When we discuss music streaming services, the conversation almost always focuses on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. These platforms excel at hosting official studio albums, curated pop playlists, and mainstream radio hits. However, they operate under strict licensing rules, meaning they rarely host underground mixtapes, amateur remixes, live DJ sets, or demo tracks from emerging independent artists.
For listeners who want access to this rich, underground musical landscape, SoundCloud has long been the default destination.
Founded as a creative hub where creators can upload their own tracks, SoundCloud hosts the largest digital catalog of music in the world. To bridge the gap between independent creator uploads and mainstream studio releases, the platform launched its premium subscription service: SoundCloud Go+.
But is SoundCloud Go+ a viable competitor to Spotify or Apple Music? What is the difference between SoundCloud Go and SoundCloud Go+, how much does it cost, and who is this service designed for? In this comprehensive review, we will explore SoundCloud’s premium features, pricing structures, pros, cons, and alternatives.
What is SoundCloud Go+?
SoundCloud was founded in Berlin, Germany, in 2007 by Alexander Ljung and Eric Wahlforss. It grew rapidly into a social music platform, allowing creators to upload audio, share tracks via unique waveforms, comment on specific seconds of a song, and build direct-to-fan relationships.
In 2016, the company launched its premium subscription plans. SoundCloud Go+ is the highest-tier membership. It combines:
1. The Creator Catalog: Over 300 million user-uploaded tracks, bootleg remixes, instrumentals, and DJ mixes.
2. The Mainstream Catalog: Official studio albums and chart-topping hits licensed from major record labels (Universal, Sony, Warner).
3. Professional DJ Tools: Native integration with leading live performance DJ software.
Key Features of SoundCloud Go+
SoundCloud Go+ offers a unique feature set that sets it apart from traditional music streaming apps.
1. The World’s Largest Music Catalog
While Spotify and Apple Music host around 100 million tracks, SoundCloud hosts over 300 million tracks. This catalog includes:
* Official releases from major pop, hip-hop, and rock artists.
* Underground electronic music, techno podcasts, and live club sets.
* Unofficial bootleg remixes, mashups, and cover songs.
* Early demos and experimental tracks from bedroom producers before they hit mainstream platforms.
2. High-Quality Audio Streaming
Free SoundCloud users stream audio in standard quality (128kbps MP3 format). SoundCloud Go+ upgrades the audio experience to:
* High-Quality Audio (256kbps AAC): This lossless compression format is equivalent to the audio quality offered by Apple Music, providing richer detail, deeper bass response, and clearer vocal frequencies.
3. Fan-Powered Royalties
SoundCloud operates a revolutionary payout system called Fan-Powered Royalties.
* How It Works: On standard streaming apps, all subscription money is pooled together and distributed to artists based on overall market share (meaning your money goes to stars like Taylor Swift even if you only listen to indie folk).
* Direct Payouts: Under SoundCloud’s model, your subscription fees are distributed directly to the specific independent artists you stream the most, supporting local and emerging musicians directly.
4. Integration with Professional DJ Software
For DJs and performance artists, SoundCloud Go+ is a powerful tool. You can connect your Go+ subscription directly to major DJ software, including:
* Serato DJ Lite & Pro.
* Pioneer Rekordbox.
* VirtualDJ.
* Algoriddim djay Pro.
* Traktor DJ.
This allows DJs to search, load, and mix any of SoundCloud’s 300 million tracks live in real-time during sets, bypassing the need to purchase and download individual MP3 files.
SoundCloud Free vs. Go vs. Go+ Pricing
SoundCloud offers two distinct subscription tiers alongside its free version to accommodate different budgets and user types.
Below is a comparison of the three tiers:
| Feature | SoundCloud Free | SoundCloud Go | SoundCloud Go+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalog Access | Limited (Free uploads) | Limited (Free uploads) | Full Access (300M+ tracks) |
| Mainstream Releases | Previews only (30s) | Previews only (30s) | Full Tracks |
| Ad-Free Playback | No (Audio/Visual ads) | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Downloads | No | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Quality | Standard (128kbps MP3) | Standard (128kbps MP3) | High Quality (256kbps AAC) |
| DJ App Integrations | No | No | Yes |
| Monthly Cost (USD) | Free | $5.99 / month | $9.99 / month |
Note: SoundCloud offers a 30-day free trial for both Go and Go+. Billed monthly, subscriptions can be canceled at any time.
Pros and Cons of SoundCloud Go+
The Pros:
- Unrivaled Remix Selection: The only platform where you can find unofficial bootleg mixes, live club sets, and indie demos alongside mainstream releases.
- DJ Software Sync: Invaluable resource for professional and hobbyist DJs looking to expand their live set options.
- Support for Indie Creators: Fan-Powered Royalties ensure your subscription money goes to the creators you actually love.
- High-Quality Upgrade: Lossless 256kbps AAC compression is a noticeable sound quality improvement over the free tier.
The Cons:
- Inconsistent Metadata: Because millions of tracks are uploaded by independent users, track titles, album art, and artist credits can be disorganized, making search queries difficult.
- No Offline Downloads on Web: Offline listening is restricted to mobile devices; you cannot download tracks to a desktop web browser.
- Variable Audio Quality: While official tracks are 256kbps AAC, some older user-uploaded tracks were recorded on low-quality microphones and will sound poor regardless of your subscription tier.
SoundCloud Go+ vs. Spotify vs. Bandcamp
| Feature | SoundCloud Go+ | Spotify | Bandcamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Electronic, Hip-Hop, DJs, Indie | Mainstream music consumers | Independent artists & physical merchandise |
| Catalog Size | 300M+ tracks | 100M+ tracks | Variable (Artist-managed) |
| DJ App Sync | Yes | No | No |
| Monthly Cost | $9.99 | $11.99 | Free (pay per album) |
Conclusion: Is SoundCloud Go+ Worth It?
Whether SoundCloud Go+ is worth your money depends on what kind of music you listen to and whether you are a DJ.
If you primarily listen to mainstream radio hits, pop albums, and curated podcasts, SoundCloud Go+ is not the best choice. You would be better served by Spotify or Apple Music, which offer superior social playlists, lyrics, and algorithmic recommendations.
However, if you are a DJ who wants to stream tracks directly into your mixing software, or a music enthusiast who lives in the world of underground electronic music, lo-fi beats, indie hip-hop, and unofficial remixes, SoundCloud Go+ is the best streaming service available. Its low monthly cost, massive database, and support for independent creators make it an essential tool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between SoundCloud Go and SoundCloud Go+?
SoundCloud Go ($5.99/mo) is a basic plan that removes ads and enables offline listening, but limits you to standard audio quality and blocks access to major-label mainstream releases. SoundCloud Go+ ($9.99/mo) unlocks the entire catalog, high-quality audio, and DJ software integrations.
Can I use SoundCloud Go+ to play music at a public venue?
No. SoundCloud Go+ subscriptions are strictly for personal, non-commercial use. Playing music in a commercial venue (like a bar, restaurant, or gym) requires public performance licensing.
How do I cancel my SoundCloud Go+ subscription?
If you subscribed via the website, log in to your account, go to your subscription settings, and click “Cancel Plan.” If you registered via an iPhone or Android app, you must manage and cancel the auto-renewal through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store settings.
Do I need internet access to use SoundCloud Go+?
For general streaming, yes. However, you can save albums, playlists, and your liked tracks directly to your mobile device’s cache to listen offline without a Wi-Fi or data connection.
