SoundCloud has long been a favorite platform for music lovers. Its library spans mainstream hits, indie tracks, experimental remixes, and local scenes offering something for every ear. But if you’ve spent time on the free version, you know the downside: ads pop up at the worst moments, interrupting your flow.

Nothing kills a listening vibe like an ad breaking into your favorite mix. Ads can make the whole experience feel choppy when you’re streaming lo-fi beats while working, exploring underground artists, or replaying your daily playlist. Luckily, there are ways to take control, officially or otherwise — official subscriptions, offline downloads and SoundCloud ad blockers.

We’ll cover each of these methods in this piece.

Does SoundCloud Have Ads?

Yes, SoundCloud includes ads, they’re a key part of how the platform generates revenue and continues offering free access while supporting independent artists.

How Often Do Ads Play on SoundCloud?

That depends on what you’re listening to and where you’re located. Typically, ads appear every two to three tracks. They last around 15–30 seconds, can’t be skipped, and usually promote new music, live events, audio gear, or SoundCloud’s own premium plans.

Only free users hear ads. If you’d prefer an uninterrupted experience, you can upgrade to SoundCloud Go or SoundCloud Go+. Both plans include a free trial — seven days for Go and 30 days for Go+, so you can test ad-free streaming before committing. Keep in mind that after the trial, your subscription will automatically renew at $4.99 per month for Go or $9.99 for Go+.

Why SoundCloud Uses Ads

Ads on SoundCloud serve a simple purpose: they keep the platform running and help support artists. Free users experience interruptions more frequently, while paid subscribers can skip them entirely. Ads can appear in between songs or even overlay the player, which can disrupt playlists, mixes, or your focus during work.

The Official Route: SoundCloud Go+

For listeners who prefer streaming directly on SoundCloud, the platform offers SoundCloud Go+. This subscription removes ads and adds several perks:

Offline playback – listen to tracks without an internet connection.
Higher audio quality – clearer sound for discerning ears.
Ad-free experience – uninterrupted sessions.

The downside is obvious: this is a paid service, and prices vary depending on region. For some, subscribing is worth it; for others, it may feel unnecessary, especially if they primarily want occasional offline listening.

Downloading Music from SoundCloud Is a Practical Alternative

If you’re looking to skip ads without subscribing, downloading tracks is a simple solution. When music is stored on your device, you control playback completely: no interruptions, no buffering, and no reliance on an internet connection.

Some SoundCloud tracks have a native “Download” button enabled by the artist but that only works for a limited number of songs. Most of the time, the option isn’t available.

This is where 4K YouTube to MP3 comes in. It’s a desktop tool that converts and downloads audio from a variety of sources, including SoundCloud. Within minutes, you can have your favorite tracks in MP3 format, ready to listen offline.

How to Download SoundCloud Tracks with 4K YouTube to MP3

Another way is to simply download SoundCloud content on your device to enjoy it later anywhere, anytime, even with no Internet connection. 4K YouTube to MP3 allows you to do exactly that. 4K YouTube to MP3 is a desktop tool that allows you to save YouTube videos, channels, and playlists, videos from Vimeo, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch, Dailymotion,and other sites as audio.

In addition to this, it lets you download SoundCloud content in MP3 as well.

Here’s how you can save music from SoundCloud in a few easy steps:

Install 4K YouTube to MP3 on your computer. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Copy the SoundCloud track link you want to download. You can grab a single song, a playlist, or an entire artist page.

Paste the link into 4K YouTube to MP3. The software automatically detects the audio.
Wait for the download to finish. The track is saved as an MP3 file on your device.
Enjoy offline listening whenever you want, free from ads and interruptions.

This method also lets you build a personal music library. You can organize files by artist, genre, or album, making it easier to curate playlists for different moods or occasions. Besides, you can download SoundCloud songs and playlists as MP3 right in the 4K YouTube to MP3 in-app browser.

Once tracks are downloaded, you can move them to any music player or smartphone. Creating folders by genre or artist helps keep your collection organized. If you like, you can combine this with 4K Video Downloader Plus to save videos or playlists from other platforms, creating a complete offline media library.

How to Block SoundCloud Ads on Windows and Mac

If you don’t want to upgrade to a paid SoundCloud plan, there are a few reliable ways to block ads on both Windows and macOS. These methods range from using browser extensions to downloading tracks for offline playback.

1. Use an Ad Blocker Extension

One of the easiest ways to stop SoundCloud ads is by using a trusted ad blocker.

For Chrome or Edge: Try extensions like uBlock Origin, AdGuard, or AdBlock Plus.
For Firefox: Install uBlock Origin or Ghostery from the Firefox Add-ons Store.
Once installed, enable the extension on soundcloud.com, and you should immediately notice fewer (or no) audio and visual ads.

Tip: Keep your ad blocker updated to ensure it catches new ad formats SoundCloud may introduce.

2. Use a Dedicated Ad-Blocking App

If you listen to SoundCloud in the desktop app or outside your browser, a system-wide ad blocker works better.

Windows: Use tools like AdGuard for Windows or Blokada.
Mac: Try AdGuard for Mac or Little Snitch (for advanced users who want to control network requests).

These apps filter out ads across all applications, including desktop players and browsers.

3. Edit the Hosts File (Advanced Option)

This method blocks ad servers directly at the system level:

Open your hosts file (found in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts on Windows or /etc/hosts on macOS).
Add entries that redirect ad domains to 127.0.0.1.
Save the file and restart your browser or computer.

Note: This option is for advanced users only — editing system files incorrectly may affect network performance.

4. Stream with Offline Mode (for Temporary Ad-Free Use)

If you’re testing SoundCloud Go or Go+, you can use the offline mode during the free trial to download and play songs without ads for up to 30 days.

How to Block SoundCloud Ads on Android and iPhone

Blocking ads on mobile devices is trickier than on desktop, but there are still a few effective methods to reduce or completely remove them while listening to SoundCloud on your Android or iPhone.

1. Use an Ad-Blocking Browser

If you usually listen through the SoundCloud website rather than the app, switch to a browser with built-in ad blocking.

Android: Try Brave, Firefox Focus, or Samsung Internet (with ad-block extensions enabled).
iPhone: Use Brave or Safari with AdGuard or 1Blocker extensions.

These browsers block most banner and audio ads automatically, even on streaming sites.

2. Install a System-Wide Ad Blocker (Android Only)

Android users can go a step further by installing an app that filters ads across all apps.

Recommended options: AdGuard for Android, Blokada, or DNS66.
These apps work by creating a local VPN on your device that filters out ad traffic — no root access needed.

Note: You’ll need to download some of these apps (like Blokada) directly from their official websites since they’re not always available on Google Play.

3. Use the SoundCloud App in Offline Mode

If you’ve started a free trial of SoundCloud Go or Go+, you can download songs and playlists for offline listening.

Once the tracks are saved offline, you can listen without any ads, even after switching off the internet.

This gives you a short-term ad-free experience without committing to a paid plan.

Can You Block SoundCloud Ads Without Breaking Terms of Service?

Using ad blockers or downloaders doesn’t usually violate SoundCloud’s Terms of Service as long as you’re using them for personal listening. However, distributing or re-uploading copyrighted tracks without permission can lead to account suspension or copyright strikes. The safest approach is to use ad blockers for playback and tools like 4K YouTube to MP3 for private offline collections only.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

While downloading music offers convenience, it’s important to respect copyright. Only download tracks for personal use, and avoid redistributing or uploading them elsewhere. Tools like 4K YouTube to MP3 are designed with ethical usage in mind, making it possible to enjoy your favorite music responsibly.

SoundCloud offers a rich library of music, but ads can make the experience frustrating. Paid subscriptions like SoundCloud Go+ remove interruptions for those who prefer streaming. For anyone who wants offline listening without paying, 4K YouTube to MP3 provides a simple and reliable solution.

With this approach, you can enjoy your favorite tracks, playlists, and mixes anytime — no ads, no interruptions, and full control over your music library.

Ready to listen without ads? Download 4K YouTube to MP3 and start building your offline SoundCloud collection today.

Ad-Free SoundCloud FAQ

Can you listen to SoundCloud offline for free?

Only temporarily as SoundCloud Go and Go+ let you download songs during the free trial. After that, offline listening requires a subscription or a third-party downloader.

Do ad blockers work in the SoundCloud mobile app?

No, browser-based ad blockers don’t affect the mobile app. For Android, you’ll need a system-wide blocker like AdGuard or Blokada.

Is downloading from SoundCloud with 4K YouTube to MP3 safe?

Yes, as long as you download from official sources and use the software for personal use. The app doesn’t inject ads or malware and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.