Software · head to head
SoundCloud vs Buzzsprout
The short version
- Each has a real cost: SoundCloud the free tier plays tracks with ads; Buzzsprout upload hours do not carry over monthly; unused allocation lost
- They diverge on capability: SoundCloud covers Audio streaming, Buzzsprout covers Audio optimization.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SoundCloud and Buzzsprout actually diverge.
| Attribute | SoundCloud | Buzzsprout |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android, Desktop | Web, Mobile |
| Founded | 2007 | 2009 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), 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 SoundCloud
- Audio streaming
- Uploads
- Discovery
- Sharing
- DJ software
- Privacy settings
- Content protection
- Desktop support
Only in Buzzsprout
- Audio optimization
- Automatic distribution
- Episode transcription
- Custom podcast website
- Analytics dashboard
- Magic Mastering
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
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.
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
Buzzsprout
- Podcast hostingnot SoundCloud
- Audio and video podcast distributionnot SoundCloud
- Transcription and show notes generationnot SoundCloud
- Podcast analytics and monetisationnot SoundCloud
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Buzzsprout
- Upload hours do not carry over monthly; unused allocation lost
- Overage charges apply at plan rate for additional uploads
Pricing, plan by plan
SoundCloud
Free- FreeFree
- Limited uploads
- Ads
- Go$5.99/month
- Ad-free
- Offline
- Go+$12.99/month
- Full catalog
- HQ audio
Buzzsprout
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Buzzsprout review.
Which should you pick?
Choose SoundCloud if
- You need audio streaming.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
- You also want uploads.
Choose Buzzsprout if
- You need audio optimization.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Mobile.
- You also want automatic distribution.
Questions people ask
- Is SoundCloud or Buzzsprout better?
- Neither clearly leads. SoundCloud starts at Free and Buzzsprout at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, SoundCloud or Buzzsprout?
- SoundCloud starts at Free and Buzzsprout at Free.
- Does SoundCloud or Buzzsprout run on more platforms?
- SoundCloud runs on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop. Buzzsprout runs on Web, Mobile.
- Can I use SoundCloud for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is SoundCloud best used for?
- SoundCloud is most often used for discovering tracks from emerging and independent artists, uploading your own music to reach listeners directly, offline listening and ad-free playback on a paid tier. Of those, discovering tracks from emerging and independent artists and uploading your own music to reach listeners directly are not what Buzzsprout is typically brought in for.
- What can SoundCloud do that Buzzsprout cannot?
- SoundCloud covers Audio streaming, Uploads, Discovery, Sharing. Buzzsprout covers Audio optimization, Automatic distribution, Episode transcription, Custom podcast website. Both handle Social media, Web support, Ios support, Android support.
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