SHOUTcast vs Icecast

Choose by features and player compatibility.

SHOUTcastIcecast
SoftwareFree-to-use streaming server from SHOUTcastOpen-source streaming server (GPL)
Audio formatsMP3, AACMP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, Opus
Station directorySHOUTcast directory listingIcecast (Xiph) directory listing
Multiple streamsSeveral stream IDs on one serverMultiple mount points on one server
Best forMaximum player compatibility and SHOUTcast directory reachOpen formats, flexible mount points and low-bandwidth Opus streams

Who uses Ucartz radio hosting?

Stay on air

AzuraCast station with free basic support and engineers on call

A silent stream loses listeners fast. Every AzuraCast station includes Free Basic Managed Support, and if something bigger breaks, or you want new features, you can call in a streaming engineer for one job without signing a support contract.

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Included free

Free Basic Managed Support

Complimentary, best-effort help with quick tasks of about 5 minutes: panel access, stream and port checks, encoder connection help, DNS pointing, service restarts and first-level troubleshooting.

What is included →
Pay as you go

Plug-and-play expert help

AutoDJ setup, migrations, relays, custom players or emergency recovery. From $8 per 15 minutes or $28 per hour, only when you need it.

See on-demand support →
Projects

AI, automation & custom builds

Grow the station: automated scheduling, listener stats dashboards, website and app players, and n8n or AI workflows for show prep and social posts.

Plan a project →

Frequently asked questions

What is AzuraCast?

Azuracast is an open-source radio broadcasting platform that delivers a high-quality, automated listening experience for your audience.

How do I set up an SSL radio stream with AzuraCast?

Azuracast has built-in SSL support, so you don't need to do anything additional to get radiossl. It's free and easy to setup with Azuracast.

Is AutoDJ available in AzuraCast?

Azuracast control panel offers Auto DJ feature that is perfect for radio hosting. An Auto DJfeature makes it simple to keep your station running 24/7.

Does AzuraCast include a built-in web player?

Azuracast offers an inbuilt radio player that can be used to play music and podcasts. The player has a simple, clean interface that is easy to use and , you can easily add a radio player to your website without any hassle.

Is AzuraCast radio hosting set up instantly?

Azuracast Radio Hosting requires manual set up. It might take up to 10-16 hours to set up your radio account.

Do you offer a free trial of AzuraCast radio hosting?

There is no free trial, but your first AzuraCast radio hosting order has a 30-day money-back guarantee: if the service is not right for you, ask for a refund within the first 30 days.

Is there a refund policy for AzuraCast radio hosting?

Yes. Your first AzuraCast radio hosting order has a 30-day money-back guarantee: if you are not satisfied, ask for a refund within the first 30 days. The guarantee covers your first purchase of the service at Ucartz. Dedicated servers, domains, Hire an Expert and other solution services are not covered. See section 8 of our Terms.

What does “Unlimited” mean in SHOUTcast and Icecast streaming?

At Ucartz, “Unlimited” means you don’t have a fixed limit on listener count or data transfer within fair usage. It allows your station to run continuously without worrying about preset caps. However, as streaming services share system resources, every account must comply with our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to ensure stable performance for all users.

Does unlimited mean truly infinite usage?

Not exactly. “Unlimited” doesn’t mean unlimited in a literal sense. It means your usage can scale reasonably, provided it remains within acceptable operational limits. Our servers are optimized for typical online radio workloads: streaming audio, running AutoDJ, and hosting playlists. Extremely heavy disk usage, excessive AutoDJ storage, or abnormal bandwidth consumption may require a review or upgrade to a higher plan or dedicated environment. For detailed information, please review the Ucartz Unlimited Usage Policies on our AUP page.

Are there any restrictions on AutoDJ, disk space, or bandwidth?

You can freely upload music and operate AutoDJ 24/7, but streaming accounts must follow fair-use limits. Continuous uploading of large files, occupying excessive disk space, or generating unusually high port-level bandwidth can affect other users’ performance and may result in temporary restrictions or plan upgrades. Our goal is to maintain consistent quality and uptime across all clients. Please check the Disk and Bandwidth Usage section in our Acceptable Use Policy for more details.

How do you monitor fair usage?

We continuously monitor server health to ensure every broadcaster enjoys a smooth experience. If your account’s resource usage affects others, we’ll reach out to optimize your setup or recommend a dedicated plan.

Where can I read the complete Unlimited Policy?

You can review the full Unlimited Usage Policy under our Acceptable Use Policy, Section 8, at AUP#8.

Is support included with my AzuraCast station?

Yes. Free Basic Managed Support gives you complimentary, best-effort help with quick tasks of about 5 minutes, such as panel access, stream and port checks, encoder connection help and DNS pointing.

Can I get a streaming engineer for a one-off job?

Yes. Book help for AutoDJ setup, migrations, relays or emergency recovery from $8 per 15 minutes or $28 per hour, with no monthly commitment.

Can Ucartz automate parts of running my station?

Yes. We build scheduling, reporting and social-posting automations with n8n and AI tools, connected to your streaming panel.

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