When comparing Bandcamp vs Mixcloud, the Slant community recommends Bandcamp for most people. In the question“What are the best music streaming services?” Bandcamp is ranked 6th while Mixcloud is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose Bandcamp is:
Once you buy (or support) a song/album from an artist on Bandcamp, you get to open a fan account and unlimited streaming and downloads from your purchases.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro No "Monthly or Yearly" subscription plans
Once you buy (or support) a song/album from an artist on Bandcamp, you get to open a fan account and unlimited streaming and downloads from your purchases.
Pro Multiple filters
The Bandcamp discovery site has multiple filters making it easy to find exactly what you want. If you're looking for Best-Selling Electronic albums on vinyl from 3 weeks ago, Discover has you covered.
Pro Search or browse by tags
When artists upload their music, the can add their own tags to their albums or songs. This leads to some very unique finds and allows you to find interesting music.
Pro Audio fidelity is Bandcamp's name
Downloading songs (you bought) lets you download in multiple choices of codecs/formats, like MP3, FLAC, AIFF, AAC and many more to make sure you get to hear what you want to hear.
Pro Unlimited streaming
Listen to songs as many times as you want.
Pro "Fair Trade Music Policy"
Bandcamp's share is 15% on digital items, and 10% on physical goods. Payment processor fees are separate and vary depending on the size of the transaction, but for an average size purchase, amount to an additional 4-7%. The remainder, usually 80-85%, goes directly to the artist, and they pay out daily. Since they only make money when artists make a lot more money, their interests remain aligned with those of the community they serve. It’s a straightforward approach, and it works well.
Pro Wide & varied content
There is a massive and varied range of content across many styles, genres & vintages all easily found via tags and particularly effective recommendations.
Pro Totally Free
You're free to listen and upload as much as you like, unlike Soundcloud.
Pro Sound Quality
Music sounds crisp and punchy when streaming/playback (if you're using quality headphones/speakers).
Pro Friendly Interface
It's easy to use the simple and beautiful platform, unlike the Archive.org.
Cons
Con Ads even in paid Pro account
Free and Pro Accounts put ads in your content. If you don't want ads, you have to pay 6.99 USD/mo for the Premium account.
Con Engagement tools just for paid accounts
If you want to grow and monitor your audience in the platform, you'll need to sign the Pro account, which costs $15/month or $135/year.
Con Data charges by surprise
Watch out for those data charges if you're on the move.