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Podcasting · head to head

Apple Podcasts Connect vs SoundCloud

Apple Podcasts Connect logo

Apple Podcasts Connect

Podcasting

Manage and distribute your podcast on Apple Podcasts

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SoundCloud logo

SoundCloud

Podcasting

Discover, stream, and share music

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apple Podcasts Connect requires an Apple account, and a show has to be claimed before it can be managed; SoundCloud the free tier plays tracks with ads
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Podcasts Connect covers Podcast submission, SoundCloud covers Audio streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Podcasts Connect and SoundCloud actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Podcasts Connect and SoundCloud differ
AttributeApple Podcasts ConnectSoundCloud
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWeb, Ios, MacosWeb, Ios, Android, Desktop
Founded19762007

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Podcasting).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple Podcasts Connect

  • Podcast submission
  • Episode management
  • Analytics
  • Subscription monetization
  • Show optimization
  • Multi-show management
  • RSS feeds
  • Hosting platforms

Only in SoundCloud

  • Audio streaming
  • Uploads
  • Discovery
  • Sharing
  • Social media
  • DJ software
  • Privacy settings
  • Content protection

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple Podcasts Connect

  • Submitting a new podcast to Apple Podcastsnot SoundCloud
  • Claiming an existing show so it is registered to your accountnot SoundCloud
  • Reviewing Apple Podcasts listener trends and analyticsnot SoundCloud
  • Managing show artwork and metadatanot SoundCloud

SoundCloud

  • Discovering tracks from emerging and independent artistsnot Apple Podcasts Connect
  • Uploading your own music to reach listeners directlynot Apple Podcasts Connect
  • Offline listening and ad-free playback on a paid tiernot Apple Podcasts Connect

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple Podcasts Connect

  • Requires an Apple account, and a show has to be claimed before it can be managed
  • Only reports listening that happens inside Apple Podcasts, so it is not a whole-audience view
  • Does not host audio; the show still needs a hosting provider elsewhere

SoundCloud

  • The free tier plays tracks with ads
  • Offline saving of tracks requires a SoundCloud Go or Go+ subscription
  • Premium Go+ tracks are locked behind the higher Go+ tier, so SoundCloud Go alone does not unlock the full catalogue
  • Exclusive DJ app integrations require Go+
  • The app is available in only eight languages: English, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Arabic
  • The iOS app requires iOS 16.4 or later

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Podcasts Connect

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Podcast submission
    • Analytics dashboard
    • Episode management
  • Subscriptions Program$19.99/year
    • Premium subscriptions
    • Paid content
    • Subscriber management

SoundCloud

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited uploads
    • Ads
  • Go$5.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Offline
  • Go+$12.99/month
    • Full catalog
    • HQ audio

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple Podcasts Connect if

  • You need podcast submission.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Macos.
  • You also want episode management.
Apple Podcasts Connect review

Choose SoundCloud if

  • You need audio streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
  • You also want uploads.
SoundCloud review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Podcasts Connect or SoundCloud better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Podcasts Connect starts at Free and SoundCloud at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Podcasts Connect or SoundCloud?
Apple Podcasts Connect starts at Free and SoundCloud at Free.
Does Apple Podcasts Connect or SoundCloud run on more platforms?
Apple Podcasts Connect runs on Web, Ios, Macos. SoundCloud runs on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
Can I use Apple Podcasts Connect for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apple Podcasts Connect best used for?
Apple Podcasts Connect is most often used for submitting a new podcast to apple podcasts, claiming an existing show so it is registered to your account, reviewing apple podcasts listener trends and analytics, managing show artwork and metadata. Of those, submitting a new podcast to apple podcasts and claiming an existing show so it is registered to your account are not what SoundCloud is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Podcasts Connect do that SoundCloud cannot?
Apple Podcasts Connect covers Podcast submission, Episode management, Analytics, Subscription monetization. SoundCloud covers Audio streaming, Uploads, Discovery, Sharing. Both handle Web support, Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SoundCloud: What are the differences between SoundCloud's Artist and Artist Pro plans for creators?

Artist is $3.25/month with 3-hour uploads and 2x boosts per month. Artist Pro is $8.25/month with unlimited uploads and unlimited boosts, plus more frequent AI mastering.

Source
SoundCloud: Do SoundCloud's Go and Go+ listener plans include trials?

Yes. SoundCloud Go includes a free 7-day trial. SoundCloud Go+ and the student version both include free 30-day trials.

Source
SoundCloud: What is the difference between SoundCloud Go and Go+?

Both are ad-free with unlimited offline saves. Go+ costs $10.99/month and adds DJ app mixing capability plus artist support, compared to Go at $4.99/month.

Source
SoundCloud: Is there a discounted SoundCloud plan for students?

Yes. Student Go+ is $5.49/month (50% discount on the regular $10.99/month Go+ plan) and requires university verification.

Source
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Related pages

More on Apple Podcasts Connect

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