Sound trap | Music Gateway | Review
Sound trap | Music Gateway | Review
Let’s explore Soundtrap, Spotify’s cloud-based music production and recording platform.
In this guide, you’ll learn about its features, pricing, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against popular alternatives like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and GarageBand.
What is Sound Trap?
Soundtrap is a web-based and mobile-friendly digital audio workstation (DAW) launched by Spotify in 2013.
Originally adopted by schools for music education, it has since evolved into a versatile tool for musicians, podcasters, and creators of all skill levels.
You can record and mix directly from your browser or through the mobile app (available for iOS and Android).
While the desktop browser version is great for laptops, the app works well for tablets and smartphones.
A free plan is available, but premium subscriptions unlock additional sounds, effects, and collaboration features.
Soundtrap Review – Key Features
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
Soundtrap’s built-in DAW allows users to record, edit, mix, and master music.
It supports MIDI editing and includes essential features such as a metronome and intuitive sequencing tools.
Autotune & Automation
Paid users get access to Antares-powered auto-tune for pitch correction, as well as automation controls for volume, panning, and filter sweeps.
Virtual Instruments & Loops
Soundtrap offers a range of virtual instruments—drums, guitars, synths, keyboards—and an extensive loop library for quick music creation.
Patterns Beatmaker
For beat-making, the Patterns Beatmaker provides a grid-based interface to sequence drum sounds with ease.
Cloud Collaboration
All the projects are saved in the cloud, allowing real-time partnership.
Creators can share links, leave time-stamped comments, use in-app video chat, and edit tracks simultaneously from anywhere.
Podcasting with Storyteller
The Storyteller package offers podcast-specific tools like multi-track recording, live remote interviews, transcription for easy editing, and direct publishing to Spotify.
Is Sound trap Free?
Yes—Sound trap offers a free plan with:
- Access to the DAW
- 430 instruments and sounds
- 4,750 loops
- 150,000+ sound effects
- Unlimited projects
While this is great for beginners, premium tiers provide higher sound quality, more loops, virtual instruments, and professional tools like auto-tune.
Soundtrap Pricing
- Music Makers Premium – £6.49/month
- 20,000+ loops, 890 instruments
- Auto-tune, time restore, and expansion packs
- Music Makers Supreme – £9.99/month
- Everything in Premium plus more loops, instruments, priority mixing, and high-quality downloads
- Soundtrap for Storytellers – £9.99/month
- Podcasting tools, transcripts, automation, remote interviews, and direct Spotify publishing
- Soundtrap Complete – £10.99/month
- All features from Supreme + Storytellers
Students may be eligible for free premium access through their school or university.
Is Soundtrap Good? – Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Strong remote collaboration tools
- Large library of loops and sounds
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Cloud storage for easy access anywhere
Drawbacks
- Advanced features behind a paywall
- Some performance issues with the mobile app
- Limited customization in the free version
- Not as feature-rich as high-end DAWs like Pro Tools
How Soundtrap Compares to Other DAWs
- Logic Pro – Professional-grade for Mac users, more complex but still affordable compared to Pro Tools
- GarageBand – Completely free, more advanced mastering tools, but Apple-only, and lacks Soundtrap’s cross-platform accessibility
Final Verdict
Sound trap is an excellent entry-level DAW for anyone looking to create music or podcasts without investing in expensive software.
While professionals may find its tools limited compared to high-end DAWs, its collaborative features, ease of use, and solid free plan make it a great choice for students, hobbyists, and content creators.
FAQs
- What exactly is Soundtrap?
The online digital audio workstation (DAW) created by Spotify is Soundtrap. It allows you to record, edit, mix, and share music or podcasts directly from your web browser or mobile device. Unlike traditional DAWs, Soundtrap runs in the cloud, meaning your projects are stored online and can be accessed from anywhere.
It’s popular among musicians, podcasters, educators, and beginners because it’s easy to use and doesn’t require powerful hardware.
Is Soundtrap free to use?
Soundtrap provides a free of charge plan with important features. The free version gives you access to:
- 4,750 loops and 430 instruments
- Unlimited projects
- Basic sound effects
- Cloud project storage
However, to unlock premium tools like Antares Auto-Tune, automation, high-quality exports, and a larger loop library, you’ll need to subscribe to a paid plan.
- Can I use Soundtrap without downloading anything?
Yes. Soundtrap works entirely in your web browser—no downloads required for desktop use. You simply log into your account and start creating. There’s also a mobile app available for iOS and Android if you prefer working on the go.
Does Soundtrap work offline?
Not really. Since Soundtrap is a cloud-based platform, you’ll need an internet connection to access your projects and collaborate. While you can temporarily use it offline for minor edits if your browser supports it, most features—including saving changes—require internet access.
- Can I collaborate with other people on Soundtrap?
Yes! Collaboration is one of Soundtrap’s strongest features. You can invite friends or team members to join your project by sharing a link. They can record, edit, and comment on the track in real time, similar to how Google Docs works for documents. There’s also a built-in video chat for direct communication.
Is Soundtrap good for podcasting?
Absolutely. Soundtrap offers a Storytellers package designed for podcasters. It includes:
- Multi-track recording
- Remote interview tools
- Automatic transcription for editing
- Easy publishing to Spotify
This makes it a great all-in-one tool for podcast production without needing extra software.
- Does Soundtrap support MIDI?
Yes. You can connect MIDI keyboards or controllers to Soundtrap to record notes and control virtual instruments. The MIDI editor also lets you manually adjust notes, timing, and velocity for more precise arrangements.
Can I export my Soundtrap projects?
Yes. You can export your projects as MP3, WAV, or MIDI files depending on your subscription plan. Paid users also get the option to export in high-quality, uncompressed formats suitable for professional use.
- How does Soundtrap compare to GarageBand, Logic Pro, or Pro Tools?
- GarageBand is free but Apple-only; Soundtrap is cross-platform and cloud-based.
- Logic Pro is more advanced but also more complex and requires a Mac.
- Pro Tools is the industry standard for professionals, but it has a steep learning curve and higher costs.
Soundtrap stands out for its accessibility, ease of use, and collaboration features, making it perfect for beginners and remote teams.
