HUSTLR Awards for
Best Podcast Hosting
Podcasts have emerged as one of the most popular and engaging content formats in recent years. Whether you’re a blogger, a marketer, or an entrepreneur, podcasting will help grow your audience and establish your authority. However, starting a podcast requires you to make a series of critical decisions. One such decision is the selection of your podcasting hosting service.
It’s crucial to choose the right podcast hosting platform based on your goals, preferences, and budget. The right podcast hosting is one that lets you boost engagement and build your audience. That’s why we’ve curated the best podcast hosting services for different types of users.
Here’s how we handpicked the top contenders and selected the winners in various subcategories:
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
PodBean is a popular podcast hosting platform that is used by more than 530,000 podcasters. It’s easy to use and offers unlimited storage and bandwidth across all pricing plans. You also get access to a wide range of monetization and promotion tools as well as detailed and easy-to-understand analytics.
Moreover, you can easily design a website and choose from a plethora of awesome-looking templates. PodBean also offers a remarkable podcast player that can be easily embedded into WordPress websites. The best part is that you get a feature-rich forever free plan with 5 hours of storage.
- All paid plans include unlimited storage and bandwidth
- Detailed, insightful, and visual podcast statistics
- User-friendly dashboard
- Impressive monetization tools
- Feature-rich free plan
- Suitable for video podcasts as well
- Automatically submits your podcast episodes to popular directories including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc.
- No audio transcription tools
- Live chat support is restricted to the most expensive pricing tier
HUSTLR reviewed more than 15 podcast hosting platforms. Our team evaluated various factors including features, user-friendliness, reporting, monetization & marketing tools, and pricing. We also analyzed specific features such as pre-made website templates and the built-in podcast player.
We selected PodBean as the winner because it packs a full array of top-notch features and tools into the most affordable pricing plans. What sets PodBean apart is that all its pricing tiers include unlimited storage and bandwidth. Even the free plan offers an impressive array of features including an embedded player, website themes, and powerful analytics.
Apart from ratings, our team considered how well a service catered to the needs of beginners, hobbyists, and professional podcasters. We also looked into user ratings on various online platforms. Additionally, our team consulted popular podcasters, bloggers, and YouTubers who have first-hand experience of using these platforms.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Are you looking for a simple podcasting hosting platform that offers all the essential features at affordable rates? BuzzSprout is just the right choice for you. Its pricing plans start at $12 per month and include a full array of useful features and tools.
Its straightforward and intuitive interface lets you upload and publish your podcast episodes in a few clicks. Moreover, you get access to easily comprehensible statistics, an embeddable player, and a free WordPress plugin. If you want to test the waters, you can select the robust free plan.
- User-friendly dashboard
- Detailed and easy-to-understand statistics
- Free WordPress plugin and embeddable player
- Responsive and customizable website
- Automatically uploads your podcast episodes on various directories
- Hassle-free migration to other hosting platforms
- Outstanding technical support
- Requires separate hosting accounts for each individual shows
- Episodes published under the free plan are deleted after 90 days
HUSTLR reviewed more than 10 podcast hosting platforms. Our team analyzed various factors including features, tools, add-ons, tech support, compatibility, and pricing. We also evaluated specific features including the website builder, interface, and audio player.
We selected Buzzsprout as the winner because it provides an all-in-one platform to host, promote, and monetize your podcasts. The simple and user-friendly dashboard and affordable pricing plans make it the right choice for beginners. Moreover, you can easily switch to a different hosting service, should the need arise in the future.
Apart from ratings, our team considered how well a hosting service will adapt to the growing needs of a user. We also looked into user ratings on various online platforms. Additionally, our team consulted various content creators, digital marketers, and podcasters who have first-hand experience of using these platforms.
BEST FOR PROFESSIONAL PODCASTERS
Transistor is a relatively new yet extremely powerful and versatile podcast hosting platform. It’s the go-to hosting service for popular podcasters and content creators such as Lew Later, Taylor Otwell, and Colleen Pellissier. You can host multiple shows from the same account as well as add and manage your team members.
Additionally, it has a “private podcasting” feature that lets you upload gated podcast episodes for paid subscribers. Other distinguishing features include robust podcast statistics, a user-friendly embeddable player, and a built-in podcast website. You also get access to resourceful and proactive tech support.
- All pricing plans allow unlimited shows under the same account
- 14-day free trial
- Live customer support
- Advanced analytics
- Built-in podcast website and embeddable player
- All pricing plans allow multiple users for the same account
- Private podcasting feature for paid subscribers
- Limited number of downloads per month
- Slightly complex for beginners
HUSTLR reviewed more than 15 podcast hosting platforms. Our team evaluated various factors including features, monetization tools, reporting, scalability, versatility, support, and pricing. We also analyzed specific features such as the ability to add multiple users and create gated episodes.
We selected Transistor as the winner because its versatile features are perfect for the needs of new-age podcasters. The “private podcasting” feature even lets you publish exclusive content for paid subscribers. Moreover, you can automatically publish your episodes on popular podcast directories.
Apart from ratings, our team evaluated how well a hosting platform fulfilled the needs of different types of podcasters. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, our team interacted with established podcast producers and other content creators who have the first-hand experience of using these services.
BEST FREE PODCASTING
Launched in 2010, Spreaker has grown to become a powerful and flexible podcasting hosting platform. Its free plan is studded with useful features including 5 hours of audio storage and unlimited bandwidth. You even get 15 minutes of live streaming (in a single session).
Additionally, Spreaker provides you with a versatile recording tool and basic analytics. It also has its own desktop and mobile app for recording, live streaming, and monitoring. It’s ideal for novices who want to try their hands at podcasting without spending a fortune.
- In-built recording software
- Live podcasting features
- Desktop and mobile app that lets you record, publish, and monitor your episodes
- Free plan includes unlimited bandwidth and 5 hours of storage
- User-friendly interface
- Paid plans start at $7 per month only
- Free plan allows multiple podcast shows
- Doesn’t offer any monetization tools in the free plan
- Free plan includes basic and limited analytics
HUSTLR reviewed more than 15 podcast hosting platforms with free plans. Our team analyzed various factors including features, scalability, compatibility, monetization tools, reporting, and pricing. We also considered how well a free plan fulfilled the needs of beginners and hobbyists.
We selected Spreaker as the winner because its free plan offers a plethora of unique features such as live podcasting and recording software. You also get access to basic analytics and unlimited bandwidth.
Apart from ratings, our team evaluated how well a hosting platform will adapt to the growing needs of a user. We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, our team interacted with various podcasters, content creators, and online marketers who have the first-hand experience of using these services.
BEST SUPPORT
Blubrry is a popular podcast hosting platform that is best known for its state-of-the-art WordPress plugin (PowerPress). It offers all the creator-friendly features you’d expect from a standard podcast hosting service. It’s easy to use and provides you with advanced analytics to understand your audience.
However, what sets Blubrry apart is its round-the-clock outstanding customer support. You can connect with them 24×7 via email or a one-on-one phone call. You can even place a request to schedule a video conference to resolve your problems.
- Free WordPress website and plugin (PowerPress)
- Awesome-looking embeddable podcast player
- All plans include 25% overage leeway
- Free media migration and import
- Detailed and insightful IAB-certified analytics
- Robust knowledge base tailored for podcasters
- 24×7 multi-channel tech support including one-on-one phone support
- No free plan; starting prices are on the higher side
- Not suitable for non-WordPress users
HUSTLR reviewed more than 15 podcast hosting services. Our team evaluated various factors including features, promotion & monetization tools, analytics, add-ons, versatility, scalability, support, and pricing. We also analyzed the customer support channels provided by each platform.
We selected Blubrry as the winner because it offers fast, helpful, and round-the-clock customer support. The support reps are extremely resourceful and prioritize the user’s needs. Moreover, you can reach out to them anytime via email/phone and even schedule a video conference.
Apart from ratings, our team analyzed the quality of the knowledge base (if available). We also looked into user reviews on various online platforms. Additionally, our team consulted various podcasters, bloggers, and other content creators who have the first-hand experience of using these services.
Conclusion
The selection of a podcast hosting platform is paramount for your podcasting career. Irrespective of whether you’re an amateur or a professional podcaster, you must identify the right hosting provider. That’s why we’ve evaluated more than 30 hosting platforms and picked the winners to help you make the right choice.
Our team analyzed the features and tools to determine when they justified the pricing. Additionally, we used a rating system to pick the top 5 contenders in each subcategory. The final decision, however, was based on how well a platform catered to the needs of its target users. We also consulted various real-life users and checked out user reviews on different online platforms.
