Spotify vs SoundCloud: which is better in 2026
Short answer: pick Spotify for an all-round music and podcast app with personal playlists like Discover Weekly, Spotify Connect on speakers, TVs, consoles and cars, and a Ukrainian interface. Pick SoundCloud to find new and independent artists, DJ sets and remixes you will not find on other platforms, and to upload your own tracks. Both are free to start, with paid plans for offline and ad-free listening.
How we compare: what each maker says about its app in its own UA App Store description, the music you find there, discovery, free and paid listening, devices and the interface language. Then the current place of both in the Censuus ranking.
| Spotify | SoundCloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | mainstream music and podcasts | new artists, DJ sets and remixes |
| Discovery | Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Wrapped | curated mixes, trending tracks, artists you follow |
| Podcasts | yes | not mentioned |
| Upload your own music | not mentioned | yes, right in the app |
| Free tier | yes, with ads | yes, with ads and unlimited skips |
| Offline and no ads | Spotify Premium | SoundCloud Go and Go+ |
| Ukrainian interface | yes | no |
What music you find
Spotify covers the music most people search for, plus podcasts, artist playlists and new releases in Release Radar and New Music Friday. SoundCloud is built around what comes next in music: trending artists, underground remixes, deep cuts and DJ sets that are not on other streaming platforms.
Discovery and community
Spotify gives you personal playlists such as Discover Weekly, collaborative playlists with friends, nearby gigs from your favourite artists and a yearly Wrapped. SoundCloud lets you follow artists, like, repost and comment on any track right in the player, and upload your own music to reach listeners.
Free, paid and devices
Both apps are free to start with ads. Spotify Premium adds downloads for offline, ad-free and full on-demand listening, and Spotify Connect plays on smart speakers, TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, smartwatches and in the car. SoundCloud Go removes ads and adds offline listening, and Go+ adds premium tracks, high-quality audio and DJ app integrations. SoundCloud says its fan-powered royalties send your listening money to the artists you play.
Verdict
Pick Spotify for everyday music, podcasts, playback on many devices and a Ukrainian interface. Pick SoundCloud for independent artists, DJ sets and remixes, and to share your own tracks. Spotify is also compared in Spotify vs Apple Music and Spotify vs YouTube Music, and more apps are in our guide to music apps.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spotify or SoundCloud better?
Neither outright. Spotify is better for mainstream music, podcasts and playback on many devices, SoundCloud is better for independent artists, DJ sets, remixes and uploading your own music.
Can you upload your own music?
On SoundCloud, yes, right in the app. Spotify’s App Store description does not mention uploads.
Are Spotify and SoundCloud in Ukrainian?
In the UA App Store Spotify lists a Ukrainian interface. SoundCloud does not.