Torn between Buzzsprout and Podbean?

Both are favorites among podcasters since they provide the best value for your money and various features at multiple price points.

But which one wins?

Let’s see how Buzzsprout vs. Podbean (and Hello Audio) stack up.

We’ll discuss each platform’s essential features, pros, and cons and show you the step-by-step process for getting started.

TL;DR – Buzzsprout vs. Podbean

In a hurry?

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of Buzzsprout and Podbean.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into Podbean vs. Buzzsprout throughout our blog.

But do you know there’s an easy, quick solution for creating private podcasts?

Our platform — Hello Audio — lets you repurpose your content (meetings, webinars, call recordings, TikTok videos, digital courses, and more) into private podcasts. Then, it sends the private audio feeds to podcast directories like Spotify and Overcast.

Besides, our tool lets you control access and monitor listeners’ analytics per episode.

Sign up for our 7-day free trial to create a private, exclusive listening experience.

What is Buzzsprout?

Launched in 2009, Buzzsprout is a reliable hosting site that stores video and audio podcast files and distributes them to top podcast directories like Spotify, Castro, Podchaser, and more.

What Does Buzzsprout Do?

Buzzsprout mainly stores your audio content and distributes it to listening apps.

Besides hosting podcasts, these are the 3 common ways you can use Buzzsprout:

• Join the Affiliate Program: Earn $20 for every person you refer to Buzzsprout.
• Get Recurring Donations: Receive recurring monthly support from listeners.
• Earn through Buzzsprout ads: Make money through automatic ads placed on your episodes.

How Much Does Buzzsprout Cost?

You can choose from the following four Buzzsprout’s plans:

• The free plan: Up to 2 hours of content upload each month for free
• $12 a month: 3 hours of content upload each month (pay $4 per additional hour) 
• $18 a plan: 6 hours of content upload (pay $3 per additional hour)
• $24 a plan: 12 hours of content upload (pay $2 per additional hour)

How to Use Buzzsprout

Wondering how to set up your podcast on Buzzsprout?

Launch your podcast on Buzzsprout in these 6 easy steps:

Step 1: Head to Buzzsprout and create an account, adding your name, email address, and password as prompted.

Step 2: If creating a new show, select “I’m a New Podcaster.” If you already have a podcast, select “I Already Have a Podcast.”

Step 3: Follow the prompts to add the details of your show, including your title, description, and an art cover with Buzzsprout’s Canva integration.

Step 4: Add episodes to your show by selecting “Upload a New Episode.”

Step 5: You can leave your episode unpublished or schedule it to be published later.

Step 6: Click “Save Episode Details.”

Want to consider other Buzzsprout alternatives?

If you’re comparing Buzzsprout vs. Anchor, Anchor is free, has recording capabilities, offers unlimited hosting, allows you to use music from Spotify, and monetize with Ads.

What is Podbean?

Launched in 2015, Podbean has become a popular platform for its comprehensive hosting solutions. You can create, distribute, publish, and promote podcasts.

What is Podbean Used For?

Podbean boasts podcast hosting and monetization services. The site hosts your audio content and delivers it on podcast listening apps.

How to Use Podbean

As a podcaster, these are the ways to use Podbean:

• Virtual Tickets and Gifts: Monetize your live streams, sell virtual tickets, and receive virtual rewards from your audience.
• Premium Content: Create and sell premium, exclusive episodes.
• Patron: Let your fans support you with recurring, monthly donations.
• Podbean Ad Marketplace: Opt into the marketplace to place ads in your episode.

How to Start a Podcast on Podbean

With Podbean, you can create a podcast on your desktop or the mobile app. 

Below, we’ll show you the 5 steps to set up a podcast in the Podbean app:

Step 1: Go to Apple Store or Google Play and download the Podbean app.

Step 2: Create a free Podbean account and fill out information like the podcast title, description, category, and logo.

Step 3: Next, tap ‘record audio’ from your Podbean app.

Step 4: You can add effects and music and replay, redo, edit, or save your recording from the buttons at the bottom of the screen.

Remember, you can invite your co-hosts and guests via an invitation link to join your live stream or record remotely.

Considering Anchor vs. Podbean?

Like Podbean, Anchor is an excellent option for creating, editing, hosting, distributing, and monetizing your podcast. However, they differ significantly because Anchor is completely free to use.

What About Hello Audio?

Hello Audio is a one-stop shop for private podcast hosting. 

Our platform is perfect if you want to strengthen the bond with your audience through private audio feeds.

Some of the features that set Hello Audio apart are:

• Create Private Podcasts in Minutes: Drag and drop pre-existing audio and video content. Our platform will repurpose them into private audio feeds in minutes.
• Manage Access: Secure your private RSS feeds and manage your members’ access to your exclusive content.
• Auto-publish Private Podcasts: Our platform automatically delivers the private RSS feeds in listening directories like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, and more.
• Auto-transcribe Private Podcasts: Automatically create transcriptions for each of your episodes, boosting its visibility on search engines.
• Monetize Your Episodes: Charge a subscription fee to access exclusive, private audio feeds.

Why not get started today? Book our demo, take a free tour, and see all these features yourself.

Relevant Characteristics

Let’s compare the key features of Buzzsprout and Podbean (we’ll add in Hello Audio):

Similarities and Differences

Depending on your needs, Podbean or Buzzsprout could be the right tool for you.

Let’s compare the key differences that set them apart and the features they share.

Buzzsprout and Podbean Differences

While both Buzzsprout and Podbean offer similar features, they’ve slight differences.

Check out some of them:

• Trial Period: Buzzsprout offers a 90-day trial, while Podbean lets you test the site for 30 days to see how you like it.
• Live-streaming: Podbean allows you to host live shows and engage with your audience in real-time, while Buzzsprout doesn’t.
• Podcast Recording: Podbean lets you record your guests remotely, edit your recordings, and publish your episodes, while Buzzsprout lacks recording capabilities.

Buzzsprout and Podbean Similarities

Let’s take a quick look at 5 features both platforms share:

• Create Customized Websites: They both provide podcast websites with customization possibilities.
• Monetize Your Podcasts: Buzzsprout and Podbean allow you to monetize your podcast in multiple ways.
• Mobile Apps: Both platforms have apps with some content creation and management functionality.
• Podcast Distribution: Like Buzzsprout, Podbean allows automatic distribution of your podcast to major listening directories.

Bottom Line

So, which is a better fit?

Buzzsprout is reasonably priced and has standout features like the Magic Mastering tool and the ability to repurpose short video clips from your podcasts.

Podbean, on the other hand, provides extensive website customization options, plenty of monetization tools, and recording capabilities.

However, neither site is specifically geared toward private podcasting.

Our platform — Hello Audio — stands out here.

It allows you to create private podcasts from existing video and audio content, including TikTok videos. Then, it seamlessly distributes the private RSS feeds to listening apps like Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts.

Get started for free and join over 70% of our new users who publish their first private podcast in a day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Check out the answers to some common questions about podcasting:

Which Platform is the Best for Private Podcasting?

Hello Audio is the best platform for private podcasting.

With our intuitive, user-friendly dashboard, you can upload your pre-existing video and audio content and repurpose them into private podcasts in minutes.

You can easily share your private feeds on top podcast directories like Spotify and manage your listeners’ access.

How Does the Audio Quality Compare Between Buzzsprout and Podbean?

Both Buzzsprout and Podbean guarantee polished podcasts. 

• Buzzsprout has a built-in Magic Mastering tool to optimize your audio files automatically.
• Podbean, on the other hand, uses AI Audio Optimization to remove unwanted noise from your recording, adjust volume levels, and filter the audio.

Does Buzzsprout Have an App?

Yes, Buzzsprout has a mobile app on Google Play and Apple Store. The app lets you fix a typo, publish an episode, or quickly check your stats, such as downloads per episode.