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Mixcloud vs Tidal

Mixcloud logo

Mixcloud

Software

The home of audio culture

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tidal logo

Tidal

Software

High fidelity music streaming

From
$10.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Tidal tIDAL has no permanently free listening tier; after a 30-day trial a paid subscription is required
  • They diverge on capability: Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Tidal covers HiFi streaming.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Mixcloud and Tidal actually diverge.

Attributes where Mixcloud and Tidal differ
AttributeMixcloudTidal
Starting priceFree$10.99/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWeb, Ios, Android, Desktop
Founded20072014

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 Tidal

  • HiFi streaming
  • Master quality
  • Music videos
  • Exclusive content
  • High-end audio systems
  • Smart speakers
  • Download protection
  • Desktop support

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.

Mixcloud

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

Tidal

  • Streaming music in HiRes lossless up to 24-bit 192 kHz and Dolby Atmosnot Mixcloud
  • Offline listening to a personal librarynot Mixcloud
  • Casting lossless audio to supported hi-fi hardware over TIDAL Connectnot 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

Tidal

  • TIDAL has no permanently free listening tier; after a 30-day trial a paid subscription is required
  • The subscription renews automatically on a monthly basis
  • Lossless quality on external hardware needs TIDAL Connect and a supported device
  • The iOS app requires iOS 17 or later

Pricing, plan by plan

Mixcloud

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Listening
    • Ad-supported
  • Plus$4.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Offline listening

Tidal

$10.99/month
  • HiFi$10.99/month
    • Lossless audio
    • Downloads
  • HiFi Plus$19.99/month
    • Master quality
    • Direct artist payouts

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.
Mixcloud review

Choose Tidal if

  • You need hifi streaming.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
  • You also want master quality.
Tidal review

Questions people ask

Is Mixcloud or Tidal better?
Neither clearly leads. Mixcloud starts at Free and Tidal at $10.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Mixcloud or Tidal?
Mixcloud has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Mixcloud and $10.99/month for Tidal.
Does Mixcloud or Tidal run on more platforms?
Mixcloud runs on Web, Ios, Android. Tidal runs on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
Can I use Mixcloud for free?
Yes. Mixcloud has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Tidal starts at $10.99/month.
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 Tidal is typically brought in for.
What can Mixcloud do that Tidal cannot?
Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Podcasts, Radio shows, Streaming. Tidal covers HiFi streaming, Master quality, Music videos, Exclusive content. Both handle Account security, Web support, Ios support, Android support.
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