Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SoundCloud VS PrivacyNotes

Compare SoundCloud VS PrivacyNotes and see what are their differences

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SoundCloud logo SoundCloud

Enjoy music & follow favourite artists

PrivacyNotes logo PrivacyNotes

Zero-knowledge encrypted notes, tasks, journals, files, and passwords in one app. Your keys never leave your device. One-time price, no subscription. Hosted in Switzerland.
Visit Website
  • SoundCloud Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-13
  • PrivacyNotes Journal
    Journal //
    2026-06-25
  • PrivacyNotes Settings
    Settings //
    2026-06-25
  • PrivacyNotes Website
    Website //
    2026-06-25

PrivacyNotes is a zero-knowledge encrypted workspace that brings your notes, tasks, journals, files, and passwords into one app, so you stop juggling four separate subscriptions.

Everything is encrypted on your device with XChaCha20-Poly1305 before it ever syncs. Your keys are derived from a recovery phrase that never touches our servers, so we cannot read your content, your filenames, or anything else. This is real zero-knowledge, not a marketing label.

Five pillars, one encrypted app:

  • Notes - a live markdown editor with note-to-note links, tags, and fast full-text search
  • Tasks - native checklists and task management next to your notes
  • Journals - daily entries with built-in mood, sleep, and medication tracking
  • Files - an encrypted vault for images, audio, and attachments
  • Vault - lock sensitive notes and logins behind a PIN or biometrics

Built for privacy, not surveillance:

  • No ads, no trackers, no analytics, ever
  • Sign in anonymously with a recovery phrase or with Google. No email or personal details required.
  • Open core: the encryption layer and database schema are published for independent review
  • Burn notes: self-destructing shares the server cannot read

Pricing that respects you:

  • Free covers every pillar with two-device sync and offline use
  • Pro is a one-time free, not a subscription, adding unlimited devices, note history, and more storage
  • Optional storage add-ons when you need them

Works on web, macOS, and soon iOS, Android, Windows and Linux with a responsive mobile layout. Import from Apple Notes, Standard Notes, Google Keep, Obsidian, and markdown in a few clicks.

SoundCloud

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
2007 January
Startup details
Country
Germany
State
Berlin
City
Berlin
Founder(s)
Alexander Ljung
Employees
250 - 499

PrivacyNotes

$ Details
freemium $48.0 / One-off (Early adopter price)
Platforms
MacOS Web Firefox Google Chrome Edge Safari
Release Date
2026 June
Startup details
Country
Switzerland
Employees
1 - 9

SoundCloud features and specs

  • User-friendly Interface
    SoundCloud features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that makes it accessible for users of all technological proficiencies.
  • Free Access
    Users can upload, listen to, and share music for free, making it a cost-effective platform for both listeners and creators.
  • Discoverability
    SoundCloud's extensive library and recommendation algorithms make it easy for users to discover new and emerging artists.
  • Community Engagement
    The platform allows for comments and likes on individual tracks, facilitating direct interaction between artists and listeners.
  • Emerging Artistsโ€™ Platform
    It offers a great starting point for emerging artists to gain exposure without needing a record deal.
  • Integration with Other Services
    SoundCloud can be easily integrated with social media platforms and other music services, enhancing its usability.
  • Access to a Wide Variety of Music
    Free Music Downloads on platforms like SoundCloud offer users access to a diverse range of music genres and artists, including emerging talent and niche genres that may not be available on traditional music platforms.
  • Cost-Effectiveness
    Downloading music for free can save listeners money compared to subscribing to paid music services or purchasing albums, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
  • Offline Listening
    Free music downloads allow listeners to enjoy their music offline, which is useful for situations where internet access is limited or unavailable.
  • Discovery of New Artists
    Platforms offering free music downloads often feature independent or lesser-known artists, providing users with the opportunity to discover new music that they might not hear on mainstream platforms.
  • Discovery of New Music
    SoundCloud Charts provide a platform for users to discover trending music across a wide range of genres, helping listeners find new tracks and artists.
  • Support for Emerging Artists
    By showcasing tracks that are popular on the platform, SoundCloud Charts offer visibility to emerging artists who may not have access to traditional music promotion channels.
  • Genre Variety
    The charts cover a diverse range of genres, allowing users to explore different styles of music and expand their listening habits.
  • Real-Time Updates
    The charts are updated regularly, providing users with the most current trends and popular tracks on the platform.

Possible disadvantages of SoundCloud

  • Limited Earnings for Artists
    The monetization options available on SoundCloud are generally less lucrative compared to other platforms like Spotify or Apple Music.
  • Sound Quality
    Some users report that SoundCloud's audio quality is not as high as other streaming services.
  • Limited Offline Access
    While there is an option to download tracks for offline listening, this feature is restricted to SoundCloud Go+ subscribers.
  • Search Function Limitations
    The search function can sometimes be cluttered or not very accurate, making it difficult to find specific tracks or artists.
  • Copyright Issues
    Users sometimes upload copyrighted material without authorization, which can lead to tracks being taken down.
  • Ad-Frequency
    Free users may experience a high frequency of ads, which can disrupt the listening experience.
  • Quality and Legality Concerns
    Free music downloads can sometimes involve tracks that are of lower audio quality or are shared without proper licensing, raising issues regarding legality and artist compensation.
  • Limited Selection
    While there is a wide variety of music available for free, some popular or mainstream artists may not offer their tracks for free download, limiting the selection for certain users.
  • Lack of Support for Artists
    By downloading music for free, users may not be financially supporting the artists, which can impact their ability to continue producing music, especially for independent musicians.
  • Potential for Viruses or Malware
    Downloading music from unverified sources can pose the risk of infecting devices with viruses or malware, emphasizing the need for caution and security measures.
  • Popularity Bias
    The charts tend to favor music that aligns with mainstream tastes, potentially overlooking niche or experimental tracks.
  • Algorithm Limitations
    The algorithm that determines chart rankings may not accurately capture the quality or artistic merit of tracks, focusing more on play counts and engagement.
  • Limited User Personalization
    The charts don't always account for individual user preferences, presenting a general list that may not cater to specific musical tastes.
  • Potential for Short-Lived Fame
    Songs on the charts may experience a rapid rise and fall in popularity, offering only temporary visibility for artists.

PrivacyNotes features and specs

  • Privacy-focused
    PrivacyNotes is designed with privacy as a core principle, aiming to keep your notes secure and away from third-party access, which appeals to users concerned about data confidentiality.
  • Encryption
    The service typically emphasizes encryption to protect note content, meaning your data is scrambled and less vulnerable to unauthorized reading if intercepted or stored.
  • Ephemeral notes
    Many privacy note services offer self-destructing or temporary notes that automatically delete after being read or after a set time, reducing the digital footprint left behind.
  • Simple and lightweight
    Such tools often provide a clean, minimal interface focused on quick note creation and sharing without unnecessary features, making it easy to use.
  • No account required
    Privacy-oriented note apps frequently allow you to create and share notes without registration, lowering the barrier to entry and reducing personal data collection.

Analysis of SoundCloud

Overall verdict

  • SoundCloud is generally considered a good platform, especially for music discovery and supporting up-and-coming artists. Its value largely depends on individual preferences: it's excellent for those seeking new and diverse sounds but might not offer the same convenience or catalog size as some mainstream streaming services. For creators, it provides accessible publishing tools and a supportive community.

Why this product is good

  • SoundCloud offers a unique platform for musicians, podcasters, and audio creators to upload and share their work with a global audience. It is particularly well-known for its community-driven approach, allowing emerging artists to connect directly with listeners and gain organic exposure. The platform supports a wide variety of genres and underground music scenes, which are often underrepresented on mainstream platforms. It also provides diverse features like playlists, reposting, and comments to enhance user interaction.

Recommended for

  • Emerging musicians and artists looking to share their work.
  • Listeners interested in discovering new, indie, or underground music.
  • Podcasters and audio creators seeking an accessible platform for distribution.
  • Fans of diverse musical genres not readily available on mainstream platforms.

Analysis of PrivacyNotes

Overall verdict

  • I don't have verified, specific information about PrivacyNotes (privacynotes.app) to make a reliable assessment of its quality, security practices, or features. I cannot confirm details about its encryption methods, privacy policy, company background, or user reviews.

Why this product is good

  • Unable to verify claims about encryption or zero-knowledge architecture without independent confirmation
  • No access to current user reviews, ratings, or reputation data for this specific service
  • Cannot confirm company legitimacy, ownership, or track record
  • Unable to verify uptime, reliability, or actual security audit results
  • No information available on pricing structure or terms of service specifics

Recommended for

  • Before using, research independently via security audit reports if available
  • Check for third-party security reviews or penetration testing results
  • Verify the company's privacy policy and data handling practices directly on their site
  • Look for user reviews on independent platforms rather than relying on marketing claims
  • Consider established, well-audited alternatives if handling highly sensitive information

SoundCloud videos

Spotify vs Soundcloud - An Honest Comparison

More videos:

  • Review - Is Soundcloud Free | How It Works and Is Soundcloud Right For You
  • Review - Is Soundcloud Go Worth It?

PrivacyNotes videos

No PrivacyNotes videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SoundCloud and PrivacyNotes)
Music Streaming
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100
Music
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing SoundCloud and PrivacyNotes.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

Honestly? We have no idea, and that is the entire point. Signup is anonymous (a recovery phrase or Google, no email or personal details), the app ships zero analytics and zero trackers, and zero-knowledge encryption means we cannot see who you are or what you store. We could not name a single customer if we tried. A privacy product that tracked its users closely enough to brag about them would be missing the plot.

What makes your product unique?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

PrivacyNotes is the only zero-knowledge encrypted workspace that keeps notes, tasks, journals, files, and a password vault behind one set of on-device keys. Most privacy apps do one of those well and rent it to you monthly. We do all five, encrypt everything with XChaCha20-Poly1305 before it leaves your device, and charge once instead of forever. The encryption core is open core, published so the claims can be verified rather than trusted.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

Three reasons:

  • One app, not four subscriptions. Standard Notes, Day One, and Lunatask each rent you a slice (notes, journaling, tasks). PrivacyNotes covers all of them plus files and a vault, for a fair one-time fee.
  • Real zero-knowledge. Your keys come from a recovery phrase that never touches our servers, so we cannot read your notes, your filenames, or your metadata. Some encrypted apps leave note or task metadata in the clear; we do not.
  • Verifiable, not just trusted. The crypto and schema are open core and published for review, and there is no ad, tracker, or analytics anywhere in the app.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

Privacy-conscious individuals and independent professionals who handle information they would not want a vendor reading: lawyers, journalists, healthcare and mental-health practitioners, developers, security specialists, researchers, and founders. It also fits anyone who simply wants one private home for their notes, tasks, journaling, and wellness tracking instead of spreading them across surveillance-funded apps.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

React, TypeScript, Vite and Tailwind CSS.

What's the story behind your product?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

PrivacyNotes started from a simple frustration: staying organized meant scattering your life across half a dozen apps, most of which could read everything you typed and billed you monthly for the privilege. We wanted one place for notes, tasks, journals, files, and passwords, encrypted so thoroughly that the people running the servers could not read a word of it, and paid for once rather than forever. So we built the encryption first, made the keys live only on your device, and published the crypto as open core so the promise could be checked, not just believed. Everything else grew from one rule: your data is yours, and no one else's to mine.

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SoundCloud and PrivacyNotes

SoundCloud Reviews

  1. Maksym Moskalenko
    ยท Founder at Mixcode.io ยท
    The best audio streaming service on the market

    Great for both music producers and music labels. It's robust and very convenient.

  2. FaizaAdeel
    ยท Owner at Peacock.collection11 ยท
    Diverse Music Community

    SoundCloud stands out as a unique platform, fostering a diverse music community and providing a platform for emerging artists. Despite minor drawbacks like ad interruptions and discoverability challenges, it remains a valuable resource for those seeking a wide range of musical content.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Spotify
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Unlimited uploads|Community engagement|Free tier with ads|Versatile content
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Ad interruptions in free version|Discoverability challenges|Quality disparities

Spotify Vs. Others 29 Music Apps-which One is The Better?
SoundCloud is a unique platform that allows users to upload, promote, and share their music. It is particularly popular among independent artists and creators, offering a diverse range of genres and tracks that may not be available on mainstream platforms. SoundCloudโ€™s community-driven approach enables users to discover new music through reposts, comments, and interactions.
The Best Spotify Alternatives In Music[Top 10]
SoundCloud is a unique music streaming platform that focuses on independent artists and creators. With a vast library of user-generated content, SoundCloud offers a diverse range of music, podcasts, and audio tracks. Its โ€œDiscoverโ€ feature uses machine learning to recommend music based on user preferences, while its โ€œUploadโ€ feature allows artists to share their own music...
Best Spotify Alternatives In The World [Top 10] 2024
SoundCloud hosts over 200 million files, including songs and podcasts, making it a hotspot for emerging indie artists. While Spotify offers a curated experience with mainstream artists, SoundCloud fosters a vibrant community for discovering new talent and engaging with user-generated content.
Top 10 Spotify Alternatives (Free/Paid) โ€“ 2024
Yes, you can find new music with Spotify alternatives and with options such as SoundCloud. You can check the genre and find new music for your taste.
9 Best Free Music Download Sites in 2022
As a professional tip, we recommend you use Soundcloud and Geekersoft YouTube to MP3 to download music for free. However, the final choice is entirely up to you! If you have any suggestions, please share your feedback with us.

PrivacyNotes Reviews

  1. Feature rich

    The best thing about this: No subscription model, it's a one-time fee for a lifetime license. But you can start for free with the generous freemium model. I only needed to upgrade to pro because I wanted to use the app on my phone, laptop and desktop. Highly recommended! Btw, it's a perfect markdown editor as well, not sure why they don't emphasize this more.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SoundCloud seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 95 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

SoundCloud mentions (95)

  • Stream Miror B's Grav Drive Spool by Third Cow
    Https : // soundcloud . Com / third-octave / miror-bs-grav-drive-spool. Source: over 2 years ago
  • How can I get the soundcloud downloading of a playlist to sleep?
    Yt-dlp --add-header Authorization: "" https://soundcloud.com/. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Bi-Weekly Discussion Thread - Find language partners, ask questions, and get accent feedback - July 12, 2023
    Go to Vocaroo, Soundcloud or Clypit and record your voice. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Recent DNS issues?
    Seems like after the update to 2023.4 I am unable to access certain websites. It may have nothing to do with the latest release. But I cannot access (for example) soundcloud.com or arcboosts.com from any server I try from. Never had this issue before, and not happening on other devices with vpn turned off. Tried with both dns ad blocking on and off within the mullvad ui. Source: about 3 years ago
  • 403 Error?
    The app works fine, along with w.souncloud.com links which are embeds. All help links work, but the moment you try to go to the normal soundcloud.com, it gives that error. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

PrivacyNotes mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of PrivacyNotes yet. Tracking of PrivacyNotes recommendations started around Jun 2026.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SoundCloud and PrivacyNotes, you can also consider the following products

Spotify - Map shows when two people play same song at same time

Standard Notes - A safe place for your notes, thoughts, and life's work

Last.fm - The world's largest online music service. Listen online, find out more about your favourite artists, and get music recommendations, only at Last.fm

Apple Notes - Apple Notes functions as a service for making short text notes.

Deezer - Deezer is a music streaming app created in France. It is available in 180 counties and gets 16 million users a month. 6 million of the users have paid subscriptions. Read more about Deezer.

Simplenote - The simplest way to keep notes. Light, clean, and free. Simplenote is now available for iOS, Android, Mac, and the web.