17 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms In 2023 (With Free Options!)

Podcasting is a great way to connect with your audience and build a loyal following. But in order to start podcasting, you need to find a good podcast hosting platform.

There are a lot of options out there, so it can be tough to know where to start.

To help you out, we've compiled a list of the 17 Best podcast hosting platforms in 2023.

1. Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is our top choice.

It offers easy set up, excellent audio quality, and great analytics.

The pricing structure includes a free tier with 2 hours upload but files are removed after 90 days.

Paid plans are $12/month for 3 hours, $18/month for 6 hours, and $24/month for 12 hours.

There's also a Pro Plan at $79/month for very popular shows​.

What makes Buzzsprout so great?

Buzzsprout podcast hosting offers unlimited storage and bandwidth, which means unlimited podcasts-- and they also automatically submit your podcast to all the major podcast networks including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts and Google Play Music.

Many of the best podcast programs are hosted on Buzzsprout.

So if you'd like to use the podcast host of a successful podcast, it's our pick for the best podcast hosting platform.

2. Podbean

Podbean offers unlimited storage and bandwidth, as well as a sleek website builder for your podcast's homepage.

Their plans start at $9 per month.

The 'Unlimited Audio' plan is $9/month, and the 'Unlimited Plus' plan is $29/month, with additional features like the Patron and PodAds features​.

Podbean is a podcast hosting platform that enables users to create and share podcasts.

It offers users a variety of features, including unlimited bandwidth, episode storage, and support for a wide range of audio formats.

Podbean also allows users to monetize their podcasts through advertising and premium subscriptions.

3. Spreaker

Spreaker offers a wide range of tools for podcasters, including live streaming capabilities and monetization options.

Spreaker has five pricing tiers:

Free Speech ($0/month), Broadcaster ($20/month), Anchorman ($50/month), Publisher ($250/month).

The Free Speech plan has limitations, and unlimited hosting requires the premium subscription​

Spreaker is a web-based podcast hosting service for creating and sharing live audio content.

It allows users to create and share podcasts, as well as live streaming audio content.

4. Libsyn

Libsyn has been a favorite podcast hosting service among professional podcasters for years.

It offers advanced statistics and the ability to schedule episodes in advance.

Libsyn Pricing is as follows:

$5/month for 3 hours of new uploads per month with a storage limit of 162 MB, $15/month for 6 hours of uploads and 324 MB storage, and $20/month for 10 hours of uploads with 540MB storage.

The $20/month plan is the most popular and offers additional features like advanced stats and remote podcast recording​.

Libsyn has been used by professional podcasters for many years and is trusted in the industry.

5. Simplecast

SimpleCast is a user-friendly podcast hosting site with excellent sound quality and great customer support.

Simplecast offers three premium plans:

Basic ($15/month), Essential ($35/month), and Growth ($85/month), each with different features and download limits per month.

All plans include a 14-day trial.

It offers high-quality audio and easy-to-use features.

It also has excellent customer support and a user-friendly interface.

6. Blubrry

Blubrry is a versatile podcast hosting service designed by podcasters for podcasters.

It offers a comprehensive set of features, including seamless WordPress integration and professional-level statistics.

Blubrry enables podcasters of all experience levels to efficiently store, publish, and optimize their podcast files using an array of tools.

The service has 5 pricing tiers, with the most affordable plan starting at $12 per month. Even at this basic level, users benefit from unlimited bandwidth, ensuring that podcast traffic is never a constraint.

A standout feature of Blubrry is its analytics capability.

It's the only podcast host certified by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), offering robust and detailed insights into podcast performance.

Blubrry's analytics include innovative Advanced Statistics at the same price as the Pro version, which offer insights into partial plays and downloads.

This feature enables podcasters to understand precisely when listeners stop engaging with an episode, a valuable metric for content optimization

8. Podigee

Podigee is a straightforward podcast hosting and management platform with limited monetization options.

It stands out with its dynamic ad server and WordPress plugin integration.

Podigee offers simplicity and ease of use, but scaling your podcast and expanding listenership may incur additional costs.

Podigee's pricing begins at $12/month for the Basic plan, designed for hobbyists and amateur podcasters.

This plan includes valid podcast feeds for major streaming services, basic podcast analytics, an embeddable player, GDPR-compliant data, easy Spotify listing, unlimited storage, and 4 hours of audio encoding monthly.

The Advanced plan at $25/month is ideal for freelancers, solo podcasters, and NGOs.

It adds deeper analytics, YouTube publishing, podcast teasers for social media, better audio quality, up to 2 team members, 2 podcast shows with unlimited episodes, 6 hours of monthly audio encoding, dynamic ad-insertion, and Patron/community monetization.

The Business plan, priced at $65/month, suits businesses, branded, and enterprise podcasts.

It includes business analytics, white-label podcast player, priority support, up to 5 team members, 3 podcast shows (plus 1 private show with password protection for up to 100 listeners), and 20 hours of audio encoding monthly.

Dynamic ad-insertion is more cost-effective in this tier.

9. Castos

Castos offers excellent integrations with popular marketing tools like ConvertKit and Leadpages.

Plans start at $19 per month.

Castos is a podcast host platform that offers customizable player designs and advanced analytics.

10. Podiant

Podiant offers unlimited storage and team members, as well as the ability to create a custom domain for your podcast's website.

Plans start at $9 per month.

Podiant is one of the podcast hosting services that was started in the UK.

It has a user-friendly interface and numerous customization options for podcasters.

11. Captivate

Captivate is one of the podcast platforms that offers unlimited storage and team members, as well as advanced analytics and the ability to monetize your podcast through sponsorships.

It also has a user-friendly interface and numerous customization options for podcasters.

Plans start at $19 per month.

12. Soundcloud

Soundcloud is a popular platform for musicians, but it also offers excellent tools for podcasters.

It's free to use, with paid upgraded plans starting at $6 per month.

Soundcloud is a well-known platform for musicians to share their music, but it also offers excellent tools for podcasters.

It allows podcasters to easily distribute their content and connect with listeners.

13. Podomatic

Podomatic offers unlimited storage and the ability to schedule episodes in advance.

Plans start at $10 per month.

Podomatic has a user-friendly interface and integration with popular social media platforms for easy sharing of episodes.

14. Fireside

Fireside is a simple, user-friendly platform with plans starting at just $12 per year (paid annually).

It also offers customizable media players and integrations with popular marketing tools.

15. Audioboom

Audioboom offers advanced analytics, the ability to schedule episodes in advance, and distribution on popular podcast directories.

Plans start at $9 per month.

We particularly like the added benefit of distributing your podcast on popular podcast directories, helping increase visibility for your show.

16. Podknife

Podknife offers advanced statistics and the ability to easily distribute your podcast on iTunes and other directories.

Plans start at $8 per month.

The distribution options on Podknife really help increase visibility for your show.

17. podPage

podPage offers easy customization for your podcast's website, as well as advanced analytics.

Plans start at $9 per month.

This platform is perfect for those looking for a simple, user-friendly podcast hosting solution.

The Best Podcast Hosting Service FAQ

Which Podcast Hosting Platforms Offer Advanced Podcast Analytics?

Many of the best podcast hosting platforms, such as Spreaker, Podbean, and Podknife, offer advanced analytics for podcasters to track their audience's listening habits.

Can I Monetize My Podcast Through Sponsorships with Any Podcast Hosting Platforms?

Some podcast hosting platforms, such as Captivate and Podbean, offer the ability to monetize your podcast through sponsorships. However, not all hosts offer this option. It's best to research and consider your options before choosing a host.

Which Podcast Hosting Service Has the Cheapest Plan?

Podknife currently offers the cheapest plan at $8 per month. However, it's important to consider what features you need in a host before making a decision based solely on cost.

Do I Need to Have My Own Website to Use a Podcast Hosting Service?

No, many podcast hosting platforms offer customizable websites for your show.

However, some podcasters still choose to have their own separate website in addition to their hosting platform.

It ultimately depends on the needs and preferences of the individual or team producing the podcast.

Do Any of the Podcast Hosting Services Offer a Wordpress Plugin?

Yes, some podcast hosting platforms, such as Podbean and BluBrry, offer WordPress plugins for easy integration with your Wordpress website. It's best to check with the host before signing up if this is a feature you are looking for. If you do run Wordpress for your podcast website, this is a very nice feature to have.

What is Unlimited Hosting and Unlimited Bandwidth?

Unlimited hosting means that the podcast hosting platform does not have a limit on the amount of audio files or data you can store and distribute through their service.

Unlimited bandwidth means that there are no limits on the amount of listeners or downloads your podcast can have. This can be valuable for podcasters with growing audiences. A good podcast host, such as Podiant and Spreaker, offers unlimited hosting and bandwidth in their plans.

Which Podcast Hosts Submit to the Major Podcast Directories?

The best podcast hosting sites offer the ability to submit your show to major directories, such as iTunes and Spotify. However, it's best to check with the host before signing up to ensure they offer this feature.

Podbean and Spreaker are both podcast hosting companies that offer submission to all major directories.

What Is Google Podcasts?

Google Podcasts is a podcast directory and app, similar to Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It allows users to search for and listen to podcasts on the Google platform.

Some best podcast hosting platforms, such as Podbean and Podiant, offer automatic submission to Google Podcasts for their users. However, not all hosts offer this feature, so it's best to check before signing up with a host.

Is There a Limit on How Many Team Members I Can Have with My Podcast Host?

Some podcast hosting sites, such as Captivate and Spreaker, offer unlimited team members in their plans. Others may have limits or additional fees for extra team members. It's best to consider your needs and research what options are available before choosing a host.

Do Any Podcast Hosting Services Offer Live Streaming?

Some best podcast hosting providers, such as Spreaker and Podbean, offer the ability to live stream your podcast episodes.

This can be a valuable feature for podcasters who want to engage with their audience in real time or have a multi-person podcast that requires communication during recording.

It's best to check with the host before signing up if live streaming is a feature you are looking for.

Do Any of the Podcast Hosting Providers Offer A Free Podcast Website?

Some hosts, such as Podbean and Buzzsprout, offer the ability to create a free customizable website for your podcast, complete with an RSS feed to syndicate your podcast feed.

However, keep in mind that free plans often have limited features and storage space. It's best to consider your needs and research what options are available before choosing a host.

Is Free Podcast Hosting Really Free?

Some best podcast hosting platforms, such as Podbean and Anchor, offer a free plan with limited features and storage space.

However, keep in mind that some hosts may have hidden fees or require you to display advertisements on your podcast. It's best to carefully review the terms and conditions before signing up for a free plan.

Additionally, a paid plan often offers more features and unlimited storage space, which may be worth the investment for serious podcasters.

Overall, it's best to consider your needs and research what options are available before choosing a host. A paid plan may benefit those looking for more professional podcasting capabilities.

Can I Host Video Podcasts On These Podcast Hosting Sites?

Some best podcast hosting platforms, such as Podbean and Buzzsprout, offer the ability to host both audio and video podcasts.

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These are the best podcast hosting sites!

If you're looking for a good host for your podcast, any of these would be a great option to consider.

With so many options available, there's sure to be one that's perfect for you and your needs.

Thanks for reading!