The iPhone and iPad Blog by Simon

Music in my ears, music everywhere—that’s why the perks of having a VPN mean a lot to me because I can access Spotify anytime. Whilst I’m satisfied with the service, plus the Beat app I downloaded for the songs in the phone, I checked SoundCloud Downloader Pro to see if it is qualified to stay in my music apps folder.

What is the app?

SoundCloud Downloader Pro is a freemium app by Tim Trinkies that allows users to explore new music and download them directly to their smartphones. Listeners can play music even in offline mode, but they can only download an audio that is filtered as "downloadable"—otherwise, it is streamed.

How does it work?

The title app, product description and screenshots look enticing, until you download it yourself to really see how it works. The first time that I saw the title app, I thought I could download any music, which would definitely involve legal issues—errr, piracy.

Here’s the real deal on SoundCloud Downloader Pro: the app only allows the user to download music (that are filtered) such as covers, remixes and acoustic versions of the original tracks or renditions of other artists (both amateurs and pros; others were just recorded using a smartphone) but not the original track.

Original tracks of music artists can be streamed via SoundCloud. As the app says, "Please respect the artist!" Type in the name or title of the song and toggle the "Filter downloadable" for downloadable songs.

Either you listen (stream) the original tracks or download the covers, renditions and remixes of both budding and pro music artists and DJs: that’s what you get.

The free version doesn’t support the album artwork and comes with limited features such as the app stops playing the music if you switch to other apps.

If the music isn’t downloadable, it will open a browser within the app that directs you to the link of the audio. You don’t have to log in your SoundCloud details.

Unlocking the Pro version will spare you from the random ads that keep on popping, whilst listening, album artworks, fast-forward and rewind features, music controls and HQ downloads are available.

Is it noteworthy?

It is understandable that the monetisation strategy of the developer comes from the Pro version. If you’re an active SoundCloud user and would love to explore new music remixes, podcasts and renditions, this app is for you.

Whilst the concept is good, I think the developer should add valuable features aside from the abovementioned. There are no social media buttons that allow me to share what I’m listening to my friends, and overall, the free version features what it promises: limited functions. In order to enjoy and maximise it, you really need to unlock the Pro version.

Is the $1.99 worth it? No, unless the developer adds more features, cosmetic rewards and other add-ons to make it unique and would compel me to stick with it forever. Since I unlocked the Pro, my verdict on the app’s overall is 6.5/10.

You can try the free version; download it via iTunes direct link. I’m giving it my 3.5 stars.

This article, App Review: SoundCloud Downloader Pro Lets You Explore and Listen to Music Offline, was originally published at simonblog.com.