Buzzsprout vs Podbean
Buzzsprout
buzzsprout.comPodbean
podbean.comSide by side
| Figure | Buzzsprout | Podbean |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $18/mo | $17/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 7 |
| Spec score · Video Podcast Software | 9.0 (#2) | 8.7 (#6) |
| Spec score · Podcast Advertising Platforms | 8.9 (#2) | 8.7 (#3) |
| Spec score · Podcast hosting platforms | 9.1 (#6) | 9.2 (#2) |
| Spec score · Podcast Monetization Platforms | 9.0 (#5) | 8.7 (#8) |
| Analytics Certification | Podcast statistics are IAB 2.2 Certified. | Podbean provides IAB-certified podcast analytics and charts. |
| Analytics level | advanced | advanced |
| Directory Distribution | Shows can be listed in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other leading podcast directories. | One-click distribution includes Apple Podcasts, Podbean app, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Jacksonville, Florida, United States | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Monetization Features | Monetization includes subscriptions, ads, dynamic content, and listener payments. | Monetization includes Ads Marketplace, dynamic ad insertion, and Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. |
| Monetization tools | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly upload hours | 6 | 16 |
| Private podcasts | No | Yes |
| RSS feed | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | 15 | 12 |
| Video podcast support | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Buzzsprout
- FreeFree
- Audio$18 a month
- Audio + Video$30 a month
- Multi-Podcast Audio - up to 5$39 a month
- Multi-Podcast Audio - up to 10$79 a month
- Multi-Podcast Video - up to 5$60 a month
- Multi-Podcast Video - up to 10$96 a month
- Audio plan$78 a month
- Audio + Video plan$96 a month
- Free planFree
Podbean
- Basic Free PlanFree
- Unlimited Audio$17 a month
- Unlimited Plus$39 a month
- Network$99 a month
- Business$129 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- FreeFree
In their own words
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout hosts and distributes audio and video podcast episodes. It provides an RSS feed, distribution to major directories, and analytics that filter bots and duplicate requests; its podcast statistics are IAB 2.2 Certified. Video podcasts can be sent to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Monetization options include subscriptions, advertising, dynamic content, and listener payments, while automatic transcripts support accessibility and SEO. Podcast websites include transcripts, an RSS feed, directory links, and custom URLs. Mobile apps are available for managing a podcast. The free service lasts 90 days and allows two hours of content per cycle. Free episodes are hosted for 90 days, then held in a safety net for another 90 days before permanent removal. Audio costs $18 a month for six hours monthly; Audio + Video costs $30 a month for six hours monthly. On those plans, extra hours cost $2 per hour and are added to the next invoice. Annual plans do not permit additional hours. Buzzsprout was founded in 2009 and is based in Jacksonville, Florida.
Podbean
Podbean is a podcast hosting and publishing service with tools for distribution, audience statistics, monetization, and private or video podcasts. It supports RSS feeds and distribution to major directories. Its iPhone and Android apps cover recording, publishing, statistics, and listening, and episodes can be automatically shared to Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Tumblr, and WordPress. The Basic Free Plan provides 5 hours or 500MB of storage, 100GB of monthly bandwidth, up to three published episodes per day, a 100MB single-file limit, and up to 20 episodes in its RSS feed. Free hosting supports MP3 and M4A files, includes basic statistics, and does not require a credit card to sign up. Paid plans add options such as audio or video publishing, private podcasts, team access, and AI tools for audio optimization, content assistance, transcripts, and podcast creation. The listed Unlimited Audio plan costs $17 a month when billed yearly. Podbean also offers advanced, IAB-certified analytics and monetization features including an Ads Marketplace, dynamic ad insertion, and Apple Podcasts Subscriptions.