13 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms for All Budgets (Free to Expensive)

Given how many people are dipping a toe in the auditory waters these days, it’s clear the podcasting trajectory is still on an upward climb. But once you've added the final touches to your audio, where do you put it?

Where you host your podcast can make or break its reach and success. We rounded up some of the best podcast hosting platforms out there to help you decide.

Whether this is your first recording rodeo or you're a seasoned podcaster looking to switch platforms, we've got options for all levels and budgets.

What Exactly is a Podcast Hosting Service?

Podcast hosting is a service that stores and delivers your podcast files to various platforms. Just like YouTube or Vimeo hosts videos, a podcast needs a hosting platform to store and distribute its audio files to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the like. 

Is podcast hosting actually necessary? Yes! Without a host, your show wouldn't have a home. Hosting platforms not only store your audio files, they also provide an RSS feed, which is basically an online catalog of your episodes that podcast directories use to send your content to your audience.

Also, hosting sites often offer additional benefits, like analytics to track your show’s performance and tools to aid in monetization. Choosing a reliable podcast hosting platform ensures your podcast's accessibility and reach.

What to Look for in a Podcast Hosting Platform

Several factors come into play when deciding which platform to go with, and each one can influence the success your podcast ultimately enjoys. Here are some things to consider:

Ease of Use

The platform you choose should be user-friendly, especially if you're new to podcasting. Your learning curve is steep enough without having to spend hours figuring out how to upload or manage your newly recorded episodes.

Look for something with an intuitive interface that makes it easy for you to spend more time creating content and less time wrestling with confusing controls.

Cost

Price is always an important consideration. While some hosting platforms provide free options, they may have limitations. (However, for beginners, this isn’t usually too much of an issue.)

Paid plans often come with extra storage, better customization options, and more distribution opportunities. Balancing budget constraints with the features that are most necessary for your podcast's success is essential here.

Storage Limits

Depending on how long your episodes are and how frequently you post, storage limits can be a critical factor. Platforms offer different plans with varying storage capacities, so choose the one that suits your editorial schedule and episode length.

Audience Analytics

To grow your podcast, you need insights into your listener base. The best platforms offer audience analytics, such as listener demographics, engagement rates, download numbers, and more.

This data helps you understand who your podcast audience is and what they like, which will help you produce content people actually listen to.

Distribution and Promotion Capabilities

A wide reach is imperative for a successful podcast. Therefore, the platform you choose should make it easy to distribute your podcast to popular outlets like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Also, look for platforms that offer promotional tools to help you market your podcast and grow your listener base.

Remember, the best podcast hosting platform is the one that fits your specific needs. It's worth exploring different options and leveraging any free trials to find the perfect match for you.

The Best Podcast Hosting Platforms: Our Top Picks

Finally! Here are our top choices for everyone from beginner to advanced podcasters. Each platform offers unique features tailored to different experience levels, so have a read to see which one best suits your particular needs.

1. Transistor.fm

Transistor.fm offers a streamlined and intuitive experience for creators. Known for its focus on simplicity and ease of use, Transistor is a great choice for both new and seasoned podcasters.

With all the tools and features you need to host and distribute your podcasts effectively and the ability to host multiple podcasts under one account, it’s an ideal choice for podcast agencies or individuals managing multiple shows. 

Key features:

• Host multiple podcasts under one account (perfect for podcast agencies or multiple show operators)

• In-depth analytics with valuable insights on downloads, listener trends, and audience platforms

• Built-in customizable website for each hosted podcast, including domain integration and blog capability

• User-friendly embedded player for easy integration on your website, providing direct access for listeners

• Seamless submission to major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, ensuring broad visibility across the podcast ecosystem

Pros:

• Known for its responsive and helpful customer service

• Unlimited team members (significant advantage for larger teams or collaborations)

• 14-Day free trial

Cons:

• No free plan, which can be a barrier for beginners or hobbyists with a limited budget

• Transistor.fm doesn't have in-built audio or video editing tools

Pricing:

• Paid plans start at $19/month or $190/year*

*12 months for the price of 10 when you pay yearly

2. Casted

Casted is the perfect B2B marketing platform for tackling even the toughest audience-building and bottom-line-impacting tasks. Featuring one-click clips, auto transcription, listener intel, and an unbeatable customer experience, Casted is your go-to tool for surpassing your marketing team's goals.

With Casted, your podcast becomes more than just an audio series; it becomes an extensive content resource that could significantly boost your marketing efforts.

Key features:

• Podcast hosting and extensive content leverage tools

• Full transcription services to transform your audio content into written format

• Social sharing tools to extend your podcast's reach

• In-depth analytics and data insights to understand your audience better

• Quick clip creation for easy promotional material

• Enhanced collaboration tools, catered towards marketing teams

Pros:

• Great for marketing teams with an emphasis on content repurposing

• Offers transcription services (not all podcast platforms do)

• Excellent customer support with online chat available

Cons:

• Pricing is higher than other platforms (although you also get a lot more)

• Pricing can also be confusing (they even admit as much on their homepage)

• Lacks some traditional podcasting features, like built-in recording or editing tools

Pricing:

• Price plans start at $1k per month 

3. Podbean

Podbean is known for its reliability, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive set of features. Ideally suited for both beginner and experienced podcasters, the platform has all the tools and support you need to create, distribute, and monetize your podcast. 

With a focus on ease of use and broad distribution, Podbean ensures that your podcast reaches a wide audience across major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Key features:

• Reliable and user-friendly interface for easy podcast management

• Unlimited storage and bandwidth for worry-free publishing

• Distribution to major podcast directories, expanding your audience reach

• Monetization options include dynamic ad insertion and subscriber-only content

• Detailed analytics to gain insights into your listener base for informed content decisions

• Robust mobile app that allows you to manage and publish your podcast from your phone

• Built-in user community, which can be a valuable resource for networking and audience building

Pros:

• Excellent track record and customer service

• Regular feature updates

• Intuitive, user-friendly interface for easy podcast management

• Free basic plan for beginners

Cons:

• The free plan has limited features (to be expected)

• Advanced features are reserved for more costly plans

• Lower-tier plans allow only one podcast channel per account

Pricing:

• Free plan with limited features

• Paid plans start at $9/month

4. Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is a user-friendly podcast hosting platform known for its simplicity and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or a beginner just starting out, Buzzsprout offers intuitive tools to publish, manage, and track your podcast. 

With automatic episode optimization, seamless distribution to major podcast directories, and engaging podcast website templates, Buzzsprout ensures your podcasting journey is smooth and your content reaches a wide audience. 

Its detailed analytics provide insights into your listener base, helping you understand and cater to your audience better. Buzzsprout's commitment to user-friendly podcasting makes it an attractive choice for all experience levels.

Key features:

• User-friendly platform for easy podcast management

• Automatic optimization of podcast episodes

• Seamless distribution to major podcast directories

• Engaging podcast website templates for customization

• Detailed analytics for insights into listener demographics and behaviors

Pros:

• Free tier (perfect for beginners or hobbyists)

• Excellent customer support with useful resources and tutorials

• Regular feature updates based on user feedback and industry trends

Cons:

• Buzzsprout's basic plan only stores your content for 90 days

• No built-in recording or editing tools within the platform

• Does not support video podcasts

Pricing:

• Free plan with limited features

• Paid plans start at $12/month

5. Megaphone

Acquired by Spotify in 2018, Megaphone is a major player in the world of podcast advertising and publishing. High-end and expensive, it’s a favorite among brands and big media companies due to its dynamic ad insertion tech.

It’s also something of an exclusive club, requiring an ‘entry fee’ of at least 20,000 episode plays per month. Megaphone isn't for the casual podcaster, but for those serious about monetization, it's a worthy contender.

Key features:

• Efficient podcast management system for both individual creators and teams

• Comprehensive analytics and reporting to track your podcast's performance

• Ability to distribute your podcast to multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify

• Monetization opportunities through its targeted marketplace, offering dynamic ad insertion technology

• Embeddable media player to help users share content across social media and other platforms

Pros:

• Sleek and easy-to-use interface

• Fast and dependable customer service with live chat support

Cons:

• No free plan, and it doesn’t appear to offer a money-back guarantee either

• Not open to all creators: Megaphone is currently an exclusive platform

Pricing:

• Price plans start at $99/month

6. Anchor

Anchor is a free and comprehensive podcast hosting platform that makes it easy to create, distribute, and monetize podcasts. Owned by Spotify, Anchor offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of features, and seamless integration with the Spotify platform. 

Its built-in recording and editing tools make it an all-in-one solution for podcast creators, eliminating the need for any additional software. Anchor also includes analytics tools to help you track the performance of your podcast and understand your audience better.

As free offerings go, Anchor is an attractive option for podcasters on a budget or those just beginning their podcasting journey.

Key features:

• Free hosting and unlimited storage and bandwidth

• Distribution to all major podcast directories

• Customizable embedded audio player

• Easy-to-use recording and editing tools within the app

• Sponsorship integration for straightforward monetization (within the U.S. only)

• Automatic distribution to major podcast directories

• In-app analytics tools to understand listener demographics and behavior

• Basic community engagement features (listeners can leave voice messages)

Pros:

• Free and easy to use

Cons:

• Limited analytics compared to other platforms

• The monetization feature is currently limited to the U.S.

• Audio quality is lower than some other podcast hosting platforms

• You own your content, but Spotify reserves the right to use it at its own discretion

• There are limits in terms of how much you can upload in one sitting (250 mg)

Pricing:

• Anchor is 100% free to use 

7. Simplecast

Known for its robust analytics, advanced features, and commitment to quality, Simplecast is a favorite among professional podcasters and brands in need of a powerful podcast hosting platform. 

If you need to collaborate with a team or want to create private podcasts, Simplecast is worth considering. The platform's user-friendly interface, excellent support, and powerful publishing tools make it a go-to for many podcasters

Key features:

• User-friendly interface for easy podcast management and distribution

• Robust analytics to gain insights on listener demographics and episode performance

• Customizable podcast website with options for branding and domain integration

• Integration with popular marketing tools like Zapier and Mailchimp

• Advanced features such as private podcasting and team collaboration

• Recast: a tool for creating and sharing short clips from your episodes on social media

Pros:

• Top-notch customer support with prompt responses

• Regular updates and improvements based on user feedback

• Simple and straightforward migration process from other hosting platforms

• Integration with various third-party platforms and services for enhanced functionality

• Scalable plans to accommodate podcast growth and changing needs

Cons:

• Pricing is higher than some other podcast hosting platforms

• Video isn’t supported, so if that’s your angle you should look elsewhere

• There’s no free plan but Simplecast does offer a 14-day free trial (no credit card required)

Pricing:

• Price plans start at $15/month

8. Libsyn

Libsyn has been around since 2004. Known for its reliability, comprehensive set of features, and excellent customer support, this veteran of the podcast hosting world continues to deliver.

All plans include distribution to popular apps like Apple, Spotify, and Google, as well as access to monetization via ads or subscriptions. You'll benefit from FTP uploads, dark mode publishing, faster publishing with episode defaults, and unlimited storage of text snippets. Plus, audio and video podcast players that you control and always own.

Key features:

• Unlimited storage and bandwidth

• Distribution to all major podcast directories

• Customizable embedded audio player

• Comprehensive analytics for insights on listener demographics and episode performance.

• Options for direct monetization through sponsorship, partnerships, and more

• Team management tools

• Ability to create and manage multiple podcasts

• Built-in podcast recording and editing tools

• Customizable podcast website with branding and domain integration

• Integration with popular marketing tools

Pros:

• Reliable and easy to use

• Variety of plans to cater to different podcasting needs

• Excellent customer support with a vast reservoir of resources and tutorials

Cons:

• The interface is considered less user-friendly compared to other platforms. (Or maybe it’s just dated?)

• There's no free plan available, although they do have affordable starting options

Pricing:

• Price plans start at $5/month

9. Castos

Castos is a simple and affordable podcast hosting platform, perfect for creators who prefer straightforward and easy-to-manage services. Their seamless integration with WordPress through their Seriously Simple Podcasting plugin makes it an attractive choice for WordPress users.

Castos offers unlimited podcast hosting for one fixed price, giving peace of mind to those who have larger files or publish more frequently. They also provide detailed analytics, so you can track your podcast's progress and make informed decisions.

Key features:

• Unlimited hosting for both audio and video podcasts

• Seamless integration with WordPress via Seriously Simple Podcasting Plugin

• Automatic episode transcription services for accessible content

• Advanced analytics to understand listener demographics and episode performance 

• Customizable podcast website with domain name integration

• Distribution to all major podcast directories 

• In-built podcast recording and editing tools

• Monetization options through ad placements and sponsorships

Pros:

• Straightforward pricing with unlimited uploads

• Perfect choice for WordPress users

• Offers both audio and video podcast hosting

Cons:

• Lacks some of the advanced features available on other platforms 

• No free hosting option available

• The analytics could be more detailed and comprehensive

• Customer support isn't always as responsive or as fast as some of the bigger platforms

Pricing:

• Price plans start at $29/month or $290/year

10. CoHost

CoHost is Casted’s more cost-effective counterpart. Built by the Quill team to address industry challenges that the existing tools weren’t solving, the platform offers a complete solution for podcasters, including hosting, distribution, growth tools, and more. 

With its strong emphasis on growth, analytics, and discoverability, CoHost is ideally suited for creators looking to better understand their audience and grow their listener base. B2B podcasters will appreciate having access to company listening data, episode comparison data, and other B2B-specific features.

Key features:

• Secure and reliable podcast hosting, with unlimited storage and bandwidth

• Automatically distributes your podcast to all major podcast directories, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

• Variety of tools to help you grow your podcast audience, such as embeddable players, social media sharing tools, and email marketing tools

• In-depth analytics on your podcast listeners, including demographics, listening behavior, and social media engagement

Pros:

• User-friendly interface (makes it easy to manage your podcast, even if you are a beginner)

• Lots of features specifically designed for B2B podcasters

Cons:

• No free plan

• Lite paid plan is very light on features

• Some reviews say that customer support is slow to respond

Pricing:

• Nothing listed on their website, however according to Quill plans start at $19,99/month

11. Blubrry 

Blubrry is a good option for podcasters of all sizes, but it's a real win for those on a budget. With its affordable paid plans and a feature-rich free plan, Blubrry offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on functionality. 

It provides a comprehensive set of tools and features to assist you in creating, publishing, and promoting your podcast. From customizable podcast websites to detailed analytics and seamless distribution to major podcast directories.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your show, Blubrry's affordability and robust features make it a worthy option to consider.

Key features:

• Unlimited storage and bandwidth

• Distribution to all major podcast directories

• Customizable embedded audio player

• Seamless integration with WordPress through the PowerPress plugin

• Detailed stats and analytics

• Free WordPress website with podcast hosting

• No-fault hosting–extra storage for those months when you need it

• Monetization options, such as dynamic ad insertion and subscriptions

Pros:

• Affordable pricing

• Excellent customer support and service

Cons:

• No free plan but they do offer a free trial

Pricing:

• Price plans start at $12/month or $120/year

12. Acast

A leading podcast hosting and monetization platform, Acast empowers podcasters to reach their audience and generate revenue through advertising. With its user-friendly interface, dynamic ad insertion capabilities, and advanced analytics, the platform provides podcasters with the tools to create, distribute, and monetize their content effectively. 

Acast's extensive network of advertisers and partnerships with popular podcasts make it an attractive choice for those looking to maximize their show’s full potential. 

Key features:

• Embedded audio player

• Dynamic ad-insertion technology for effective monetization

• Advanced analytics to track and understand listener behavior and demographics

• Ability to create and manage multiple shows

• Integration with popular marketing and productivity tools

• Customizable podcast website with branding and domain integration

• In-built recording and editing tools

• Direct listener support via Patreon integration

• Unlimited storage and bandwidth

Pros:

• High-quality ad management and monetization opportunities

• Detailed and comprehensive analytics

• Free 14-day trial

• Easy-to-use platform

• Good customer support

Cons:

• Dashboard and analytics can be overwhelming for beginners

• More expensive than some of the other platforms

Pricing:

• Paid plans start at $25/month or $180/year

13. Spreaker

Spreaker is a cost-effective and feature-rich podcast hosting platform, catering for both beginners and pro podcasters. It offers a range of tools for production, distribution, monetization, and analytics, making it a one-stop shop for all your podcasting needs.

One of Spreaker's standout features is its live podcasting capabilities. This feature allows podcasters to interact with listeners in real-time, create a sense of community, and even take live calls.

Key features:

• Live podcasting and interaction with listeners

• Integration with popular social media platforms for easy sharing

• Built-in podcast recording and editing tools

• Comprehensive analytics to track and understand your audience

• Monetization options such as dynamic ad insertion and subscription services

• Distribution to all major podcast directories

• Create and organize multiple podcasts with one account

• Ability to strategically adjust the ad insertion rate for each episode and show

• Manage teams and collaborate with additional members

• IAB-certified statistics

Pros:

• Offers live podcasting capabilities

• Free plan available

• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Limited storage on lower-priced plans

• The free version has limitations on the number of audio hours you can upload

• Limited customization options for the embedded player

Pricing:

• Paid plans start at $20/month

How to Choose the Best One for You

Choosing the best podcast hosting platform depends on your specific needs. Here are some tips to help make the decision a little easier:

• Evaluate Your Needs: Are you a beginner or an experienced podcaster? How frequently do you plan to release episodes? Answers to these questions can influence your choice of platform.

• Examine the Features: Look for features that align with your needs, such as storage capacity, distribution channels, analytics, and monetization options.

• Consider Cost: Decide on your budget and balance it with the features you need. Remember, the most expensive option isn't always the best.

• Test the Platform: Most paid platforms offer free trials. Use this opportunity to familiarize yourself with its user interface and features.

• Check Reviews: Look up reviews and opinions from other users. These insights can help you judge the reliability and effectiveness and let you know how good the support is.

Remember, choosing a platform is an investment in your podcast journey. So it’s worth taking the time to do the research and pick one that's the best fit for you. At the end of the day, the best podcast hosting service is the one that suits your needs and budget.

Taking the Next Step in Your Podcasting Journey

The world of podcasting is both exciting and expansive, with the right hosting platform offering a solid foundation. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to upscale your current podcast, considering factors like ease of use, cost, analytics, and distribution is key.

Each platform we've highlighted comes with its own set of strengths, catering to different levels of expertise. Weighing these against your personal needs and podcasting goals will help you make the right choice. 

So, it’s time to let the world hear your voice. With the right podcast hosting platform, you can reach millions of listeners, share your thoughts and ideas, and even monetize your passion. Here's to your success in the exciting world of podcasting!