Podbean vs. Anchor FM

ByObeydul Haque

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and entertainment. With this rise, the demand for reliable podcast hosting platforms has grown, giving creators a plethora of options to choose from. Two of the most prominent players in this space are Podbean and Anchor FM (now rebranded as Spotify for Podcasters). Both platforms aim to simplify the podcasting process, but they cater to different needs and audiences. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, pricing, usability, analytics, monetization options, and more to help you decide which platform is best suited for your podcasting journey.

Podbean vs. Anchor FM Review

Podbean

Podbean has been a staple in the podcasting world since 2006, making it one of the older and more established hosting platforms. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, Podbean markets itself as an all-in-one solution for podcasters of all levels—beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike. It offers a robust set of tools, including hosting, distribution, analytics, monetization, and even live streaming capabilities. Podbean’s longevity and continuous innovation have earned it a loyal user base and a reputation for reliability.

Anchor FM

Anchor FM, launched in 2015 by founders Nir Zicherman and Michael Mignano, started as a social audio platform focused on short-form content. It evolved into a full-fledged podcast hosting service by 2018 and was acquired by Spotify in 2019 for $150 million. Rebranded as Spotify for Podcasters in 2023, Anchor remains committed to its original mission: making podcasting accessible to everyone by offering a free, user-friendly platform. Backed by Spotify’s vast ecosystem, Anchor appeals to beginners and budget-conscious creators looking for simplicity and wide distribution.

Pricing: Free vs. Flexible Plans

Podbean Pricing

Podbean operates on a tiered pricing model that includes a free plan and several paid options:

  • Free Plan: Offers 5 hours of storage and 100 GB of monthly bandwidth, along with basic hosting features and a customizable podcast website. However, storage is capped, and episodes older than two months may be removed, making it more of a trial than a long-term solution.
  • Unlimited Audio ($9/month): Unlimited storage and bandwidth, advanced analytics, and monetization options like dynamic ads. This is Podbean’s most popular plan for growing podcasters.
  • Unlimited Plus ($29/month): Adds video podcast support and more monetization tools, including premium subscriptions.
  • Business Plan ($99/month): Designed for large teams or networks, with features like multiple podcast channels and enhanced support.

Podbean’s pricing is competitive, especially for creators who need flexibility as their audience grows. The free plan is a good starting point, but its limitations push serious podcasters toward paid tiers.

Anchor FM Pricing

Anchor’s biggest selling point is that it’s completely free—no tiers, no hidden fees, no storage limits. You get unlimited hosting, distribution, and basic analytics at no cost. Since Spotify’s acquisition, Anchor has integrated additional features like automated ads and subscriptions (in select markets), still without charging users. The trade-off? You’re locked into Spotify’s ecosystem, and some advanced features found in Podbean’s paid plans are absent.

Verdict on Pricing

Anchor wins for budget-conscious beginners who want to test the waters without financial commitment. Podbean, however, offers more value for podcasters willing to invest in advanced tools and scalability. If you’re planning a long-term podcast with growth in mind, Podbean’s paid plans provide a clearer path forward.

Ease of Use: Getting Started

Podbean’s User Experience

Podbean prides itself on being beginner-friendly while offering depth for experienced users. The dashboard is clean and intuitive, with sections for uploading episodes, managing your podcast site, and reviewing analytics. The mobile app (available on iOS and Android) lets you record, edit, and publish on the go, though its editing tools are basic compared to dedicated software. Importing an existing podcast from another platform (like Anchor) is seamless with Podbean’s one-click migration tool, making it easy to switch hosts.

Anchor FM’s User Experience

Anchor’s simplicity is its hallmark. The platform is designed for ease, with a drag-and-drop episode builder and built-in recording tools accessible via the website or mobile app. You can record directly in the app, add transitions, and publish with minimal setup. Distribution to major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts is automated, removing the hassle of manual submissions. However, this simplicity comes at the cost of customization—Anchor’s interface is streamlined but less flexible than Podbean’s.

Verdict on Ease of Use

Anchor takes the lead for absolute beginners due to its no-frills, plug-and-play approach. Podbean, while still user-friendly, offers a slightly steeper learning curve with more options to explore, making it better for creators who want control alongside convenience.

Features: What You Get

Podbean Features

Podbean’s feature set is extensive:

  • Hosting and Storage: Unlimited on paid plans, with a free tier for testing.
  • Podcast Website: Every Podbean podcast gets a customizable site, with premium users able to map custom domains (e.g., yourpodcast.com).
  • Mobile App: Record, edit, and manage your podcast from your phone.
  • Live Streaming: Host live audio events and repurpose them as episodes.
  • Monetization: Dynamic ads, premium subscriptions, and crowdfunding via Patreon integration.
  • Analytics: IAB-certified stats, plus an optional Engagement Intel add-on to track listener drop-off.
  • Distribution: Submit to all major directories, with episode ordering for serial shows.

Podbean’s live streaming and advanced monetization tools set it apart, catering to creators who want to diversify their content and revenue streams.

Anchor FM Features

Anchor’s features are straightforward but effective:

  • Hosting and Storage: Unlimited, free, and no expiration on episodes.
  • Podcast Website: A basic site with limited customization, no custom domain support.
  • Mobile App: Record, edit, and publish with voice-boosting and transition effects.
  • Monetization: Listener support (like a tip jar) and automated ads (U.S.-only, invite-only).
  • Analytics: Detailed Spotify-based stats, including audience demographics and retention.
  • Distribution: Automatic submission to major platforms, powered by Spotify’s network.
  • Integration: Ties into Riverside for high-quality recording and Spotify for video podcasts.

Anchor’s integration with Spotify’s ecosystem adds value, especially for creators targeting Spotify’s 615 million active users. However, it lacks features like live streaming or advanced website customization.

Verdict on Features

Podbean offers a broader, more versatile toolkit, ideal for podcasters who want to experiment and grow. Anchor’s feature set is leaner but sufficient for simple podcasts, with Spotify’s backing giving it an edge in distribution and analytics.

Analytics: Understanding Your Audience

Podbean Analytics

Podbean provides IAB-certified analytics, covering downloads, listener demographics, geographic data, and episode popularity. The optional Engagement Intel add-on tracks where listeners drop off, offering insights into content performance. These tools are robust and actionable, especially for paid users who want to refine their strategy.

Anchor FM Analytics

Anchor’s analytics are also IAB-certified and enhanced by Spotify’s data. You get total plays (streams over 60 seconds), per-episode performance, audience retention, impressions on Spotify, and listener demographics (age and gender). While detailed, these stats are most valuable if your audience heavily uses Spotify, and they lack the granular drop-off tracking of Podbean’s Engagement Intel.

Verdict on Analytics

Podbean edges out Anchor with its comprehensive analytics and optional add-ons, making it better for data-driven podcasters. Anchor’s Spotify-focused stats are strong but less versatile if your audience is spread across platforms.

Monetization: Making Money from Your Podcast

Podbean Monetization

Podbean offers multiple revenue streams:

  • Dynamic Ads: Insert ads into episodes via Podbean’s marketplace (premium plans only).
  • Premium Subscriptions: Sell exclusive content to subscribers.
  • Crowdfunding: Integrate with Patreon for listener support.
  • Apple Podcasts Subscriptions: Monetize through Apple’s platform.

These options give Podbean users flexibility to experiment with different income models as their audience grows.

Anchor FM Monetization

Anchor’s monetization is simpler:

  • Listener Support: A “tip jar” feature for direct contributions.
  • Automated Ads: Available in the U.S. (invite-only), with Spotify managing ad placement.
  • Subscriptions: Offered in 34 markets, letting listeners pay for bonus content.

Anchor’s options are free to use, but they’re less diverse and heavily tied to Spotify’s control, including higher fees (e.g., 30% on sponsorships vs. Podbean’s lower cuts).

Verdict on Monetization

Podbean provides more ways to monetize and greater control, making it ideal for serious creators. Anchor’s free monetization is appealing for beginners, but its limitations and Spotify dependency may frustrate ambitious podcasters.

Distribution: Getting Your Podcast Heard

Podbean Distribution

Podbean lets you manually submit your podcast to all major directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.) and supports episode numbering for serial shows—a feature Anchor lacks. Its RSS feed is fully under your control, ensuring ownership of your content.

Anchor FM Distribution

Anchor automates distribution to a wide network, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, with one-click submission to 12 platforms. However, this convenience comes with a catch: Anchor submits your show under its own account, meaning you don’t fully “own” your listing on Apple Podcasts, limiting access to Apple’s analytics.

Verdict on Distribution

Podbean wins for control and flexibility, especially for long-term growth. Anchor’s automated approach is faster but sacrifices ownership, which could be a dealbreaker for serious podcasters.

Pros and Cons

Podbean Pros

  • Comprehensive features (live streaming, advanced analytics, monetization).
  • Scalable plans for growth.
  • Customizable podcast website with domain mapping.
  • Full control over your RSS feed.

Podbean Cons

  • Free plan is limited and not evergreen.
  • Slightly steeper learning curve than Anchor.

Anchor FM Pros

  • Completely free with unlimited storage.
  • Simple, beginner-friendly interface.
  • Strong Spotify integration and distribution.
  • Decent analytics for no cost.

Anchor FM Cons

  • Limited customization and features.
  • Spotify-centric ecosystem may restrict flexibility.
  • Lack of full ownership over directory listings.

Final Thoughts: Podbean vs. Anchor FM in 2025

In 2025, the choice between Podbean and Anchor FM depends on your goals, budget, and experience level. Anchor FM (Spotify for Podcasters) shines as a free, accessible platform that gets your podcast up and running quickly, with Spotify’s distribution muscle as a bonus. However, its simplicity and lack of ownership control limit its appeal for long-term projects. Podbean, with its richer feature set and scalable plans, is the better pick for podcasters who want to grow, monetize, and maintain creative control.

For hobbyists or experimenters, start with Anchor. For ambitious creators ready to invest in their craft, Podbean is the smarter long-term bet. Whichever you choose, both platforms make podcasting more accessible than ever—proof that there’s never been a better time to share your voice with the world.

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