Have you just launched your newest podcast? Ready to share it with the world?

We get it – you’re searching for the best hosting to launch and manage your podcast series. While Buzzsprout is a popular industry choice, it comes with some limitations, like overly basic analytics and limited storage for free tiers.

But there are many other worthy alternatives to consider. From costs and features to community and revenue options, these advanced tools can meet your unique hosting demands and vision.

In this blog, we’ll dive into nine Buzzsprout alternatives to learn which platform will be most suitable for your goals.

TL;DR – Top 9 Buzzsprout Alternatives

Looking for a worthy Buzzsprout alternative for your podcast hosting needs? Here are our top picks:

1. Hello Audio
2. Podbean
3. Libsyn
4. Captivate
5. Spreaker
6. Simplecast
7. Spotify For Podcasters
8. Riverside
9. Transistor

As the list suggests, Hello Audio tops the list of Buzzsprout alternatives.

With Hello Audio, you can repurpose your pre-existing content into private podcasts and distribute them on major platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. It doesn’t get any better than this. Sign up for a 7-day free trial today – no credit card required!

What is Buzzsprout?

Buzzsprout is your one-stop shop for podcast hosting success. This industry-leading platform provides everything you need to manage, distribute, and monetize your podcast shows.

Some of its key features are:

• It allows you to upload episodes, edit details, and track performance.
• It safely stores your audio files and makes them available to anyone, anywhere in the world.
• It also streamlines distribution by automatically uploading your podcast to all major directories.

Besides, their premium plans offer paid memberships and advertising options for people who want to make money from podcasting.

How Does Buzzsprout Work?

Buzzsprout makes it simple to host podcasts.

Just follow these steps:

• Select a plan that best fits your hosting requirements and budget.
• Record your podcast and upload it to Buzzsprout.
• Edit your podcast’s titles, descriptions, and tags to make it more discoverable.
• Schedule a date and time for your episode to go live.
• Use analytics to see how your podcast is doing and gain valuable insights.

Where Does Buzzsprout Publish to?

When your podcast goes live on Buzzsprout, it is automatically uploaded to major directories such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and others.

This guarantees that your podcast is available to listeners on their preferred platforms.

Why Do People Dislike Buzzsprout?

Despite its dominant position in the podcast industry, Buzzsprout often faces criticism for its services. Here are four common reasons why consumers are dissatisfied:

1. Too Much Focus on Basic Podcast Hosting

While Buzzsprout has good hosting features, it does not include live recording, video integration, or robust guest collaboration tools. Podcast hosts looking to diversify their content portfolio by repurposing content should look for other all-in-one platforms instead.

2. Restricted Features of their Free Plan

Their free package does not include useful features like analytics, monetization tools, or priority customer assistance. Early-stage podcasters looking for deeper insights and growth opportunities may find this restricting.

3. Flawed Pricing Model

Paid plans come in tiers according to storage and functionality. Podcasters with lesser budgets might struggle to afford the higher tiers. Exploring Buzzsprout alternatives could reveal lower-cost solutions with similar features.

Some users are also concerned about Buzzsprout’s steady price rises.

4. Lack of Advanced Revenue-earning Features

Buzzsprout provides basic monetization tools for entry-level content creators. However, some experienced podcasters who require more advanced features, like dynamic ad insertion or patron tiers, might need to look elsewhere.

Our 9 Favorite Buzzsprout Alternatives

Here are our top nine amazing, most-recommended Buzzsprout alternatives to choose from if you’re in the mood to shift platforms:

1. Hello Audio

First on our list is Hello Audio, an industry-leading platform for private podcasting. The tool redefines the podcasting experience with a unique focus on ease of use for non-technical creators, its user-friendly interface, and deep audience engagement with intuitive features.

Unlike traditional podcasts with a single feed for all listeners, Hello Audio allows you to:

• Deliver customized content based on individual preferences and behavior.
• Enable your audience to access episodes relevant to their specific interests, fostering deeper engagement.

Additionally, with Hello Audio’s listener management tools, you can:

• Gain granular insights about your audience
• Tag individual listeners
• Target specific groups with pre-recorded messages
• Track your audience’s listener journey progression
• Set triggers based on listener behavior to automate interactions

Did you know: Kendra Hennessey (Founder/CEO of Mother Like A Boss) used Hello Audio to boost her conversions from 3.5% to 11%? So can you! Book an instant demo to see how we can help boost your audience engagement and conversions to unmatched levels.

2. Buzzsprout vs. Podbean

While comparing Podbean with Buzzsprout, remember that their USPs differ a lot.

Buzzsprout thrives in accessibility, with its simple features ideal for entry-level podcasters. Conversely, Podbean offers state-of-the-art features like live streaming, a website builder, easy monetization tools, and detailed analytics for experienced creators.

Podbean has slightly higher pricing, but its larger and more active community can offer great support.

Choose Buzzsprout for a quick head start into podcasting or Podbean for dynamic control, revenue, and a friendly community.

3. Buzzsprout vs. Spotify For Podcasters

Buzzsprout’s rich features, advanced analytics, website connection, and customizable revenue tools mainly attract independent podcast creators. The company has also built a solid community of committed podcasters.

However, Spotify for Podcasters provides both basic hosting and music streaming services, focusing on discoverability inside its platform. While its monetization is restricted to a subscription-based model, it’s excellent for instant discovery and simplicity.

While choosing between them:

• Go for Spotify for easy visibility and ease of use
• Go for Buzzsprout for better features and an active community

Need an all-in-one hosting platform to deliver your podcasts on leading audio content apps like Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and more? Start your journey with Hello Audio today.

Buzzsprout vs. Anchor vs. Podbean

Buzzsprout, Anchor (now ‘Spotify for Podcasters’), and Podbean each provide specialized features and meet unique creator demands. So, which one should you choose? Well, that depends on your needs.

Here’s a clear comparison:

4. Libsyn vs. Buzzsprout

Whether Libsyn or Buzzsprout is the ideal platform to host your podcast depends on your podcast size, revenue goals, and technical requirements.

Libsyn is designed for experienced podcasters with larger audiences. Here’s why:

• Comes with in-depth analytics
• Extensive feature-rich set
• Not user-friendly for beginners
• Multiple monetization options

Buzzsprout is an excellent platform for amateurs, with much simpler monetization options. But, as your podcast gains popularity, its storage and bandwidth limits may become an issue.

5. Buzzsprout vs. Captivate

Unlike Buzzsprout, Captivate targets both amateur and professional podcast creators by offering more advanced features. There’s a catch, though – it comes at a higher price.

Buzzsprout has a free plan and is less expensive. However, Captivate stands out for its robust audio hosting, in-depth analytics, and website-building tools. The platform also lets you create and host private podcasts.

When choosing between them:

• Buzzsprout is adequate if you’re beginning on a tight budget
• Captivate suits experienced creators looking for all-inclusive features

6. Buzzsprout vs. Spreaker

When comparing Spreaker against Buzzsprout as a podcaster, you should consider the podcasting experience, desired features, budget, and revenue goals.

Buzzsprout provides beginners with multiple sources to earn, higher flexibility, and more features at a cost. 

On the other hand, Speaker targets experienced podcast creators with its advanced features such as:

• Live broadcasting
• Detailed analytics
• Social media integration
• Dynamic monetization options
• Premium subscriptions

With tiers based on features and episode length, Spreaker’s pricing structure is more complex. But it has a thriving community, with online forums and live chats where creators can engage and interact.

7. Simplecast vs. Buzzsprout

If you’re an experienced podcaster looking for more control and advanced tools, Simplecast is worth looking into.

However, the platform lacks a free tier and is more expensive compared to the affordable packages Buzzsprout offers.

Regardless, Simplecast compensates with sophisticated features, such as robust editing tools, detailed analytics, smooth team collaboration, and integrations with numerous services, such as Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Stitcher, and more.

Simplecast is suitable for podcasters who seek professional-grade features and tight control over their content and audience data.

8. Buzzsprout vs. Riverside

While Buzzsprout meets basic podcasting demands, Riverside takes it up a notch higher. It blends podcast hosting with live recording tools like video, screen sharing, and seamless guest involvement.

Riverside plans are more expensive and come with a steep learning curve. But if your budget permits and you need high-quality audio with professional editing features, Riverside can be the ideal platform.

9. Buzzsprout vs. Transistor

Our final pick, Transistor, focuses on affordability and ease of use for independent creators.

It offers:

• A single flat-rate package
• Unlimited uploads and storage
• A creator-first interface and committed support

Buzzsprout makes podcasting easier for creators with numerous content distribution options, performance tracking, and other features. Additionally, its tiered pricing can be a better fit if you require extensive features or flexible monetization options.

However, Transistor’s user-friendly design and active community make it a good alternative for beginner podcast creators.

How to Choose a Platform that Suits Your Needs

Choosing the best platform for your podcasting needs is a matter of detailed research. But if you know exactly what you want from your platform and who your audience is, it’ll be much easier to find the right Buzzsprout alternative for your hosting needs.

Here are five things you should remember while searching for an ideal Buzzsprout alternative:

1. Define Your Vision Clearly

First and foremost, decide what your podcasting goals are. Are you looking for a lighthearted talk show, a well-researched documentary, or something in the middle? Do you want to build a solid online community? Knowing your content style and desired level of professionalism helps direct you to platforms with features that correspond to your vision.

2. Understand Your Audience

You should always choose a platform that aligns with your target audience. For example, think about their favorite listening apps (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.) listening behaviors, and more.

Some platforms focus on specialized niches, such as gaming, influencer content, business content, etc., and provide features targeted to these audiences.

3. Don’t Neglect the Features

Different platforms provide different tools. Do you require advanced editing tools, thorough data, or robust monetization options? Make a list of essential features and prioritize them accordingly.

Remember, hundreds of features aren’t necessarily better; choose a platform with all the fundamental tools you cannot function without.

4. Don’t Go Over-budget

Platform fees vary; some charge less for more, and others follow a “premium” philosophy. Look at your spending limit and research their price structures. Some demand monthly subscription fees, while others provide pay-as-you-go options or even free tiers with limited services. Select a platform whose costs fit into your budget.

5. Try it Before You Buy it

Many platforms offer free trials or limited plans, where you can try out their features before committing. Use these opportunities to measure how easy it is for you and your potential listeners to navigate the platform.

Remember, the “best” platform is entirely subjective. Pick the best one that allows you to create, network, and grow in the podcasting industry.

Conclusion

While Buzzsprout has a solid reputation, it is not a universal answer to all unique hosting needs. So, how can you find the right podcasting platform?

The key is to recognize what your goals are. You can choose platforms that fit the bill by carefully analyzing your podcast’s vision, audience, and budget.

So, are you ready to start your podcast journey but unsure how? Choose Hello Audio as your trusted partner!

Hello Audio helps you repurpose your existing content into captivating audio experiences and shares it as private podcasts for busy people to listen to anytime, anywhere.

Visit our website right away to sign up for our 7-day free trial and launch your podcast in minutes!