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MusicBrainz API vs SoundCloud API

Two free Music APIs compared on access, reliability and developer ratings, using data from our daily health checks.

The verdict

  • Choose MusicBrainz API if you want to start without an API key.
  • Choose SoundCloud API for its data: With SoundCloud API you can build applications that will give more power to control your content.

Side by side

MusicBrainz APISoundCloud API
What it doesMusic. A free music API by MusicBrainz.With SoundCloud API you can build applications that will give more power to control your content.
ProviderMusicBrainzSoundCloud Developers
API keyNot neededOAuth
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownUnknown
Status todayOnline · 390 msOnline · 440 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
MusicBrainz docs ↗SoundCloud docs ↗

About each API

SoundCloud logoSoundCloud API

With SoundCloud API you can build applications that will give more power to control your content.

Strengths

  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

How to choose between them

  • Prototyping or a tutorial? Pick the one that needs no API key.
  • Calling from a web page? You need CORS. Otherwise route requests through your own server or a serverless function.
  • Going to production? Favour HTTPS, a strong uptime record and a provider with clear rate limits and terms. Check each API's docs before you commit.
  • Still unsure? Both are free to try: send one request to each and compare the data you get back.

MusicBrainz vs SoundCloud FAQ

Which needs an API key, MusicBrainz API or SoundCloud API?

SoundCloud API requires an API key; MusicBrainz API doesn't, so MusicBrainz API is quicker to try.

More comparisons

MusicBrainz API alternatives · SoundCloud API alternatives · best Music APIs