Top 10 Podcast Hosting Platforms in 2023

Podcasts are one of the most popular and effective ways to share your ideas, stories, and fandoms with the world. Whether you are a seasoned podcaster or a beginner, you need a reliable and user-friendly podcast hosting platform to store and distribute your audio files.

But how do you choose the best podcast hosting platform for your needs? There are many factors to consider, such as storage space, bandwidth, pricing, analytics, distribution, monetization, and more.

To help you out, we have compiled a list of the top 10 podcast hosting platforms in 2023, based on their features, benefits, and drawbacks. To be clear, this is not a list where any are necessarily better than the other, but rather a list of the 10 best we could find that cater to different needs and plans. And also, not a single listing on here is sponsored, influenced, or paid-for in any way. 

Here are our picks:

Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is one of the easiest and most popular podcast hosting platforms in the market. It is designed for beginners and experts alike, offering a simple and intuitive interface, automatic optimization tools, and powerful features.

Some of the standout features of Buzzsprout are:

• Free plan: You can start podcasting for free with Buzzsprout, with a limit of 2 hours of upload per month and episodes hosted for 90 days.
• Import podcasts: You can easily migrate your existing podcast from another platform to Buzzsprout with a few clicks.
• Unlimited team members: You can add as many collaborators as you want to your podcast account, with different roles and permissions.
• Episode chapter markers: You can add chapter markers to your episodes, which allow your listeners to jump to specific segments of your show.
• Embeddable podcast player: You can embed a customizable podcast player on your website or blog, with options to change the color, size, and style.
• Pre- and post-roll segments: You can add pre-recorded segments to the beginning and end of all your episodes, such as intros, outros, ads, or announcements.
• Magic mastering: You can enhance the sound quality of your podcast with the paid “Magic Mastering” add-on, which automatically adjusts the volume, bitrate, and format of your audio files.

Buzzsprout also offers excellent distribution and analytics features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also track your podcast performance with detailed statistics on downloads, listeners, devices, locations, and more.

The pricing plans for Buzzsprout are:

• Free: 2 hours of upload per month, episodes hosted for 90 days
• $12/month: 3 hours of upload per month, unlimited storage and bandwidth
• $18/month: 6 hours of upload per month, unlimited storage and bandwidth
• $24/month: 12 hours of upload per month, unlimited storage and bandwidth

The Magic Mastering add-on costs an extra $6/month for the first 2 hours of upload per month, and $3/month for each additional hour.

Buzzsprout is best for podcasters who want a simple and affordable podcast hosting platform with great features and support.

Podbean

Podbean is another popular and easy-to-use podcast hosting platform that offers unlimited storage and bandwidth for all plans. Podbean also has a range of features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast.

Some of the standout features of Podbean are:

• Podcast app: You can record, edit, publish, and manage your podcast from your smartphone or tablet using the Podbean app.
• Live stream: You can host live shows with your audience using the Podbean Live Stream feature. You can interact with your listeners via live chat, voice messages, and virtual gifts.
• Video podcasting: You can upload video files to your podcast account and stream them on Podbean or other platforms.
• Dynamic ads insertion: You can insert ads into your episodes automatically using the Podbean Dynamic Ads Insertion feature. You can choose from Podbean’s ad marketplace or use your own ads.
• Patron program: You can create a membership program for your podcast using the Podbean Patron feature. You can set up different tiers of rewards for your supporters and accept donations via Stripe or PayPal.

Podbean also offers excellent distribution and analytics features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also track your podcast performance with detailed statistics on downloads, listeners, devices, locations, and more.

The pricing plans for Podbean are:

• Free: 5 hours of storage space, 100 GB of bandwidth per month
• $9/month: Unlimited storage space, unlimited bandwidth, custom design, video podcasting
• $29/month: All features of the previous plan plus advanced statistics, dynamic ads insertion, patron program
• $99/month: All features of the previous plan plus multiple podcasts, white label service

Podbean is best for podcasters who want a versatile and unlimited podcast hosting platform with live streaming and monetization features.

Libsyn

Libsyn is one of the oldest and most trusted podcast hosting platforms in the industry. Libsyn has been hosting podcasts since 2004 and has a reputation for reliability and professionalism. Libsyn offers a range of features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast.

Some of the standout features of Libsyn are:

• Custom mobile app: You can create your own branded mobile app for your podcast using the Libsyn Custom Mobile App feature. You can customize the design, content, and functionality of your app and publish it on iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
• OnPublish: You can automatically publish your episodes to your website, blog, social media, YouTube, Spotify, and more using the Libsyn OnPublish feature. You can also schedule your posts and track their performance.
• Advanced statistics: You can access detailed and accurate statistics on your podcast performance using the Libsyn Advanced Statistics feature. You can track downloads, listeners, devices, locations, trends, and more.
• Monetization options: You can monetize your podcast using various options provided by Libsyn. You can join the Libsyn advertising network, sell premium content via MyLibsyn, accept donations via PayPal, or use your own ads.

Libsyn also offers excellent distribution features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also create an RSS feed for your podcast and distribute it to any platform you want.

The pricing plans for Libsyn are:

• $5/month: 50 MB of storage space per month, basic statistics
• $15/month: 250 MB of storage space per month, advanced statistics
• $20/month: 400 MB of storage space per month, advanced statistics
• $40/month: 800 MB of storage space per month, advanced statistics
• $75/month: 1500 MB of storage space per month, advanced statistics

The Custom Mobile App feature costs an extra $10/month plus a one-time setup fee of $50.

Libsyn is best for podcasters who want a reliable and professional podcast hosting platform with custom mobile app and monetization options.

Captivate

Captivate is a new and innovative podcast hosting platform that aims to help you grow your audience and revenue. Captivate offers a modern and user-friendly interface, unlimited storage and bandwidth for all plans, and powerful features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast.

Some of the standout features of Captivate are:

• Podcast website: You can create a beautiful and responsive website for your podcast using the Captivate Podcast Website feature. You can customize the design, content, and SEO of your website and integrate it with your domain name.
• Marketing suite: You can access a suite of marketing tools to help you grow your audience using the Captivate Marketing Suite feature. You can create call-to-action buttons, embeddable players, email capture forms, sponsor kits, and more.
• Single subscription link: You can generate a single link that directs your listeners to subscribe to your podcast on their preferred platform using the Captivate Single Subscription Link feature. You can also track the performance of your link and optimize it for conversions.
• Private podcasts: You can create private podcasts for your members, clients, or employees using the Captivate Private Podcasts feature. You can control who has access to your private podcasts and how they can listen to them.

Captivate also offers excellent distribution and analytics features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also track your podcast performance with detailed statistics on downloads, listeners, devices, locations, and more.

The pricing plans for Captivate are:

• $19/month: Up to 12,000 downloads per month, unlimited podcasts
• $49/month: Up to 60,000 downloads per month, unlimited podcasts
• $99/month: Up to 150,000 downloads per month, unlimited podcasts

Captivate is best for podcasters who want a modern and unlimited podcast hosting platform with marketing and growth features.

Transistor

Transistor is another new and unlimited podcast hosting platform that offers a simple and elegant interface, unlimited storage and bandwidth for all plans, and powerful features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast.

Some of the standout features of Transistor are:

• Podcast website: You can create a beautiful and responsive website for your podcast using the Transistor Podcast Website feature. You can customize the design, content, and SEO of your website and integrate it with your domain name.
• Multiple podcasts: You can host as many podcasts as you want under one account using the Transistor Multiple Podcasts feature. You can also add as many collaborators as you want to each podcast.
• Private podcasts: You can create private podcasts for your members, clients, or employees using the Transistor Private Podcasts feature. You can control who has access to your private podcasts and how they can listen to them.

Transistor also offers excellent distribution and analytics features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also track your podcast performance with detailed statistics on downloads, listeners, devices, locations, and more.

The pricing plans for Transistor are:

• $19/month: Up to 10,000 downloads per month, unlimited podcasts
• $49/month: Up to 50,000 downloads per month, unlimited podcasts
• $99/month: Up to 150,000 downloads per month, unlimited podcasts

Transistor is best for podcasters who want a simple and unlimited podcast hosting platform with multiple and private podcasts features.

Blubrry

Blubrry is another veteran and trusted podcast hosting platform that offers a range of features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast. Blubrry is known for its WordPress integration, which allows you to manage your podcast from your WordPress site using the PowerPress plugin.

Some of the standout features of Blubrry are:

• WordPress integration: You can host your podcast on Blubrry and manage it from your WordPress site using the PowerPress plugin. You can upload, publish, edit, and delete your episodes from your WordPress dashboard. You can also customize your podcast feed, player, and SEO settings.
• Professional statistics: You can access professional and accurate statistics on your podcast performance using the Blubrry Professional Statistics feature. You can track downloads, listeners, devices, locations, trends, and more. You can also get certified statistics for advertising purposes.
• Dynamic content insertion: You can insert dynamic content into your episodes automatically using the Blubrry Dynamic Content Insertion feature. You can add pre-recorded segments or ads to the beginning, middle, or end of all your episodes.
• Monetization options: You can monetize your podcast using various options provided by Blubrry. You can join the Blubrry advertising network, sell premium content via Subscribe on Android, accept donations via PayPal, or use your own ads.

Blubrry also offers excellent distribution features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also create an RSS feed for your podcast and distribute it to any platform you want.

The pricing plans for Blubrry are:

• $12/month: 100 MB of storage space per month, basic statistics
• $20/month: 250 MB of storage space per month, professional statistics
• $40/month: 500 MB of storage space per month, professional statistics
• $80/month: 1000 MB of storage space per month, professional statistics
• $100/month: 1500 MB of storage space per month, professional statistics

The Dynamic Content Insertion feature costs an extra $49/month.

Blubrry is best for podcasters who want a WordPress-integrated and professional podcast hosting platform with dynamic content insertion and monetization options.

Spreaker

Spreaker is another versatile and easy-to-use podcast hosting platform that offers unlimited storage and bandwidth for all plans. Spreaker also has a range of features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast.

Some of the standout features of Spreaker are:

• Podcast app: You can record, edit, publish, and manage your podcast from your smartphone or tablet using the Spreaker app.
• Live stream: You can host live shows with your audience using the Spreaker Live Stream feature. You can interact with your listeners via live chat, voice messages, and virtual gifts.
• Video podcasting: You can upload video files to your podcast account and stream them on Spreaker or other platforms.
• Monetization options: You can monetize your podcast using various options provided by Spreaker. You can join the Spreaker advertising network, sell premium content via Spreaker Prime, accept donations via PayPal, or use your own ads.

Spreaker also offers excellent distribution and analytics features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also track your podcast performance with detailed statistics on downloads, listeners, devices, locations, and more.

The pricing plans for Spreaker are:

• Free: 5 hours of storage space, 15 minutes of live streaming per session
• $7/month: 100 hours of storage space, 45 minutes of live streaming per session
• $20/month: Unlimited storage space, 3 hours of live streaming per session
• $50/month: Unlimited storage space, 5 hours of live streaming per session

Spreaker is best for podcasters who want a versatile and unlimited podcast hosting platform with live streaming and monetization features.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud is one of the most popular and well-known platforms for audio content. SoundCloud is not only a podcast hosting platform, but also a social network and a music streaming service. SoundCloud offers a range of features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast.

Some of the standout features of SoundCloud are:

• Podcast app: You can record, edit, publish, and manage your podcast from your smartphone or tablet using the SoundCloud app.
• Social network: You can connect with your audience and other creators using the SoundCloud social network feature. You can follow, like, comment, share, and repost your favorite podcasts and tracks.
• Music streaming: You can access millions of songs and tracks from various genres and artists using the SoundCloud music streaming feature. You can also upload your own music and integrate it with your podcast.
• Monetization options: You can monetize your podcast using various options provided by SoundCloud. You can join the SoundCloud advertising network, sell premium content via SoundCloud Go+, accept donations via PayPal, or use your own ads.

SoundCloud also offers excellent distribution and analytics features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also track your podcast performance with detailed statistics on plays, likes, comments, shares, and more.

The pricing plans for SoundCloud are:

• Free: 3 hours of upload time, basic statistics
• $6/month: 6 hours of upload time, pro statistics
• $12/month: Unlimited upload time, pro statistics
• $16/month: Unlimited upload time, pro statistics, SoundCloud Go+ subscription

SoundCloud is best for podcasters who want a popular and social podcast hosting platform with music streaming and monetization features.

Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor)

Spotify for Podcasters (Anchor) is another new and innovative podcast hosting platform that aims to make podcasting easy and accessible for everyone. Spotify for Podcasters offers a free and unlimited podcast hosting service, with a range of features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast.

Some of the standout features of Spotify for Podcasters are:

• Podcast app: You can record, edit, publish, and manage your podcast from your smartphone or tablet using the Anchor app.
• Creation tools: You can access a variety of creation tools to help you produce your podcast using the Anchor Creation Tools feature. You can add music, sound effects, transitions, voice messages, and more to your episodes.
• Sponsorships: You can earn money from your podcast using the Anchor Sponsorships feature. You can choose from various sponsors that match your podcast niche and audience, and record ads for them in your own voice.
• Listener support: You can accept donations from your listeners using the Anchor Listener Support feature. You can set up different tiers of support and receive payments via Stripe.

Spotify for Podcasters also offers excellent distribution and analytics features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also track your podcast performance with detailed statistics on plays, listeners, devices, locations, and more.

The pricing plan for Spotify for Podasters is:

• Free: Unlimited storage space, unlimited bandwidth

Spotify for Podcasters is best for podcasters who want a free and unlimited podcast hosting platform with creation tools and sponsorships features.

Simplecast

Simplecast is another reliable and professional podcast hosting platform that offers a range of features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast. Simplecast is known for its Recast feature, which allows you to create and share audio clips from your episodes.

Some of the standout features of Simplecast are:

• Podcast website: You can create a beautiful and responsive website for your podcast using the Simplecast Podcast Website feature. You can customize the design, content, and SEO of your website and integrate it with your domain name.
• Recast: You can create and share audio clips from your episodes using the Simplecast Recast feature. You can trim, edit, caption, and embed your clips on your website or social media.
• Web player: You can embed a customizable web player on your website or blog using the Simplecast Web Player feature. You can change the color, size, style, and functionality of your player.
• Monetization options: You can monetize your podcast using various options provided by Simplecast. You can join the Simplecast advertising network, sell premium content via Memberful, accept donations via PayPal or Stripe, or use your own ads.

Simplecast also offers excellent distribution and analytics features. You can submit your podcast to all major directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. You can also track your podcast performance with detailed statistics on downloads, listeners, devices, locations, and more.

The pricing plans for Simplecast are:

• $15/month: Up to 20,000 downloads per month, unlimited storage space, unlimited bandwidth
• $35/month: Up to 50,000 downloads per month, unlimited storage space, unlimited bandwidth
• $85/month: Up to 120,000 downloads per month, unlimited storage space, unlimited bandwidth

Simplecast is best for podcasters who want a reliable and professional podcast hosting platform with Recast and web player features.

These are the top 10 podcast hosting platforms in 2023 that we have reviewed based on their features, benefits, and drawbacks. Of course, there are many other podcast hosting platforms available in the market (several similar to these above), and you may have your own preferences and needs. Therefore, we recommend you to do your own research and compare different options before choosing the best podcast hosting platform for your podcast.

We hope that, if nothing else, this article can help you on your way to finding the perfect host for you! Happy podcasting!