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Music & Audio Apps · head to head

Pandora vs Mixcloud

Pandora logo

Pandora

Music & Audio Apps

Personalized music and podcasts

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mixcloud logo

Mixcloud

Music & Audio Apps

The home of audio culture

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Pandora service availability restricted to United States; geoblocked outside US market; Mixcloud the free Basic tier is limited to 10 show uploads and 10 track uploads
  • They diverge on capability: Pandora covers Personalized radio, Mixcloud covers DJ mixes.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Pandora and Mixcloud actually diverge.

Attributes where Pandora and Mixcloud differ
AttributePandoraMixcloud
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, Connected DevicesWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20002007

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 Pandora

  • Personalized radio
  • On-demand
  • Music Genome
  • Smart speakers
  • Car systems
  • Privacy controls
  • 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.

Pandora

  • Ad-supported music and podcast streaming for personalised listeningnot Mixcloud
  • Digital audio advertising platform for brands reaching streaming audiencesnot Mixcloud

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

Where each one falls short

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

Pandora

  • Service availability restricted to United States; geoblocked outside US market

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

Pandora

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Pandora review.

Mixcloud

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

Which should you pick?

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.
Pandora 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 Pandora or Mixcloud better?
Neither clearly leads. Pandora 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, Pandora or Mixcloud?
Pandora starts at Free and Mixcloud at Free.
Does Pandora or Mixcloud run on more platforms?
Pandora runs on Web, iOS, Android, Connected Devices. Mixcloud runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Pandora for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Pandora best used for?
Pandora is most often used for ad-supported music and podcast streaming for personalised listening, digital audio advertising platform for brands reaching streaming audiences. Of those, ad-supported music and podcast streaming for personalised listening and digital audio advertising platform for brands reaching streaming audiences are not what Mixcloud is typically brought in for.
What can Pandora do that Mixcloud cannot?
Pandora covers Personalized radio, On-demand, Music Genome, Smart speakers. Mixcloud covers DJ mixes, Radio shows, Streaming, Artist tools. Both handle Podcasts, Account security, Web support, Ios support.
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