SoundCloud stands out as one of the world's leading audio-sharing platforms, serving as the primary hub for independent musicians, DJs, podcasters, and remix creators globally. Its unique strength lies in its massive collection of user-generated content - including DJ sets, remixes, mashups, and exclusive tracks that simply aren't available on services like Spotify or Apple Music.
If you're looking for reliable methods to download songs from SoundCloud to your computer for offline enjoyment, you've come to the right place. Let's explore the best solutions available!
Part 1. How to Download SoundCloud Songs to Computer on Web Player [Official]
SoundCloud does offer an official way to download songs from the SoundCloud web player, but the feature is limited. Only tracks whose creators have enabled the 'Download' button can be saved directly, and this applies to all SoundCloud users - not just Go or Go+ subscribers. These artist-provided downloads typically come in MP3, FLAC, or WAV, depending on the original upload.
For most popular artists, however, offline downloads are restricted to SoundCloud Go or Go+ subscribers, and only within the SoundCloud app. Even then, songs downloaded through the Go+ plan are DRM-protected and can only be played offline within the SoundCloud app. In other words, you cannot use those files as true local audio on your computer.
If you want genuine local files in formats like MP3 or FLAC, you'll need to rely on online downloaders or more advanced third-party tools.
Step 1. Log in to the SoundCloud Web Player
Open a browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. Visit the official website at soundcloud.com and sign in to your account. You can also browse as a guest, though downloads may be limited.
Step 2. Locate the Song You Want to Download
Use the search bar to find your favorite track or open your playlist. If the artist allows downloads, you'll see a "Download File" button below the track waveform.
Step 3. Click the Download Button
Click the "Download File" option. The selected track will automatically be saved to your computer's Downloads folder, usually in MP3 format. This allows you to keep a local copy of the SoundCloud song for playback anytime.
Step 4. Play SoundCloud on Computer Offline
Once downloaded, you can play the song offline with any media player such as VLC, iTunes, or Windows Media Player - without needing an internet connection.
💡 Tip: If there's no 'Download' button, that means the artist has disabled direct downloads. In that case, you'll need to use an online downloader or a third-party tool described in the next sections.
Part 2. How to Download Songs from SoundCloud on PC Online [Free]
If you can't download a song directly from the SoundCloud web player, online SoundCloud downloaders offer a quick and free alternative. These sites allow you to paste a SoundCloud track or playlist URL and instantly save it as an MP3 file - sometimes even up to 320 kbps - on your computer. Below are five of the best free SoundCloud downloaders available online.
1. ScloudMP3
ScloudMP3 is a lightweight, easy-to-use SoundCloud downloader that lets you download unlimited free tracks from SoundCloud's free catalog. It automatically detects metadata such as the song title, artist name, and album artwork, and supports saving SoundCloud songs on your PC in FLAC, WAV, or MP3 (up to 320 kbps).
How to Download Songs from SoundCloud on PC via ScloudMP3
Step 1. Visit the ScloudMP3 website, paste the SoundCloud song link into the box, and press "Enter".
Step 2. Click "Download" to choose the audio quality and format.
Step 3. The SoundCloud song will be saved to your computer instantly.
👍 Pros:
• Fast download speed
• No registration required
• Support FLAC/WAV/MP3 320kbps
• Compatible with all systems (Windows/Mac/Linux)
👎 Cons:
• Only downloads full free SoundCloud tracks (Go+ tracks limited to first 30 seconds)
• Occasional banner and pop-up ads
2. SoundCloudDownloader
SoundCloudDownloader is one of the oldest and most reliable online tools to download SoundCloud songs to computer. It supports both single-track and playlist downloads, and you can also choose audio quality from 64kbps to 320kbps of MP3 or M4A. It can access the whole SoundCloud Go+ catalog for free.
How to Download Music from SoundCloud to Computer Using SoundCloudDownloader
Step 1. Copy the URL of your SoundCloud track from the web player.
Step 2. Paste it into the input box on SoundCloudDownloader.
Step 3. Click "Download", then "Generate Download Link" to select the desired quality.
Step 4. Click "Save" on the pop-up window, and the track will be downloaded from SoundCloud to your computer.
👍 Pros:
• 100% free, including SoundCloud Go+ catalog
• Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Supports playlist download and adjustable audio quality (MP3/M4A)
👎 Cons:
• Slower on large playlists
3. KlickAud
KlickAud is another free and easy-to-use SoundCloud downloader online with a clean interface and high conversion success rate. It can convert SoundCloud songs into 128kbps or 320kbps MP3 files for quick offline playback.
How to Download Songs from SoundCloud on PC via KlickAud
Step 1. Open KlickAud in your browser.
Step 2. Paste your SoundCloud track link into the box.
Step 3. Click "CONVERT".
Step 4. On the next page, click "DOWNLOAD THE SONG" to download SoundCloud songs to computer.
👍 Pros:
• Up to 320kbps audio quality
• Works with all browsers and operating systems
👎 Cons:
• No playlist download
• Frequent conversion errors with private or restricted tracks
• Occasional pop-up ads
4. SoundCloudDL
SoundCloudDL is another popular online tool people use when searching for how to download songs from SoundCloud to computer quickly without installing software. Unlike basic converters, it focuses on clean conversions, fast loading, and a simple interface. If you want a no-frills way to download music from SoundCloud to computer for offline playback, this tool works well for SoundCloud playlists. Besides, you can choose SoundCloud output formats, such as MP3 or M4A.
How to Use SoundCloudDL to Download Songs from SoundCloud to Computer
Step 1. Go to the SoundCloud website and copy the URL of the SoundCloud song you want.
Step 2. Paste the link into the SoundCloudDL search box and choose your preferred audio quality (usually MP3 320kbps or M4A).
Step 3. Hit "Download", the SoundCloud song will be saved to your computer instantly.
👍 Pros:
• Fast conversion for both short and long tracks
• No account or login required
• Supports playlists download
• Clean UI suitable for beginners
👎 Cons:
• Only works with public SoundCloud tracks
• SoundCloud Go/Go+ songs may be limited to short previews
5. SoundCloudMe
SoundCloudMe (or Downcloudme.com) has recently gained popularity thanks to its sleek interface and high-speed server processing. It's especially useful for users who want to download SoundCloud songs to computer from playlists or large sets. The mobile-friendly design also makes it one of the easiest tools when searching for how to download SoundCloud songs to PC or laptop.
How to Download Music from SoundCloud on PC via SoundCloudMe
Step 1. Open SoundCloudMe (or Downcloudme.com) and copy your SoundCloud track or playlist URL from SoundCloud website.
Step 2. Paste the link into the search box and click Download.
Step 3. The site will analyze the track and provide an MP3 download link - click Download again to save the file.
See also: SoundCloudMe Review
👍 Pros:
• Modern, ad-free interface
• Supports both single tracks and playlists download
• Works on desktop and mobile browsers (Windows/Mac/Linux)
👎 Cons:
• Only supports MP3 output (no FLAC/WAV)
• With some redirecting ads
• Cannot convert private, unlisted, or premium content
• Limited to 30 seconds for SoundCloud Go/Go+ catalog
⚠️ Important Note:
While these free SoundCloud downloaders are convenient and user-friendly, they rely on third-party servers. Always ensure you scan downloaded files for safety and adhere to copyright regulations. For better stability, faster download speeds, and superior sound quality, we recommend using a dedicated SoundCloud downloader app. If you require these features and want full control over your playlists with enhanced stability, please refer to Part 3.
Part 3. How to Download SoundCloud Songs on PC via Third-party Tools [Advanced]
If you want to batch download SoundCloud playlists, keep lossless quality, or save DJ sets and podcasts for offline playback, online tools may not be enough. In such cases, using reliable third-party SoundCloud downloaders like AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder or Audacity is a better choice.
Let's explore both options.
AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder (Windows & Mac)
For faster, more stable, and higher-quality downloads, AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder is one of the most efficient SoundCloud music downloaders for computer. It supports downloading music from SoundCloud, Spotify, Deezer, and many more platforms to computer, saving them as MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, or M4B while keeping the original ID3 tags. This tool also integrates a built-in player that supports nine major streaming services, ensuring a seamless, lossless download experience.
Why Choose AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder?
- Convert SoundCloud to FLAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B with ease
- Batch downloading large SoundCloud playlists at up to 65X faster speed
- Keep original ID3 tags and full metadata for your SoundCloud tracks
- Losslessly download from SoundCloud and 8 other streaming platforms to your computer
How to Download SoundCloud Songs on PC Using AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder
This section will show you how to download SoundCloud songs to your computer step by step. First, download and install AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder on your Windows or Mac device by clicking the 'Download' button above. The installation takes only a few minutes and requires no extra plug-ins.
- Step 1. Launch AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder
- After installation, open the program by double-clicking its icon. On the main interface, you'll see icons for nine popular streaming platforms. Click the profile icon to activate your AudFree license, which will enable all premium features for SoundCloud music downloading.
- Step 2. Set SoundCloud Output Format
- Go to 'Menu' > 'Preferences' > 'Conversion' to customize the output settings. You can change the download format of Convert SoundCloud to WAV, FLAC, MP3, or M4A, and adjust parameters like bitrate, sample rate, and channels. Under the 'Output' tab, choose a destination folder and enable the option to preserve ID3 tags.
See also: How to Convert SoundCloud to MP3
- Step 3. Add SoundCloud Tracks to the Conversion List
- Click 'OK' to save your preferences, then select the SoundCloud icon from the home interface. A built-in web player will appear - sign in to your SoundCloud Go+ account and browse for the tracks, playlists, or albums you want. Hit the green '+' button to add them to the conversion queue.
- Step 4. Start Downloading SoundCloud Songs
- On the conversion screen, press the 'Convert' button to start the process. The software will automatically download and convert your SoundCloud tracks to DRM-free files. Once finished, go to the 'Converted' section to locate all your offline SoundCloud songs on your computer.
See also: How to Download Songs from SoundCloud
👍 Pros:
• Batch download multiple SoundCloud songs to computer at once
• Convert to MP3, FLAC, WAV, and other common formats
• Preserve original quality and metadata
• Fast speed and simple user interface
👎 Cons:
• Paid version required after free trial
• Requires SoundCloud login for access
💡 Best for: Users who need to download SoundCloud songs on PC or Mac in high quality or manage large playlists efficiently.
Audacity (Free & Open Source for Windows, Mac, and Linux)
Audacity is a free and open-source audio editor that allows you to capture SoundCloud songs in real time. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, making it one of the most versatile free options available.
Steps to Download SoundCloud Songs to Computer Using Audacity:
Step 1. Download and install Audacity from its official website.
Step 2. Open SoundCloud in your web browser and start playing the song you want to download.
Step 3. In Audacity, set your system audio as the recording source by navigating to 'Edit' > 'Preferences' > 'Audio Settings' > 'Audio Host', and select 'Windows WASAPI' (or Core Audio on macOS).
Step 4. Click the Record button to start capturing the track.
Step 5. When the track finishes, stop recording and export it as MP3, WAV, or FLAC via 'File' > 'Export'.
👍 Pros:
• Completely free and open-source
• Cross-platform support (Windows/Mac/Linux)
• Export to multiple formats, including MP3, WAV, and FLAC
👎 Cons:
• Real-time recording only (slower process)
• No playlist or batch download support
• Configuration may be confusing for beginners
Part 4. FAQs About How to Download SoundCloud Music to Computer
Is it legal to download SoundCloud songs to my computer?
It depends on the source. Downloading songs that are publicly available or marked 'Downloadable' is legal. However, saving copyrighted content without permission for redistribution may violate SoundCloud's Terms of Service. Always use downloaded music for personal, offline use only. It is essential to respect artist copyrights at all times.
Are there any browser extensions to download SoundCloud songs to computer directly?
Yes, several browser extensions allow direct SoundCloud downloads, such as Chrome Audio Capture. Simply add the extension to Chrome, play a song on SoundCloud, and start the capture. The audio will then be saved locally to your computer as an MP3 or WAV file.
Can I change the bitrate or output format when downloading SoundCloud to computer?
Yes, you can change the bitrate or output format, but only by using third-party software. Standard online downloaders like SoundCloudDownloader or ScloudMP3 often allow MP3, WAV, FLAC, or M4A options. Specialized desktop tools like AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder allow you to adjust the bitrate up to 320kbps and choose various formats, including MP3, FLAC, WAV, and AIFF. Similarly, recording software like Audacity enables you to manually select the desired export format.
Why can't I download a SoundCloud song on PC even though the artist said it's free?
It may be caused by several reasons: the artist may have reached their download limit (free accounts are capped at 100 downloads); the track could be subject to region restrictions; or the issue might stem from temporary problems like account login issues, the upload having been replaced or updated, or SoundCloud temporarily blocking downloads for spam protection. Or the artist may simply have forgotten to enable the download option. You should try refreshing the page or logging in to your account again.
How do I fix SoundCloud download errors on PC?
Common fixes for SoundCloud download errors include standard troubleshooting steps such as clearing your browser cache, disabling any active VPN or proxy, or trying a different web browser. If the issue persists or the track is blocked, you can try using a dedicated online downloader or a more robust desktop recording tool like AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder.
Where are SoundCloud songs stored on my computer?
By default, songs downloaded from online sites or the web player are saved in your Downloads folder. If you use dedicated software like AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder or export files using Audacity, the songs will be stored in the custom output folder or export directory you specified in the tool's settings.
Conclusion
Downloading SoundCloud songs to your computer is easy once you understand the available options. Official downloads are the most legal and straightforward, but they depend on the artist's permissions. Online downloaders are free and convenient but limited in quality. For users who want high-quality MP3s or FLAC files, batch downloads, and complete control over audio output, third-party advanced desktop tools like AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder offer the most powerful and reliable solution.
Whether you're backing up your favorite mixes, preparing tracks for DJ software, or building a personal offline library, this guide covers every safe and effective method to download SoundCloud songs on your PC. But also remember to respect artists' copyrights and follow local laws.
Roger Kelly
Staff Editor
