Top 10 Podcast Hosting Platforms for 2024
Find the perfect home for your audio content with the best platforms for storage, distribution, analytics, and monetization.
Starting a podcast requires more than just a microphone and an idea; you need a reliable hosting platform. This service stores your audio files and distributes them to major directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The best hosts offer detailed analytics, easy monetization tools, and user-friendly dashboards. We've reviewed the top services to help you launch and grow your show.
1. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is widely regarded as one of the most user-friendly platforms, making it perfect for beginners. It offers a clean dashboard, great analytics, and useful features like automatic episode optimization and a "Magic Mastering" tool to improve your audio quality.
Pros
- Incredibly easy to use
- Excellent free plan (up to 2 hrs/month)
- Great audio enhancement tools
Cons
- Free plan episodes are deleted after 90 days
- Storage is based on hours, not file size
2. Transistor
Built for professionals and teams, Transistor offers robust analytics, the ability to host unlimited podcasts on one account, and tools for private podcasting. Its focus is on providing serious podcasters with the data and features they need to grow their brand.
Pros
- Excellent, detailed analytics
- Host multiple shows on one account
- Great for teams and private podcasting
Cons
- No free plan (only a trial)
- Pricing is based on number of downloads
3. Libsyn
As one of the first podcast hosts, Libsyn is a trusted and reliable name in the industry. It's a workhorse platform favored by many professional podcasters for its excellent reliability, IAB-certified stats, and flexible monetization options, including its own ad network.
Pros
- Extremely reliable and established
- IAB certified statistics
- Good monetization tools
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to rivals
- Pricing is based on storage, not uploads
4. Captivate
Captivate is built with a singular focus: podcast growth. Every feature, from its customizable player and one-click sponsor kit to its easy marketing integrations, is designed to help independent podcasters grow their audience and brand.
Pros
- Excellent growth and marketing tools
- Unlimited podcasts and storage
- Beautiful, customizable podcast player
Cons
- Pricing based on download limits
- No free plan
5. Simplecast
Acquired by SiriusXM, Simplecast is a professional platform known for its industry-leading analytics and distribution. It provides deep insights into listener behavior and offers powerful tools for teams to collaborate on producing and publishing shows.
Pros
- Powerful, detailed analytics
- Great for collaborative teams
- Sleek, modern user interface
Cons
- No free plan
- Can be more expensive than similar options
6. Spreaker
Spreaker is unique in its focus on live podcasting. It provides a "virtual studio" for broadcasting live, taking callers, and playing sound effects. It also has strong monetization tools, including its own ad network that can dynamically insert ads into your episodes.
Pros
- Live podcasting capabilities
- Excellent monetization and ad tools
- Good free plan to start
Cons
- Interface is not as clean as others
- Some features locked behind higher tiers
7. RedCircle
RedCircle is built entirely around helping podcasters make money. It offers a suite of powerful monetization tools, including programmatic ads, dynamic ad insertion for host-reads, and a subscription/donation system, taking a small cut of the revenue generated.
Pros
- Powerful, creator-first monetization tools
- Free to host, only pay with revenue
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth
Cons
- Analytics are more basic than rivals
- Platform takes a cut of your earnings
8. Castos
Castos is the perfect choice for podcasters who use WordPress. Its "Seriously Simple Podcasting" plugin allows you to manage your entire podcast from your WordPress dashboard. It also offers automatic transcription and YouTube republishing features.
Pros
- Best-in-class WordPress integration
- Unlimited podcasts and episodes
- Automatic YouTube republishing
Cons
- Less valuable if you don't use WordPress
- Analytics are not as detailed as others
9. Podbean
Podbean is a feature-rich, all-in-one platform that offers a generous free plan with unmetered bandwidth. It's a solid choice for beginners and includes unique features like a patron program for listener donations and an integrated ad marketplace.
Pros
- Good free plan with unlimited bandwidth
- Multiple monetization options
- Live streaming capabilities
Cons
- Website customization is limited
- Interface isn't as modern as some
10. Spotify for Podcasters (Anchor)
Formerly Anchor, this platform is owned by Spotify and is the only major host that is 100% free. It offers unlimited hosting, easy distribution to all major platforms (including Spotify), and basic monetization tools. It's the undisputed best choice for hobbyists on a zero budget.
Pros
- Completely free, unlimited hosting
- Extremely easy distribution
- Great for beginners to get started
Cons
- Less control over your show's RSS feed
- Analytics and support are very basic