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Mixcloud vs Traktor Pro

Mixcloud logo

Mixcloud

Music

The home of audio culture

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Traktor Pro logo

Traktor Pro

Music

Native Instruments DJ software sold as a straightforward one-time purchase, with a free entry edition called Traktor Play

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Mixcloud the free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads; Traktor Pro native Instruments hardware and club installation share is smaller than Pioneer DJ’s, so touring DJs relying on rekordbox-native CDJs in venues face more setup friction with Traktor.
  • They diverge on capability: Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Traktor Pro covers Remix Decks.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Mixcloud and Traktor Pro actually diverge.

Attributes where Mixcloud and Traktor Pro differ
AttributeMixcloudTraktor Pro
Pricing modelfreemiumOne-time purchase
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidmacOS, Windows
Founded2007Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 Mixcloud

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

Only in Traktor Pro

  • Remix Decks
  • Stem separation
  • Timecode control
  • Traktor Play
  • Effects Ensemble
  • Beatport integration

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 Traktor Pro
  • Live streaming DJ sets without copyright takedownsnot Traktor Pro
  • Earning from listeners through tips and subscriptionsnot Traktor Pro

Traktor Pro

  • A DJ who wants to own software outright rather than pay a recurring subscription like Serato Pro or rekordbox Corenot Mixcloud
  • A performer who wants real-time stem separation and remix decks for improvised setsnot Mixcloud
  • A beginner testing Traktor Play for free before deciding whether to buy Pronot Mixcloud
  • A DJ already invested in Native Instruments Kontrol hardware wanting tight software-hardware integrationnot 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

Traktor Pro

  • Native Instruments hardware and club installation share is smaller than Pioneer DJ’s, so touring DJs relying on rekordbox-native CDJs in venues face more setup friction with Traktor.
  • Traktor Play deliberately withholds Remix Decks, stem separation and other Pro features, so it functions as a funnel to the paid edition rather than a fully capable free tier.
  • The one-time purchase model means major version upgrades (such as Traktor 3 to Traktor 4) have historically required a new paid upgrade rather than being included indefinitely.
  • Its market share and third-party plugin ecosystem are smaller than Serato’s, so fewer expansion packs and community resources exist.
  • Timecode vinyl control requires Native Instruments-specific or certified hardware, which can mean an additional hardware purchase beyond the software price.

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Traktor Pro

Free
  • Traktor PlayFree
    • Free entry edition
    • Basic beatmatched mixing
  • Traktor Pro 4$149/month
    • One-time purchase, no subscription required
    • Remix Decks, stem separation and full effects suite
    • Two months of Beatport Pro streaming included for new users

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 Traktor Pro if

  • You need remix decks.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on macOS, Windows.
  • You also want stem separation.
Traktor Pro review

Questions people ask

Is Mixcloud or Traktor Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. Mixcloud starts at Free and Traktor Pro at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Mixcloud or Traktor Pro?
Mixcloud starts at Free and Traktor Pro at Free.
Does Mixcloud or Traktor Pro run on more platforms?
Mixcloud runs on Web, Ios, Android. Traktor Pro runs on macOS, Windows.
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 Traktor Pro is typically brought in for.
What can Mixcloud do that Traktor Pro cannot?
Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Podcasts, Radio shows, Streaming. Traktor Pro covers Remix Decks, Stem separation, Timecode control, Traktor Play.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Traktor Pro: Is Traktor Pro really a one-time purchase?

Yes, at $149 for Traktor Pro 4, with no subscription required, unlike Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox’s subscription tiers.

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
Traktor Pro: What does the free Traktor Play edition include?

Basic beatmatched mixing without Remix Decks, stem separation or the full effects suite; it is an on-ramp to Pro rather than a complete free product.

Traktor Pro: Do I need Native Instruments hardware to use it?

No, but timecode vinyl or CDJ control requires certified hardware; standard mixing works with generic MIDI controllers or the keyboard and mouse.

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