Soundnode
Soundnode: A focused, free SoundCloud player for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Ranked #59 of 75 in Media Player Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for desktop SoundCloud listeners.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDesktop SoundCloud listeners
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Network playbackYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source desktop playback across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Searches SoundCloud and plays streams, likes, follows, and playlists
- Native media keyboard shortcuts plus playlist and social actions
Where it doesn't
- Requires configuring a SoundCloud API key before use
- Playback is subject to SoundCloud third-party API limits
- Focused on SoundCloud rather than broader local-media playback
Our verdict on Soundnode
Soundnode is a free, open-source desktop music player built for SoundCloud listeners. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, with playback from SoundCloud streams, likes, tracks, followed users, and playlists. Users can search for songs, manage playlists, like songs, save them to a liked playlist, and follow or unfollow users. Its fit is strongest for solo listeners and small teams that want a dedicated desktop interface for SoundCloud rather than a general-purpose media player.
SoundCloud is central to the product’s platform fit. Soundnode uses the SoundCloud API for search, playback, playlists, likes, follows, and related account actions, keeping the experience focused on that service’s catalog and social features. Native media keyboard shortcuts add desktop control without changing the product’s narrow scope. Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, so the main ecosystem decision is whether SoundCloud is the listener’s primary source rather than whether they need broad service coverage.
Setup includes configuring a SoundCloud API key, and playback remains subject to SoundCloud’s third-party API limits. Those requirements matter for anyone expecting an install-and-play experience or uninterrupted playback independent of service-level constraints. The free license and open-source model suit listeners who value a focused desktop client, while the limited scope makes another media player a better choice for local files or broader format support. Choose Soundnode for desktop SoundCloud search, streaming, playlists, and social actions; avoid it if SoundCloud is only one part of a wider media library.
Your product? Our editors can test Soundnode in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Soundnode pricing
Soundnode fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Network playback | Yes |
| Subtitle support | Not verified |
| Format support | Not verified |
| Hardware acceleration | Not verified |
| 4K playback | Not verified |
| License model | Free |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: SoundCloud API |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | soundnode.github.io |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Soundnode integrations
Soundnode lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- SoundCloud API
Alternatives to Soundnode
- VLC media playerA broad, capable free player for local, network, and streamed media across major platforms.9.4
- mpvA flexible, scriptable player for users who prefer control over convenience.9.1
- KMPlayerA broad media player with strong format, network, cloud, and casting support.9.0
See all Soundnode alternatives →
Used Soundnode? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Soundnode for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Soundnode is listed in our Media Player Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/soundnode/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/soundnode.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update