloud.

Final verdicts

In conclusion, both Spotify and SoundCloud offer unique benefits for music listeners and artists. Spotify’s popularity and extensive library make it a great choice for discovering new music and accessing popular tracks, while SoundCloud’s focus on independent artists and direct upload feature make it a popular choice for emerging artists.

Ultimately, which platform is better for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re a casual listener looking for a wide selection of popular tracks and curated playlists, Spotify is likely the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re an independent artist looking to share your music directly with fans and connect with a community of like-minded musicians, SoundCloud may be the better option.

Overall, both platforms have their pros and cons, and users should weigh these factors when deciding which one to use. Regardless of which platform you choose, both Spotify and SoundCloud offer a rich and diverse music listening experience, with something for every taste and style.