SoundCloud is a music and audio streaming platform used by millions of people worldwide, and its mobile data usage is relatively low compared to many other music streaming services. The amount of data SoundCloud consumes depends on the audio quality level and how long you listen. Free users stream at a lower bitrate, which keeps data usage modest, while higher quality options use more data per hour. If you plan to use SoundCloud while traveling internationally, a global eSIM like Roamless can help you monitor and manage your mobile data more effectively.
How Much Data Does SoundCloud Use?
SoundCloud's data usage depends on your subscription type and the audio quality level you choose. Free users listen at a lower bitrate, which keeps data consumption relatively low, while higher quality options available to subscribers use more data per hour. The table below shows estimated SoundCloud data usage per minute and per hour across different audio quality levels:
Audio Quality Level | Data per Minute | Data per Hour |
Free (64 kbps) | ~0.5 MB | ~30 MB |
Standard (128 kbps) | ~1 MB | ~60 MB |
High Quality (256 kbps) | ~1.5–2 MB | ~115 MB |
Table 1: Estimated SoundCloud Data Usage by Audio Quality Level
Note: High Quality audio is available to SoundCloud Go+ subscribers only. Free users listen at a lower bitrate by default [1].
Disclaimer: Data usage values are estimates and may vary depending on your device, network conditions, audio quality settings, and app version. For the most accurate information, check SoundCloud's mobile data usage in your device settings.
How to Check SoundCloud Data Usage on Your Device
You can find out how much mobile data SoundCloud has consumed by using the data monitoring tools available in your device settings. SoundCloud does not include a built-in data usage tracker, so checking through your operating system is the most reliable way to monitor consumption.
On iPhone Devices:
Open the Settings app.
Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
Scroll down to find SoundCloud in the app list and review the data amount shown next to it.
The figure displayed represents the total mobile data SoundCloud has used within the current statistics period.
On Android Devices:
Open the Settings app.
Tap Network & Internet or Connections, depending on your device.
Select Data Usage or App Data Usage.
Find SoundCloud in the list to view its mobile data consumption.
Disclaimer: The steps above may vary depending on your device and operating system version. For more detailed guidance, check your mobile device manufacturer's official support resources.
How to Reduce SoundCloud Data Usage
SoundCloud's data consumption can be managed with a few simple adjustments. The following steps can help you use less mobile data while listening:
Adjust your audio quality setting: SoundCloud Go+ subscribers can adjust the audio quality setting within the app. Turning off High Quality audio reduces data consumption per hour.
Download tracks for offline listening: SoundCloud Go and Go+ subscribers can save content to their device for offline listening. Saved content does not use any mobile data during playback [2].
Disable background app refresh: You can turn off background app refresh for SoundCloud in your device settings to prevent the app from using mobile data when you are not actively listening.
Turn off autoplay: You can disable the autoplay feature in the SoundCloud app settings to prevent additional tracks from playing automatically, giving you more control over your data usage per session.
Monitor your usage regularly: You can check how much data SoundCloud has consumed through your device settings and adjust your listening habits accordingly.
Disclaimer: Available options may vary depending on your device, your SoundCloud app version, and your operating system. Please verify the options within your current SoundCloud app settings.
Comparing SoundCloud Data Usage with Other Music Streaming Platforms
SoundCloud uses relatively less mobile data per hour compared to many other music streaming platforms, mainly due to its lower default bitrate. The table below shows estimated data usage per minute and per hour at standard or default audio quality across popular music streaming services:
Music Streaming Platform | Data per Minute (standard or default quality) | Data per Hour (standard or default quality) |
SoundCloud | ~1 MB | ~60 MB |
YouTube Music | ~1.5–2 MB | ~90–120 MB |
Spotify | ~1.8–2.2 MB | ~110–130 MB |
Apple Music | ~2–2.5 MB | ~120–150 MB |
Deezer | ~1.7–2 MB | ~100–120 MB |
Amazon Music | ~1.6–2 MB | ~95–120 MB |
TIDAL | ~2–2.3 MB | ~120–140 MB |
Pandora | ~1–1.4 MB | ~60–85 MB |
Table 2: Estimated Data Usage at Standard or Default Audio Quality for Popular Music Streaming Services
Note: This comparison is based on each platform's standard or default audio quality settings. Data usage can be lower when data-saving options are selected.
Disclaimer: Data usage figures are estimates and may vary depending on device type, network conditions, app version, and individual listening habits. Actual data consumption can differ based on the exact settings used within each service.
For more information, you can also read our posts on How Much Data Does Spotify Use and How Much Data Does Apple Music Use.
Using SoundCloud with Roamless eSIM Abroad
SoundCloud's data usage while traveling internationally is generally modest for free users, but Go+ subscribers listening at high audio quality or for long periods may consume more data. A global eSIM like Roamless can help you keep your data costs under control and access mobile internet more easily while using SoundCloud in different countries:
Wide global coverage: Roamless provides mobile data coverage across more than 200 destinations, so you can keep listening to SoundCloud wherever your travels take you.
High-speed mobile connectivity: Roamless delivers fast mobile data speeds, including 5G where available, so SoundCloud can load tracks quickly and you can listen without interruption while traveling.
Unlimited hotspot support: Roamless supports unlimited hotspot sharing, allowing you to use SoundCloud across multiple devices from a single connection when needed.
Multiple device compatibility: Roamless works with both iOS and Android devices and does not require a physical SIM card swap each time you enter a new country.
In-app data tracking feature: With the Roamless app, you can track your mobile data consumption in real time and see exactly how much data SoundCloud is using during your trip.
For more information, you can also check out our post on How Much Data Does Streaming Use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SoundCloud use a lot of data?
It depends on your subscription type and how long you listen each day. Free users consume relatively little data due to the platform's lower default bitrate, while Go+ subscribers listening at high audio quality will use more data per hour.
How much data does SoundCloud use per hour?
Free users use around 30 MB of data per hour, while standard quality listening uses around 60 MB per hour. Go+ subscribers listening at high audio quality can use up to around 115 MB per hour. Actual usage may vary depending on your device, network conditions, and app version.
Does SoundCloud use data in the background?
Yes. SoundCloud can use a small amount of mobile data in the background even when you are not actively listening. You can limit this by turning off background app refresh for SoundCloud in your device settings.
Sources:
[1] SoundCloud Help Center. "High Quality streaming", Accessed in March, 2026. — https://help.soundcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/360051838074-High-Quality-streaming
[2] SoundCloud Help Center. "Downloading tracks", Accessed in March, 2026. — https://help.soundcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003448787-Downloading-tracks
