Buzzsprout vs. Anchor FM

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a powerful medium for creators, businesses, and hobbyists to share stories, insights, and entertainment with global audiences. With this surge in interest, choosing the right podcast hosting platform is a critical decision for anyone looking to launch or grow their show. Two of the most popular options in the podcasting world are Buzzsprout and Anchor FM (now rebranded as Spotify for Podcasters). Both platforms offer unique features, pricing models, and tools tailored to different types of podcasters, but they cater to slightly different needs and experience levels. In this article, we’ll dive deep into a side-by-side comparison of Buzzsprout and Anchor FM, exploring their features, pricing, usability, monetization options, analytics, distribution capabilities, and more, to help you decide which platform is the best fit for your podcasting journey.

Buzzsprout vs. Anchor FM

Buzzsprout is a well-established podcast hosting service launched in 2008, designed to make podcasting simple, efficient, and enjoyable for creators of all levels. Known for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, Buzzsprout has become a go-to choice for podcasters who want a reliable platform with advanced tools for promotion, analytics, and monetization. It’s a paid service with a free tier, offering flexible plans to suit various budgets and needs.

Anchor FM, now known as Spotify for Podcasters following its acquisition by Spotify in 2019, takes a different approach. Launched in 2015, Anchor markets itself as the easiest way to start a podcast, offering a completely free platform that includes hosting, recording, editing, and distribution tools. Its integration with Spotify and emphasis on accessibility make it particularly appealing to beginners and budget-conscious creators.

While both platforms aim to simplify podcasting, their philosophies and target audiences differ. Buzzsprout focuses on providing a premium experience with scalability, while Anchor prioritizes free access and ease of use. Let’s break down how they compare across key categories.

Pricing: Free vs. Flexible Plans

One of the most significant differences between Buzzsprout and Anchor FM is their pricing structure.

Buzzsprout operates on a tiered pricing model, offering a free plan alongside paid options:

Free Plan: Allows up to 2 hours of uploads per month, with episodes hosted for 90 days. It’s a great way to test the platform, but it’s limited in scope.
Paid Plans: Start at $12/month for 3 hours of uploads, scaling up to $24/month for 12 hours. All paid plans include unlimited storage, meaning your episodes remain hosted indefinitely. Additional upload hours can be purchased if needed, and there’s no annual contract—plans are month-to-month.

Buzzsprout’s pricing reflects its premium positioning, offering features like advanced analytics, custom branding, and monetization tools that justify the cost for serious podcasters.

Anchor FM, in contrast, is entirely free—no tiers, no hidden fees, no limits on uploads or storage. This makes it an attractive option for beginners or those unwilling to invest upfront. However, “free” comes with trade-offs, such as higher monetization fees and less flexibility in branding and ownership, which we’ll explore later.

Winner: Anchor wins for budget-conscious users due to its zero-cost model, while Buzzsprout is better for those willing to pay for premium features and scalability.

Ease of Use

Both platforms pride themselves on being user-friendly, but their approaches differ slightly.

Buzzsprout offers a clean, intuitive dashboard that simplifies uploading, managing, and distributing episodes. Its design caters to both beginners and experienced podcasters, with straightforward navigation and helpful tutorials. Features like automatic episode optimization (adjusting audio for better playback) and a WordPress plugin for easy embedding enhance usability. The platform feels polished and professional, making it ideal for creators who want a streamlined yet powerful experience.

Anchor FM takes simplicity a step further by integrating recording and editing tools directly into its platform. You can create a podcast from scratch using the Anchor mobile app or website, record audio, add background music, and publish—all without external software. This all-in-one approach is a boon for novices, though the editing tools are basic compared to dedicated software. The interface is sleek and modern, reflecting its Spotify-backed design, but some users find it less flexible for advanced management.

Winner: Anchor edges out for beginners due to its all-in-one simplicity, while Buzzsprout excels for users who want a polished interface with more control.

Hosting and Storage

Hosting is the backbone of any podcast platform, and both Buzzsprout and Anchor deliver reliable solutions.

Buzzsprout provides unlimited storage across all paid plans, meaning your episodes stay online as long as you’re a subscriber. However, it caps monthly upload hours based on your plan (e.g., 3 hours for $12/month). This limitation can be a drawback for prolific creators, though extra hours can be purchased. The free plan, meanwhile, deletes episodes after 90 days, making it less viable for long-term use.

Anchor FM offers unlimited hosting and storage with no caps on uploads or episode duration. This is a major selling point, especially for podcasters producing frequent or lengthy content. However, because it’s free, Anchor retains control over your RSS feed, which can limit portability if you decide to switch platforms later.

Winner: Anchor takes the lead for its unrestricted hosting, but Buzzsprout offers more ownership and flexibility for paid users.

Distribution Capabilities

Getting your podcast onto major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts is essential for reaching listeners.

Buzzsprout streamlines distribution by providing one-click submission to a wide range of directories, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn. You upload your episode, and Buzzsprout handles the rest, though some directories require manual approval initially. It also offers a customizable podcast player for embedding on your website or sharing on social media, complete with visual soundbites (audio waveforms paired with cover art).

Anchor FM automates distribution even further, submitting your podcast to major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music without manual intervention. This hands-off approach saves time, but it comes with a catch: Anchor publishes through its own RSS feed, meaning you don’t directly control your listings on non-Spotify platforms (e.g., Apple Podcasts analytics are inaccessible).

Winner: Buzzsprout wins for its broader directory support and control, while Anchor is ideal for effortless, automated distribution.

Analytics and Insights

Understanding your audience is key to growing a podcast, and both platforms offer analytics tools.

Buzzsprout provides detailed, IAB-certified analytics, including total downloads, listener locations, and the apps/devices used to access your show. Paid plans unlock deeper insights, such as trends over time and drop-off rates (where listeners stop). These metrics are invaluable for refining content and targeting audiences, though some advanced stats depend on directory-specific data.

Anchor FM offers solid analytics as well, with a Spotify-centric twist. You get download numbers, listener demographics (age, gender, location), and Spotify-specific insights like drop-off points. While comprehensive for a free platform, its analytics are less robust outside Spotify, and the lack of direct Apple Podcasts integration limits visibility.

Winner: Buzzsprout takes the edge for its broader, more detailed analytics, especially for paid users.

Monetization Options

Monetization is a big consideration for podcasters looking to turn their passion into profit.

Buzzsprout supports multiple revenue streams:

Affiliate Marketplace: Connects you with brands for commission-based partnerships.
Buzzsprout Ads: A programmatic ad platform where you control ad placement and earn revenue.
Listener Donations: Via integrations like Patreon.

It doesn’t offer built-in subscriptions, but its flexibility allows you to implement external solutions. There are no platform fees beyond your subscription cost, making it cost-effective for monetization.

Anchor FM provides unique monetization tools:

Sponsorships: Anchor matches you with sponsors, taking a 30% cut plus processing fees (compared to competitors like Podcorn’s 10%).
Listener Support: Fans can donate monthly, similar to Patreon, with Anchor taking a small fee.
Subscriptions: Sell premium content to listeners, a feature Buzzsprout lacks.

However, Anchor’s higher fees and Spotify-centric model can reduce earnings, especially for sponsorships.

Winner: Buzzsprout offers more control and lower fees, while Anchor provides more built-in options, particularly subscriptions.

Branding and Customization

Your podcast’s branding helps it stand out, and both platforms approach this differently.

Buzzsprout excels here, offering a customizable landing page you can host on your own domain, plus a sleek podcast player with visual soundbites. This level of personalization aligns your podcast with your brand identity, a big plus for businesses or serious creators.

Anchor FM provides a basic landing page with limited customization—no custom domains allowed. While functional, it feels more generic and tied to Anchor’s branding, which may not suit podcasters seeking a professional look.

Winner: Buzzsprout dominates for its branding flexibility.

Unique Features

Each platform offers standout features that set it apart.

Buzzsprout:

Dynamic Content: Insert pre/post-roll ads or updates without re-uploading episodes.
Transcription: Auto-generated transcripts for SEO and accessibility.
Chapter Markers: Enhance listener navigation in longer episodes.

Anchor FM:

Built-in Recording/Editing: Create episodes directly in the app or browser.
Spotify Integration: Video podcasts and interactive features like Q&A and polls for Spotify listeners.
Mobile-First: Record and edit on the go via the app.

Winner: Depends on your needs—Buzzsprout for production polish, Anchor for accessibility.

Customer Support

Reliable support can make or break your experience.

Buzzsprout offers email support with a reputation for quick, knowledgeable responses, plus a vast library of tutorials and a podcasting community. There’s no live chat or phone support, but the resources are robust.

Anchor FM provides email support and a help center, but response times can vary, and some users report inconsistent service. Its Spotify backing hasn’t fully addressed these gaps.

Winner: Buzzsprout wins for its responsive, podcast-focused support.

Who Should Choose Buzzsprout?

Buzzsprout is ideal for:

Podcasters willing to invest in a premium platform.
Businesses or brands needing customization and control.
Creators who value detailed analytics and scalability.

It’s perfect if you’re serious about podcasting and want a professional, reliable experience.

Who Should Choose Anchor FM?

Anchor FM suits:

Beginners or hobbyists starting on a budget.
Creators who want an all-in-one, free solution.
Spotify-focused podcasters leveraging its unique features.

It’s the go-to for those testing the waters or prioritizing simplicity over advanced tools.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Buzzsprout and Anchor FM boils down to your goals, budget, and experience level. If you’re just starting out, have no budget, or want a hassle-free setup, Anchor FM’s free model and all-in-one tools make it a no-brainer. However, if you’re building a podcast with long-term growth in mind, need robust analytics, or want more control over branding and monetization, Buzzsprout’s paid plans offer superior value.

Both platforms are excellent in their own right, but they serve different purposes. Anchor democratizes podcasting for the masses, while Buzzsprout empowers creators to take their shows to the next level.In 2025, with podcasting continuing to evolve, your choice depends on where you are in your journey—and where you want to go.