SoundCloud has two paid subscription tiers: SoundCloud Go and SoundCloud Go+

SoundCloud Go removes ads from the platform and lets you download tracks to listen offline. SoundCloud Go+ includes everything in Go, plus access to the full SoundCloud catalog (Go has some restrictions on independent artists), higher audio quality, and the ability to create and upload your own tracks without limits.

Both plans cost money per month and renew automatically. The exact price depends on your country and whether you pay monthly or annually. SoundCloud also offers a free tier with ads and limited offline listening, which requires no payment.

You can switch between plans or cancel at any time through your account settings. If you cancel mid-month, your access continues until the end of your billing cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • SoundCloud Go removes ads and adds offline downloads; SoundCloud Go+ adds the full catalog, higher quality audio, and unlimited uploads.
  • Both paid plans renew automatically each month or year depending on which billing cycle you choose.
  • You can downgrade to the free tier, switch between Go and Go+, or cancel entirely through your account settings without penalty.
  • The free tier includes ads and limited offline listening, so you do not have to pay to use SoundCloud.
  • Canceling mid-month does not cut off your access immediately — you keep the service through the end of your current billing period.

What each subscription tier includes

The free tier lets you stream unlimited tracks with ads between songs. You can save tracks to playlists and follow artists, but you can only download a small number of tracks per month for offline listening. This tier never expires and costs nothing.

SoundCloud Go removes all ads, lets you download as many tracks as you want for offline play, and gives you higher audio quality than the free tier. You still cannot upload your own tracks or access every independent artist's full catalog — some content is restricted to Go+ subscribers. Go costs less per month than Go+.

SoundCloud Go+ includes everything in Go, plus access to the complete SoundCloud catalog without restrictions. It also lets you upload unlimited tracks of your own, which matters if you are a musician or producer. Go+ costs more per month than Go but gives you the full feature set.

How to sign up and manage your subscription

To start a paid subscription, open SoundCloud on the web or in the app and look for the upgrade prompt. You will be asked to choose between Go and Go+, then select monthly or annual billing. You will need a payment method — SoundCloud takes credit cards, debit cards, and some digital wallets depending on your country.

After you pay, your subscription begins immediately and renews on the same date each month or year. You can see your renewal date and billing history in your account settings under "Subscription" or "Billing."

To change plans, go to your account settings and select "Manage Subscription." You can upgrade from Go to Go+ at any time; the price difference is prorated based on how many days are left in your current cycle. Downgrading to the free tier or canceling takes effect at the end of your current billing period, not immediately.

Canceling or pausing your subscription

To cancel, log into your account, go to settings, find your subscription details, and select the option to cancel. SoundCloud will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay. Once you confirm cancellation, your paid features turn off when your current billing cycle ends — you do not lose access mid-month.

SoundCloud does not offer a pause or freeze option. If you want to stop paying temporarily, you must cancel and then resubscribe later. When you resubscribe, you start a new billing cycle at the current price.

If you cancel and then change your mind before your cycle ends, you can reactivate your subscription through the same settings menu. Reactivation is instant and does not create a new charge if your current period has not ended.

Billing and payment issues

Your subscription renews automatically on the date shown in your account settings. If your payment method fails, SoundCloud will try again a few times over several days. If all attempts fail, your subscription pauses and you lose access to paid features until you update your payment information.

You can update your payment method in your account settings at any time. If you want to change the billing date or cycle length, you will need to cancel your current subscription and start a new one with your preferred settings.

SoundCloud does not offer refunds for partial months if you cancel mid-cycle. However, you keep access to your paid features through the end of your billing period, so you are not charged for time you do not use.

Comparing SoundCloud to other music streaming services

SoundCloud differs from Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music in that it focuses on independent artists and user-uploaded content alongside major-label music. The free tier on SoundCloud is more generous than most competitors — you can stream unlimited tracks with ads, whereas many other services limit free users to a small number of skips per hour.

SoundCloud Go+ is cheaper than most premium tiers on competing services, but it does not include podcasts or music videos the way some competitors do. If you are mainly interested in discovering independent producers, DJs, and remixes, SoundCloud's catalog is stronger. If you want a broader mix of music, podcasts, and video content, another service might suit you better.

The offline download feature works the same way across all services — you download tracks in the app and can listen without an internet connection. SoundCloud Go+ lets you download more tracks than Go, but the exact limit depends on your device storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use one SoundCloud subscription on multiple devices?

Yes. You can log into your SoundCloud account on as many devices as you want, and your subscription works on all of them. However, you cannot stream the same account on more than one device at the exact same time — if you try, the second device will stop playing.

What happens to my playlists and saved tracks if I cancel?

Your playlists and saved tracks stay in your account even after you cancel. If you resubscribe later, everything is still there. You can access your playlists on the free tier, but you lose the ad-free listening and offline downloads that came with your paid plan.

Does SoundCloud offer a student discount?

SoundCloud does not currently offer a student discount. Pricing is the same for all users. Some countries have regional pricing that is lower than others, but this is not tied to student status.

Can I gift a SoundCloud subscription to someone else?

SoundCloud does not sell gift cards or subscriptions. You cannot buy a subscription for another person directly. The person would need to sign up and pay for their own subscription using their own payment method.

Why is my subscription price different from what I saw advertised?

SoundCloud pricing varies by country and currency. If you are paying in a different currency than your home country, the price may look higher or lower due to exchange rates. Annual subscriptions are also cheaper per month than month-to-month billing, so the advertised price might be for the annual plan.