6 Best SoundCloud Alternatives for Sharing and Discovering Music

SoundCloud alternatives are becoming more popular than ever. Many artists and listeners are frustrated with SoundCloud's strict copyright rules, frequent ads, and limited monetisation options.

In this blog, we'll explore 6 alternatives to SoundCloud in 2025 - from free music streaming sites to platforms that let independent artists upload, sell, and share their work without restrictions.

Table of Contents

Part 1. 6 Best SoundCloud Alternatives to Try

• 1. Hearthis.at - For DJs and Lossless Streaming
• 2. Audius - Decentralised Music Platform
• 3. Bandcamp - Best for Direct Artist Support
• 4. Audiomack - Free and Fast-Growing
• 5. Spotify - Mainstream Streaming with Massive Reach
• 6. Mixcloud - For DJs, Radio, and Podcasts

Part 2. Why Many Users Look for Alternatives to SoundCloud Part 3. FAQs- SoundCloud Alternatives Part 4. Bonus – A Smart Alternative for AI-Generated Music

Part 1. 6 Best SoundCloud Alternatives to Try

1. Hearthis.at - For DJs and Lossless Streaming

Hearthis.at is a global music platform for DJs, independent artists, and fans. It combines audio upload, streaming, and monetisation in one place, with a mobile app available on Google Play.

Pricing:

● Free: MP3 uploads only

● Premium: Lossless audio, unlimited uploads, and more

Key Features

⭐ Unlimited uploads with lossless audio

⭐ Sell tracks directly and get instant revenue

⭐ DJ-friendly: share sets, remixes, and mixes

⭐ Verified artist system for added credibility

2. Audius - Decentralised Music Platform

Audius is a blockchain-powered, decentralised platform that connects artists and fans directly without intermediaries like Spotify or record labels. It already partners with artists such as Deadmau5, 3LAU, and RAC, and has TikTok integration for seamless sharing.

Key Features

⭐ Direct artist-to-fan connection

⭐ Artists keep more revenue

⭐ Censorship-resistant content hosting

⭐ Community governance with AUDIO token

3. Bandcamp - Best for Direct Artist Support

Bandcamp is part online record shop, part music community. It allows fans to directly support artists by purchasing digital downloads, vinyl, cassettes, and merchandise.

Core Benefits:

● 85% of revenue goes to the artist(after fees)

● Free uploads for artists

● Unlimited streaming before purchase

● Global access with multiple audio formats available for downloads

4. Audiomack - Free and Fast-Growing

Audiomack is a free music streaming and sharing platform popular for hip-hop, rap, R&B, EDM, Afropop, and reggae. It offers unlimited uploads for artists and a free mobile app for listeners.

Standout Features:

● Free uploads and streaming

● Offline listening and song downloads

● Personalised playlists and social sharing

● Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS

5. Spotify - Mainstream Streaming with Massive Reach

Spotify is the largest global streaming service, with a huge audience and advanced recommendation algorithms. While not always considered a direct SoundCloud competitor for independent artists, it's still a major alternative for reaching listeners worldwide.

Highlights:

● Access to over 100 million tracks

● Artist dashboard with analytics

● Playlist pitching opportunities

● Monetisation through streams and fan engagement

6. Mixcloud - For DJs, Radio, and Podcasts

Mixcloud is designed for DJs and radio enthusiasts. It focuses on long-form audio like DJ sets, radio shows, and podcasts, making it a unique SoundCloud alternative.

Core Strengths:

● Popular with DJs for sharing mixes and sets

● Space for indie radio producers

● Expanding into podcasts and talk shows

● Supports copyright compliance with licensed streaming

Downside:

● Limited social interaction compared to other platforms

Part 2. Why Many Users Look for Alternatives to SoundCloud

SoundCloud has long been the go-to platform for independent artists and fans, but it also comes with pain points that push many to seek alternatives. Here are the most common issues:

● Limited Monetisation Options: Many artists complain that the revenue share is too low, making it hard to earn from streams compared to other platforms.

● Strict Copyright Policies: Tracks are often flagged or taken down, even when artists use royalty-free samples, leading to frustration and uncertainty.

● Frequent Ads for Free Users: Listeners often experience disruptive ads, which lowers the overall music experience unless they upgrade to paid plans.

● Platform Saturation: With millions of uploads every week, it can be difficult for new artists to stand out and reach an audience without paid promotion.

● Limited Offline Access: While SoundCloud Go+ allows downloads, free users have very restricted offline listening options compared to other music platforms.

These downsides explain why many creators and listeners search for the best alternative to SoundCloud — platforms that offer fairer revenue splits, stronger artist tools, and more flexible streaming experiences.

Part 3. FAQs- SoundCloud Alternatives

1. What platforms are considered better options than SoundCloud?

Many users turn to Bandcamp, Audiomack, or Audius as the best alternatives to SoundCloud for fairer revenue and stronger community support.

2. How does Mixcloud compare to SoundCloud?

Mixcloud focuses on DJ sets, radio shows, and podcasts, while SoundCloud is broader, so the better choice depends on your content type.

3. Do artists still release music on SoundCloud today?

Yes, SoundCloud is still widely used, especially by emerging musicians, but many also cross-post to alternatives for wider reach.

4. Can DJs legally play tracks from SoundCloud?

Yes, but only if the tracks are licensed for public use; otherwise, DJs risk copyright issues.

5. What kind of content can't be uploaded on SoundCloud?

SoundCloud prohibits copyrighted music without permission, hate speech, and any content that violates community guidelines.

Part 4. Bonus – A Smart Alternative for AI-Generated Music

Besides traditional platforms, there is also a new type of SoundCloud alternative that focuses on AI-powered music creation and streaming.

One of the most notable examples is Musicful, an AI music hub that already counts over one million registered users and continues to grow as a creative community.

With Musicful, you can:

● Generate full tracks with vocals or instrumentals by typing a short description, pasting your own lyrics, or even uploading a short audio clip.

● Reuse and extend songs from other creators on the platform, keeping the "vibe" while creating something unique.

● Choose advanced AI models like V1.5 and 1.5X, capable of producing up to 8-minute songs with 5,000-character lyrics.

● Export your music in MIDI, MP3, or WAV for further editing or professional use.

● Discover inspiration by browsing user-made tracks, popular song recreations, or trending genres within the built-in streaming hub.

Musicful runs on web, Android, and iOS, making it as accessible as any streaming service while offering tools for original music generation. For those looking not only to share music but also to create it from scratch with AI, Musicful stands out as a fresh, future-ready alternative.

Conclusion

Finding the right SoundCloud alternative depends on your needs as an artist or listener. Platforms like Audius, Bandcamp, Audiomack, and Mixcloud offer different strengths — from fairer revenue models to spaces built for DJs and indie creators.

If you're exploring beyond streaming, tools like Musicful also open the door to AI-generated music, letting you create and share original tracks instantly.

The best alternatives to SoundCloud give you more freedom, better monetisation, and a chance to connect with audiences on your own terms.