Music & Audio Apps · head to head
Mixcloud vs Pandora
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Mixcloud the free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads; Pandora service availability restricted to United States; geoblocked outside US market
- They diverge on capability: Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Pandora covers Personalized radio.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Mixcloud and Pandora actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Music & Audio Apps).
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
- Radio shows
- Streaming
- Artist tools
- Social media
- Payment systems
- Creator controls
Only in Pandora
- Personalized radio
- On-demand
- Music Genome
- Smart speakers
- Car systems
- Privacy controls
- Smart-speakers support
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.
Mixcloud
- Hosting DJ mixes and radio shows on a licensed platform that pays artist royaltiesnot Pandora
- Live streaming DJ sets without copyright takedownsnot Pandora
- Earning from listeners through tips and subscriptionsnot Pandora
Pandora
- Ad-supported music and podcast streaming for personalised listeningnot Mixcloud
- Digital audio advertising platform for brands reaching streaming audiencesnot 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
Pandora
- Service availability restricted to United States; geoblocked outside US market
Pricing, plan by plan
Mixcloud
Free- FreeFree
- Listening
- Ad-supported
- Plus$4.99/month
- Ad-free
- Offline listening
Pandora
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Pandora 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 radio shows.
Choose Pandora if
- You need personalized radio.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, Connected Devices.
- You also want on-demand.
Questions people ask
- Is Mixcloud or Pandora better?
- Neither clearly leads. Mixcloud starts at Free and Pandora at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Mixcloud or Pandora?
- Mixcloud starts at Free and Pandora at Free.
- Does Mixcloud or Pandora run on more platforms?
- Mixcloud runs on Web, Ios, Android. Pandora runs on Web, iOS, Android, Connected Devices.
- Can I use Mixcloud for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- 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 Pandora is typically brought in for.
- What can Mixcloud do that Pandora cannot?
- Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Radio shows, Streaming, Artist tools. Pandora covers Personalized radio, On-demand, Music Genome, Smart speakers. Both handle Podcasts, Account security, Web support, Ios support.