Amazon Music vs SoundCloud: Which Music Streaming App Reigns Supreme?
Amazon Music is ideal for Prime members and those who want a vast catalog of mainstream songs, top podcasts, and audiobooks with optional ad-free listening. SoundCloud, on the other hand, is the go-to platform for discovering emerging artists, underground tracks, and exclusive mixes, appealing to music enthusiasts who crave new sounds and community. Both apps have over 100 million installs, but they cater to very different listening habits.
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts
- Rating
- ★ 3.94
- Downloads
- 100,000,000+
- Developer
- Amazon Mobile LLC
SoundCloud: The Music You Love
Recommended- Rating
- ★ 4.67
- Downloads
- 100,000,000+
- Developer
- SoundCloud
We're changing the way you discover and play the music you love. Listen free to music and podcasts with ads—no credit card required. Prime members can enjoy all the music + top podcasts ad-free. Want more benefits? Get 100 million songs on-demand, ad-free top podcasts, and audi…
Pros
- Includes ad-free music and top podcasts for Prime members at no extra cost
- Access to 100 million songs with Amazon Music Unlimited
- Seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and other Amazon devices
- Offers audiobooks alongside music and podcasts
- High-quality audio streaming (up to 24-bit/192kHz on Ultra HD)
Cons
- Free tier has ads and limited skips
- Music catalog is more mainstream, less indie/underground
- User interface can be cluttered with promotions
What’s next in music is first on SoundCloud. Your taste, your scene, your people, your soundtrack, it’s all on SoundCloud. Music discovery is where great taste creates greater moments of connection, online and IRL. That feeling of crate digging with your crush at your local r…
Pros
- Excellent for discovering emerging and independent artists
- User-uploaded content includes remixes, live sets, and rare tracks
- Active community with comments and reposts
- Free tier offers extensive listening with minimal ads
- Curated playlists and personalized recommendations
Cons
- Audio quality maxes out at 256 kbps (not lossless)
- Some tracks may be removed due to licensing issues
- Offline playback requires a paid subscription
Final Verdict
Our pick: SoundCloud: The Music You Love
If you value mainstream hits, seamless integration with Amazon ecosystem, and ad-free podcasts, choose Amazon Music. But if you're a music explorer who loves discovering indie artists, remixes, and rare tracks, SoundCloud is unmatched. For most users who want a balance of discovery and polish, SoundCloud's higher rating and unique content make it the winner. However, Prime members should stick with Amazon Music for the included benefits. Overall, SoundCloud wins for music discovery and community.
Amazon Music: Songs & Podcasts Screenshots
Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.
SoundCloud: The Music You Love Screenshots
Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has a higher rating?
SoundCloud has a significantly higher rating of 4.67 compared to Amazon Music's 3.94, based on user reviews.
Can I download songs for offline listening?
Yes, both apps offer offline playback, but only with a paid subscription. Amazon Music requires Amazon Music Unlimited for offline listening, while SoundCloud requires SoundCloud Go+.
Do these apps have ads?
Amazon Music's free tier includes ads, but Prime members get ad-free music and podcasts. SoundCloud's free tier has minimal ads, but you can upgrade to SoundCloud Go for an ad-free experience.
What are the device requirements for each app?
Both apps require Android 5.0 or later and work on most smartphones and tablets. Amazon Music also supports Amazon Echo devices, while SoundCloud works on web and mobile.
Which app should I choose if I love discovering new music?
SoundCloud is the clear winner for music discovery, with millions of user-uploaded tracks from independent artists, remixes, and exclusive content that you won't find on mainstream platforms.
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