Softwr

Podcasting · head to head

Buzzsprout vs SoundCloud

Buzzsprout logo

Buzzsprout

Podcasting

Simple and powerful podcast hosting made easy

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SoundCloud logo

SoundCloud

Podcasting

Discover, stream, and share music

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Buzzsprout upload hours do not roll over monthly; overage fees apply at hourly rates; SoundCloud the free tier plays tracks with ads
  • They diverge on capability: Buzzsprout covers Audio optimization, SoundCloud covers Audio streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Buzzsprout and SoundCloud actually diverge.

Attributes where Buzzsprout and SoundCloud differ
AttributeBuzzsproutSoundCloud
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
PlatformsWeb, MobileWeb, Ios, Android, Desktop
Founded20092007

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Podcasting).

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 Buzzsprout

  • Audio optimization
  • Automatic distribution
  • Episode transcription
  • Custom podcast website
  • Analytics dashboard
  • Magic Mastering
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

Only in SoundCloud

  • Audio streaming
  • Uploads
  • Discovery
  • Sharing
  • DJ software
  • Privacy settings
  • Content protection
  • Desktop support

Both cover

  • Social media
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Buzzsprout

  • Podcast hostingnot SoundCloud
  • Audio and video podcast distributionnot SoundCloud
  • Transcription and show notes generationnot SoundCloud
  • Podcast analytics and monetisationnot SoundCloud

SoundCloud

  • Discovering tracks from emerging and independent artistsnot Buzzsprout
  • Uploading your own music to reach listeners directlynot Buzzsprout
  • Offline listening and ad-free playback on a paid tiernot Buzzsprout

Where each one falls short

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

Buzzsprout

  • Upload hours do not roll over monthly; overage fees apply at hourly rates
  • Free tier limited to 2 hours monthly uploads
  • Video features only on paid tiers, minimum $25/month

SoundCloud

  • The free tier plays tracks with ads
  • Offline saving of tracks requires a SoundCloud Go or Go+ subscription
  • Premium Go+ tracks are locked behind the higher Go+ tier, so SoundCloud Go alone does not unlock the full catalogue
  • Exclusive DJ app integrations require Go+
  • The app is available in only eight languages: English, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Arabic
  • The iOS app requires iOS 16.4 or later

Pricing, plan by plan

Buzzsprout

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 2 hours monthly uploads
    • 90-day episode hosting
    • No video distribution
  • Audio Podcast$15/month
    • 72 hours annual uploads
    • Unlimited episodes
    • Single podcast
  • Audio + Video$25/month
    • 72 hours annual uploads
    • Video publishing to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
    • 1080p video quality
  • Multi-Podcast$30/month
    • 180 hours annual uploads
    • 5-10 podcasts
    • Audio, video, or mixed media

SoundCloud

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited uploads
    • Ads
  • Go$5.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Offline
  • Go+$12.99/month
    • Full catalog
    • HQ audio

Which should you pick?

Choose Buzzsprout if

  • You need audio optimization.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want automatic distribution.
Buzzsprout review

Choose SoundCloud if

  • You need audio streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
  • You also want uploads.
SoundCloud review

Questions people ask

Is Buzzsprout or SoundCloud better?
Neither clearly leads. Buzzsprout starts at Free and SoundCloud at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Buzzsprout or SoundCloud?
Buzzsprout starts at Free and SoundCloud at Free.
Does Buzzsprout or SoundCloud run on more platforms?
Buzzsprout runs on Web, Mobile. SoundCloud runs on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
Can I use Buzzsprout for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Buzzsprout best used for?
Buzzsprout is most often used for podcast hosting, audio and video podcast distribution, transcription and show notes generation, podcast analytics and monetisation. Of those, podcast hosting and audio and video podcast distribution are not what SoundCloud is typically brought in for.
What can Buzzsprout do that SoundCloud cannot?
Buzzsprout covers Audio optimization, Automatic distribution, Episode transcription, Custom podcast website. SoundCloud covers Audio streaming, Uploads, Discovery, Sharing. Both handle Social media, Web support, Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Buzzsprout: Does Buzzsprout offer a free tier?

Yes, Buzzsprout's free plan includes 2 hours of monthly uploads with 90-day episode hosting. Video distribution and advanced features require a paid subscription starting at $15/month.

Source
SoundCloud: What are the differences between SoundCloud's Artist and Artist Pro plans for creators?

Artist is $3.25/month with 3-hour uploads and 2x boosts per month. Artist Pro is $8.25/month with unlimited uploads and unlimited boosts, plus more frequent AI mastering.

Source
Buzzsprout: What happens if I exceed my monthly upload limit?

Upload hours do not roll over each month. If you exceed your plan's upload allocation, overage fees apply at hourly rates.

Source
SoundCloud: Do SoundCloud's Go and Go+ listener plans include trials?

Yes. SoundCloud Go includes a free 7-day trial. SoundCloud Go+ and the student version both include free 30-day trials.

Source
Buzzsprout: How many podcasts can I host on different plans?

The Free and Audio Podcast plans support a single podcast. The Multi-Podcast plan at $30/month supports 5-10 podcasts depending on configuration.

Source
SoundCloud: What is the difference between SoundCloud Go and Go+?

Both are ad-free with unlimited offline saves. Go+ costs $10.99/month and adds DJ app mixing capability plus artist support, compared to Go at $4.99/month.

Source
Buzzsprout: Is video publishing included on all paid plans?

No. Video publishing to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube (1080p) requires the Audio + Video plan at $25/month or higher.

Source
SoundCloud: Is there a discounted SoundCloud plan for students?

Yes. Student Go+ is $5.49/month (50% discount on the regular $10.99/month Go+ plan) and requires university verification.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Buzzsprout

More on SoundCloud

Keep looking

Other head to heads