Podbean vs. RSS.com | Podcastbricks

As podcasting continues to surge in popularity, choosing the right hosting platform is a critical decision for creators. Two prominent names in the podcast hosting space, Podbean and RSS.com, offer compelling options for podcasters of all levels. Both platforms provide tools to upload, distribute, and monetize podcasts, but they differ significantly in pricing, features, user experience, and support. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the strengths and weaknesses of Podbean and RSS.com, comparing them across key categories to help you decide which platform best suits your podcasting needs in 2025.

Podbean vs. RSS.com Review

Podbean has been a staple in the podcasting world since its launch in 2006. Known for its all-in-one approach, Podbean combines hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization tools into a single platform. It’s designed to cater to a wide range of users, from beginners creating their first episode to businesses managing multiple shows. Podbean’s longevity in the industry gives it a reputation for reliability, and its feature set has evolved to include unique offerings like live streaming and premium content subscriptions.

RSS.com, founded in 2005, is another veteran in the podcast hosting space but has undergone a modern revitalization in recent years. Marketed as a user-friendly platform with unlimited storage and robust analytics, RSS.com appeals to podcasters seeking simplicity without sacrificing essential features. It’s gained traction for its straightforward pricing and focus on helping creators grow their audience through sponsorships and distribution tools.

Both platforms aim to simplify the podcasting process, but their approaches and target audiences differ. Let’s break down their offerings across key areas: pricing, features, ease of use, analytics, monetization, support, and overall value.

Pricing: Comparing Costs and Plans

Pricing is often the first consideration for podcasters, especially those just starting out. Here’s how Podbean and RSS.com stack up in 2025.

Podbean Pricing

Podbean offers a tiered pricing structure with both free and paid plans:

Free Plan: Includes 5 hours of total storage and 100 GB of monthly bandwidth. This is sufficient for short episodes or a limited run but restrictive for ongoing shows.
Unlimited Audio Plan: $14/month (or $9/month if paid annually) provides unlimited audio storage and unmetered bandwidth, making it ideal for most podcasters.
Unlimited Plus Plan: $29/month (or $25/month annually) adds video podcasting, premium content via the Patron Program, and monetization through Podbean’s ad marketplace.
Network Plan: $99/month (or $79/month annually) offers 3 TB of bandwidth and advanced features for managing multiple podcasts, aimed at businesses or networks.

Podbean’s pricing reflects its feature-rich approach, with higher tiers unlocking tools like live streaming and private podcasting. However, the free plan’s limitations (e.g., no video support or advanced analytics) may push users to upgrade quickly.

RSS.com Pricing

RSS.com takes a simpler approach with a single paid plan and a free trial:

Free Trial: Offers 30 days of full access to test the platform, with no credit card required upfront.
All-in-One Podcasting Plan: $12.99/month (or $8.25/month if paid annually) includes unlimited storage, unlimited episode length, advanced analytics, and distribution tools. Discounts are available for students, educators, and nonprofits.
Podcast Networks: Custom pricing for managing multiple shows, requiring a direct inquiry to RSS.com’s team.

RSS.com’s flat-rate model is a standout feature, providing unlimited everything for a competitive price. There’s no free ongoing plan like Podbean’s, but the trial period allows new users to explore without commitment.

Pricing Verdict

RSS.com wins on simplicity and value for individual podcasters. Its $12.99/month plan offers unlimited storage and features that rival Podbean’s $29/month Unlimited Plus tier. Podbean’s free plan is a nice entry point, but its restrictions make it less practical for long-term use. For podcasters needing advanced features like video or multiple shows, Podbean’s higher tiers may justify the cost, but RSS.com’s affordability is hard to beat for most users.

Features: What Each Platform Offers

Features determine how well a platform supports your podcasting workflow. Let’s compare the core offerings of Podbean and RSS.com.

Podbean Features

Hosting and Distribution: Unlimited audio storage (on paid plans), automatic distribution to major directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.), and a customizable podcast website.
Live Streaming: A standout feature, allowing real-time audio broadcasts with call-in options for up to seven guests.
Monetization: The Patron Program (premium subscriptions), dynamic ad insertion, and an ad marketplace for sponsorships.
Mobile Apps: iOS and Android apps for recording, editing, and publishing on the go, complete with sound effects and background music.
Analytics: Basic stats on the free plan; detailed listener demographics, downloads, and trends on paid plans.
Additional Tools: Social media auto-sharing, private podcasting (business plans), and video hosting (Unlimited Plus and above).

Podbean’s breadth of features makes it a Swiss Army knife for podcasters. The live streaming and mobile recording tools are particularly unique, catering to creators who want flexibility beyond traditional episodes.

RSS.com Features

Hosting and Distribution: Unlimited storage and episode length, one-click distribution to all major platforms, and a basic podcast webpage.
Analytics: Granular data on downloads, listener locations (down to the city level), trends, and device usage.
Monetization: Integration with Podcorn for sponsorships and a “Donate” button for listener support (no premium subscription option).
Episode Management: Scheduling, cross-promotion tools, and automatic transcriptions for accessibility and SEO.
Team Collaboration: Add team members to manage your podcast (included in the base plan).

RSS.com focuses on essentials with a modern twist. The unlimited storage and detailed analytics are highlights, while features like transcriptions add value for growth-minded podcasters.

Features Verdict

Podbean offers more bells and whistles, especially for creators interested in live streaming, video, or premium content. RSS.com keeps it leaner, prioritizing unlimited hosting and analytics over extras like mobile recording or live broadcasts. Your choice depends on whether you need Podbean’s advanced tools or prefer RSS.com’s streamlined approach.

Ease of Use: User Experience and Interface

A platform’s usability can make or break your podcasting experience, especially for beginners.

Podbean Usability

Podbean’s dashboard is functional but feels dated, with a design that hasn’t evolved much since the early 2000s. Uploading episodes, scheduling posts, and accessing analytics are straightforward, though the interface can be cluttered with options. The mobile apps are a bonus, offering a surprisingly robust recording and editing suite for on-the-go creation. New users may need time to navigate the full feature set, but step-by-step guides (e.g., for submitting to Apple Podcasts) simplify the process.

RSS.com Usability

RSS.com shines with a clean, modern interface that’s intuitive even for novices. The dashboard prioritizes key tasks—uploading, distributing, and tracking performance—with minimal clicks. Importing an existing podcast via RSS feed is seamless, and the platform’s simplicity ensures you’re not overwhelmed by unnecessary options. There’s no dedicated mobile app for recording, but the web-based platform is mobile-friendly.

Usability Verdict

RSS.com takes the lead for ease of use with its sleek, beginner-friendly design. Podbean’s interface works but feels less polished, though its mobile apps add versatility for creators who prioritize flexibility.

Analytics: Tracking Your Audience

Understanding your listeners is key to growing your podcast. Both platforms offer analytics, but their depth and presentation differ.

Podbean Analytics

Free Plan: Basic stats (total downloads, trends).
Paid Plans: Detailed breakdowns of listener demographics (age, gender), geographic data, device usage, and download trends over time.
Limitations: Some users report occasional glitches or delays in data updates.

Podbean’s analytics are solid for paid users, providing actionable insights for refining content and targeting audiences.

RSS.com Analytics

All-in-One Plan: Comprehensive stats including downloads, listener locations (city-level granularity), episode performance, and device breakdowns.
Unique Feature: Visual maps of listener locations, though some users note potential inaccuracies due to VPN usage.
Strengths: Real-time updates and exportable reports for deeper analysis.

RSS.com’s analytics are a standout, offering detailed, accessible data without tiered restrictions.

Analytics Verdict

RSS.com edges out Podbean with its granular, user-friendly analytics available on its single plan. Podbean’s data is robust but requires a paid tier for full access and lacks the same level of detail.

Monetization: Earning from Your Podcast

Monetization options can turn your podcast into a revenue stream. Here’s how each platform supports creators.

Podbean Monetization

Patron Program: A paywall for premium content (Unlimited Plus and above).
Dynamic Ad Insertion: Insert ads into episodes (business plans).
Ad Marketplace: Connects podcasters with sponsors.
Limitations: Advanced options are locked behind higher tiers.

Podbean’s monetization suite is comprehensive, ideal for creators aiming to diversify income streams.

RSS.com Monetization

Podcorn Integration: Links to sponsors for ad deals.
Donate Button: Crowdfunding support from listeners.
Limitations: No premium subscription or dynamic ad insertion (reserved for “high-traffic shows” with 5,000+ daily downloads).

RSS.com’s options are simpler but effective for smaller shows, though it lacks Podbean’s depth.

Monetization Verdict

Podbean wins for monetization flexibility, offering more ways to earn. RSS.com suffices for basic sponsorships and donations but falls short for advanced strategies.

Final Thoughts

Podbean is the better choice for podcasters who want a feature-packed platform with live streaming, video hosting, and multiple monetization options. It’s ideal for businesses, networks, or creators willing to invest in higher tiers for advanced tools. However, its dated interface and tiered pricing may deter budget-conscious users.

RSS.com excels for simplicity, affordability, and analytics. Its unlimited storage and flat-rate plan make it a no-brainer for individual podcasters or small teams focused on growth without complexity. It lacks some of Podbean’s extras, but its core offerings are hard to beat for the price.