Podcast Hosts Compared: Buzzsprout vs. Libsyn vs. Podbean

Although several start-ups and newcomers are entering the podcast hosting game, Buzzsprout, Podbean and Libsyn remain three of the most popular and most reliable platforms for hosting. All three have been around over a decade and have stayed popular and relevant thanks to competitive pricing, expansive features that will satisfy both professional and recreational podcasters, and top-notch support and customer service. 

What differentiates the leaders in the podcast hosting game tends to be the range in plans (both in regards to pricing and storage space), as well as the add-on features that you get with a plan. For the most part, quality, reliability and functionality will be about the same especially with established hosting services like Buzzsprout, Podbean and Libsyn. In this comparison, we will break down pricing and plan options, as well as add-on features that come with each plan, and explain what type of podcasters will benefit most from the offerings of each platform. 

Buzzsprout vs. Podbean vs. Libsyn

Podcast Host Pricing 

Regardless of which hosting platform you select, you will likely have the option to choose between several plans, typically starting with a free plan that offers limited storage space, and going up to an unlimited (or nearly unlimited) plan aimed at professional podcasters or even podcast networks. 

The widest range comes from Podbean, with pricing starting at a free plan that allows for 5 hours of total storage, as well as limitations on some other services and functions. Their two most popular options are Unlimited Audio ($9per month) and Unlimited Plus ($29 per month), both of which offer unlimited storage space and unmetered bandwidth, but differ in regards to what customizations and features are available within the platform’s site builder. A final plan, Business, is $99 permonth and aimed at networks or business with multiple podcasts. 

Buzzsprout offers very similar pricing options, again starting with a free plan. If you want a free podcast host, Buzzsprout is a better option because it allows for 2 hours of audio each month, rather than Podbean’s five hours total. In theory, you could host a show using Buzzsprout’s free plan if episodes were relatively infrequent and short. Their three paid plans, priced at $12per month, $18per month and $24per month allow for 3 hours, 6 hours or 12 hours of uploads each month respectively, with the option to add more as needed. All of Buzzsprouts pay plans include full access to statistics, embedded players and a podcast website. The advantage of this pricing structure is that if you know exactly how much audio  you plan to release, it can be much more affordable than a plan like Podbean’s Unlimited Plus. That being said, the cap at 12 hours in their most expensive plan means it probably is not the right platform for a daily show or podcast network. 

Finally, Libsyn starts with a $5 plan, which includes 50 MB of storage. Their larger plans are $15per month, $20per month and $40per month to upload 250 MB, 400 MB or 800 MB of audio respectively. Libsyn explains that one minute of audio is about 0.5 to 1.0 MB, and encourages someone releasing four 60 minute episodes a month to get their $15per month plan. File sizes of course depend on how the audio was recorded, exported, and if it contains music or just spoken words. They also offer two larger plans, maxing out at $150per month for 3000 MB of storage, and LibsynPRO which offers unlimited storage. The pricing here may be a bit confusing to a new podcaster, but if you are an existing show and know much much storage you would need monthly, the pricing is affordable and inviting. 

Ultimately, if pricing is your top consideration, consider Buzzsprout if you want a free plan, any of the three platforms if you are a semi-regular show that needs a “normal” amount of storage, and Podbean or Libsyn if you’re looking for an unlimited or nearly unlimited plan. 

Podcast Statistics and Metrics

One of the most important features to have access to for a podcast of any size is statistics, and all three hosts offer comprehensive podcasts stats that will help you grow your audience and potentially find advertisers. Only Podbean’s Basic (free) plan and Libyn’s $5per month 50 MB plan limit what statistics you will have access to. 

While the exact statistics and information you will get access to will be relatively similar, the way information is presented varies a bit with each option. Buzzsprout stands out because their interface is very clear, easy to read and organized logically. Podbean also has very clear statistics, as well as a bit more detail than their competitors. Their User Engagement intel, which comes as an optional add-on, is a great advantage and can help growing podcasts understand why episodes are or are not working. Libsyn statistics are also incredibly detailed, including data like a basic social media stats, download statistics and more. 

Podcast Website Creation

An increasingly common feature of podcast hosting platforms is the ability to easily create a podcast website and automatically publish episodes to it. Libsyn, Podbean and Buzzsprout all have integrated this feature at all price points. 

Libsyn calls their websites “Mini Sites,” which should give you an idea of the functionality and features. While the websites won’t compete with a page created with Squarespace or WordPress, they work just fine for a new podcast and can be customized to match your podcasts branding. 

Podbean gives all their users the ability to create a site, with increased functionality such as more themes to choose from, customized design and custom domains for paid plans. This is one of the key differences between the Unlimited Audio and Unlimited Pro plans that Podbean offers, and their Pro and Business plans give you the ability to create robust, fully customized sites. 

Finally, Buzzsprout again stands out because of the clean design, and the ability to use a custom domain. Buzzsprout’s sites are a bit less customizable than with Podbean, but their default pages are modern and easy to navigate. If you prefer to use your own website, Buzzsprout also has a very easy to use embedded player generator with a wide range of features like customizable colors and full listening control. 

Pro / Business / Monetization Tools

Libsyn and Podbean both offer business or enterprise level plans, but you will find great tools aimed at professional podcasters in plans from all three of these hosts. 

While Buzzsprout does not bill one of their plans as meant for pros, they do give their creators access to an affiliate marketing program which can be used to monetize a podcast. You can manage unlimited podcasts under the same account, each on their own plan, and give unlimited team members access to the account. This could be helpful if you work with an editor or business manager and want to give them full or limited access to the podcasts backend. Buzzsprout allows for lots of customization in their platform which makes it easy to represent your brand clearly while using their platform, too. 

Podbean allows podcasts of all sizes to join their ad marketplace to potentially gain revenue from ads, and has an integrated Patron Program that allows for additional monetization. In their Business plan, you can also set up multiple podcast channels and have multiple management admins. Podbean also offers customized enterprise solutions that are robust and go beyond the Business plan, including 24/7 premium support, advanced statistics and sophisticated podcast management. 

LibsynPRO is a full suite of tools for professional podcasters, including multi-user account management,and management tools for running advertising campaigns. LibsynPRO plans can be customized based on your shows needs, and their team encourages you to contact them directly for demos and pricing. 

Other Podcast Host Features

A few additional features stand out, which may just be your deciding factor when choosing between Podbean, Libsyn and Buzzsprout. 

One of Buzzsprout’s coolest features is integrated audio transcription, starting at $0.10 per minute. If you are looking to increase your SEO, convert audio episodes to blog posts, or reach new audiences, this can be a useful feature. Sharing episodes is also easy with Buzzsprout’s Visual Soundbite feature, which are eye-catching videos that can be automatically created and feature your podcast’s logo and selections from an episode. The videos can then be shared on social media and are a unique, visually appealing way to share a segment of an episode with fans. 

One of Libsyn’s unique features are their custom iOS and Android apps, which give fans more access to a favorite show, and allow for more features than some other podcast listening apps. Users can create lists of their favorite episodes, integrate their social media for sharing, and utilize listening features like a sleep timer and speed settings. Apps can be added as a feature to Libsyn’s plans above 400 MB. 

Podbean offers their own app, which has over a million active users and can be used to record podcasts and engage with audiences. Podbean also has a live streaming feature, where hosts can go on air and take calls or instant messages from listeners. Live streams can be free or ticketed, and hosted from the Podbean website or using the app. 

Which Podcast Host Do I Choose? 

If there is one thing to know about podcast hosting, it is that it is very hard to go wrong. Of course pricing and features will vary a bit, but Buzzsprout, Libsyn and Podbean are all great services with easy access to customer support and reliable services. 

If you are not tech-savvy, and do not want to worry about optimizing audio to stay within storage limits, Buzzsprout is likely your best bet. They offer automatic episode optimization and their free plan is one of the best free plans you will find. Buzzsprout’s publishing interface is also very easy to use, as is their website builder and other publishing features. 

If you are looking for an unlimited plan at a low price, Podbean is an excellent option. If you have a single podcast, it is hard to beat their $9 per month Unlimited Audio Plan. Their Unlimited Plus and Business plans have some additional features that will definitely be helpful when monetization comes into the picture. 

Finally, for existing podcasts that know how much space they need, or for professional podcasters or businesses, Libsyn’s advanced and business features are top notch. Their more basic plans are also certainly worth considering too if you know how much storage you will need monthly. 

With all three platforms, you will be in good hands and most importantly, flexible sign up options allow you to commit to just a month at a time. Do not be afraid to give a platform a trial run if you are starting a new podcast, as Libsyn, Podbean and Buzzsprout also all make it very easy to move from one platform to another. Happy podcasting!

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