Do you need a new podcast hosting site? If yes, have you considered the other podcast hosting services? Yes or no? If yes, which should you choose is what you might be asking now.
In this post, we’ve taken a look at three of the best podcast hosting sites on the market and pinpointed their key differences.
Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re evaluating your current options, this detailed comparison of Podbean vs Buzzsprout, Blubrry Vs Podbean, and Blubrry vs Buzzsprout will help make an informed decision.
We’re kicking off with Buzzsprout, then we’ll move on to Podbean and Blubrry. You’ll find a comparison and overall verdict at the end of the post.
Podcast Hosting Platforms Comparison
We will start with Buzzsprout, but kindly note that positioning has nothing to do with their recommendation. Why this?
Because we’ve taken all the time to analyze each of them so you might love Podbean over Buzzsprout which stands first, the same with Blubrry. Also, later on, you’ll get the comprehensive podcast hosting platforms comparison.
1. Buzzsprout Podcast Platform
Buzzsprout was co-founded by Kevin Finn & Tom Rossi in 2008 with the goal to create the easiest way to start a podcast.
Since then, it has grown to be one of the most popular podcast hosting services used by over 100,000 small businesses, podcasters, and entrepreneurs around the globe.
Buzzsprout is popular because of the simplicity of the platform to get you started with your podcast journey.
Pros with Buzzsprout
- Website Builder: Buzzsprout offers a free website to integrate with your podcast.
- Popular for beginners.
- Offers a simple and basic platform for both beginners and advanced users.
- Specializes in Audio hosting.
- Allows unlimited team members on all plans.
- Offers multiple customer service communication routes.
- Offers integration with top podcast directories.
- Offers money-back guarantee.
Con with Buzzsprout
- Not enough Upload hours. If Buzzsprout can give better upload hours per month then they can be perfect or match a host like Podbean.
- No Instant Support: Buzzsprout does not offer instant chat for her users yet although they have multiple communication options plus responsive email support (tested).
- No Video Hosting: Buzzsprout does not offer video hosting along with the audio version.
Buzzsprout Hosting Pricing and Plans
Buzzsprout offers 3 paid hosting plans with the first starting at $12 for 3 hours of uploading per month, the second plan at $18 for 6 hours of upload time per month, and the third plan at $24 for 12 hours of upload time.
For serious podcasters, I recommend the $24/mon plan because you will have 12/hour upload time, and also save more overhead costs (dollar) than any other plans on their pricing table.
2. Podbean Hosting Platform
With an office address in New York NY 10022, Podbean has been providing innovative podcasting services as an industry leader for more than ten years.
Podbean has so many innovations under its belt. They provide high-performance podcasting service, live streaming enabled service, free website builder, and lots more.
Even so, the Podbean app is one of the most popular podcast apps for iOS and Android, and can also be used to play podcasts via Amazon Alexa.
It’s a great option for podcast audiences to enjoy their favorite podcasts anywhere, anytime. Podcasters can also record and publish right from the Podbean app.
Pros and Features of Podbean
- Versatile usages – you can do more with Podbean. You can use it as a private podcasting tool with options for live streaming, religious organizations, remote recording, and more.
- Multiple Subscription options – listeners may have to create Podbean accounts to subscribe although they can still add the RSS to the directories of their choice without an account.
- Offers mobile applications for users – allows you to use its podcast player to stream content or download anywhere and anytime.
- Video and Audio hosting – offers both video and audio hosting.
- Advanced facilities – Podbean offers lots of advanced facilities to customize your podcast to standard.
- Offers integration with top podcast directories.
- Live chat support – advanced or Business plan creators get this option for free.
- Free website builder – offers creators the option for a podcast site.
Cons with Podbean
- Comments via the Podbean App – listeners can only post comments via the Podbean app.
- Money-Back Guarantee – while you can try out Podbean for free, there is no Money Back Guarantee offered for now.
Podbean Hosting Plans & Pricing
Podbean offers 3 paid hosting plans. The first plan is the “Unlimited Audio & Unlimited Plus” (best for Audio Podcasting only) which starts at $9/month if billed annually. The second plan called Unlimited Plus which is best for video podcasts and podcast monetization starts at $29/month if billed annually.
And the 3rd plan called “Business” – which is best for podcast networks and business podcasts starts at $99/mo when billed annually.
For serious podcasters who want video podcasts and flexible monetization options, I recommend the Unlimited Plus at $29/mo which has more room for customization, integrations, and of course, the patron enrollment program where creators receive a recurring income from audience support.
3. Blubrry Podcast Platform
Todd Cochrane founded Blubrry in 2005. Blubrry, a subsidiary of RawVoice, is a privately owned and operated company that – unlike other podcasting companies – is based 100 percent in the United States.
Like Podbean, Blubrry offers almost more inbuilt infrastructures for creators. Furthermore, if you are a diehard user & fan of WordPress self-hosted websites you will love Blubrry as well because your podcast publishing will be as simple as publishing content from your WordPress site.
Plus, you get 24/7 phone support, a nice website builder, an exploration of over 750,000 podcasts, and lots more.
Pros with Blubrry
- Suitable for WordPress and non-WordPress users. WordPress users can easily launch podcasts from their site.
- Free content migration – podcasters get free podcast migration should they need this option.
- Video and Audio hosting – offers both video and audio hosting.
- Advanced facilities – offers advanced facilities for professional podcasters with facilities for multiple shows in one account, Ad Insertion for recurring income, Standard statistics, Automatic payments, and more.
- Offers integration with top podcast directories.
- Customer support – offers multiple instant customer support for creators.
- Multiple usages – you can do more with Blubrry. You can use it as a private and internal podcasting tool, suitable for professional usage, and more.
Cons with Blubrry
- Paid inbuilt Statistics tool – to get accurate podcast statistics you will have to use a third-party tool. Else, you will have to pay $5 for it.
Except for this, Blubrry is unapologetically a great podcasting hosting site for both none and WordPress users.
Blubrry Hosting Prices and Plans
Blubrry offers 3 paid hosting plans. The first plan with 100MB of monthly storage starts at $12/mo. The second with a 250MB of Storage starts at $20/mo, and the 3rd plan “for professional users” offers Unlimited Monthly Storage and starts at $100/mo.
For solo podcasters, the second plan which offers up to 250MB of storage is perfect for a start at $20/mo. With it, creators still get expandable storage options.
On the other way round, if you are a pro podcaster with options to host multiple shows in one account, Ad Insertion for recurring income, standard statistics, Automatic payments, and more, then I recommend the Pro Hosting plan which starts at $100/mo.
Having seen their individual capacities, let’s now check out how they compare to each other. Let’s start with Buzzsprout and Podbean.
Podbean vs Buzzsprout Summary
Podbean offers advanced options such as private podcasting, multiple monetization and mobile applications for users, video hosting, and live chat support while Buzzsprout also multiple monetization options but with a simpler beginner-friendly interface.
Podbean vs Buzzsprout Comparison 2022
Let’s start with the interface.
1. Buzzsprout vs Podbean User Interface
Both platforms offer a simple user interface, however, Buzzsprout is more simplistic, old-fashioned, and channeled for beginners.
With Podbean you get:
- Faster loading times and navigation so you can complete your tasks quickly and smoothly
- Clearer user interface and intuitive layout for managing your podcast.
- A podcast distribution section for the most popular podcast apps to help you get your podcast into the ears of more listeners
You get the same with BuzzSprout, but not as intuitive as Podbean.
Winner: based on user preference – I like Podbean
2. Podbean vs Buzzsprout customer support comparison
Both Podbean and Buzzsprout offer multiple customer support options. For Buzzsprout, you get support via Email tickets, Academy, Help Center, and Live chat support. And for Buzzsprout, you get via Email Tickets, Help Center, and Facebook community support.
Winner: Both platforms
3. Podbean vs Buzzsprout WordPress integration
While both Podbean and Buzzsprout give you room for WordPress content embedding, however, Buzzsprout on a brighter note gives you a notable plugin to customize your podcast site.
Winner: Both platforms
4. Buzzsprout vs Podbean Hosting options
While Podbean offers both video and audio hosting, Buzzsprout offers only audio hosting.
Winner: Podbean
5. Monetization on Buzzsprout vs Podbean
Both platforms offer flexible and external monetization options, however, Podbean offers a bit more with specific possibilities such as PodAds, patron for recurring income, Ads marketplace, and digital premium content.
Winner: Podbean
6. Podbean vs Buzzsprout Advanced options
Podbean offers far better-advanced facilities than Buzzsprout. On Podbean, you can host a private podcast, conduct Livestream sessions, segment content for different, remote recordings, and more.
Winner: Podbean
7. Mobile App
Podbean offers both Android and iOS mobile applications while Buzzsprout does not.
Winner: Podbean
Podbean Vs BuzzSprout – which offers Private Podcasting?
Podbean offers 100% Private Internal Podcasting and is ideal for corporate communications, training, speakers, interviews, and premium content, while BuzzSprout only hides your public podcast website so it isn’t found by search engines.
The disadvantage of BuzzSprout’s private hosting is that it would still be possible for people to share the direct link with somebody else, but it is unlikely that somebody would be able to find the podcast on their own.
➡️ Check out Podbean’s Private Podcast Enterprise pricing
Winner: Podbean, by far.
Blubrry Vs Podbean Summary
While both Blubrry and Podbean offer advanced options with unique monetization and customer support options, Blubrry offers free podcast content migration and option for WordPress users.
Blubrry Vs Podbean Comparison 2022
Let’s start with the user interface.
1. Blubrry vs Podbean User Interface
Both platforms are simple for users, however, the Powerpress tool with more than 100 features and 100,000 active users, and the option to work with video and includes players that will work with your video podcast files. mp4 or m4v makes it a bit thicker.
Winner: Blubrry
2. Blubrry Vs Podbean customer support
Both Blubrry and Podbean offer multiple support channels, however, Blubrry does better by offering instant phone support, customer support via contact form entries, and video call conferences for all plan users, unlike Podbean where only Business users get live chat support.
Winner: Blubrry
3. Blubrry Vs Podbean WordPress integration
Podbean specifically works for non-WordPress users (with an option to embed content on a WordPress site), while Blubrry works for both WordPress and non-WordPress users with a notable plugin for easy integration.
Winner: Blubrry
4. Blubrry Vs Podbean Hosting options
Both podcast platforms allow video and audio hosting, however, Podbean goes far as to allow Live stream sessions without extra money spent on third-party tools.
Winner: Podbean
5. Monetization options
Both of them offer flexible monetization possibilities plus the ability to use solo monetization options such as affiliate marketing, Patreon gateway, donations, digital products, and more.
Winner: Both podcast platforms.
6. Advanced options
Both Blubrry and Podbean offer advanced facilities (Blubrry, especially with its PowerPress tool), however, Podbean does more with live streaming and remote recording options without extra cost.
Kindly note that to use these advanced facilities you must be on their Business plan (Podbean) and Pro Hosting plan (Blubrry) at $99/mo and $100/mo respectively.
Winner: Podbean
7. Blubrry Vs Podbean Mobile App integration
Podbean offers both Android and iOS mobile applications while Blubrry does not.
Winner: Podbean
8. Blubrry Vs Podbean – which offers Private Podcasting?
While Private Internal Podcasting is ideal for corporate communications, training, speakers, interviews, premium content, and more, however, if you require secure delivery of your podcasts, you can purchase private podcasting on either Podbean or Blubrry. So, yes, both platforms offer this facility.
Kindly note that to get Private Internal Podcasting on other platforms, you need to go for their Business or Enterprise pricing plans.
➡️ Check out Podbean’s private podcast Enterprise pricing
➡️ Check out Blubrry Professional Pricing
Winner: Both podcast platforms.
Blubrry vs Buzzsprout Summary
While both Blubrry and Buzzsprout offer a plugin for WordPress integration and audio hosting, Blubrry offers other advanced podcasting options such as private hosting, video hosting, dynamic ad insertion, instant customer support, and free Podcast file migration. Nevertheless, Buzzsprout offers a better or flexible storage options.
Blubrry vs Buzzsprout Comparison 2022
1. Blubrry vs Buzzsprout User-friendliness
Both platforms are intuitive for all users. Also, users using WordPress already should be happy with the 2 platforms as they both offer a simple podcast plugin.
Winner: Both podcast platforms.
2. Blubrry vs Buzzsprout customer support
Both Blubrry and Buzzsprout offer multiple support channels, however, Blubrry does better by offering instant phone support, customer support via contact form entries, and video call conferences for all plan users, unlike Buzzsprout with a Help center, community support, and email ticket support.
Winner: Blubrry
3. Blubrry vs Buzzsprout WordPress integration
Both Blubrry and Buzzsprout offer options for WordPress users to host their podcasts from their sites. Nonetheless, the Blubrry plugin is a more powerful and robust WP plugin called Powerpress with over 60,000 downloads already, while Buzzsprout manages 6,000 downloads plus a lack of updates.
Winner: Blubrry
4. Hosting options
While Blubrry allows both video and audio hosting, Buzzsprout works best with audio hosting.
Winner: Blubrry
5. Monetization on Blubrry vs Buzzsprout
Both Blubrry and Buzzsprout offer flexible monetization tactics plus external earning options such as affiliate marketing, Patreon gateway, donations, ads, digital products, and more.
Winner: Both podcast platforms.
6. Advanced options on Buzzsprout or Blubrry
Blubrry offers the more advanced infrastructure to customize your podcast platform as compared to Buzzsprout. Also, on Blubrry, you get free content migration.
Winner: Blubrry
7. Mobile App
Both Buzzsprout and Blubrry do not offer mobile app applications.
8. Blubrry Vs BuzzSprout – which offers Private Podcasting?
Blubrry offers 100% Private Internal Podcasting that is ideal for corporate communications, training, speakers, interviews, and premium content, while BuzzSprout only hides your public podcast website so it isn’t found by search engines.
The disadvantage of BuzzSprout’s private hosting is that it would still be possible for people to share the direct link with somebody else, but it is unlikely that somebody would be able to find the podcast on their own.
➡️ Check out Blubrry Professional Pricing
Winner: Blubrry by far.
Buzzsprout, Podbean, and Blubrry Similarities
All of the podcast platforms come with a free public podcast website, free trial, suitable for all types of creators, integration with top directories, and different monetization options.
Final Decision on Blubrry vs Podbean vs Buzzsprout Comparisons
There is no doubt that each of these podcast powerhouses has its major and minor points, which translates to the fact that there is no perfect or all-including hosting platform based on users’ needs.
Podbean, Blubrry, and Buzzsprout all offer free trials, however, Podbean and Blubrry offer advanced facilities with multiple and instant customer support for creators.
Additionally, with customer support, Blubrry goes further to offer phone support plus free content migration.
Individually,
Blubrry – an all-inclusive user platform for both solo creators and WordPress users.
Blubrry offers amazing hosting facilities for advanced users with strategic monetization options.
If you are already using WordPress, you can make use of it. And even though you want to move your file to the platform, it is all free.
Lastly, you get instant phone support on all paid plans.
Podbean– all-inclusive users with versatile usage + instant live support.
Podbean is an all-user hosting platform with advanced and versatile monetization functions although they are not popular for WordPress users.
They stand out with options on Live streaming, universal remote recording, and live chat support for Business users.
Buzzsprout – for beginners with an option for WP integration.
If you’re just starting out, and you need to control costs, then try out Buzzsprout as an excellent option for a small business or podcaster that is making steady growth.
Personal Views – I would host permanently on Podbean or Blubrry since both offer robust functions.
If I were to enable my podcasts from my WordPress website or stand-alone, I would go with Blubrry, but specifically, for a standalone podcast platform + app integrations, I would go with Podbean.
Overall, Podbean fits in for growing & already pro podcasters, Blubrry, is simple and great for both none and WordPress users. Lastly, Buzzsprout is best for Beginners – a simple interface.
➡️ First choice – PodBean | Podbean’s Pro for advanced podcasting
➡️ Second choice – Blubrry | Blubrry’s Pro for advanced podcasting
➡️ Third choice – Buzzsprout – Beginnerm wise & simple
That is all about the Podbean vs Buzzsprout Vs Blubrry review and comparison.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we may make a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
