5 SoundBetter Alternatives for Music Producers

Producers are often wondering where to sell their services, where to find collabs or where to hire talented professionals to help them. While SoundBetter has been a popular choice for many, there are today several alternatives worth exploring:

1. AirGigs

The most popular alternative to SoundBetter is probably AirGigs. It offers a very similar types of services, including session musicians, vocalists, producers, or mixing and mastering engineers. Overall, it would feel like SoundBetter is more targeted to established professionals and higher-budget projects, while AirGigs offers a more diverse range of levels, services and professionals. It even allows to book lessons!

Key Differences:

• 3% transaction fee + 7% service fee for the seller on SoundBetter VS 10-15% flat fee on transactions on AirGigs.
• Stricter vetting on SoundBetter VS Broader range of talent levels on AirGigs.
• SoundBetter is mainly focused on helping you "finish your songs" while AirGigs also offers services like lessons, podcasts, videos...

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a jack-of-all-trades freelancing platform that is now progressing into the music production space. Unlike SoundBetter's laser focus on audio professionals, Fiverr offers a smorgasbord of creative services, with music production being just one slice of the pie.

Key Differences:

• Affordability. With services starting as low as $5, you can definitely find cheap options on Fiverr.
• SoundBetter offers a stricter vetting process while Fiverr relies exclusively on its review system.
• Fiverr is even more flexible in its offering than AirGigs. The sky is the limit.

3. Kompoz

Kompoz is a different philosophy. It's collaboration-focused platform that allows musicians and producers to work together on tracks remotely. It's an excellent option for those looking to find complementary skills or contribute to ongoing projects.

Key Differences:

• On Kompoz you're not hiring people, you're finding like-minded musicians to create with.
• Unlike SoundBetter's focus on individual professionals, Kompoz organizes everything around projects. You can start a track, open it up for contributions, and watch as drummers, bassists, and vocalists from around the world add their magic.
• SoundBetter's model is straightforward: you hire, you own. Kompoz navigates trickier waters with built-in tools for managing rights and royalties among collaborators, essential for its project-based approach.

4. LinkedIn

We may be forgetting about his one but while not specifically designed for music production, LinkedIn has become increasingly popular for professional networking in the music industry, especially among established audio professionals.

Key Differences:

• Well, it's LinkedIn...

5. Plug.gd

Warning: Currently for French speakers only.

Plug.gd is a new platform similar to AirGigs, but more precisely taylored to the French music scene. It also aims at being more of a social platform bringing together a community of like-minded musicians than a pure marketplace.

Key Differences:

• Mainly targeted to the French music scene.
• As much a community as a marketplace.
• 10% flat fee on transactions.

Conclusion

While SoundBetter remains a strong option in the music production space, these alternatives each offer their own features and positionings, better suited to different needs and preferences.

If you're starting, you should probably test the waters and try different platforms before committing. By diversifying your options, you will increase your chances of finding the perfect match for your music production needs.