Blubrry vs. Anchor FM

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 7 minutes

Podcasting continues to grow as a medium for storytelling, education, entertainment, and business, and choosing the right hosting platform is a critical decision for creators. Two popular options in the podcasting ecosystem are Blubrry and Anchor FM (rebranded as Spotify for Podcasters following Spotify’s acquisition of Anchor in 2019). While both platforms cater to podcasters, they differ significantly in their approach, pricing, and target audience. In this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison of Blubrry and Anchor FM, examining their features, strengths, weaknesses, and overall value to help you determine which is the better fit for your podcasting journey.

Blubrry vs. Anchor FM (Spotify for Podcasters) Review

Blubrry, founded in 2005, is a veteran in the podcast hosting space. It’s a service designed by podcasters for podcasters, offering a robust platform that emphasizes reliability, detailed analytics, and integration with WordPress via its proprietary PowerPress plugin. Blubrry targets a wide range of creators, from beginners to established podcasters, and focuses on providing a professional hosting experience with flexible plans and tools for growth.

Anchor FM, launched in 2015, took a different approach by offering a free, all-in-one podcasting solution aimed at simplifying the process for beginners. Acquired by Spotify in 2019, it has since evolved into Spotify for Podcasters, maintaining its free-tier model while integrating Spotify’s ecosystem for distribution and monetization. Anchor appeals to hobbyists and new podcasters who want an easy entry point without upfront costs, though it also offers tools for more seasoned creators.

Now, let’s dive into a detailed comparison across key categories: pricing, ease of use, distribution, analytics, monetization, features, and support.

Pricing: Free vs. Paid Models

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

Blubrry Pricing

Blubrry operates on a paid subscription model with tiered plans based on monthly upload limits:

  • Standard Plan: $12/month for 100 MB of monthly uploads.
  • Advanced Plans: $20/month for 250 MB, $40/month for 500 MB, and $80/month for 1,000 MB.
  • Thrive Bundle: An add-on for $15/month that includes enhanced analytics, pre-roll advertising support, and other premium features.

Blubrry offers unlimited bandwidth and storage for past episodes, meaning your uploads from previous months don’t count against your limit—only new uploads each month do. There’s no free tier, but new users get a 30-day free trial with the promo code “blubrry005.” This pricing structure suits podcasters who value predictability and are willing to invest in a professional-grade service.

Anchor FM Pricing

Anchor FM, now Spotify for Podcasters, is entirely free at its core. There are no upload limits, no bandwidth caps, and no storage restrictions. You can host as many episodes as you want, upload files of any size (within practical limits), and distribute your podcast without paying a dime. Optional monetization features, like dynamic ad insertion, come with a revenue split, and there are small processing fees for listener support payments (e.g., $0.25 per transaction), but the base hosting service remains cost-free.

Pricing Verdict

Anchor wins on affordability, making it ideal for beginners or those testing the waters. Blubrry’s paid model, however, offers more control and advanced features, appealing to serious podcasters who need scalability and don’t mind the investment.

Ease of Use: Simplicity vs. Customization

The user experience is another area where these platforms diverge.

Blubrry Ease of Use

Blubrry’s interface is straightforward but geared toward users who are comfortable with some technical setup. Uploading episodes, managing your feed, and configuring settings is intuitive, though it lacks the polished, beginner-friendly design of newer platforms. Its standout feature is the PowerPress plugin, which seamlessly integrates with WordPress, allowing podcasters to manage their website and podcast from one dashboard. This is a boon for creators who already use WordPress, but it may feel cumbersome for those unfamiliar with the platform.

Anchor FM Ease of Use

Anchor excels in simplicity. Its web and mobile apps are designed to guide users through recording, editing, and publishing with minimal friction. You can record directly in the app, add background music or transitions, and publish—all from your phone if desired. The drag-and-drop editor is basic but functional, making it a true one-stop shop for novices. However, this simplicity comes at the cost of customization; advanced users may find the editing tools too limited.

Ease of Use Verdict

Anchor takes the lead for ease of use, especially for beginners who want a plug-and-play experience. Blubrry offers more control and flexibility, particularly with WordPress integration, but requires a bit more technical know-how.

Distribution: Reach and Control

Distribution is critical for getting your podcast to listeners, and both platforms handle it differently.

Blubrry Distribution

Blubrry provides a standard RSS feed that you can submit manually to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. This gives you full ownership of your feed and listings, which is a significant advantage for long-term control. The platform also integrates with its podcast directory (Blubrry.com), offering additional exposure. However, you’ll need to handle submissions yourself, which can be a minor hurdle for newbies.

Anchor FM Distribution

Anchor automates distribution by submitting your podcast to major platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) on your behalf. This is a huge time-saver for beginners, but it comes with a caveat: Anchor owns the feed and submits it under its account. If you later switch hosts, you’ll need to redirect your audience manually, as Anchor doesn’t natively support 301 redirects (though they’ll provide one if you contact support). Integration with Spotify’s ecosystem also boosts visibility on that platform.

Distribution Verdict

Blubrry wins for control and ownership, making it better for serious podcasters. Anchor’s automated distribution is more convenient but sacrifices some autonomy.

Analytics: Insights for Growth

Understanding your audience is key to growing a podcast, and analytics vary widely between these platforms.

Blubrry Analytics

Blubrry offers detailed, IAB-certified analytics as part of its plans. Basic stats (downloads, platforms, and geographic data) are included, while the $5/month advanced stats upgrade provides deeper insights like listener trends and metro-area breakdowns. The Thrive Bundle ($15/month) adds even more granularity, such as pre-roll ad performance. These tools are robust and cater to podcasters who want actionable data.

Anchor FM Analytics

Anchor provides free, basic analytics—download numbers, listener demographics, and platform breakdowns. Since its integration with Spotify, you also get Spotify-specific insights, like listener retention and episode performance on that platform. However, the data lacks the depth of Blubrry’s advanced offerings and isn’t IAB-certified, which may matter to advertisers.

Analytics Verdict

Blubrry is the clear winner for detailed, professional-grade analytics, while Anchor’s free stats are sufficient for casual users.

Monetization: Making Money from Your Podcast

Monetization options can sway your choice of platform, especially if you aim to earn revenue.

Blubrry Monetization

Blubrry doesn’t offer built-in monetization like ads or listener support. Instead, it focuses on hosting and analytics, leaving monetization to third-party tools (e.g., Podcorn or Patreon) or your own sponsorships. The Thrive Bundle adds pre-roll ad support, but you’ll need to source advertisers yourself. This hands-off approach gives you flexibility but requires more effort.

Anchor FM Monetization

Anchor shines here with two built-in options: Sponsorships (dynamic ads with a 30% revenue cut plus fees) and Listener Support (recurring donations with a small transaction fee). The Spotify integration has expanded ad opportunities (currently U.S.-only and invite-only), making it easier to monetize early on. However, the high sponsorship fee (compared to Podcorn’s 10%) and lack of reward tiers (unlike Patreon) limit its appeal for some.

Monetization Verdict

Anchor offers more immediate monetization options, ideal for beginners. Blubrry’s approach suits podcasters who prefer independence and are willing to manage their own revenue streams.

Features: Tools for Creation and Management

Additional features can enhance your podcasting experience.

Blubrry Features

  • PowerPress Plugin: Seamless WordPress integration for website management.
  • Embeddable Player: Customizable and shareable.
  • Migration Support: Free migration from other hosts, including Anchor.
  • No Contract: Flexibility to cancel anytime.

Blubrry focuses on hosting essentials rather than creation tools, making it a solid backbone for production workflows.

Anchor FM Features

  • Recording and Editing: Built-in tools for recording, adding music, and basic editing.
  • Video Podcasts: Support for video uploads (Spotify-only).
  • Q&A and Polls: Interactive features for listener engagement.
  • Unlimited Hosting: No caps on uploads or storage.

Anchor’s all-in-one design prioritizes creation and engagement over advanced hosting features.

Features Verdict

Anchor wins for its creation tools and free hosting, while Blubrry excels in professional hosting and website integration.

Which Is Better for You?

The choice between Blubrry and Anchor FM depends on your goals, budget, and experience level.

Choose Blubrry If:

  • You’re a serious podcaster who values control, detailed analytics, and WordPress integration.
  • You’re willing to pay for a professional-grade service with no hidden catches.
  • You prefer owning your feed and managing your own monetization.

Choose Anchor FM If:

  • You’re a beginner or hobbyist looking for a free, easy-to-use platform.
  • You want built-in recording, editing, and monetization tools without upfront costs.
  • You’re comfortable with less control in exchange for convenience and Spotify integration.

Conclusion

Blubrry and Anchor FM (Spotify for Podcasters) cater to different ends of the podcasting spectrum. Blubrry is a reliable, paid platform for creators who prioritize professionalism, analytics, and flexibility, making it ideal for established or growth-focused podcasters. Anchor, with its free model and all-in-one approach, lowers the barrier to entry, perfect for newcomers or those experimenting with podcasting.

Ultimately, neither is inherently “better”—it’s about what aligns with your needs. If you’re starting out and budget is a concern, Anchor is a fantastic entry point. If you’re ready to invest in your podcast’s future, Blubrry offers the tools and stability to grow. Whichever you choose, both platforms can help you share your voice with the world.

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