Blubrry vs. Transistor.fm

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 7 minutes

The podcasting industry has exploded in recent years, with creators of all kinds seeking reliable platforms to host, distribute, and grow their shows. Two popular options in this crowded market are Blubrry and Transistor.fm. Both platforms cater to podcasters but offer distinct features, pricing models, and user experiences that can make choosing between them a challenge. In this review, we’ll dive deep into Blubrry and Transistor.fm, comparing their offerings across key categories like pricing, features, analytics, ease of use, and support, to help you decide which is the best fit for your podcasting needs in  2025.

Blubrry vs. Transistor.fm Review

Blubrry, founded in 2005, is one of the longest-standing podcast hosting platforms in the industry. With nearly two decades of experience, it has built a reputation for reliability and a strong integration with WordPress via its proprietary PowerPress plugin. Blubrry is particularly popular among podcasters who want a seamless connection between their podcast hosting and a WordPress-based website. It offers a range of plans tailored to different levels of podcasters, from beginners to established creators, and emphasizes robust analytics and monetization options.

Blubrry’s mission has always been to simplify podcasting while providing tools to help creators grow their audience and revenue. It’s a favorite among those who value detailed statistics and a well-established ecosystem, including partnerships with major podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Transistor.fm, launched in 2018, is a relative newcomer compared to Blubrry but has quickly gained traction among podcasters, particularly those managing multiple shows or seeking a streamlined, modern hosting experience. Co-founded by Justin Jackson and Jon Buda, Transistor.fm focuses on simplicity, affordability, and flexibility. It’s designed for creatives, brands, and professionals who want an intuitive platform without unnecessary complexity.

Transistor.fm stands out with its unlimited podcast hosting model—allowing users to host multiple shows under a single plan—and its emphasis on clean design and ease of distribution. It’s a go-to for podcasters who prioritize a hassle-free setup and modern features like private podcasting and automated YouTube uploads.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is often the first consideration for podcasters, especially those just starting out or managing tight budgets. Let’s break down how Blubrry and Transistor.fm stack up.

Blubrry Pricing

Blubrry offers a tiered pricing structure based on monthly storage limits:

  • Standard Plan: $12/month for 125 MB of monthly storage (roughly 2-3 hours of audio at 128 kbps).
  • Advanced Plans:
    • $20/month for 250 MB.
    • $40/month for 500 MB.
    • $80/month for 1000 MB (1 GB).
  • Additional Costs: Advanced analytics cost an extra $5/month, bringing the total for detailed stats to $17-$85/month depending on the plan.

Blubrry’s pricing is storage-based, meaning you’re limited by how much new content you can upload each month. Unused storage doesn’t roll over, so if you don’t max out your limit, you’re essentially leaving value on the table. This model works well for consistent uploaders but can feel restrictive for sporadic creators or those with large files.

Transistor.fm Pricing

Transistor.fm takes a different approach, focusing on download limits rather than storage:

  • Starter Plan: $19/month for 15,000 downloads/month and unlimited podcasts.
  • Professional Plan: $49/month for 75,000 downloads/month, plus private podcasting features.
  • Business Plan: $99/month for 200,000 downloads/month, with advanced analytics and team collaboration tools.

Transistor.fm’s unlimited storage and podcast hosting are major selling points. You can upload as much content as you want without worrying about monthly caps, and the ability to host multiple shows under one plan is a game-changer for creators with diverse projects or networks.

Pricing Verdict

Blubrry is cheaper at the entry level ($12 vs. $19), making it appealing for solo podcasters with small episodes or infrequent uploads. However, Transistor.fm’s value shines for those planning to scale or manage multiple podcasts, as its flat-rate model avoids the per-show fees common with other platforms. If downloads are your bottleneck rather than storage, Transistor.fm’s structure may align better with growth-oriented creators.

Features Comparison

Features are where Blubrry and Transistor.fm start to diverge significantly. Let’s explore their offerings.

Blubrry Features

  • PowerPress Integration: Blubrry’s standout feature is its deep integration with WordPress via the PowerPress plugin. This allows podcasters to manage their episodes, embed players, and publish directly from their WordPress site—a huge perk for those already in the WordPress ecosystem.
  • Monetization: Blubrry offers dynamic ad insertion and a podcast advertising marketplace, making it easier to monetize your show. This is ideal for creators looking to generate revenue early on.
  • Distribution: One-click submission to major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher simplifies getting your show out there.
  • Podcast Website: Blubrry provides a basic podcast website, though it’s less customizable than some competitors.
  • Storage Limits: As noted, storage is capped monthly, which can limit flexibility for creators with irregular schedules or large files.

Transistor.fm Features

  • Unlimited Podcasts: The ability to host multiple shows under one account is Transistor.fm’s flagship feature. This is perfect for networks, businesses, or prolific creators experimenting with side projects.
  • Private Podcasting: Available across all plans (with enhanced features at higher tiers), this lets you create exclusive content for subscribers or teams—a feature Blubrry lacks natively.
  • YouTube Integration: Transistor.fm automatically generates static-image videos and uploads them to YouTube, expanding your reach with minimal effort.
  • Embeddable Player: A sleek, customizable player makes sharing episodes easy on websites or social media.
  • No Storage Limits: Upload as much as you want without monthly restrictions, though downloads are capped per plan.

Features Verdict

Blubrry excels for WordPress users and those focused on monetization, thanks to its PowerPress plugin and ad tools. Transistor.fm, however, wins for flexibility and modern features like unlimited hosting and YouTube integration. If you’re a multi-show creator or value private podcasting, Transistor.fm has the edge; if you’re tied to WordPress or need ad revenue, Blubrry is the better pick.

Analytics Comparison

Understanding your audience is critical for podcast growth, and both platforms offer analytics—but with different strengths.

Blubrry Analytics

Blubrry provides robust, IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) certified analytics, which are considered the industry standard for podcast measurement. Basic stats (downloads, platforms, and geographic data) are included in all plans, while advanced stats—such as detailed listener trends and metro-area breakdowns—require the $5/month add-on. This depth is a major draw for podcasters who need precise data for sponsorship pitches or audience analysis.

Transistor.fm Analytics

Transistor.fm offers straightforward analytics included in all plans, such as total downloads, listener trends, and an estimated subscriber count. Higher-tier plans (Professional and Business) unlock more detailed insights, like per-episode performance and private podcast tracking. While not IAB-certified, Transistor.fm’s stats are reliable for most independent creators and presented in a clean, accessible interface.

Analytics Verdict

Blubrry’s IAB-certified analytics give it an edge for professional podcasters courting advertisers or needing granular data. Transistor.fm’s simpler approach suits beginners or those who don’t require certification, though its lack of IAB compliance might be a drawback for some.

Ease of Use

A platform’s usability can make or break the podcasting experience, especially for newcomers.

Blubrry Usability

Blubrry’s interface is functional but dated, reflecting its long history. Uploading episodes and managing settings is straightforward, but the design lacks the polish of newer platforms. The real usability boost comes with PowerPress, which streamlines publishing for WordPress users. Without WordPress, though, the experience feels less intuitive compared to modern competitors.

Transistor.fm Usability

Transistor.fm shines with its clean, drag-and-drop interface and modern design. Uploading episodes, customizing players, and setting up distribution take minutes, even for beginners. The platform’s focus on automation—like YouTube uploads and directory submissions—reduces manual work, making it a breeze to use.

Usability Verdict

Transistor.fm takes the crown for ease of use, thanks to its intuitive, contemporary design. Blubrry is solid but feels clunkier unless you’re leveraging PowerPress within WordPress.

Who Should Choose Blubrry?

Blubrry is ideal for:

  • WordPress Users: The PowerPress integration is unmatched for seamless podcast-website synergy.
  • Monetization-Focused Creators: Dynamic ads and an advertising marketplace cater to revenue-driven podcasters.
  • Data Enthusiasts: IAB-certified analytics appeal to those needing detailed, sponsor-friendly stats.
  • Budget-Conscious Beginners: The $12/month entry point is affordable for small-scale shows.

However, its storage limits and dated interface might deter creators seeking flexibility or a modern feel.

Who Should Choose Transistor.fm?

Transistor.fm suits:

  • Multi-Show Creators: Unlimited podcasts under one plan are perfect for networks or experimenters.
  • Private Podcasting Needs: Great for businesses, educators, or creators with exclusive content.
  • Tech-Savvy Newbies: The intuitive design and automation features simplify the process.
  • Growth-Oriented Podcasters: Download-based pricing scales with audience size without storage worries.

Its higher entry price and lack of IAB analytics might not suit budget beginners or ad-heavy pros.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, choosing between Blubrry and Transistor.fm depends on your podcasting goals. Blubrry’s longevity, WordPress integration, and monetization tools make it a solid choice for traditionalists or revenue-focused creators, especially at its lower price point. Transistor.fm, with its modern design, unlimited hosting, and innovative features, caters to the next generation of podcasters—particularly those managing multiple shows or prioritizing ease and scalability.

For a solo podcaster on a budget with a WordPress site, Blubrry is a safe bet. For a creative juggling multiple projects or needing private feeds, Transistor.fm is the smarter investment. Both platforms deliver reliable hosting, but their strengths cater to different niches in the ever-evolving podcasting landscape. Test their free trials—Blubrry’s 30-day and Transistor.fm’s 14-day—to see which aligns with your vision. Happy podcasting!

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