SoundCloud is one of the largest platforms for discovering independent artists, DJ mixes, podcasts, and unique audio content. However, streaming music online is not always convenient, especially when you want to listen without an internet connection, organize your own music library, or play tracks on a FLAC-compatible music player.
That is why many users search for a reliable SoundCloud to FLAC converter to save their favorite tracks in a more flexible format. Compared with compressed audio formats like MP3, FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) keeps the original audio data without additional quality loss, making it popular among audiophiles, DJs, and music collectors.
So, what is the best way to download SoundCloud to FLAC? In this guide, we will introduce practical methods, compare desktop software and online tools, and show you how to choose the right SoundCloud FLAC converter for your needs.
There is one important thing to understand: converting SoundCloud music to FLAC does not automatically improve the original audio quality. If the source audio has already been compressed by SoundCloud (usually MP3 or AAC), converting it into FLAC only preserves the available quality rather than restoring lost details.
Part 1. How to Download SoundCloud Music as FLAC [Official]
Before using any third-party tools, it's worth checking whether SoundCloud itself supports FLAC downloads. Unfortunately, SoundCloud does not provide FLAC downloads, even for Go or Go+ subscribers. Users only get access to lossy AAC streaming or standard downloads.
Typically 128kbps MP3 for free users and 256kbps AAC for Go or Go+ subscribers.
In fact, unless a uploader explicitly shares their music in FLAC, there's no official way to download SoundCloud tracks in FLAC. Still, some creators offer direct downloads of their tracks in lossless formats. Here are steps to check for official SoundCloud FLAC downloads.
How to Download SoundCloud to FLAC Officially
Step 1. Visit the SoundCloud website and log in to your account.
Step 2. Search for the track you want to download that includes the tag 'FLAC downloadable', and open it.
Step 3. Scroll below the waveform and click the three-dot menu. If the artist enables downloads, you'll see a 'Download file' button.
Step 4. Click the button to start downloading the track, which may be available in FLAC format.
If the uploader has not enabled direct downloads, you can only use a third-party SoundCloud to FLAC converter to save the track offline in FLAC format. But be cautious, as we mentioned above, converting a lossy SoundCloud stream to FLAC does not restore the original lossless audio quality.
If a SoundCloud track does not include a "FLAC downloadable" tag, the file available for direct download may be in another format, such as WAV, MP3, or even FLAC, depending on the format originally uploaded by the creator.
Why Do People Convert SoundCloud Songs to FLAC?
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) preserves 100% of the audio quality while reducing file size, making it a perfect choice for professional editing, DJing, and offline high-resolution playback.
• Superior quality: FLAC maintains every detail of the original sound without compression loss.
• Professional editing: Producers and DJs prefer FLAC for mixing, mastering, and audio production.
• Better compatibility: FLAC files can be played on most media players and DJ software.
• Offline preservation: Even if a SoundCloud track is deleted, you can keep a permanent lossless copy.
When your favorite SoundCloud track doesn't include a download option, there are still some universal and effective tools to help you download SoundCloud to FLAC. In the following sections, we'll show you several reliable desktop and online methods to save SoundCloud music as FLAC easily and efficiently, even for downloading SoundCloud playlists into FLAC. Keep reading to explore your options.
Part 2. Best SoundCloud to FLAC Downloaders [Desktop]
As mentioned above, official FLAC downloads on SoundCloud are extremely limited. Therefore, using third-party desktop applications offers much greater flexibility and higher audio fidelity. These professional tools let you convert SoundCloud to FLAC or other lossless formats without quality degradation. They also support batch downloading, custom settings, and faster speeds. Desktop SoundCloud FLAC downloaders are more stable and reliable, especially when downloading long playlists, DJ sets, or entire albums in lossless quality.
Below are the top-rated desktop converters with detailed instructions.
Option 1. AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter (Top Recommendation)
AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter is one of the most powerful and versatile tools to capture and save SoundCloud tracks in lossless quality. Unlike ordinary SoundCloud FLAC downloaders, it downloads music directly from multiple streaming services - including SoundCloud, Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify - while preserving full fidelity and ID3 metadata. It also supports batch downloads, up to 65X faster speed, and real-time preview with its built-in web player.
In short, whether you need to convert single tracks or batch-convert a full SoundCloud playlist to FLAC, AudFree performs the job seamlessly with lossless fidelity at a lightning-fast speed.
Why Choose AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter?
- Convert SoundCloud to MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, and more
- Supports SoundCloud playlist to FLAC batch downloading at up to 65X speed
- Preserves 100% original quality (up to 640kbps or 192kHz) and ID3 tags
- Fully compatible with both Windows and macOS systems
How to Download SoundCloud as FLAC via AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter:
Follow the detailed guide below to use this excellent SoundCloud FLAC downloader to convert your favorite SoundCloud songs to FLAC. Before you begin, click the green button above to install the tool on your Mac or Windows computer.
- Step 1. Set up AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter
- After installing the program, launch it on your computer. Note that the free trial version only allows downloading the first 30 seconds of each track. To unlock full-length FLAC downloads from SoundCloud, you'll need to activate your account with a license.
- Step 2. Alter Output Settings for SoundCloud
- Hit the 'Settings' button at the bottom-left corner and select 'Conversion' to alter the SoundCloud output audio format FLAC and adjust some other parameters, such as bitrate, sample rate, and audio channels. Under the 'Output' tab, specify the destination folder for your converted files and enable ID3 tag export for better music organization.
See also: How to Download Soundcloud to WAV
- Step 3. Add SoundCloud Tracks to the Conversion List
- Return to the main interface, click the SoundCloud icon, and sign in to your account within the built-in web player. Browse and select the tracks, playlists, or albums you wish to download. Click the green '+' button to add them to the conversion list.
- Step 4. Start the Conversion Process
- Navigate to the 'Converting' section and hit the 'Convert' button to begin downloading your SoundCloud playlist in FLAC format. Once complete, go to the 'History' tab to view your SoundCloud FLAC downloads or open the output folder directly.
Now you've successfully downloaded SoundCloud songs to FLAC, ready to enjoy offline in pure lossless quality anytime, anywhere.
- Video Guide. How to Download SoundCloud FLAC Files via AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter
- Check out this video to see how to using the AudFree SoundCloud FLAC Downloader.
Supports FLAC and multiple popular audio formats;
Converts SoundCloud tracks and playlists in batches;
Preserves available audio quality from the source;
Keeps metadata such as title, artist, and cover artwork;
Provides a stable desktop workflow
Requires desktop software installation;
Free trial has limitations before upgrading to the full version (only first 30s)
Option 2. Audacity
Audacity is a powerful open-source audio recording program, also works as a basic SoundCloud-to-FLAC downloader. It records your computer's internal sound and lets you export it as FLAC. However, it requires manual configuration and cumbersome operations, unlike the automation and polish of AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter.
Steps to Download FLAC Music from SoundCloud:
Step 1. Install Audacity on your device and launch the program by opening it from your applications folder.
Step 2. Configure your computer's internal sound output as the recording input within Audacity's settings, following Edit > Preferences > Audio Settings > Windows WASAPI.
Step 3. Play the desired SoundCloud track, then start recording in Audacity to capture the live audio stream.
Step 4. Once the recording finishes, stop it and go to File > Export Audio.. > Export to Computer > Rename > Export as FLAC to save the high-quality file.
100% free and open-source software;
Supports multiple output formats;
Provides basic audio trimming and editing before saving
No batch downloading (must record in real-time, 1:1 speed);
Requires manual setup;
Does not save ID3 metadata or artwork automatically
Part 3. Top 4 Free Online SoundCloud to FLAC Converters
For users who prefer quick and simple solutions without installing software, online SoundCloud to FLAC converters are a great alternative. They're ideal for occasional downloads and smaller audio files. However, note that free online tools may come with certain limitations, such as lower speed, limited file size, or inconsistent FLAC quality.
Many online converters that claim to offer FLAC downloads may simply convert a compressed 128kbps or 256kbps MP3 stream into a .flac container. Although the file extension is FLAC, the audio quality is not truly lossless. These "fake FLAC" files do not contain the original high-resolution audio data and provide no real quality improvement.
Below are four functional web-based SoundCloud FLAC converters worth trying.
Option 1. SoundCloud to FLAC Online Website - SoundCloudrips
Site: https://soundcloudrips.com
SoundCloudrips is a popular web-based SoundCloud downloader that lets you save music tracks by simply pasting a SoundCloud URL. Its straightforward interface makes it suitable for quick single-track downloads.
However, FLAC availability depends on the original SoundCloud source and the converter's processing capabilities. In real-world testing, FLAC downloads were not always successful, while MP3 conversions generally worked more reliably.
How to Download High-Quality FLAC Files from SoundCloud via SoundCloudrips:
Step 1. Visit soundcloudrips.com.
Step 2. Copy and paste the URL of the SoundCloud track into the input box on the homepage.
Step 3. Choose the FLAC format if available.
Step 4. Click Download and wait for the FLAC file to be saved to your device.
No software installation required;
Simple interface for downloading individual tracks;
Works directly in a web browser
FLAC output is not always available;
Limited to one track per session;
Contains advertisements and pop-ups
Option 2. SoundCloud FLAC Downloader Online - Loader.To
Site: https://en.loader.to/4/
Loader.to is a multi-platform downloader that supports SoundCloud, YouTube, and many other music platforms. It allows you to choose FLAC as the output format, though actual sound quality may vary depending on the source and server processing. Some files may not deliver true lossless quality.
How to Download FLAC Songs from SoundCloud Using Loader.To:
Step 1. Go to loader.to.
Step 2. Paste your SoundCloud song or playlist URL into the input box.
Step 3. Select FLAC from the format dropdown menu.
Step 4. Click Download and wait for the file to process.
Step 5. Once ready, click the download link to save your FLAC file.
Supports SoundCloud playlists and multiple formats;
Free and easy to use;
No desktop application required
FLAC quality may vary depending on the source;
Processing speed can be slow during busy periods;
With some pop-ups and display advertisements;
May fail to convert
Option 3. SoundCloud to FLAC Converter Online - SoundCloudMP3
Site: https://soundcloudmp3.org
Despite its name, SoundCloudMP3 supports more than just MP3 conversion. For some SoundCloud tracks, it provides additional output formats such as FLAC.
The tool features a lightweight design and fast processing speed. However, available formats depend on the specific track and may not always include FLAC.
How to Download SoundCloud Songs as FLAC with SoundCloudMP3:
Step 1. Open soundcloudmp3.org.
Step 2. Paste your SoundCloud track URL into the search bar.
Step 3. Click Download and select FLAC if the option appears.
Step 4. Wait for the conversion process and click the link to download.
Lightweight and easy-to-use interface;
Quick conversion for supported tracks;
No installation required
FLAC output availability is inconsistent;
No playlist or batch download support;
May include pop-up advertisements
Option 4. SoundCloud FLAC Downloader Online - SoundCloudDL
Site: https://soundclouddl.cc
SoundCloudDL is a web-based SoundCloud downloader designed with a cleaner interface compared with many free online converters. It supports several audio formats, including FLAC, MP3, and M4A, and can process playlist links in some cases.
Its simple workflow makes it a convenient choice for users who want to quickly save SoundCloud tracks in higher-quality formats. However, FLAC availability still depends on the source track and conversion results.
Steps to Use SoundCloudDL to Save SoundCloud Songs as FLAC:
Step 1. Visit soundclouddl.cc website.
Step 2. Paste your SoundCloud track or playlist URL into the input field.
Step 3. Choose FLAC as the output format and select your preferred quality level.
Step 4. Press Enter to start the process, and the track will be automatically saved in FLAC to your download folder.
Clean and user-friendly interface;
Supports multiple audio formats including FLAC;
Allows playlist downloads for supported links;
Faster processing compared with many similar tools
Cannot download private SoundCloud tracks;
FLAC output is not guaranteed for every song;
Quality depends on the original SoundCloud audio source
Part 4. Comparison Table: Best Tools to Download SoundCloud to FLAC
Here's a quick comparison table summarizing the main features of the seven SoundCloud to FLAC download methods discussed above:
| Tool | Tool Type | Paid/Free | FLAC Support | SoundCloud Playlist to FLAC | Export Format | Batch Convert | Conversion Speed | Audio Quality | Metadata & ID3 Tags | Stability & Security | Ads/Popups | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoundCloud Web Player | Online | Free | Partial | ❌ | FLAC, WAV, MP3 | ❌ | ★★★☆☆ | Lossless (if uploaded) | Full Preservation | 100% Safe | None | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter | Desktop | Paid | ✅ | ✅ | FLAC, WAV, MP3, AIFF, etc. | ✅ | ★★★★★ | Lossless 192kHz/24bit | Full Auto-Preservation | 100% Safe & Stable | None | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Audacity | Desktop | Free | ✅ | ❌ | FLAC, MP3, WAV, etc. | ❌ | ★☆☆☆☆ | 320kbps | ❌ | Safe (Manual) | None | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| SoundCloudrips | Online | Free | ✅ | ❌ | FLAC, MP3, AAC, etc. | ❌ | ★★★☆☆ | 320kbps | ❌ | Low | High | ⭐⭐ |
| Loader.To | Online | Free | ✅ | ✅ | FLAC, MP3, AAC, etc. | ❌ | ★★☆☆☆ | 320kbps | ❌ | Medium to low | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| SoundCloudMP3 | Online | Free | ✅ | ❌ | FLAC, WAV, MP3 | ❌ | ★★★☆☆ | 320kbps | ❌ | Medium to low | High | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| SoundCloudDL | Online | Free | ✅ | ✅ | FLAC, M4A, MP3 | ❌ | ★★★★☆ | 320kbps | ❌ | Medium | None | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Overall, beyond the official method, online SoundCloud to FLAC converters are convenient for occasional downloads, but they cannot always guarantee genuine lossless audio quality. For users who want reliable high-quality conversion, batch downloading, and consistent output formats, desktop-based SoundCloud download tools are usually a more stable choice.
Part 5. FAQs about Converting SoundCloud to FLAC
Is it legal to convert SoundCloud songs to FLAC?
Downloading or converting SoundCloud songs to FLAC for personal offline listening is generally acceptable if the tracks are publicly available and free to download. However, sharing, redistributing, or selling those converted files may violate SoundCloud's Terms of Service and copyright laws. Always respect the rights of the original creators.
What is the best SoundCloud to FLAC converter in 2026?
After testing, the best overall converter is AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter, for its lossless FLAC output, batch downloads, and automatic metadata preservation. For free users, SoundCloudDL is a great web-based choice.
Are there any online tools to download SoundCloud tracks as other high-quality audio files besides FLAC?
Yes. Websites such as DoubleDouble allow users to save SoundCloud songs in other high-quality formats like M4A (256kbps) without needing to install software.
See also: How to Convert SoundCloud to M4A
Can I convert SoundCloud to FLAC using a Chrome extension?
No. While browser extensions like Addoncrop or CocoCut can capture SoundCloud tracks directly within your browser, they are generally limited to MP3 downloads. Extensions claiming to offer SoundCloud-to-FLAC conversion are often unreliable, unstable, and pose potential security risks. For consistent audio quality and a safe experience, it is best to rely on verified online tools or dedicated desktop software like AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter.
How to convert existing SoundCloud MP3 downloads to FLAC?
Can I download a full SoundCloud playlist to FLAC online for free?
Technically yes (like Loader.To or SoundCloudDL), but in reality, most free web converters crash or time out when forced to handle full playlists. If you want a seamless experience, skip the online tools and use a professional desktop program like AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter to save your SoundCloud playlist to FLAC.
How to import FLAC songs from SoundCloud to DJ software like Rekordbox or Virtual DJ?
Open Rekordbox or Virtual DJ. Navigate to the Library panel and click Import Tracks. Locate your downloaded SoundCloud FLAC files and drag them into your DJ library. The software will automatically analyze BPM, beats, and waveforms, allowing you to mix SoundCloud songs seamlessly during live performances.
See also:
• How to Add SoundCloud to Rekordbox
• How to Use SoundCloud on Virtual DJ
In Summary
Saving SoundCloud music as FLAC can be a practical way to create a personal offline music library, especially for users who enjoy DJ mixes, independent releases, and high-quality playback.
However, choosing the right tool matters. Many free SoundCloud to FLAC online converters are convenient but may offer unstable downloads, limited features, and unclear audio quality. They are better suited for occasional use rather than managing a large music collection.
For users who want a more reliable way to save tracks, playlists, and albums, a dedicated SoundCloud to FLAC converter like AudFree SoundCloud Music Converter provides more flexibility with FLAC output, batch processing, and metadata organization.
Whether you want to get SoundCloud FLAC downloads, save a complete playlist, or simply keep your favorite tracks available offline, using the right approach can help you build a better-managed music library.
Staff Editor
