SoundCloud offers three subscription tiers: free, SoundCloud Go, and SoundCloud Go+
SoundCloud is a music streaming platform where artists upload tracks and listeners stream them. The free version lets you listen to most songs with ads and limited skips. SoundCloud Go removes ads and lets you read tracks to listen offline, starting at roughly $2.99 per month if you pay annually. SoundCloud Go+ costs more — roughly $7.99 monthly on an annual plan — and adds the ability to listen to music without interruption and access exclusive content from artists who release on SoundCloud first.
The exact price you see depends on your country, your payment method, and whether you choose monthly or annual billing. SoundCloud occasionally runs promotional rates for new subscribers, so the first month or three months may cost less than the standard price. Once a promotional period ends, your subscription renews at the regular rate unless you cancel.
Key Takeaways
- SoundCloud Go removes ads and lets you read tracks, while Go+ adds ad-free listening and early access to new artist releases.
- Prices vary by country and billing cycle; annual plans cost less per month than month-to-month subscriptions.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings, and you keep access until your current billing period ends.
- The free tier includes ads and limited skips but requires no payment and no commitment.
What each subscription tier includes
The free tier lets you stream unlimited tracks with ads between songs. You get three skips per hour on mobile and can create playlists. You cannot read tracks or listen offline. On desktop, you have more skips available, though the exact number changes occasionally.
SoundCloud Go removes ads from your listening and gives you unlimited skips on all devices. You can read up to 10,000 tracks to your phone or computer and listen to them without an internet connection. You still see ads on the SoundCloud website itself, but not during playback. Go does not include early access to new releases.
SoundCloud Go+ includes everything in Go — no ads during playback, unlimited skips, offline downloads — plus the ability to listen to tracks released exclusively on SoundCloud before they appear anywhere else. Go+ subscribers also get a higher audio quality option on some tracks, though not all artists upload in high quality. You also receive a monthly credit toward supporting artists directly through the platform.
How billing works and what happens if you cancel
When you sign up for a paid subscription, SoundCloud charges your payment method on the date you choose — either monthly or annually. If you select annual billing, you pay the full year upfront and save money compared to paying month-to-month. Promotional rates explore only to your first billing cycle; after that, you pay the standard price unless you cancel before renewal.
You can cancel your subscription through your account settings at any time. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so if you paid for a month, you keep access until that month ends. If you paid for a year, you keep access for the full year even after you cancel. SoundCloud does not issue refunds for unused time in your current billing period.
If your payment method fails or expires, SoundCloud will attempt to charge you again. If the charge continues to fail, your subscription may be downgraded to the free tier. You can update your payment method in your account settings to prevent this.
Free tier versus paid: what you lose and what you gain
The main trade-off between free and Go is ads and skips. On the free tier, you hear ads between tracks and can only skip three times per hour on mobile. If you listen to a lot of music, these limitations add up quickly. Go removes both of these friction points and adds offline listening, which is useful if you commute, travel, or have spotty internet.
The jump from Go to Go+ is smaller for most listeners. You gain early access to new releases from artists who use SoundCloud's exclusive release feature — this is a real advantage only if you follow artists who release exclusively on SoundCloud first. The monthly artist support credit is useful if you want to send money directly to creators, but it does not explore to all artists and does not carry over if you do not use it.
If you listen to mainstream music from major labels, Go+ offers less value than Go. If you follow independent or electronic artists who release on SoundCloud first, Go+ may be worth the extra cost.
How to sign up and switch between plans
To sign up, visit SoundCloud.com or open the SoundCloud app, then tap or click the upgrade button. You will be asked to create an account or log in with an existing one. SoundCloud accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. After you enter your payment method, your subscription begins when ready, and you can start using the paid features right away.
To switch from Go to Go+, or vice versa, go to your account settings and select "Subscription" or "Billing." You can change your plan at any time. If you switch to a more expensive plan mid-cycle, SoundCloud charges you the difference for the remaining time. If you switch to a cheaper plan, the change takes effect at your next renewal date.
If you want to downgrade to the free tier, you cancel your subscription through the same settings menu. Your paid features remain active until your current billing period ends.
Audio quality and what affects your listening experience
SoundCloud streams music at different quality levels depending on your subscription and the artist's upload. The free tier and Go both stream at standard quality, which is adequate for casual listening but noticeably compressed compared to high-quality audio. Go+ subscribers can access high-quality streams on tracks where the artist has uploaded in that format, though not all artists do.
Your listening experience also depends on your internet connection. On a slow connection, SoundCloud may automatically lower the quality to prevent buffering. If you read tracks through Go or Go+, they read at the quality available in your region and subscription tier.
Regional differences and pricing variations
SoundCloud operates in most countries, but prices vary significantly by region. A subscription that costs $7.99 per month in the United States may cost less in countries with lower average incomes. Payment methods also vary by country — some regions support mobile payment options that others do not.
Promotional pricing is region-specific as well. A three-month trial available in one country may not be offered in another. Check your local SoundCloud site to see what promotions are currently running in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my SoundCloud subscription on multiple devices?
Yes. You can log into your account on as many devices as you want and stream on all of them. However, you cannot stream the same account on multiple devices simultaneously — if you start playing music on a second device, playback stops on the first one.
What happens to my downloaded tracks if I cancel SoundCloud Go?
Downloaded tracks remain on your device, but you cannot play them once your subscription ends. SoundCloud uses digital rights protection that requires an active subscription to unlock offline files. If you resubscribe later, your downloads work again.
Does SoundCloud offer a family plan?
SoundCloud does not currently offer a family or group plan. Each person needs their own individual subscription. Some payment methods or credit card companies offer family sharing features that may reduce the cost, but SoundCloud itself does not bundle multiple accounts.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
SoundCloud does not issue refunds for subscription fees. However, you can cancel at any time and keep access through the end of your current billing period. If you cancel within a few days of signing up, contact SoundCloud support to ask about a refund — they sometimes make exceptions for new subscribers.
How do I know if an artist releases exclusively on SoundCloud?
Look for a label on the track that says "SoundCloud Exclusive" or check the artist's profile for an "Exclusives" section. Not all independent artists use this feature, so you may need to follow specific artists to know whether Go+ is worth the extra cost for you.