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Music · head to head

iHeartRadio vs Mixcloud

iHeartRadio logo

iHeartRadio

Music

All your favorite music, podcasts, and radio

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: iHeartRadio ad-free listening requires an iHeartRadio Plus or All Access subscription; Mixcloud the free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads
  • They diverge on capability: iHeartRadio covers Live radio, Mixcloud covers DJ mixes.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which iHeartRadio and Mixcloud actually diverge.

Attributes where iHeartRadio and Mixcloud differ
AttributeiHeartRadioMixcloud
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-speakersWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20082007

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

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 iHeartRadio

  • Live radio
  • Custom stations
  • Events
  • Smart speakers
  • Car systems
  • Smart-speakers support

Only in Mixcloud

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

Both cover

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

What people use each for

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

iHeartRadio

  • Streaming live AM and FM radio stations over the internetnot Mixcloud
  • Listening to podcasts and live sports commentarynot Mixcloud
  • Building music playlists on a paid tiernot Mixcloud

Mixcloud

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

Where each one falls short

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

iHeartRadio

  • Ad-free listening requires an iHeartRadio Plus or All Access subscription
  • Unlimited skips and unlimited playlist creation require a paid subscription
  • Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the period ends
  • Any unused part of a free trial is forfeited when a subscription is purchased
  • The iOS app requires iOS 15.0 or later

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

iHeartRadio

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Live radio
    • Podcasts
    • Ads
  • Plus$5.99/month
    • Unlimited skips
    • Offline playlists

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 iHeartRadio if

  • You need live radio.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
  • You also want custom stations.
iHeartRadio review

Choose Mixcloud if

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

Questions people ask

Is iHeartRadio or Mixcloud better?
Neither clearly leads. iHeartRadio 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, iHeartRadio or Mixcloud?
iHeartRadio starts at Free and Mixcloud at Free.
Does iHeartRadio or Mixcloud run on more platforms?
iHeartRadio runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers. Mixcloud runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use iHeartRadio for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is iHeartRadio best used for?
iHeartRadio is most often used for streaming live am and fm radio stations over the internet, listening to podcasts and live sports commentary, building music playlists on a paid tier. Of those, streaming live am and fm radio stations over the internet and listening to podcasts and live sports commentary are not what Mixcloud is typically brought in for.
What can iHeartRadio do that Mixcloud cannot?
iHeartRadio covers Live radio, Custom stations, Events, Smart speakers. Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Radio shows, Streaming, Artist tools. Both handle Podcasts, Account security, Web support, Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

iHeartRadio: How much does iHeartRadio cost?

iHeartRadio does not publish pricing on their website. The service offers free podcast streaming with optional premium content for certain shows. A reference to 'Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content' is mentioned, but no pricing is provided. Customers must visit linked premium content pages for pricing information.

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
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
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