SoundCatch vs Shazam: Which One Should You Use?
Shazam is the most famous song finder in the world, and for good reason. But it does one thing: recognise recorded music that's playing right now. Here's how it compares with SoundCatch, and when each one is the better pick.
The quick comparison
| SoundCatch | Shazam | |
|---|---|---|
| Hum, sing or whistle | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Recorded music playing nearby | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Song in a saved video (TikTok, Reel) | ✅ Upload the file | ❌ Must play it out loud |
| Works without installing an app | ✅ Any browser | ❌ App (or Chrome extension) |
| Songs playing on your computer | ✅ Browser + Chrome extension | ✅ Mac app + Chrome extension |
| Price | 1 song free, then $1.99 for 10 or $3.99/month | Free |
Shazam's strengths are real: it's free, very fast, and built into the iPhone (Control Center and Siri both use it).
Try the one that hears humming
Hum, listen or upload a video, right in your browser. First song free.
Try SoundCatch →When Shazam is the better choice
- The song is playing right now and you have the app installed.
- You use Apple Music, since Shazam is made by Apple and adds songs to your library in one tap.
- You identify lots of songs every day and want it free.
When SoundCatch is the better choice
- The song is only in your head. Shazam can't recognise humming at all, because it matches the exact recording. SoundCatch matches the melody you hum.
- The song is in a saved TikTok, Reel or screen recording: upload the file instead of playing it out loud.
- You're on a borrowed phone, a school laptop or a Chromebook and can't install apps. SoundCatch runs in the browser.
- You want to identify a song in a browser tab with headphones on: the SoundCatch Chrome extension listens to the tab itself.
The verdict
Use Shazam for recorded music when you have it installed. Use SoundCatch when the song is stuck in your head, hidden in a saved video, or you can't install anything. Plenty of people keep both.
FAQ
Can Shazam find a song by humming?
No. Shazam only recognises recorded music. To find a song by humming, use SoundCatch, Google's hum to search or SoundHound.
Is SoundCatch free?
Your first song is free with no account. After that, get 10 songs for $1.99 (one-time), or SoundCatch Pro for $3.99 a month or $19.99 a year for unlimited songs.
Find your song now
Hum it, play it, or upload a video. Your first song is free, no account needed.
Find my song →Read more: Does Shazam Work With Humming? · 7 Shazam Alternatives in 2026 · Shazam for Desktop: How to Identify Songs Playing in Your Browser · All guides
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