SoundCloud Go+ review

SoundCloud Go+ is less a replacement for Apple Music than a pass to music the big services often miss: independent releases, DJ mixes, remixes and early tracks from new artists. The plan removes ads, opens the full catalog, saves unlimited tracks offline and lets you mix tracks in select DJ apps. SoundCloud's help center says HQ tracks stream at 256kbps AAC, which it calls the equivalent of a 320kbps MP3, against 160kbps AAC for standard streams. HQ is off by default and only applies to tracks uploaded in lossless or high-bitrate formats, so quality varies from track to track. SoundCloud says Go+ subscriptions feed fan-powered royalties, which pay the artists each subscriber actually plays. A student plan is offered at 50% off, and new subscribers get a 30-day trial. From our location the Go+ page said the plan is not available in our country, so the US price is pending. There is no lossless tier.

Who it is for

Fans of independent artists, DJ mixes and new scenes who want to support uploaders.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Ad-free listening and full catalog access
• Unlimited offline saves
• HQ streaming in 256kbps AAC
• Mix tracks in select DJ apps
• Fan-powered royalties that pay artists you listen to

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Huge pool of independent tracks, mixes and remixes
• Strength: Subscription supports artists through fan-powered royalties
• Strength: DJ app mixing included
• Weakness: No lossless option; HQ tops out at 256kbps AAC
• Weakness: HQ is off by default and depends on how each track was uploaded
• Weakness: We could not load a US price from our location

Key facts

• HQ quality: 256kbps AAC
• Standard quality: 160kbps AAC
• Lossless: Not offered
• DJ mixing: Select DJ apps
• Free trial: 30 days

Where it ranks

SoundCloud Go+ is No. 9 in our Best Music Streaming Services verdict.