Blubrry vs. RSS.com
Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a powerful medium for creators to share their voices, stories, and expertise with global audiences. However, launching and managing a successful podcast requires more than just a microphone and a good idea—it demands a reliable hosting platform to store, distribute, and promote your content. Two prominent players in the podcast hosting space are Blubrry and RSS.com, each offering unique features tailored to different types of podcasters. In this review, we’ll dive deep into Blubrry and RSS.com, comparing their pricing, features, ease of use, analytics, distribution capabilities, and more to help you decide which platform is the best fit for your podcasting needs in 2025.
Blubrry vs. RSS.com Review
Blubrry
Founded in 2005, Blubrry is a veteran in the podcasting world, operated by RawVoice, a U.S.-based company with a strong focus on podcaster-created solutions. Blubrry is renowned for its integration with WordPress via the PowerPress plugin, detailed analytics, and a robust podcast directory. It markets itself as a platform “by podcasters, for podcasters,” emphasizing flexibility and technical control. Blubrry’s hosting plans cater to a wide range of users, from hobbyists to professional networks, with a reputation for reliability and a community-driven approach.
RSS.com
RSS.com, while a newer contender compared to Blubrry, has quickly gained traction for its simplicity, affordability, and modern feature set. Designed to streamline the podcasting process, RSS.com targets both beginners and seasoned creators who want an intuitive platform without a steep learning curve. With unlimited storage, AI-powered tools, and competitive pricing, RSS.com positions itself as a hassle-free option for podcasters looking to grow their audience efficiently.
Both platforms excel at the core functions of podcast hosting—storing audio files and generating RSS feeds—but their approaches and additional offerings differ significantly. Let’s break it down.
Pricing and Plans
Pricing is often the first consideration for podcasters, especially those just starting out or managing tight budgets. Here’s how Blubrry and RSS.com stack up.
Blubrry Pricing
Blubrry operates on a tiered pricing model based on monthly storage limits, with no caps on downloads or bandwidth. All plans include unlimited hosting duration, a free WordPress site, and access to the PowerPress plugin. Here’s a breakdown of their main plans as of March 2025:
- Standard Plan: $12/month
- 125 MB of monthly storage (roughly 2-3 hours of audio at standard quality).
- Basic analytics, unlimited downloads, and free episode migration.
- Advanced Plan: $20/month
- 400 MB of monthly storage (about 6-8 hours of audio).
- Advanced analytics, domain mapping, and additional WordPress customization options.
- Pro Hosting: Starts at $100/month
- Customizable enterprise solution with unlimited storage, 1 TB bandwidth, dynamic ad insertion, and account sharing for teams.
Blubrry also offers a free 30-day trial of the Advanced plan and a free tier for non-hosting users, allowing you to add an existing podcast to their directory and access basic stats. Notably, storage resets monthly, and Blubrry’s “No-Fault Hosting” policy avoids overage fees unless you exceed your limit by more than 25%.
RSS.com Pricing
RSS.com takes a simpler approach with fewer tiers and a focus on unlimited storage. Their pricing is straightforward and competitive:
- All-in-One Podcasting Plan: $12.99/month (or $8.25/month if paid annually at $99/year)
- Unlimited storage and episodes.
- Detailed analytics, automatic distribution, AI-generated transcripts, and audio-to-video conversion for YouTube.
- Student/Nonprofit Plan: $4.99/month
- Same features as the All-in-One plan, discounted for eligible users.
- Free Trial: 7-day trial with full access to all features.
Unlike Blubrry, RSS.com doesn’t impose monthly upload limits, making it ideal for creators producing frequent or lengthy episodes. The annual discount further sweetens the deal, dropping the effective monthly cost below Blubrry’s Standard plan.
Pricing Verdict
- Blubrry: Better for podcasters who need specific storage tiers and are comfortable with WordPress integration. The $12 entry point is affordable, but storage caps may limit prolific creators.
- RSS.com: Wins on value with unlimited storage and a lower annual rate. It’s a no-brainer for budget-conscious podcasters or those planning to scale without worrying about limits.
Features and Tools
Beyond pricing, the features each platform offers can make or break your podcasting experience. Let’s compare their key tools.
Storage and Uploads
- Blubrry: Storage is capped per plan (125 MB to unlimited for Pro), resetting monthly. You can upload any file type, though MP3 is recommended for compatibility. This works well for podcasters with predictable output but may constrain those with variable schedules.
- RSS.com: Unlimited storage and episodes across all paid plans, with no restrictions on upload frequency or file size (within reason). This flexibility is a major advantage for creators producing long-form content or multiple shows.
Analytics
Analytics are crucial for understanding your audience and refining your podcast strategy.
- Blubrry: Known for robust, IAB-certified statistics, Blubrry provides detailed insights into downloads, geolocation, devices, and trends. Basic stats are free with all plans, but advanced features (e.g., retention data) require higher tiers or a $5/month add-on for non-hosted shows. The “Podcast Statistics” dashboard is user-friendly and visually clear.
- RSS.com: Offers real-time analytics with all paid plans, including listener locations, episode performance, and growth trends. While not as granular as Blubrry’s advanced stats, it’s sufficient for most podcasters and included without extra cost.
Distribution and Syndication
Getting your podcast on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts is a must.
- Blubrry: Automatically adds hosted shows to its directory (over 3 million podcasts) and provides manual submission guides for other platforms. The PowerPress plugin enhances RSS feed control, especially for WordPress users, ensuring seamless syndication.
- RSS.com: Features automatic, guided distribution to top directories with a single click, plus a free podcast website for each show. The process is faster and more beginner-friendly than Blubrry’s manual approach.
WordPress Integration
- Blubrry: The PowerPress plugin is a standout, allowing seamless episode uploads and feed management within WordPress. It’s ideal for podcasters with existing WordPress sites or those wanting a custom podcast page without leaving their CMS.
- RSS.com: Lacks a dedicated WordPress plugin but offers a free, customizable podcast website. For WordPress users, you’d need to manually embed episodes or use a third-party plugin, which adds a step.
Monetization
- Blubrry: Offers multiple monetization options, including an affiliate program, in-house advertising, and dynamic ad insertion (Pro plan only). It’s robust but requires higher-tier plans for full access.
- RSS.com: Provides a donation feature via integration with platforms like Buy Me a Coffee, plus future plans for expanded monetization. It’s simpler but less comprehensive than Blubrry’s offerings.
Additional Tools
- Blubrry: Includes a basic web player, API access for developers, and free migration services. It’s technically oriented, appealing to advanced users.
- RSS.com: Shines with AI-generated transcripts, audio-to-video conversion for YouTube, and episode scheduling—all included in the base plan. These modern tools enhance promotion and accessibility.
Features Verdict
- Blubrry: Excels for WordPress users and those needing detailed analytics or enterprise features. It’s more technical and modular.
- RSS.com: Wins for simplicity, unlimited storage, and modern tools like transcripts and video conversion, making it ideal for beginners and growth-focused creators.
Ease of Use
A platform’s usability can determine how much time you spend managing your podcast versus creating content.
Blubrry
Blubrry’s dashboard is functional but not flashy, with a slight learning curve for non-technical users. Uploading episodes is straightforward, and the PowerPress plugin simplifies publishing for WordPress users. However, setting up a new show or navigating advanced features (e.g., custom domains) may feel clunky for beginners. The focus on technical control can be a double-edged sword—powerful for pros, intimidating for newbies.
RSS.com
RSS.com prioritizes simplicity with an intuitive, modern interface. From uploading episodes to distributing your show, every step is streamlined and well-guided. The inclusion of a free website and AI tools reduces setup time, making it a breeze for first-timers. Even advanced features like analytics are presented clearly, requiring minimal effort to understand.
Ease of Use Verdict
- Blubrry: Best for tech-savvy podcasters comfortable with WordPress and manual configurations.
- RSS.com: The clear winner for ease of use, especially for beginners or those who value a plug-and-play experience.
Pros and Cons
Blubrry
Pros:
- Robust WordPress integration via PowerPress.
- Detailed, IAB-certified analytics.
- Flexible storage tiers and enterprise options.
- Longstanding reputation and reliability.
Cons:
- Storage caps on lower plans.
- Steeper learning curve for non-WordPress users.
- Advanced features often require higher costs.
RSS.com
Pros:
- Unlimited storage and episodes.
- Beginner-friendly interface and tools (transcripts, video).
- Affordable pricing, especially annually.
- Automatic distribution and free website.
Cons:
- No WordPress plugin.
- Less granular analytics than Blubrry.
- Fewer monetization options.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, both Blubrry and RSS.com are excellent podcast hosting platforms, but they cater to slightly different audiences. Blubrry’s strength lies in its WordPress synergy, detailed analytics, and professional-grade options, making it a top pick for technically inclined podcasters or those with established workflows. RSS.com, with its unlimited storage, ease of use, and innovative tools, is the better choice for beginners, budget-conscious creators, or anyone prioritizing simplicity and scalability.
For most new podcasters, RSS.com’s $8.25/month annual plan (with unlimited everything) is hard to beat, offering a low-risk entry into podcasting with room to grow. Blubrry’s $12/month Standard plan, while solid, feels restrictive unless you’re leveraging its WordPress ecosystem. Ultimately, your choice depends on your technical comfort, budget, and podcasting goals. Try their free trials—Blubrry’s 30 days or RSS.com’s 7 days—to see which feels right for you.