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Entertainment · head to head

Crunchyroll vs SoundCloud

Crunchyroll logo

Crunchyroll

Entertainment

The world's largest anime streaming platform

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: Crunchyroll the App Store listing states Crunchyroll allows streaming on up to six devices simultaneously, and separately notes the annual plan is cheaper than paying monthly.; SoundCloud the free tier plays tracks with ads
  • They diverge on capability: Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, SoundCloud covers Audio streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Crunchyroll and SoundCloud actually diverge.

Attributes where Crunchyroll and SoundCloud differ
AttributeCrunchyrollSoundCloud
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consolesWeb, Ios, Android, Desktop
CategoryEntertainmentPodcasting
Founded20062007

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), 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 Crunchyroll

  • Anime streaming
  • Simulcasts
  • Manga
  • Games
  • Smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles
  • Parental controls
  • Profile management

Only in SoundCloud

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

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Crunchyroll

  • Anime watchingnot SoundCloud
  • Manga readingnot SoundCloud

SoundCloud

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

Where each one falls short

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

Crunchyroll

  • The App Store listing states Crunchyroll allows streaming on up to six devices simultaneously, and separately notes the annual plan is cheaper than paying monthly.

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

Crunchyroll

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited anime
    • Ads
  • Fan$7.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Simulcasts
  • Mega Fan$9.99/month
    • Offline viewing
    • 4 streams

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 Crunchyroll if

  • You need anime streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles.
  • You also want simulcasts.
Crunchyroll 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 Crunchyroll or SoundCloud better?
Neither clearly leads. Crunchyroll 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, Crunchyroll or SoundCloud?
Crunchyroll starts at Free and SoundCloud at Free.
Does Crunchyroll or SoundCloud run on more platforms?
Crunchyroll runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles. SoundCloud runs on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
Can I use Crunchyroll for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Crunchyroll best used for?
Crunchyroll is most often used for anime watching, manga reading. Of those, anime watching and manga reading are not what SoundCloud is typically brought in for.
What can Crunchyroll do that SoundCloud cannot?
Crunchyroll covers Anime streaming, Simulcasts, Manga, Games. SoundCloud covers Audio streaming, Uploads, Discovery, Sharing. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android 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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