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

online radio station with free basic support and engineers on call

A silent stream loses listeners fast. Every online radio 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 an online radio station?

An online radio station is a radio station that broadcasts its signal over the internet.

Why do people listen to online radio stations?

People listen to online radio stations because they can usually find a station that specializes in the type of music they like, and they can listen from anywhere in the world.

Why would someone want to start an online radio station?

There are many reasons why someone might want to start an online radio station, such as reaching a larger audience, having more control over the content, and not having to worry about airtime or don't want to spend too much money to setup an online station.

Can I customize my SHOUTcast server requirement?

Yes, we do offer SHOUTcast servers as per the client's needs. Suppose if we are unable to achieve the requested configuration, we still try to get an equivalent or matching hardware to the requirement.

How can an online radio station be successful?

An online radio station can be successful by offering quality programming, promoting the station, and providing a way for listeners to interact.

How do online radio stations impact customer retention?

Online radio stations can impact customer retention by providing a convenient way for customers to listen to their favorite station without any distractions.

Is there a free trial for online radio hosting?

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

Can I embed the SHOUTcast stream on my website?

Yes, you can. All our Radio control panels offer embedded widget code to easily embed the stream player on your website.

Is support included with my online radio 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.