Software · head to head
Mixcloud vs Ableton Live
A
Ableton Live
Software
Digital audio workstation built around a Session View for arranging ideas live
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Mixcloud has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Mixcloud the free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads; Ableton Live live 12 Intro is capped at 16 audio and MIDI tracks, where Standard and Suite are both listed as Unlimited
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Mixcloud and Ableton Live actually diverge.
| Attribute | Mixcloud | Ableton Live |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | freemium | one-time |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | macOS, Windows |
| Founded | 2007 | Unknown |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Mixcloud
- DJ mixes
- Podcasts
- Radio shows
- Streaming
- Artist tools
- Social media
- Payment systems
- Creator controls
Only in Ableton Live
Nothing recorded that Mixcloud does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Mixcloud
- Hosting DJ mixes and radio shows on a licensed platform that pays artist royaltiesnot Ableton Live
- Live streaming DJ sets without copyright takedownsnot Ableton Live
- Earning from listeners through tips and subscriptionsnot Ableton Live
Ableton Live
- Music productionnot Mixcloud
- Live performancenot Mixcloud
- Electronic musicnot Mixcloud
- Audio recordingnot Mixcloud
- Sound designnot Mixcloud
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Ableton Live
- Live 12 Intro is capped at 16 audio and MIDI tracks, where Standard and Suite are both listed as Unlimited
- Intro includes 8 software instruments and 27 audio effects, against 20 instruments and 58 effects in Suite
- Max for Live is listed as Suite only, so neither Intro at USD 99 nor Standard at USD 349 includes it
- Intro ships 5+ GB of sound content, against 38+ GB in Standard and 71+ GB in Suite
- MIDI Tools are listed as 0 in Intro, against 14 in both Standard and Suite
- Sold as a paid licence per edition, USD 99 for Intro, USD 349 for Standard and USD 749 for Suite, with no free tier
Pricing, plan by plan
Mixcloud
Free- FreeFree
- Listening
- Ad-supported
- Plus$4.99/month
- Ad-free
- Offline listening
Ableton Live
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Ableton Live review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Mixcloud if
- You need dj mixes.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want podcasts.
Questions people ask
- Is Mixcloud or Ableton Live better?
- Neither clearly leads. Mixcloud starts at Free and Ableton Live at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Mixcloud or Ableton Live?
- Mixcloud has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Mixcloud and On request for Ableton Live.
- Does Mixcloud or Ableton Live run on more platforms?
- Mixcloud runs on Web, Ios, Android. Ableton Live runs on macOS, Windows.
- Can I use Mixcloud for free?
- Yes. Mixcloud has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Ableton Live starts at On request.
- What is Mixcloud best used for?
- Mixcloud is most often used for hosting dj mixes and radio shows on a licensed platform that pays artist royalties, live streaming dj sets without copyright takedowns, earning from listeners through tips and subscriptions. Of those, hosting dj mixes and radio shows on a licensed platform that pays artist royalties and live streaming dj sets without copyright takedowns are not what Ableton Live is typically brought in for.
- What can Mixcloud do that Ableton Live cannot?
- Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Podcasts, Radio shows, Streaming.