Over the last few years, podcasting has been increasingly popular.
Many content providers have turned to podcasts to expand their audiences, diversify their distribution channels, and increase revenue.
It’s no wonder that the best podcast hosting companies are going head-to-head to attract more users.
You’ve stumbled upon the right post if you’re looking for a podcast hosting platform to help you get your show off the ground.
I’ll be leveraging my own wealth of experience as a brand with a podcast.
I’ll show you how to choose the ideal podcast hosting platform to help you achieve your goal – and if you’re in a rush, I created this cheat sheet for podcasting.
Ok, let’s get going!
Buzzsprout (Limited Free Plan and Paid Version starts at $12 per month)
Buzzsprout (who we use) is the most outstanding podcast hosting platform for a few reasons: it’s incredibly beginner-friendly and has a free plan to get started.
The platform’s cheap podcast hosting plans are also priced to be very budget-friendly. They combine a comprehensive set of capabilities in a highly inexpensive package.
Their free podcast hosting plan is ideal for novices who want to try out podcasting before committing to a long-term commitment—and their affordable podcast hosting options are both approachable and built to grow with you as your show progresses.
Buzzsprout’s Most Notable Features
Buzzsprout’s feature sets are what really put them above the competition when it comes to the finest podcast hosting platforms. Again, Buzzsprout takes the lead with a great feature set that will help you launch and expand your podcast quickly—without having to waste time learning all the technical details behind the scenes. This contains functions such as:
- 250GB monthly bandwidth, which allows for up to 40,000 downloads
- Unlimited storage
- Automated episode optimization
- Advanced analytics
- “Magic” mastering for better audio quality (available only with its paid podcast hosting plans)
Buzzsprout Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Inexpensive packages
- Beginner-friendly (you can use it even without any technical knowledge)
- Embeddable podcast players on your personal or company’s website
Buzzsprout Cons
- Upgrading to a more expensive plan is inevitable.
- The free plan is pretty limited, with only two hours of audio content for a month, and each episode is only hosted for 90 days.
My Thoughts on Buzzsprout’s Podcast Hosting Services
There is no question that Buzzsprout is the most fantastic podcast hosting service available today, especially for podcasters on a budget (or those just getting started with podcasting).
If you want more info, you can read about our move from Libsyn to Buzzsprout, which we did a few years back.
With a completely free offering and their most affordable subscription (at just $12.00/mo), you’ll have access to all of the features you need to start and grow a podcast.
While they do have a free podcast hosting plan to get you started, in my experience, you’ll want to move on to one of their paid plans to take advantage of all of their features. This will also give you access to their entire toolkit for podcast production and promotion.
Simplecast ($15 per month)
Simplecast is a strong rival for the most refined podcast hosting platform, so ranking them second on this list was difficult—but the decisive point was that Buzzsprout offers an accessible starting plan. Still, Simplecast does not (though they do offer a 14-day free trial here).
However, many major businesses use Simplecast to host their podcasts, If you only have a small budget to spend on podcast hosting, Simplecast is an excellent option.
Although this podcast hosting platform does not offer a free plan, you may still try it out for 14 days for free. After you’ve completed the trial, you can choose from three low-cost podcast hosting options:
Basic – $15.00 per month
Essential – $35 per month
Growth – $85 per month
Simplecast, while slightly more expensive than some of our other top podcast hosting services, does not disappoint when it comes to the many features and functionality it provides.
Simplecast’s Most Notable Features
The following are some of the essential features you’ll find with this premier podcast hosting platform:
- Flexible distribution to multiple platforms
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage
- Advanced analytics
- It comes with a small, customizable website
- Embeddable podcast player (perfect if you have a complementary blog to your podcast)
- ReCast allows you to share your episodes on social media.
Simplecast Pros
- Packed with features
- It makes it possible for listeners to create shareable clips of your episodes
- Your mini-website comes with audio transcripts, which will help boost SEO
- Possible to add team members with different access levels if you’re working with a team or company
- Possible to import your episodes from other platforms
Simplecast Cons
- Additional features are paywalled, and you will have to upgrade your account
- It doesn’t come with directly built-in revenue-generating tools (although you can still set up sponsorships)
My Thoughts on Simplecast
Simplecast is one of the finest podcast hosting platforms because they provide fantastic value (at a low monthly fee) to their clients by providing a wealth of features and good customer service. If you have an issue with your show, you can contact their support team at any moment for immediate assistance.
Signing up for one of their plans is simple and will be a worthwhile investment in improving your podcasting skills. Overall, Simplecast doesn’t leave anything to be desired for both novice and veteran podcasters.
PodBean (Limited Free Plan and Paid Version starts at $9 per month)
PodBean is another podcast hosting platform that has been a staple in the business in recent years, and for a good reason.
One of the reasons PodBean is so popular is that it includes a plan for every level of podcaster, from beginner to master. Their free podcast hosting package consists of a monthly content limit of 5 hours and 100GB of bandwidth.
Basic analytics and a PodBean-hosted website that can be switched on are included in the free plan (and meant only for your podcast).
When you outgrow their free plan, you’ll need to budget for the following when upgrading to PodBean’s cheapest podcast hosting plans:
Unlimited Audio – $9 per month
Unlimited Plus – $29 per month
Business – $99 per month
PodBean’s Most Notable Features
Another reason for PodBean’s popularity is its extensive feature set, which includes:
- Embeddable players
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage
- Automated sharing on social media platforms, including YouTube
- It comes with a free podcast site
- Comes with site builder with free themes
- iOS and Android app
PodBean Pros
- One of the better free podcast hosting packages
- Flexible monetization options
- Very customizable
- Designed for podcast growth
- Higher paid plans come with video podcast support
PodBean Cons
- Their customer support could be better.
My Thoughts on PodBean
In the end, it’s impossible to have a gripe with the flaws with PodBean, especially considering the low monthly price of $9.00. Whether you use their free (somewhat limited) plan or one of their affordable cheap podcast hosting plans, this podcast hosting platform will provide you with a lot of value.
Podcastics (Limited Free Plan and Paid Version starts at $8 per month)
Podcastics makes this list as one of the few free podcast hosting platforms that offer a robust feature set and a superb choice of options for their free plan (though the free plan forces you to host your episodes on your own server).
Once you’re ready to upgrade and move on to their best features (including more automated podcast hosting), they provide very affordable subscription options starting at $8.00/mo.
What’s even great about Podcastics is that they offer a one-month free trial with no credit card required, allowing you to try out all of their features (without limitations).
After the free trial time expires, you’ll be migrated to their forever free plan, which has certain feature limits, or you can upgrade to one of their low-cost podcast hosting plans, which starts at $8.00 per month.
Podcastics’ Most Notable Features
Podcastics deliver a punch with their broad range of capabilities on a hosting platform, even on their free plan. These are some of them:
- Their Pro plan, which includes fully managed podcast hosting, starts at $8.00 a month and includes unlimited storage, bandwidth, and downloads.
- Instant import from Apple Podcasts or any other hosting platform with no episode restriction
- Unlimited episode hosting
- It makes it easy to see details and manage episodes.
- RSS feed
- It comes with a website dedicated to your show.
- Tons of monetization options
- Stellar support
- Options to manage your subscribers
Podcastics Pros
- The features that come with the free plan are impressive, considering you don’t have to shell out anything.
- Their low-cost podcast hosting services (which include fully managed hosting) are among the best in the business.
- One of the simplest platforms for managing your show to learn and use
Podcastics Cons
- While their free plan is excellent, you’ll need to switch to a subscription plan to gain access to features such as dedicated, done-for-you hosting, an embeddable podcast player, statistics, reviews, and ratings.
My Thoughts on Podcastics
Podcastics should be at the top of your comparison list of the best podcast hosting platforms (and try out). Podcastics should absolutely be considered for your podcast hosting provider, with a great free offering, very reasonable (fully featured) upgrade plans starting at just $8.00/mo, and excellent support.
Podiant ($12.99 per month)
Podiant is one of the more recent additions to the podcast hosting scene, but it’s already giving the established competitors a run for their money.
It was created by Mark Steadman, a seasoned podcaster and web developer, in response to the need for a simple, no-frills podcast hosting platform. Despite the fact that its feature set has expanded significantly in recent years, it remains a lightweight and fast podcast hosting platform. It’s not just the platform that’s light; their price plans are as well:
Indie Plan – $12.99 per month
Professional Plan – $24.99 per month
Networks Plan – $35.97 per month
So, what can you anticipate from this simple podcast hosting platform in terms of features?
Podiant’s Most Notable Features
Podiant is a podcast hosting platform for folks who prefer things to be straightforward. This is reflected in their feature set:
- Intuitive dashboard with analytics
- Unlimited storage
- Option to have a production assistant
- It comes with a customizable site
Podiant Pros
- Automated sharing on social media platforms
- User-friendly dashboard
- Flexible podcast directory
- Options for guest scheduling
Podiant Cons
- In comparison to other podcast hosting services, the feature set is a bit lacking.
My Thoughts on Podiant
Podiant is a wonderful podcast hosting platform for individuals who want to post their podcasts quickly and don’t mind foregoing some of the features found on other platforms. In essence, it’s the most excellent podcast hosting platform for individuals who want to keep things simple.
Anchor (free to use)
Anchor is solid when it comes to the top podcast hosting services that are indeed 100% free with no strings attached.
However, it does have two key drawbacks: They don’t have an embeddable podcast player. And your monetization options are severely limited.
You can do everything on Anchor, from creation to hosting to distribution. Because it is part of Spotify’s stable, you can expect nothing but the best from this one-of-a-kind podcast hosting platform.
Anchor is a good solution since it’s 100% free. But be sure to think 12 months down the road when you start to grow. You’ll probably want to move over to a host that’s better set up to monetize. If that’s your plan, then you might want to start with a more robust solution like Buzzsprout.
So, what are the benefits of using Anchor as your podcast hosting service?
Anchor’s Most Notable Features
Anchor’s status as a free podcast hosting platform does not imply that it lacks features. What you may expect from this podcast hosting platform is as follows:
- The dashboard comes with decent analytics
- Simple one-click podcast distribution
- Intuitive and straightforward podcast creation tools
Anchor Pros
- Includes monetization options for ads and sponsorships
- Completely free to use to host your podcast
- Almost every function is automated.
- Unlimited bandwidth, storage, and channels
- It comes with a guest-calling function
Anchor Cons
- There is no embeddable podcast player, which is a significant disadvantage if you want to promote your podcast on your blog.
- Limited possibilities for monetizing your podcast: either direct sponsorship from Anchor or listener support via their internal platform, and this is only available to US users
- Integration with other platforms is challenging.
My Thoughts on Anchor
Anchor is the place to go if you’re looking for a completely free podcast hosting platform. However, because the platform is extensively automated, it is not suited to experts who want to control some aspects of the podcast creation process.
If you don’t have much of a budget right now, Anchor should be viewed as a short-term solution due to the lack of an embeddable podcast player and other integration capabilities.
On the other hand, Anchor is a wonderful platform for novices and hobbyists who want to learn the ins and outs of podcasting without having to break the bank.
Podcastle Hosting Hub (Free Plan and Paid plans starting at $11.99/month)
While relatively new to the podcast hosting scene, Podcastle’s Hosting Hub offers an incredibly user-friendly solution that caters to both experienced podcasters and beginners alike.
Its standout feature lies in its all-in-one podcast management approach. It simplifies the podcasting journey by seamlessly integrating content creation, editing, and hosting into a single, cohesive platform.
Podcasters can effortlessly craft, refine, and share episodes, submitting them to major podcast networks, and even enjoy a dedicated show page on Podcastle’s website.
This comprehensive approach streamlines workflows, alleviating the need for multiple tools and services.
With Podcastle Hosting Hub, podcasters can channel their focus into content creation while enjoying the convenience and efficiency of a unified podcasting ecosystem.
The best part about Podcastle Hosting Hub is that it offers a free package that covers hosting services entirely, eliminating any cost concerns.
Of course, for those seeking enhanced AI-powered podcast creation features, there’s the option to upgrade to Podcastle’s Storyteller ($11.99/month) or Pro ($23.99) packages. Nevertheless, even the free package provides all the hosting capabilities you need.
Podcastle’s Most Notable Features
The first challenge podcasters face is distributing their content on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Podcastle’s Hosting Hub streamlines this task.
With a few clicks, you can create your show and effortlessly submit it to your preferred podcasting platforms. Podcastle Hosting Hub simplifies podcasting from distribution to promotion.
Plus, you get a dedicated podcast page on the Podcastle website, serving as a central hub for your show’s promotion.
You can even embed a media player on your own website, enhancing accessibility for your audience—all within Podcastle’s user-friendly ecosystem.
Podcastle Pros
- Streamlined Workflow
- Easy Distribution
- Dedicated Show Page
- Efficient Editing
- User-Friendly Interface
- Free package
Podcastle Cons
- Limited Customization
- Limited Analytics
My Thoughts on Podcastle
My verdict is that Podcastle is certainly worth giving a shot.
Its user-friendly approach, all-in-one platform, and cost-effective free hosting package make it an appealing choice for both seasoned podcasters and newcomers.
SoundCloud (Limited Free Plan and Paid Version starts at $12 per month)
While SoundCloud is well known for its music streaming service, it also serves as an excellent podcast hosting platform that you can utilize to broadcast your show to your audience while also perhaps gaining some extra exposure from SoundCloud users.
The free SoundCloud subscription allows you to upload 3 hours of content each month and receive minimal reporting. Upgrades to their SoundCloud Pro ($6/month) and Unlimited Pro ($12/month) subscriptions provide you access to a more sophisticated feature set, allowing you to create more material and successfully advertise it. Let’s have a look at the features that the Unlimited Pro plan includes.
SoundCloud Unlimited Pro Plan’s Most Notable Features
- Release scheduling
- Unlimited upload time
- Customizable embeddable players
- Advanced analytics
SoundCloud Pros
- Podcasters can take advantage of SoundCloud’s social reach.
- It’s possible to pin five podcasts to your personal or company profile.
SoundCloud Cons
- The free plan is pretty limited.
- Not the best interface for podcasters because it’s not really meant for podcasts alone.
My Thoughts on SoundCloud
While SoundCloud is a significant player in the music industry, it still has a long way to go before it can indeed be considered one of the finest podcast hosting platforms—but that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a try if you’re interested.
8. Podomatic ($8.32 per month)
Podomatic is another well-established podcast hosting platform. This platform has been available since 2005, and it has aided many aspiring podcasters in realizing their goals.
The free Podomatic plan includes 500MB of storage and 15GB of monthly bandwidth, and basic analytics. That’s all you’ll need to get your feet wet in the podcasting world. Podomatic’s free plan has no expiration date, unlike other podcast hosting companies.
Want to get the most out of your Podomatic experience? Then upgrade to one of their economic, low-cost podcast hosting plans to gain access to more features and tools.
Pro Plus – $12.49 per month
Pro Platinum – $20.82
Broadcaster – Contact the team for more details
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most important features you get from this seasoned podcast hosting platform.
Podomatic’s Most Notable Features
- It comes with an app available on Android and iOS
- Embeddable podcast player for your site
- It comes with a Weebly-powered site dedicated to your podcast show
Podomatic Pros
- Able to generate income through AdvertiseCast and Patreon
- Listeners can play your episodes directly from Twitter and Facebook.
Podomatic Cons
- There are no distinguishing qualities that set it apart from the competition.
- Except for the Broadcaster plan, all plans include storage and bandwidth limits.
My Thoughts on Podomatic
If you’re searching for a simple podcast hosting platform with a user interface that’s easy to use, Podomatic is an excellent place to start. If you’re a frequent podcaster with a lot of content to produce, though, you’re better off with a little more feature-rich solution like BuzzSprout or Simplecast.
9. Blubrry ($12 per month)
Started back in 2005, Blubrry has been a podcast hosting service. The brand’s experience has unquestionably made them one of the top podcast hosting platforms around, so let’s have a look at what they have to offer.
Blubrry’s popularity stems from the fact that it uses WordPress and its proprietary PowerPress podcasting plugin to provide an optimized podcast website, while you can alternatively use a podcast website builder like PodcastPage to quickly create a site for your show.
Blubrry’s only fundamental flaw is that they don’t offer a free podcast hosting plan for consumers to try out—you’ll have to jump right into a paid but still reasonably priced podcast hosting plan.
Small – $12 per month
Medium – $20 per month
Large – $40 per month
Extra Large – $80 per month
Professional – Contact the team for more details.
Blubrry’s Most Notable Features
- Storage is limited (except on the Professional plan). However, there is a free 25% overage allowance.
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Intuitive and customizable episode player
- Video podcast option available except for the Small Plan.
Blubrry Pros
- It’s straightforward to transfer to other podcast hosting platforms.
- Tons of marketing tools
- Topnotch customer support (team can be reached through video calls, phone calls, and emails)
Blubrry Cons
- Monetization is only available through the professional plan.
- No free plan is available.
My Thoughts on Blubrry
For folks who desire to podcast professionally, Blubrry is undoubtedly one of the top podcast hosting platforms. Blubrry is a terrific way to get your voice heard because it is feature-rich and has a lot of tools to help you advertise your podcast.
10. Spreaker ($18 per month)
If you’re on the lookout for the best podcast hosting platform, Spreaker is a viable option.
The feature-rich free plan is what makes Spreaker one of the top podcast hosting services. This package includes 5 hours of video, 15 minutes of live streaming, and the ability to host several shows. It’s also one of the few free podcast hosting systems that include episode scheduling.
Doesn’t that make you question what you receive with their paid plans? The good news is that they’re still inexpensive when compared to many of today’s most popular podcast hosting platforms:
Anchorman – $45 per month
Broadcaster – $18 per month
On-Air Talent – $6 per month
Spreaker’s Most Notable Features
Upgrading to Spreaker’s paid (but still affordable) podcast hosting plans opens up a whole new world of podcasting opportunities, thanks to features like:
- Customizable RSS feeds
- Advanced analytics
- Flexible live streaming intervals
- You can limit access to your podcast with other team members.
Spreaker Pros
- Customizable podcast player
- Tons of monetization options
- The free plan is pretty comprehensive, considering the zero cost.
- Topnotch distribution options
Spreaker Cons
- Lacking in production features
- No free website
My Thoughts on Spreaker
Spreaker is a fantastic podcast hosting tool that provides enough storage and makes it simple to distribute your show. If you’re wanting to start podcasting or simply transfer podcast hosting services, it’s a fantastic option.
11. Transistor ($19 per month)
Transistor is one of the most excellent podcasting platforms for individuals interested in podcasting professionally rather than as a hobby.
They are trusted by huge brands like Drift, Ionic, Laravel, and more when it comes to professional-grade podcasting. As you might assume, excellence comes at a cost, and Transistor’s starting pricing is $19 per month.
Professional – $49 per month
Business – $99 per month
If you wish to test out the platform’s capabilities, you can do so for free for 14 days.
Transistor’s Most Notable Features
So, what are the features that are causing companies like Basecamp to move to Transistor as their podcast hosting platform of choice? Especially considering Transistor, which debuted in 2017, is still in its infancy.
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage
- Customizable website for your podcast
- Global content delivery network (CDN)
- Embeddable audio player
- Very detailed analytics
- Multiple team members can use it
Transistor Pros
- You can upload as many podcast episodes as you want.
- It can be used alongside MailChimp, Drip, and CovertKit
- Excellent marketing tools
- Built-in RSS feed generator
Transistor Cons
- Currently doesn’t have a free plan
My Thoughts on Transistor
Transistor is unquestionably one of the most fantastic podcast hosting services available. It includes everything a podcaster needs to create, publish, and promote their show. Once you get over their rather costly price tag, you’ve got yourself a winner.
12. Libsyn ($5 per month)
Libsyn is one of the oldest podcast hosting systems on the market, dating back to 2004. They also have one of the most affordable podcast hosting services, starting at $5.00 per month. This low pricing alone makes it a contender for one of the best podcast hosting sites you’ll find.
Libsyn, like Blubrry, does not have a free podcast hosting plan that you can try before you buy. However, their paid (though still highly affordable) podcast hosting options appeal to a broad spectrum of podcasters, including some of my personal favorites, such as Dan Carlin of Hardcore History.
Classic 50 – $5
Classic 250 – $15
Advanced 400 – $20
Advanced 800 – $40
Libsyn’s Most Notable Features
- Video podcasting is available
- Unlimited bandwidth
- HTML5 media player
- You can schedule your episodes.
- Customizable mobile app for an extra $10 per month
Libsyn Pros
- Excellent distribution network
- Great WordPress integration
- Tons of monetization options
Libsyn Cons
- You’ll definitely want add-ons, which will force you to upgrade sooner than later.
- Limited storage capacity
My Thoughts on Libsyn
Libsyn is a wonderful podcast hosting option for folks with limited capacity who don’t upload a lot of content (on their lowest price plan). It could be the ideal podcast hosting platform for podcasters who understand podcast hosting and only want to pay for the things they need.
13. RSS.com (Limited Free Plan and Paid Version starts at $4.99 per month)
RSS.com’s podcast hosting alternatives boast one of the most magnificent domain names (and a long and illustrious history), as well as some of the most features, including excellent customer support, especially for a service with a limited free plan and low costs on their inexpensive podcast hosting plans.
RSS.com boasts a wide range of podcast hosting features that impress, including unlimited audio storage, episode scheduling, real-time analytics, a free podcasting website, social network integration, and more.
RSS.com’s Most Notable Features
- The UI is simple to use.
- In a couple of minutes, you can create a new show.
- There are no limits to the number of episodes you can (and unlimited listener downloads)
- Podcorn, their partner, is offering sponsorship possibilities.
- Gain valuable information about your audience with world-class, cross-platform podcast analytics.
- Scheduling of episodes (to publish podcast episodes in advance)
- Embeddable episode player on your own self-hosted website to distribute your episodes.
- Sleek, free public podcast website that updates automatically for your show and episodes.
- To reduce the chances of unauthorized copies of your RSS feed, you can use lock tags.
- Easily share your show and episodes on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest with a single click.
- Customer service and support are outstanding.
RSS.com Pros
- On their site, your program is added to a community podcast directory, boosting visibility and SEO.
- With so many features, this is one of the most economical podcast hosting options on the market.
- Feeds via RSS
- You get automatic distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and any other prominent podcast directory after you submit an episode.
RSS.com Cons
- Only their $12.99/mo plan allows for monetization (via their sponsorship platform collaboration).
- You can only upload one episode with the free podcast hosting plan (you’ll have to switch to a premium plan after that).
My Thoughts on RSS.com
It’s no surprise that RSS.com, as veterans in the podcast hosting (and RSS feed) market, has such a powerful service at such a low pricing point. It’s a no-brainer to try out their platform for your own hosting needs, especially since you can give it a complete test run on their free plan.
14. Captivate ($17 per month)
Captivate is yet another newcomer to the podcast hosting scene. Despite this, it has already garnered a lot of attention, as they have assisted a number of podcasters in increasing their viewership and earnings.
Captivate, unfortunately, does not have a free plan. However, if you want to try out their remarkable features, you may sign up for a free 7-day trial. Captivate’s paid, but still, affordable podcast hosting options start at $19.00/month, so it’s not the cheapest choice on the market right now.
Podcaster – $17 per month
Audio Influencer – $44 per month
Podcast Brand – $90 per month
Captivate’s Most Notable Features
Captivate, dubbed a growth-oriented podcast hosting platform, was created to let independent podcasters take their shows from zero to apex on their own. Here are a few features that will assist you in doing so:
- Unlimited team members can be onboard.
- Unlimited podcasts
- Uploads in batches
- Powerful analytics
- There are built-in opt-in forms and calls-to-action to assist you in expanding your email list,
- It comes with a website that can be customized and has donation support built-in
Captivate Pros
- It will walk you through every stage of the publication process
- Straightforward user interface
- Always coming out with new features
- Tons of monetization options
Captivate Cons
- A touch more expensive than other podcast hosting platforms
My Thoughts on Captivate
Captivate is doing a lot of things right for a new kid on the block. If you’re a solo content creator looking for a podcast hosting platform that’s both simple to use and focused on helping you build your podcast, they should be on your shopping list.
15. Podcast Websites ($77 per month)
Podcast websites are a one-stop-shop for anything you need to know about podcasting.
They are one of the top podcast hosting platforms for those looking for an instant solution to get their show up and running quickly. This remedy, however, comes with a cost — and a heavy one at that.
New Plan – $77 per month
Popular Plan – $97 per month
Podcast Websites’ Most Notable Features
Podcast Websites was created with those who wish to jump right into podcasting in mind, as evidenced by the extensive feature set:
- Unlimited landing pages and podcast episodes
- Comes with WordPress site with unlimited pages
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Complex SEO tools
- Daily backup routine
Podcast Websites Pros
- Excellent security
- It comes with promotion and launch tools
- Everything you need to record, publish, and distribute your podcasts in one place.
Podcast Websites Cons
- Hosting only for one show (additional shows incur extra costs)
- Expensive
My Thoughts on Podcast Websites
Podcasting Websites are not for hobbyists or people that just want to podcast for the heck of it. The platform was designed for professional podcasters who want to get the most out of their efforts and take their career to the next level.
16. Fusebox (Limited Free Plan and Paid Version starts at $8 per month)
Fusebox was developed by Pat Flynn, a prominent content creator, to fill in the gaps left by platform developers.
It comes with a WordPress plugin that allows you to publish and show your podcast on your website, unlike most of the other podcast hosting providers on our list. A restricted free version is available, as well as an $8/month membership.
Fusebox’ Most Notable Features
One of Fusebox’s key goals is to be a podcast player that not only plays natively on your website but also engages your visitors. The following are some of the features that were created with that in mind:
- Easy social media sharing capabilities
- Email captures
- Timestamp-capable
- Speed controls
- Fully customizable
Fusebox Pros
- Host migration
- Sleek episode player
- Tons of marketing solutions
Fusebox Cons
- Only compatible with WordPress sites
My Thoughts on Fusebox
Fusebox is an excellent option for bloggers looking for podcast hosting that integrates neatly with their WordPress websites and has enough traffic to quickly develop their audience.
17. Whooshkaa ($29 per month)
Don’t be fooled by the unusual moniker; Whooshkaa is not to be underestimated in the podcast hosting industry.
Whooshkaa, a podcast hosting platform based in Australia, makes this list of the best podcast hosting platforms due to its dynamic nature. It adapts quickly to your podcasting requirements.
Pro Plan – $99 per month
Business Plan – $199 per month
While the paid plans are more expensive than other competitors, Whoshka also offers a free plan with a lot of features. This is also where Whooshkaa thrives as one of the finest podcast hosting sites, with a large 5GB of storage and 1000 ad impressions included in the free plan.
Whooshkaa’s Most Notable Features
Whooshka offers a lot of value in terms of features, making it well worth the money. Some of the features you’ll get are as follows:
- Automated transcription
- Unlimited episode uploads
- Can support multiple users
- Video clips (highlights)
- Private subscriber option
Whooshkaa Pros
- Plenty of monetization options even with the free plan
- Ample storage
- Tons of possible integrations
Whooshka Cons
- Paid plans are somewhat costly when compared to other podcast hosting sites.
My Thoughts on Whooshkaa
For professional podcasters, Whooshkaa is easily the most incredible podcast hosting platform. The main drawback is the high price tag.
18. FeedPress ($9.94 per month)
Every podcast hosting platform has an RSS feed as a standard feature. That is why FeedPress is considered one of the top podcast hosting systems.
One of FeedPress’s strengths, as a leader in RSS feeds, is extensive feed analytics. Feed analytics and podcast hosting are charged separately, which makes pricing a little confusing. A sliding scale is used to calculate the cost of podcast hosting.
FeedPress comes with 400MB of audio storage by default, with the option to purchase more as needed.
FeedPress’ Most Notable Features
- Advanced analytics and tracking
- Unlimited feeds for podcasting
- RSS to email
- Embeddable player
FeedPress Pros
- Excellent analytics and feed management
- Flexible storage
FeedPress Cons
- Weird pricing structure
- It doesn’t stand out in any way feature-wise
My Thoughts on FeedPress
FeedPress, despite having outstanding feed administration and analytics, lacks a few crucial capabilities that competing platforms have. It’s an excellent platform for people who are just getting started as well as those who wish to keep track of audience data.
19. Audioboom ($9.99 per month)
Audioboom is on my list of the best podcast hosting platforms for two reasons: they do much more than just host podcasts; they also assist podcasters in growing their following and monetizing their shows.
Audioboom makes it easy on your budget with its introductory and economic podcast hosting plans and an easy-to-use, highly straightforward platform.
Audioboom’s price structure is simple to grasp, with only two plans to choose from. The Podcasters Plan (their most affordable podcast hosting plan) costs $9.99 a month and allows for up to 10,000 plays.
Once you’ve crossed that line, you’ll need to contact Audioboom’s sales team to develop a more customized package (Podcast Pro).
The good news is that if you reach that number of monthly listeners, you’ll be in a position to approach advertisers who will pay to reach your audience—and help offset the costs of maintaining your podcast, such as finding the finest podcast hosting.
Audioboom’s Most Notable Features
Audioboom’s ambitions are jam-packed with features to support their commitment to growth and monetization:
- Advanced analytics
- Unlimited episode uploads every month
- You gain access to Audioboom’s targeted ad network.
- Plenty of sponsorship opportunities.
- Embeddable players for social media and websites.
Audioboom Pros
- Straightforward to use
- Accommodates contributor accounts
- Intuitive ad insertion
- Excellent distribution network
- Excellent value for money
Audioboom Cons
- It doesn’t have an app
- To hit the Podcast Pros plan, you’ll need a lot of plays.
- You have a limit on how many episodes you can publish (up to 5).
My Thoughts on Audioboom
Audioboom is a terrific alternative for podcasters seeking a simple podcast hosting platform with a lot of revenue potential.
20. Podcast Garden (Limited Free Plan and Paid Version starts at $2.99 per month)
Podcast Garden is one of the top podcast hosting sites in terms of price, albeit the design and user experience are a little rough around the edges.
The platform’s clear layout and convenience of use are among the features that consumers like. Even if you have no technological background, you can quickly learn how to podcast and produce award-winning podcasts.
Podcast Garden’s Most Notable Features
PG is a terrific alternative for individuals just getting started with podcasting because it’s free as long as you post one episode every month. Upgrading to the $2.99/month plan (the only one offered) unlocks additional features such as:
- Audio and video podcasts
- Get secure backups of your episodes
- Unlimited bandwidth
- No limit to the number of episodes you can upload
- Unlimited file storage
Podcast Garden Pros
- An excellent option for beginners
- Includes many features worth more than the price
Podcast Garden Cons
- The interface could use a little updating.
- The analytics are pretty basic.
My Thoughts on Podcast Garden
Podcast Garden is unquestionably one of the most user-friendly podcast hosting platforms available. It’s inexpensive, simple to use, and a terrific way to learn the basics of podcasting.
21. Resonate Recordings ($25 per month)
Resonate Recordings is one of the top podcast hosting platforms available, providing a complete solution for your podcasting venture.
While the platform does not offer a free subscription, it does provide a 14-day trial if you want to try out its features. You can upgrade to their paid plans, which start at $25 per month once the trial time is complete.
Resonate Recordings’ Most Notable Features
Resonate has a robust set of features to assist you in starting and growing your podcast. These are some of them:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Easy one-click publishing
- Your podcast comes with a small site
- Embeddable podcast player
- It comes with an analytics dashboard where you can get valuable insights
Resonate Recordings Pros
- Excellent live chat support (Slack channel support also available, but only on the Profesional Plan)
- Reliable and reputable hosting platform
Resonate Recordings Cons
- There are cheaper alternatives to this platform where you can get pretty much the same features.
My Thoughts on Resonate Recordings
Resonate Recordings should be at the top of your list of the best podcast hosting services. You can never go wrong by working with the platform because it provides reliability and exceptional service.
22. Castos ($19 per month)
Look no further than Castos if you’re seeking one of the top podcast hosting solutions available in terms of premium hosting plans.
Castos makes choosing the ideal podcasting plan for you simple with flexible and easy-to-understand pricing.
Starter – $19 per month
Growth – $49 per month
Pro – $99 per month
Castos’ Most Notable Features
Castos provides everything you need to grow and achieve your goals, no matter where you are on your podcasting journey—and is especially well-suited for those who are ready to take their podcasts seriously. This contains functions such as:
- Unlimited bandwidth and number of podcasts
- It comes with a customizable dedicated website
- Video podcasts available on Growth and Pro plans
- Automatic transcriptions for episodes
Castos Pros
- Has dedicated WordPress plugin for embedding its players
- Straightforward and intuitive
- Option to make podcast private
Castos Cons
- There are no direct income generation options.
My Thoughts on Castos
Castos is an excellent choice among podcast hosting platforms, with a minimalistic interface and powerful features, especially if you’re ready to take your podcasting to the next level—or as a platform to upgrade to once you’ve saved up enough money to invest in their Growth or Pro plans (where you’ll really gain access their most impactful features).
How To Choose The Right Podcasting Host For You: 6 Factors To Take Into Account
With so many platforms vying for the title of best podcast hosting platform, choosing the right one for you might be difficult. Here are some guidelines to assist you to weed out the ones that aren’t right for you:
Bandwidth
If your podcasts are frequently downloaded, you’ll need a platform with enough bandwidth.
Storage Capacity
How much space do you require? Look for platforms with less storage if you don’t make many episodes.
Integrations
Podcast hosting options that are easy to integrate with other tools, websites, and platforms are the best. This will make promoting, managing, and growing your podcast a breeze.
Analytics
Analytics are critical in helping you better understand your audience and market to them.
Budget
How much money do you have to invest in a podcasting platform? Take that into account when you’re out shopping. There are numerous budget-friendly solutions available that provide you with all of the functionality you require to get started.
Possibilities For Monetization
If one of your podcasting goals is to generate revenue, it goes without saying that you should invest in a podcast platform that allows you to do so.
So, do you have a strong contender for a podcast host now? Here are the podcast hosting options I’d recommend based on which of these qualities are essential to your podcasting goals:
My Top choice is Simplecast. Simplecast is, without a doubt, your best bet if you’re serious about podcasting and prepared to put in a little money for the greatest podcast hosting platform on the market. It’s simple to sign up for one of their programs right here.
If you’re concerned about costs, your best option is Buzzsprout. If you’re on a limited budget yet want more features than Anchor’s free plan, Buzzsprout is the way to go.
You’ll gain access to your episodes being preserved indefinitely, advanced viewership statistics, the option to work with other team members, and more on their cheapest subscription (at just $12.00/mo). Buzzsprout is a steal in the budget-friendly podcast hosting area at this price point.
If you want to go with a completely free podcasting host, then I’d go with Anchor. Despite the fact that several cheap podcast hosting companies provide restricted free plans to get you started, Anchor’s is by far the most comprehensive if you require a free service right now.
Because Spotify owns the tool, it may be really free with no strings or upsells attached—however; it’s crucial to note that it does have limits that don’t make it the best choice if you want your podcast to eventually become a lucrative program.
Keep these two things in mind:
(1) they don’t have an embeddable podcast player.
(2) your monetization opportunities will be limited—which is why I recommend Buzzsprout (who I use) as an inexpensive podcast hosting choice.
If you want a snazzy new website to go along with your podcast, the best choice is PodcastPage.
If you’re searching for a quick way to create a website to promote your podcast but don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can use a budget podcast website builder like Podcastpage. Their pricing starts at a mere $8.00/mo and includes a free 14-day trial. They provide a very easy-to-use suite of visual website construction tools that are specifically designed for podcasting.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common questions I get concerning podcast hosting:
FAQs about Podcast Hosting Companies
Because some of these questions and answers may not be applicable to everyone, I’ve made it so that you may quickly expand each of the questions below—and get my opinion.
Is there a place where I can host my podcast for free?
Anchor is the greatest platform for hosting your podcast for free today, as it offers 100% no-strings-attached free podcast hosting.
Although almost all of the inexpensive podcast hosting platforms I’ve broken down in this article include limited free plans, Anchor has the most feature-rich free offering if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to pay for podcast hosting right now.
Anchor has the financial backing to be free without any strings attached because it is owned by the parent company Spotify.
However, there are a handful of significant drawbacks to using Anchor to host your podcast, making it far from the most excellent option if you want your podcast to eventually generate revenue. Anchor, for example, does not provide an embeddable podcast player that you may use to insert episodes directly into blog posts.
Second, your monetization options are severely limited—at the moment, only podcasters in the United States are able to monetize their shows on Anchor, and this is done only through direct Anchor sponsorship or listener support. Unless you have a large audience, they are not the greatest solutions for most podcasters.
For these two key reasons, I recommend using Buzzsprout for podcast hosting if you’re on a limited budget or Simplecast if you’re willing to invest a little more for a higher level of podcast hosting.
What is the best platform for hosting podcasts?
Buzzsprout (who I use) is hands down, the greatest podcast hosting site I’ve found for running a podcast.
Because it’s straightforward to understand and use, and their technical support team is quite skilled at helping you debug any issues you’re having with your podcast, I recommend them as the #1 podcast hosting platform.
Their pricing is great and competitive with the market.
They also offer some of the best podcast statistics.
This shows you who is listening to your show and where they are listening from throughout the world.
They also routinely post helpful educational content for their customers to help them build their shows.
Their email newsletter and youtube channel are great resources.
Is a podcasting host absolutely necessary?
Yes, if you want your podcast to be available on listening services like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others, you’ll need a podcast host to get it online and on listening devices.
I’ve compared and contrasted a ton of options for both free and affordable podcast hosting services in this post, which should make your decision a lot easier.
I’ve narrowed down my choices to PodBean and Buzzsprout. Which one is better?
Between PodBean and Buzzsprout, I think Buzzsprout is the superior podcast hosting service.
While Buzzsprout’s paid plans for podcast hosting start at $12.00/mo and PodBean’s start at $9.00/mo, Buzzsprout’s feature set and support are a cut beyond what I’ve seen on PodBean.
Buzzsprout also includes features that help your podcast expand and scale over time.
They have extensive analytics, audio improvement, and editing tools.
Buzzsprout also has automatic transcription tools and slick embeddable podcast players.
While PodBean has some of these same features, it doesn’t match that of Buzzsprout.
Regardless, both firms provide a limited free podcast hosting plan that you can use to test things out.
So if you’re still undecided, it doesn’t hurt to make a side-by-side comparison to determine which you prefer.
For More Info, see Buzzsprout vs. Podean
Why You Should Go Ahead With Your Podcasting Plans
If you have an article that takes more than, say, 10 minutes to read, it’s unlikely that readers will read it all the way through. According to Salesforce, 3% of listeners will just listen to the first few minutes of a podcast, while 42% will listen to the entire episode.
People like easily digestible information and don’t like to spend too much time reading a single piece of text, which is one of the reasons why podcasts allow you to engage your audience for extended periods of time.
You can also use your podcast to feature guest speakers who share their opinions, knowledge, and expertise on any given topic, similar to how you might use guest writing.
Planning and executing a podcast takes a lot of time and effort. Inviting guest speakers to your presentation is a terrific way to introduce your audience to a variety of industry professionals while also providing diverse perspectives and perspectives on a given issue.
Best of all, you’ll be recognized as an expert in your field if you can get enough listeners and network connections. People will notice the interest in your podcast and turn to you for advice, comments, and ideas.
New visitors will consider it as a positive if it gets more ratings, listeners, and attention, and they will be more likely to give your program a try. Refocus your content marketing approach on content that is most beneficial to your target audience.
Related Reading: Buzzsprout vs. Libsyn – Compare Here
Final Thoughts
Podcasting should no longer be an afterthought when it comes to offering answers to your audience as a content creator. It’s a powerful medium that may help you reach new audiences while also strengthening ties with your current ones.
Not only that, but podcasting can help you generate a significant additional stream of revenue for your company.
I suggest you make full use of this list of the best podcast hosting platforms to help you choose the right one.
If you have any queries concerning which platform is best for you, leave them in the comments section below! I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
