Blubrry vs Buzzsprout

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 7 minutes

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a powerful medium for creators, businesses, and hobbyists to share their voices with the world. With this growth comes the need for reliable podcast hosting platforms to store, distribute, and promote audio content effectively. Two standout options in this crowded market are Blubrry and Buzzsprout, both of which have earned reputations as trusted solutions for podcasters of all experience levels. But which one is right for you? In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, pricing, usability, analytics, and more of Blubrry and Buzzsprout to help you make an informed decisionin  2025.

Blubrry vs. Buzzsprout Review

Blubrry: The Veteran with WordPress Roots

Founded in 2005 by Todd Cochrane, Blubrry is one of the older players in the podcast hosting game. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Blubrry has built a strong community of over 100,000 podcasters, offering a suite of tools that emphasize flexibility and integration, particularly with WordPress. Blubrry’s signature feature is its PowerPress plugin, which seamlessly connects podcasts to WordPress websites, making it a favorite among bloggers and intermediate-to-advanced podcasters who value control and customization.

Blubrry positions itself as a platform that caters to a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals, with a focus on advanced analytics and robust hosting capabilities. Its longevity in the industry and IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) certification for podcast measurement add credibility to its offerings.

Buzzsprout: The User-Friendly Newcomer

Buzzsprout, launched in 2008 by co-founders Kevin Finn and Tom Rossi, is a relative newcomer compared to Blubrry but has quickly risen to prominence. With a mission to simplify podcasting, Buzzsprout has attracted over 100,000 users by focusing on ease of use, sleek design, and beginner-friendly features. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Buzzsprout targets new podcasters while still offering tools that appeal to seasoned creators, such as affiliate marketing options and detailed analytics.

Buzzsprout’s philosophy is all about removing technical barriers, making it an ideal choice for those who want to get started quickly without wrestling with complex setups or metadata management.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing is often the first consideration for podcasters, especially those on a budget. Both Blubrry and Buzzsprout offer tiered plans to accommodate different needs, but their approaches differ significantly.

Blubrry Pricing

Blubrry’s pricing structure is based on monthly storage limits rather than upload hours, which can be advantageous for podcasters with longer episodes or irregular publishing schedules. As of March 2025, its plans are:

  • $12/month: 100 MB of storage per month, suitable for shorter episodes or infrequent uploads.
  • $20/month: 250 MB of storage per month, a solid mid-tier option for regular podcasters.
  • $40/month: 500 MB of storage per month, ideal for more frequent or longer-form content.
  • $80/month: 1,500 MB of storage per month, catering to high-volume creators.
  • $100/month (Pro Hosting): Unlimited storage, advanced features like dynamic ad insertion, and priority support, aimed at professional podcasters or networks.

Blubrry also offers unlimited bandwidth across all plans and additional storage in 100 MB increments for $5/month if you exceed your limit. There’s no free tier, but the base plan at $12/month is competitively priced for what it includes, especially the advanced analytics.

Buzzsprout Pricing

Buzzsprout takes a different approach, pricing its plans based on monthly upload hours rather than storage, with episodes hosted indefinitely on paid plans. Its offerings as of March 2025 are:

  • Free Plan: 2 hours of uploads per month, with episodes hosted for 90 days—great for testing the waters but limited for long-term use.
  • $12/month: 3 hours of uploads per month, perfect for beginners with shorter episodes.
  • $18/month: 6 hours of uploads per month, a balanced option for growing podcasts.
  • $24/month: 12 hours of uploads per month, suited for frequent publishers or longer episodes.

Buzzsprout also offers unlimited storage for episode archives on paid plans, meaning old episodes remain accessible without additional cost. Additional upload hours can be purchased at $4 per hour, providing flexibility for those who occasionally exceed their limit. Unlike Blubrry, Buzzsprout doesn’t offer an unlimited plan, which might be a drawback for high-volume creators.

Pricing Verdict

Blubrry wins for podcasters needing scalability and unlimited options, especially with its $100/month Pro plan. Buzzsprout, however, takes the lead for affordability and simplicity, with its free tier and lower entry-level pricing appealing to beginners. If you prioritize long-term episode hosting without worrying about expiration, Buzzsprout’s paid plans are more cost-effective. For those needing extensive storage and advanced features, Blubrry’s higher tiers offer better value.

Ease of Use

A podcast hosting platform’s usability can make or break the experience, especially for newcomers who may feel overwhelmed by technical details.

Blubrry Usability

Blubrry’s interface is functional but not as polished as some competitors. The dashboard provides access to all essential tools—uploading episodes, managing feeds, and viewing stats—but its design feels dated compared to modern platforms. The initial setup can be slightly complex, particularly for those integrating with WordPress via PowerPress. However, once configured, Blubrry becomes intuitive, with an “easy mode” for beginners and an “advanced mode” for seasoned users who want more control.

The PowerPress plugin is a standout feature, allowing WordPress users to manage their podcast directly from their website without toggling between platforms. This integration streamlines workflows for bloggers or businesses already using WordPress, though it requires some setup time upfront.

Buzzsprout Usability

Buzzsprout excels in user-friendliness, offering a clean, modern interface that’s easy to navigate from the moment you sign up. The dashboard is streamlined, presenting only the most essential options—upload an episode, edit metadata, or submit to directories—without overwhelming users with choices. Buzzsprout automates tedious tasks like ID3 tagging (metadata for MP3 files), which other platforms often leave to the user, saving time and reducing the learning curve.

New podcasters will appreciate Buzzsprout’s step-by-step guides and video tutorials, which walk you through everything from uploading your first episode to getting listed on Apple Podcasts. Its simplicity doesn’t sacrifice functionality, making it accessible yet powerful.

Usability Verdict

Buzzsprout is the clear winner for ease of use, especially for beginners who want a plug-and-play experience. Blubrry, while more complex initially, offers greater flexibility for users comfortable with WordPress or those willing to invest time in setup.

Features and Tools

Both platforms provide a robust set of features, but their strengths cater to different audiences.

Blubrry Features

  • PowerPress Plugin: A game-changer for WordPress users, allowing seamless podcast publishing and feed management within the WordPress ecosystem.
  • Advanced Analytics: Included with all plans, Blubrry offers detailed insights into listener geography, devices, platforms, and trends over time—perfect for data-driven podcasters.
  • Dynamic Ad Insertion: Available on higher tiers, this feature lets you monetize your podcast by inserting ads dynamically, even into older episodes.
  • Private Podcasting: Ideal for premium content or internal company podcasts, Blubrry supports restricted access.
  • Unlimited Bandwidth: No caps on downloads, ensuring your audience can listen without restrictions.

Blubrry’s focus on WordPress integration and advanced tools makes it a powerhouse for intermediate and professional podcasters who need depth and customization.

Buzzsprout Features

  • Automatic Optimization: Buzzsprout’s Magic Mastering enhances audio quality, and automatic ID3 tagging simplifies publishing.
  • Embeddable Players: Sleek, customizable players with social sharing options can be added to any website or blog.
  • Monetization Options: Affiliate marketplace partnerships (e.g., Amazon, Podcorn) and listener support features help podcasters earn revenue.
  • Visual Soundbites: Create short, shareable video clips from your episodes to boost promotion on social media.
  • Podcast Website: Every plan includes a basic, customizable website to showcase your episodes.

Buzzsprout prioritizes simplicity and promotion, offering tools that help new podcasters grow their audience without technical hurdles.

Features Verdict

Blubrry shines for advanced users, particularly those with WordPress sites or a need for in-depth analytics and monetization. Buzzsprout stands out for its beginner-friendly tools and marketing features, making it easier to launch and promote a podcast quickly.

Analytics and Reporting

Understanding your audience is critical to growing a podcast, and both Blubrry and Buzzsprout deliver solid analytics—but with different approaches.

Blubrry Analytics

Blubrry’s analytics are a major selling point, offering IAB-certified, professional-grade stats on every plan. You can track downloads over time, see listener locations, identify playback devices, and analyze referring sites. This level of detail is invaluable for podcasters who want to fine-tune their content or attract advertisers with precise data.

Buzzsprout Analytics

Buzzsprout provides IAB-certified stats as well, but they’re simpler and less granular than Blubrry’s. You get total downloads, listener trends (a proprietary metric estimating future listens over 90 days), device breakdowns, and geographic data. While sufficient for most users, the lack of month-by-month historical data or referrer insights might leave advanced podcasters wanting more.

Analytics Verdict

Blubrry takes the lead with its comprehensive, professional-grade analytics, making it the better choice for data enthusiasts. Buzzsprout’s stats are user-friendly and adequate for beginners or casual podcasters but fall short in depth.

Pros and Cons

Blubrry Pros

  • Seamless WordPress integration via PowerPress.
  • Advanced, IAB-certified analytics on all plans.
  • Unlimited bandwidth and scalable storage options.
  • Dynamic ad insertion for monetization.

Blubrry Cons

  • Dated interface and steeper learning curve.
  • No free plan.
  • Setup can be time-consuming for beginners.

Buzzsprout Pros

  • Intuitive, beginner-friendly interface.
  • Free plan available.
  • Automatic optimization and marketing tools.
  • Affordable entry-level pricing.

Buzzsprout Cons

  • No unlimited storage option.
  • Analytics lack depth compared to Blubrry.
  • Upload limits may restrict high-volume creators.

Final Thooughts

Choosing between Blubrry and Buzzsprout depends on your podcasting goals, experience level, and technical comfort.

  • Choose Blubrry if: You’re an intermediate or advanced podcaster, especially with a WordPress site, who values detailed analytics, unlimited storage potential, and advanced monetization options. It’s ideal for those willing to invest time in setup for long-term flexibility.
  • Choose Buzzsprout if: You’re a beginner or casual podcaster seeking a simple, hassle-free experience with tools to grow your audience quickly. Its affordability, automation, and promotional features make it perfect for launching without a steep learning curve.

As of March 20, 2025, both platforms remain top-tier choices in the podcast hosting landscape. Blubrry offers depth and power, while Buzzsprout delivers simplicity and accessibility. Weigh your priorities—whether it’s ease of use or advanced control—and you’ll find the perfect fit for your podcasting journey

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