Over the last decade, podcast listeners have increased from 12% of the population to 42%. So if you’re thinking of starting a podcast, your audience is out there somewhere. But with millions of podcasts online today, the podcast hosting platform you choose will make a difference when it comes to connecting with the right listeners.
We’ll cover the top podcast hosting platforms, including some you may not have heard about before. We’ll also help you determine the best podcast platforms based on price, features, pros, and cons.
When you’re done reading this blog, you’ll know which of the podcast hosting services you want to use for your own podcast. You can either read from start to finish or click on any of the links below to jump to the section that interests you:
What is a podcast hosting platform?
Podcast hosting platforms are where you upload your podcast content. The podcast host safely stores your media files online and provides an RSS feed link, making it easy to add your podcast to directories like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Podcast hosting platforms also help you avoid playback issues and the hassle of managing data storage. Some podcasting platforms don’t charge based on the storage size, so you can upload larger files and provide listeners with better sound quality.
What features should a podcast hosting site offer?
There are numerous podcast hosting sites online that offer features you may value. However, certain upgrades just aren’t worth paying extra for. Some of the important factors you should consider include:
- Simplicity: The best podcast hosting platforms are easy to use.
- Ample bandwidth: Bandwidth determines the number of times your podcast can be downloaded in a set period. Larger audiences need more bandwidth.
- Distribution capabilities: There are different podcast directories. The hosting site you choose should make it easy to add your podcast directly from their platform.
- Monetization features: Some podcast hosts offer features to help you make money. These are important because it simplifies your job.
- Podcast analytics: Analytics help you understand your listeners and how you’re performing. Note that the more sophisticated the analytics, the more they usually cost.
- Competitive pricing: Put simply, you don’t want to pay more than you have to because it eats into your profits.
- Storage: Your hosting service may have storage limitations. You need to be aware of how storage works and how much your show will require.
- Transcription: Multi-channel platforms like UpFlip can benefit from transcription because some people may prefer (or need) to read rather than listen.
Best Podcast Hosting Platforms
The best podcast hosting sites are:
- Buzzsprout
- PodBean
- Blubrry
- Spotify for Podcasters
- Libsyn
- Captivate
- RedCircle
- Transistor
- Simplecast
- Omny Studio
- Acast
We’ll compare the bandwidth, distribution, monetization, analytics, pricing, and transcription capabilities for each platform to help you decide which to choose.
#1. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout has four plans that range from free to $24 per month. As the plans increase in price, the platform allows you to upload more hours. This hosting platform is the least expensive for what it offers, but you’ll have limits on every plan.
Features
- Limited storage for the free plan but unlimited with paid plans
- 500 GB bandwidth with the option to get an extra terabyte for $9
- Automatic distribution to platforms like Apple Podcasts
- Monetization with ads, subscriptions, and premium content.
- Analytics
- Transcription
- Website hosting with the option to use their player plugin
- Magic mastering to reduce background noise and maintain consistent microphone levels
- Automatic file conversion
- Ability to add pre- and post-rolls
- Scheduling to post podcasts at a later date
Pros
- Simple to operate
- Monetization features with an affiliate portal
- Pay as you go without a contract
- Access to advanced listener statistics regardless of your plan
Cons
- Storage and bandwidth limits
- Add-ons that make it harder to estimate the true cost
#2. PodBean
PodBean is ideal for people seeking a comprehensive podcasting solution. I also found PodBean to have the clearest explanation of how users can earn revenue.
While the free plan is suitable for beginners, it offers limited features and storage. The Unlimited Plus plan, at $39 per month, is ideal for video podcasts and content creators who want to generate revenue.
Features
- Five hours of storage per month on the free plan or up to 20 GB for Unlimited Plus
- Unlimited bandwidth for Unlimited Audio and Unlimited Plus plans
- Hosting options
- Auto-distribution to top podcast directories and social media platforms
- Monetization, including subscriptions and dynamic ad insertion
- Analytics
- Dedicated podcast app that’s available for both iOS and Android
- Tiered pricing
- Video support for top two tiers
Pros
- Intuitive design tools
- Range of features for podcasters of all levels
- User-friendly interface
- Longevity as a platform
Cons
- Limited free plan with no monetization
- Slow customer support
#3. Blubrry
Blubrry stands out for its searchable database of podcasts and unlimited bandwidth on all except for the highest plan. They don’t explain why there is a limit to the highest plan, but I suspect it’s because major media companies would use enough bandwidth to justify additional costs.
There’s no free plan, and the paid plans are based on file size. There are three tiers that cost $12, $20, and $100 per month. The Professional Hosting plan offers advanced statistics alongside other features.
Blubrry operates on a no-contract basis, allowing for cancellations at any time. The standard plan comes at a slightly higher cost compared to unlimited plans offered by other platforms.
Features
- Complimentary WordPress website backed by PowerPress, the premier plugin for podcasters
- Simple distribution
- Analytics certified by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB)
- Comprehensive customer service, including phone-based support
Pros
- Exceptional customer support
- IAB certification to guarantee reliable and compliant statistics
- Intuitive user interface
Cons
- Slightly higher price point
- Limited storage capacity
- Additional fee for advanced analytics
#4. Spotify for Podcasters
Spotify for Podcasters, formerly Anchor, offers two different packages: Podcasters and Megaphone. Podcasters is free, while the more professional Megaphone is $99 per month.
Features
- Audio enhancement
- Ability to record with friends
- Options to combine music and talking
- Video podcasts with subscriptions and advertising
- Support for polls and questions
- Analytics
- Monthly subscriptions with the option for fans choose a monthly payment
- Distribution (Megaphone only)
- Bulk editing (Megaphone only)
- Embed player (Megaphone only)
Pros
- Great for starters
- Free video podcasts
- Support for polls
Cons
- Limited price points
- Expensive distribution
- Higher plan costs compared to other options
#5. Libsyn
Libsyn is one of the original pioneers in website hosting, and it has features that make it ideal for companies with broad podcast offerings.
Libsyn doesn’t have a free plan, but it offers paid options that cost $7, $15, and $20 per month. The plans primarily differ based on how many hours of content you can upload each month.
Features
- Unlimited storage in all plans
- Automated workflows
- Built-in Canva
- Free website and podcast player
- Subscriptions, ads, and product placement
- Remote podcasting for the $20 plan only
- Podcast app for the $20 plan only
- Video subscriptions for an extra fee
Pros
- Unique features
- Longevity
- Best analytics (based on the top plan)
- Affordable at all levels
Cons
- $7 plan may not be useful for podcasters
- Many features work best for large companies
#6. Captivate
Captivate podcast hosting is one of the newer podcast platforms, but that doesn’t mean it lacks features.
There are three monthly plans with this podcast hosting service. All the plans are limited by the number of downloads and subscribers.
- $19 monthly plan: 30K downloads and 150 private subscribers
- $49 monthly plan: 150K downloads and 1K private subscribers
- $99 monthly plan: 300K downloads and 5K private subscribers
Features
- How to start a podcast course
- Transcription
- Lots of monetization and analytics tools
- Distribution on major podcast platforms
- Private podcasting
- Workflow and marketing tools
- Podcast player and website
- Podcast network abilities
- Captivate creator suite
- Advance features with Captivate for Publishers
Pros
- Attractive podcast player and website
- Basic features included in all plans
- Monetization tools
- Frequently updated
- Analytics
Cons
- Expensive if you surpass 30K downloads per month
- Doesn’t disclose the price for Creator Suite and Captivate for Publishers
#7. RedCircle
RedCircle has a generous free podcast hosting service and focuses on making it easier to create and monetize a successful podcast. There are four monthly price points for this podcast hosting provider:
- Core Plan: The free plan has limited functionality compared to the paid options. It also has mandatory ads on webpages.
- $20 Growth Plan: Upgrading to the first paid tier removes the ads on the webpage, provides instant payouts, and generates videos.
- $35 Pro Plan: This plan allows you to distribute video podcast episodes to YouTube, access improved analytics, and collaborate with up to five team members.
- $120 Enterprise Plan: The Enterprise Plan is the same as Pro Plan but with unlimited team members and a dedicated support manager.
Features
- No limits on uploads and streaming
- Ability to host multiple podcasts
- Publishing on major directories
- Cross-promotion for your podcast
- Dynamic ads that are limited by category and brand
- Support for subscriptions and donations
- Cashout with Stripe
Pros
- Easier podcast growth
- Monetization tools
- Pay-as-you-earn functionality
Cons
- Analytics aren’t particularly helpful
- Pricing scheme has small feature improvements for large costs
#8. Transistor
You can create unlimited podcasts with Transistor. It also has the best hosting services for large teams because all plans support unlimited team members.
This podcast hosting service provider offers unlimited storage in all its plans but limits the number of downloads. There are three levels of plans for podcast hosts:
- $19 Starter Plan: The first tier includes 20K monthly downloads, 50 private subscribers, advanced analytics, and a free podcast website.
- $49 Professional Plan: The next tier includes 500 private subscribers, 100K monthly downloads, auto-posting to YouTube, dynamic show notes, and dynamic ads.
- $99 Business Plan: The top tier includes 3K private subscribers and 250K monthly downloads. It also removes the branding from the player.
Features
- Ability to host unlimited podcasts on all plans
- Advanced analytics
- Can use your own WordPress website or the complimentary podcast website
- Manage multiple podcasts on a single podcast website
- Unlimited tiered user logins
Pros
- Intuitive design
- Unlimited podcast episodes for all tiers
- Public and private podcasts for better monetization
- Unlimited users with permissions
Cons
- Download limitations
- More costly for podcast hosts with only one podcast or no additional team members
#9. Simplecast
Simplecast offers the best embedded players and detailed analytics. This is the best podcast hosting service if you’ve already developed a major following and want to improve your analytics and monetization features.
This podcasting platform offers four tiers with unlimited storage and uploads. You’ll also receive your own website and domain.
- $15 Basic Plan: The cheapest plan supports two team members and 20K downloads but has no monetization options.
- $35 Essential Plan: This plan allows for four team members and 50K downloads without monetization.
- Professional Plan: This tier is available with custom pricing based on the number of team members and downloads. It also has AdsWizz for monetization.
- Enterprise Plan: In addition to the features of the Professional Plan, the Enterprise Plan includes an API, white labeling, high bitrate audio, a dedicated success manager, and third-party integrations.
Unless you need the podcast services listed in the professional and enterprise plans, there are better podcast publishing platforms for the price.
Features
- Unlimited uploads
- Advanced analytics
- Custom podcast website and domain on all plans
- Support for multiple users
- Can manage multiple shows with one account
Pros
- Used by Slack and Shopify
- Growth tools for podcast sites
- Enterprise pricing with unique podcasting services
Cons
- No monetization on the lower plans
- Limited analytics on the two lower-cost plans
- Undisclosed Professional and Enterprise Plan pricing
#10. Omny Studio
This is the best podcast hosting platform for businesses that want enterprise-level functionality. All OmnyStudio plans have features that major corporations would normally have, which is great if you’re willing to pay more than some of the other options on this list.
OmnyStudio does not disclose its pricing, but other podcast reviews claim that pricing starts at $29 per month.
Features
- Unlimited episodes with backups
- IAB-certified analytics
- Bulk import
- Easily manage collaborations, permissions, and multiple shows
- Archive search support
- Can embed on Facebook, websites, or X
- Editing tools for podcasts
- Geographically targeted ads
Pros
- Lots of functionality for podcast hosts who manage multiple podcasts
- Tiered monetization levels
- Detailed podcast analytics
Cons
- Prices not disclosed
- More complicated to use
#11. Acast
You can create a podcast for free with Acast hosting services. Plus, Acast offers a variety of features that are good for monetizing and editing podcasts.
Every Acast plan has unlimited bandwidth, uploads, downloads, and storage space. You’ll also get distribution and monetization support with every plan, which makes it easier to start a successful podcast.
- Free Starter Plan: The free podcast tier includes studio-quality sound, distribution, ads and Acast+, analytics, and an embeddable player.
- $25 Influencer Plan: Upgrading adds audio-to-video generation, automated distribution, subscriptions, and a podcast website with full customization.
- $40 Ace Plan: The top tier includes an API, team and network settings, and advanced support.
Features
- Largest distribution offering
- Promotion and monetization tools at all levels
- Recording and editing tools
- Studio sound
Pros
- Great free podcast hosting platform
- Lots of functionality
- Reasonable pricing on higher tiers
Cons
- Odd configuration on the website
- $40 plan is only necessary for teams with multiple podcasts
Podcast Hosting Platform FAQ
Next, we’ll review a few frequently asked questions about podcasting and how to choose the best platform.
How to start a podcast
When you want to start a podcast, you’ll need to follow this basic process:
- Plan your podcast.
- Decide on a podcast format.
- Create a podcast brand.
- Get recording equipment.
- Select audio recording software.
- Start recording podcast episodes.
- Edit the podcast episodes.
- Create podcast artwork.
- Add the podcast to your podcast host.
- Apply for other podcast channels.
- Promote your podcast.
Check out our blog about starting a podcast for more information.
How to get your podcast on all platforms
When you’re ready to get your podcast onto other platforms, follow these steps:
- Choose your podcast hosting site.
- Research podcast directories.
- Copy your RSS feed link.
- Add RSS to the desired podcast directories.
Can I monetize through a podcast hosting service?
The best podcast hosting platforms typically offer monetization options. Offerings vary based on the podcast host and the level of plan.
The best free podcast host for monetization is RedCircle, followed by Spotify and Acast.
How do I submit my podcast to major directories through a hosting service?
Each of the podcast hosting solutions have a different way of submitting your podcast feed to major directories. You may have to sign up for the initial service on each company’s website or through the hosting platform. Use the information in the podcast help section to learn more.
Can I switch podcast hosting services without losing my existing episodes?
Yes, podcast hosting services normally have easy transfer functions. Some of the platforms will take your RSS feed link, while others will require you to upload video podcasts and audio files individually.
What are the best free podcast hosting platforms?
The best free podcast hosting platforms are:
- Buzzsprout
- PodBean
- Spotify
- RedCircle
- Acast
You can read the reviews on each above.
Podcast hosts with the best podcast websites
The podcasting world has plenty of podcast hosts with free podcast websites, including:
- Buzzsprout
- Blubrry
- Libsyn
- Captivate
- RedCircle
- Transistor
- Simplecast
- Acast
How much does podcast hosting cost?
Costs for podcast hosting range from free to $100 per month. Podcast hosting costs will vary based on your listener base, storage limits, analytics, and features.
What are the best podcast recording platforms?
Many of the podcast hosting platforms allow you to record a podcast using your phone or computer, including:
- Buzzsprout
- PodBean
- Libsyn
- Spotify
There is also podcast recording software that you can use:
- Open Broadcaster Software: This free desktop software by OBS allows you to record both audio and video.
- Restream: Another option is to record and edit a podcast episode with Restream.
- Adobe Audition: You’ll have a lot of recording and editing functionality with Adobe Audition, but it’s complicated and starts at $21 per month.
- GarageBand: Mac owners can use GarageBand, which comes installed on every new Mac for free.
- Text-to-speech software: For people who are better at writing than editing, check out TechRadar’s blog on text-to-speech software.
What are good video podcast platforms?
You can host video podcasts on the following platforms:
- YouTube
- Vimeo
- Spotify
- PodBean
- Buzzsprout
- Twitch
- Libsyn
- X
Many of these platforms are free, but you’ll have to pay to host video on Buzzsprout, Libsyn, or a PodBean podcast.
How do podcast bandwidth and storage work?
Each podcast hosting platform has different storage and bandwidth policies. Storage is the amount of space measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB) that your podcast uses on the platform’s servers. Bandwidth is the amount of data transferred at a specific time.
The more podcasts you have recorded, the more storage you’ll need. Similarly, you’ll need more bandwidth to support a larger audience of listeners.
Do podcast hosts handle distribution?
Many do. Hosting platforms such as Blubrry, Libsyn, or PodBean host the audio files and oversee distribution of your podcasts. Others require manual distribution.
Is it better to be charged for uploads or downloads of a podcast?
When you have a choice to pay by the upload or the download, it will normally be better for you to pay the podcast hosting service by the upload. This way, you’ll only have to pay once per podcast episode when you upload.
With downloads, you’ll have to pay every time people listen to your podcast. Paying by the download can add up quickly.
Which of the best podcast hosting services is right for you?
There are plenty of podcast hosting platforms to choose from. Some of the factors you’ll want to consider include the number of podcast files you need to upload, whether you’ll create video podcasts, and how vital podcast analytics are to you.
For a new podcaster, I would look at the best free podcast platforms and choose the one that has the functionality you need. You can always upgrade later as your podcast grows and evolves.
