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Entertainment · head to head

Castbox vs Mixcloud

Castbox logo

Castbox

Entertainment

Podcast & radio app for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mixcloud logo

Mixcloud

Music

The home of audio culture

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Castbox app frequently crashes, requiring users to reload it to continue listening; Mixcloud the free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads
  • They diverge on capability: Castbox covers Podcast app, Mixcloud covers DJ mixes.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Castbox and Mixcloud actually diverge.

Attributes where Castbox and Mixcloud differ
AttributeCastboxMixcloud
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, Radio, AudiobooksWeb, Ios, Android
CategoryEntertainmentMusic
Founded20162007

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

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 Castbox

  • Podcast app
  • Radio
  • Discovery
  • Offline listening
  • Sync
  • Smart devices
  • Podcast services
  • Privacy controls

Only in Mixcloud

  • DJ mixes
  • Podcasts
  • Radio shows
  • Streaming
  • Artist tools
  • Social media
  • Payment systems
  • Creator controls

Both cover

  • Account security
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Castbox

  • Podcast listeningnot Mixcloud
  • Radio streamingnot Mixcloud

Mixcloud

  • Hosting DJ mixes and radio shows on a licensed platform that pays artist royaltiesnot Castbox
  • Live streaming DJ sets without copyright takedownsnot Castbox
  • Earning from listeners through tips and subscriptionsnot Castbox

Where each one falls short

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

Castbox

  • App frequently crashes, requiring users to reload it to continue listening
  • Approximately half of saved podcasts do not automatically refresh or send notifications for new episodes
  • Free version displays unskippable minute-long ads that sometimes play as blank screens
  • Interface is described as cluttered with excessive focus on mainstream podcast recommendations
  • Tracking requirements for certain features like background playback limit privacy

Mixcloud

  • The free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads
  • Unlimited uploads, private uploads, scheduling uploads, disabling comments and hiding play counts all require Pro
  • Live streaming video and audio requires Pro; the Basic tier cannot live stream
  • Monetization through Tips and Subscriptions is Pro only
  • Listener insights, tagging hosts and embedding a show player on your own site are Pro only
  • Basic audio uploads are capped at 64kbps AAC+, with 160kbps Opus HQ audio reserved for Pro
  • Free listening includes ads and offline listening requires the separate Premium for listeners subscription
  • The brand and radio station commercial packages start at $3,000 per month

Pricing, plan by plan

Castbox

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 50+ million podcasts
    • On-demand radio
    • Audiobooks
  • Premium$undefined/custom
    • Ad-free listening
    • Advanced features
    • Contact for pricing

Mixcloud

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Basic streaming access
  • Premium for Listeners$7.99/month
    • Unlimited replays
    • Offline listening and downloads
    • No ads
  • Pro for Creators$11.25/month
    • Unlimited show uploads
    • Live streaming without takedowns
    • High-quality audio enhancement

Which should you pick?

Choose Castbox if

  • You need podcast app.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Radio, Audiobooks.
  • You also want radio.
Castbox review

Choose Mixcloud if

  • You need dj mixes.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want podcasts.
Mixcloud review

Questions people ask

Is Castbox or Mixcloud better?
Neither clearly leads. Castbox starts at Free and Mixcloud at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Castbox or Mixcloud?
Castbox starts at Free and Mixcloud at Free.
Does Castbox or Mixcloud run on more platforms?
Castbox runs on iOS, Android, Web, Radio, Audiobooks. Mixcloud runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Castbox for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Castbox best used for?
Castbox is most often used for podcast listening, radio streaming. Of those, podcast listening and radio streaming are not what Mixcloud is typically brought in for.
What can Castbox do that Mixcloud cannot?
Castbox covers Podcast app, Radio, Discovery, Offline listening. Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Podcasts, Radio shows, Streaming. Both handle Account security, Web support, Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Castbox: Is Castbox free and does it have paid tiers?

Castbox offers a free version with ads and limited features. A premium subscription is available but details on pricing were not disclosed on the main site. Free tier includes access to 50+ million podcasts, radio programs, and audiobooks.

Source
Mixcloud: What does Mixcloud Premium for Listeners include?

Mixcloud Premium for Listeners costs $7.99/month and includes unlimited replays, offline listening with downloads, ad-free streaming, and upfront tracklists showing all songs from the start.

Source
Castbox: What languages and regions does Castbox support?

Castbox supports content in 70 languages from 175 countries, making it one of the most internationally accessible podcast platforms.

Source
Mixcloud: How much is Mixcloud Pro for Creators?

Mixcloud Pro for Creators costs $11.25/month when paid annually and allows unlimited show uploads, live streaming without takedowns, high-quality audio, monetization features, and detailed analytics.

Source
Castbox: Can I search for specific content across all episodes with Castbox?

Yes, Castbox pioneered an in-audio search feature using natural language processing that lets listeners search for keywords and topics across more than 50 million episodes.

Source
Castbox: What tools does Castbox offer for podcasters?

Castbox provides a Creator Studio with robust analytics for creators to measure subscribers, streams, and downloads. However, creators requiring comprehensive editing and production tools may find Castbox limited compared to specialized production software.

Source
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