SoundCloud Go+: what is it for, how much does it cost, and who would find it useful?

With remixes that can't be found anywhere else, DJ sets, edits, and exclusives, SoundCloud remains a platform apart. The problem is that the "free" experience can quickly become frustrating: ads, limited offline listening, audio quality, access to the full catalog...

SoundCloud Go+ is designed precisely for this purpose: listening without ads, offline, and with expanded access to the catalog. In this guide, we clearly outline:

• What SoundCloud Go+ offers (and what Go does not offer)
• the price (and what changes depending on the subscription method),
• the SoundCloud Go student option (discount and conditions),
• how to activate offline mode and optimize the app,
• and how to reduce your subscription budget without tinkering.

Please note: rates and trials may vary depending on the country and payment channel (web vs. stores). The guidelines below are based on the official SoundCloud pages.

1) SoundCloud Go+: what exactly is it?

SoundCloud offers several "fan" plans, including Go and Go+. The key difference: Go+ gives you access to the entire catalog and better audio quality.

In practice, SoundCloud Go+ is designed for those who want to:

• listen without commercial breaks,
• download tracks to listen to offline,
• access more songs (including some mainstream releases and lots of community content),
• enjoy superior audio quality (compared to Go).

2) SoundCloud Go vs Go+: the real differences

On paper, Go and Go+ are similar (no ads + offline). The difference lies in the catalog and quality.

2.1. What Go and Go+ have in common

• Listen without ads
• Offline playback (downloads in the app)

2.2. What Go+ adds (and often justifies the upgrade)

• Access to the complete catalog (where Go does not provide access)
• High audio quality
• On certain offers, DJ-oriented uses (depending on compatible integrations/apps)

In short: if you've already tried Go and are still encountering catalog limitations, go+ SoundCloud is generally the logical next step.

3) SoundCloud Go+ pricing and free trial

According to the official pages, the price ranges are:

• SoundCloud Go: $4.99/month (7-day free trial)
• SoundCloud Go+: $10.99/month (30-day free trial)
• Go+ Student: $5.49/month (30-day free trial)

3.1. Students: how does the discount work?

The student offer corresponds to approximately 50% of the Go+ rate and is verified through a verification service (SheerID).

Key points:

• you get the same features as Go+;
• verification must be renewed regularly (annual revalidation, with a limit of several consecutive years);
• If revalidation is not granted, renewal may revert to the standard rate (full price).

4) SoundCloud Go+ offline: how to download and listen without a network connection

Offline mode is often the number one reason for upgrading to Go+. It also makes a huge difference when traveling, commuting, or when you want to save your data.

4.1. Downloading tracks to the app

The principle is simple: you save tracks (or playlists) offline directly in SoundCloud. They can then be played in the app, on the subscriber's account. (This is a controlled "offline" mode, not exportable audio files.)

4.2. Best practices for clean offline

• Download via Wi-Fi before you leave (playlists can be large).
• Make room: a large offline library can quickly fill up a phone.
• Keep your "travel/sports/focus" playlists separate: it simplifies management.

5) Who is SoundCloud Go+ really worth it for?

SoundCloud Go+ is particularly appealing if you check at least two of these boxes:

• You listen to SoundCloud every day (or almost every day) and the ads interrupt your flow.
• you want offline for regular trips;
• you are looking for content "outside of Spotify": DJ sets, edits, remixes, live versions, underground discoveries;
• You often encounter catalog limitations with the Go package.

On the other hand, if you only listen to SoundCloud occasionally, the free plan (or Go) may be sufficient.

6) Reduce your bill: student... and "subscription budget" strategy

The real issue isn't just SoundCloud: it's the accumulation.

Music, TV shows, tools, sports, AI... you can quickly end up with 4 to 8 active subscriptions. If you add Go+ to an already full stack, your monthly budget will quickly skyrocket.

6.1. Start with the simplest option: the student offer

If you are eligible, the SoundCloud Go student offer is the most direct option: same features, reduced price, verification via SheerID.

6.2. Next, optimize all your subscriptions with co-subscription.

Even when a platform does not necessarily offer a simple "family" plan, your overall budget can often be reduced: many services (streaming, music, tools, press, etc.) offer multi-user plans or supervised sharing options.

Rather than managing this manually (transfers, oversights, discussions), a platform such as Spliiit allows you to split the cost of shareable subscriptions between several people, with simplified payment management. The result: you keep your favorite services... but at a lower cost per person.

7) FAQ – SoundCloud Go+

SoundCloud Go+ and Go, which one should you choose?

Go+ is generally the best choice if you want the full catalog and better audio quality. Go is more suitable if you are primarily looking for "ad-free + offline," with catalog limitations.

SoundCloud Go+ Student: What exactly is it?

This is a discounted version of Go+ (approximately 50% off), with the same features as Go+. Eligibility is verified via SheerID and must be revalidated according to SoundCloud policy.

Is SoundCloud Go+ available in France?

SoundCloud indicates that its Go plans are available in several countries, including France (and certain territories). Exact plans and prices may vary by country.

Can I cancel easily?

SoundCloud offers a subscription page to manage/cancel renewals, with rules that may depend on the purchase method (website vs. store). The help pages describe the process in the "Subscriptions" section.

Key points to remember

• SoundCloud Go+ is the most comprehensive fan package: no ads, offline listening, full catalog, and better audio quality.
• The standard rate is around $10.99/month with a trial, and the student offer is around $5.49/month (depending on country/channel).
• If your goal is also to pay less for your services overall, the best approach is to combine discounts (student) with optimizing your shareable subscriptions via a solution such as Spliiit.

‍