Buzzsprout vs. Blubrry

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, evolving from a niche medium into a mainstream form of entertainment, education, and storytelling. With this growth, the need for reliable podcast hosting platforms has become more critical than ever. Two of the most prominent names in this space are Buzzsprout and Blubrry, both of which have built strong reputations for helping podcasters launch, manage, and grow their shows. However, choosing between them can be challenging, as each platform caters to slightly different needs and skill levels. In this article, we’ll dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of Buzzsprout and Blubrry, exploring their features, pricing, ease of use, analytics, and more, to help you decide which one is the best fit for your podcasting journey.

Buzzsprout

Founded in 2009 by Kevin Finn and Tom Rossi, Buzzsprout is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. It has grown into one of the most popular podcast hosting platforms, boasting over 125,000 active podcasters and having launched more than 300,000 podcasts. Buzzsprout markets itself as a user-friendly solution, particularly for beginners, with a focus on simplicity, intuitive design, and tools that streamline the podcasting process. Its mission is to make podcasting accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.

Blubrry

Blubrry, established in 2005, is one of the older players in the podcast hosting game. With over 100,000 podcasters using its services, Blubrry has a long-standing reputation for reliability and robust features. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Blubrry is deeply integrated with WordPress through its PowerPress plugin, making it a favorite among podcasters who already manage websites on that platform. Blubrry emphasizes advanced functionality and detailed analytics, appealing to both intermediate and advanced users.

While both platforms aim to simplify podcast hosting, their approaches and target audiences differ. Buzzsprout prioritizes ease of use and beginner-friendliness, while Blubrry leans toward flexibility and advanced tools. Let’s break down the comparison across key categories.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing is often the first consideration for podcasters, especially those just starting out. Both Buzzsprout and Blubrry offer tiered pricing plans, but their structures and value propositions differ.

Buzzsprout Pricing

Buzzsprout offers a free plan alongside paid options, making it an attractive entry point for new podcasters. Here’s a breakdown:

Free Plan: Allows up to 2 hours of uploads per month, but episodes are hosted for only 90 days before being deleted. This plan includes basic features but lacks advanced tools like monetization options.
Paid Plans:
- $12/month: 3 hours of monthly uploads, unlimited storage for episodes, and access to features like Magic Mastering (audio enhancement) and a customizable podcast website.
- $18/month: 6 hours of monthly uploads, with all features from the $12 plan.
- $24/month: 12 hours of monthly uploads, ideal for frequent podcasters.
Add-Ons: Episode transcription costs $0.25 per minute, and premium features like Buzzsprout Ads require additional fees.

Buzzsprout’s pricing is based on upload hours rather than storage size, which can be intuitive for podcasters who think in terms of episode length rather than file size. There’s no annual contract, and you can cancel anytime, adding flexibility.

Blubrry Pricing

Blubrry does not offer a free plan but provides a one-month free trial with promo codes (e.g., “podhost”). Its pricing is storage-based rather than upload-time-based:

$12/month: 100 MB of monthly storage, unlimited bandwidth, and a free WordPress site.
$20/month: 250 MB of monthly storage.
$40/month: 500 MB of monthly storage.
$80/month: 1,000 MB of monthly storage (unlimited plan).
$100/month (Pro Hosting): Unlimited storage with advanced features like priority support and enhanced analytics.

Blubrry also offers a “no-fault” overage policy, allowing a 25% storage buffer before charging extra. This can be a cost-saver for podcasters who occasionally exceed their limits.

Pricing Verdict

Buzzsprout wins for beginners with its free plan and lower entry-level cost ($12/month for 3 hours vs. Blubrry’s $12/month for 100 MB). However, Blubrry’s unlimited storage options ($80/month and up) are more cost-effective for heavy users or those with multiple shows. If you prioritize flexibility and don’t mind paying upfront, Blubrry might be the better long-term investment. For hobbyists or those testing the waters, Buzzsprout’s free tier and scalable plans are hard to beat.

Ease of Use

A podcast hosting platform’s usability can make or break the experience, especially for beginners.

Buzzsprout Ease of Use

Buzzsprout excels in this category with its clean, modern interface and straightforward navigation. The dashboard is intuitive, displaying key options like episode uploads, analytics, and distribution settings upfront. Uploading an episode is a breeze, with automatic audio optimization (e.g., converting files to 96kbps mono) to ensure compatibility without manual tweaking. Buzzsprout also simplifies submitting your podcast to directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify with step-by-step guidance.

The platform’s focus on design and user experience shines through in its landing pages and help resources, which are distraction-free and goal-oriented. For beginners, this simplicity reduces the learning curve significantly.

Blubrry Ease of Use

Blubrry’s interface is functional but less polished than Buzzsprout’s. It’s visually appealing and offers multiple call-to-action options, but the dashboard can feel cluttered with advanced settings that might overwhelm novices. However, once set up, Blubrry is straightforward, especially for WordPress users. The PowerPress plugin integrates seamlessly with WordPress, allowing you to upload episodes directly from your site’s dashboard, mimicking the process of adding a blog post.

For beginners, Blubrry’s complexity might be a hurdle, but intermediate users will appreciate the customization and control it offers.

Ease of Use Verdict

Buzzsprout takes the lead for its beginner-friendly design and streamlined workflow. Blubrry, while powerful, requires more technical know-how, making it better suited for users comfortable with WordPress or those willing to invest time in learning the platform.

Features and Tools

Both platforms offer a robust set of features, but their strengths lie in different areas.

Buzzsprout Features

Audio Optimization: Magic Mastering enhances audio quality automatically, a boon for those without editing skills.
Visual Soundbites: Create short, shareable video clips from your episodes for social media promotion.
Podcast Website: A customizable, embeddable player and website come with paid plans.
Monetization: Affiliate marketplace and Buzzsprout Ads (additional cost) help podcasters earn revenue.
Distribution: Easy submission to major directories with an optimized RSS feed.
Chapter Markers: Add markers to episodes for better listener navigation.

Buzzsprout’s features are geared toward simplicity and marketing, making it ideal for podcasters focused on growth and audience engagement.

Blubrry Features

PowerPress Plugin: Deep WordPress integration for seamless publishing and management.
Analytics: IAB-certified, detailed statistics (geography, devices, referrers) included in all plans.
Embed Player: Customizable HTML5 player with waveform display and responsive design.
Monetization: Advertising network and affiliate program (one month free per referral).
Unlimited Storage: Available in higher-tier plans, a standout for prolific podcasters.
Professional Services: Optional production assistance, such as content fine-tuning and transcripts.

Blubrry’s feature set leans toward technical control and scalability, appealing to experienced podcasters or those with multiple shows.

Features Verdict

Buzzsprout shines for beginners and marketers with tools like Magic Mastering and visual soundbites. Blubrry edges out for advanced users, thanks to its WordPress integration, unlimited storage, and comprehensive analytics. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize ease and promotion (Buzzsprout) or flexibility and depth (Blubrry).

Analytics

Understanding your audience is crucial for podcast growth, and both platforms offer analytics, though their approaches differ.

Buzzsprout Analytics

Buzzsprout provides solid, user-friendly stats, including total downloads, trends over time, and a proprietary “Listeners” metric estimating future listens over 90 days. Episode-specific stats show performance from the publish date, but there’s no option to filter for specific timeframes (e.g., first 30 days), which advertisers often request. Download sources are grouped into seven buckets, which can leave a large “other” category.

Blubrry Analytics

Blubrry’s IAB-certified analytics are a standout, offering detailed insights into downloads, geographic distribution, devices, and referrers. You can track data over custom timeframes (e.g., monthly trends), making it more robust than Buzzsprout’s offering. This depth is included in all plans, unlike some competitors that gate advanced stats behind higher tiers.

Analytics Verdict

Blubrry wins for its comprehensive, customizable analytics, ideal for podcasters needing precise data for sponsors or growth strategies. Buzzsprout’s simpler stats are sufficient for beginners but lack the granularity advanced users might crave.

Support and Resources

Reliable support and learning resources can be a lifeline for podcasters.

Buzzsprout Support

Buzzsprout offers email support (7 days a week during business hours) and phone support (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST). Response times are quick—often within 25 minutes for emails. The platform also provides a detailed blog, how-to articles, a podcast manual, and a regularly updated YouTube channel.

Blubrry Support

Blubrry’s support includes email and a ticketing system, with responses typically within a day. There’s no phone support, but the Pro Hosting plan ($100/month) includes priority assistance. Resources include a podcast manual, FAQs on select pages, and a sporadically updated YouTube channel.

Support Verdict

Buzzsprout edges out with faster, more accessible support and richer educational content. Blubrry’s support is solid but less immediate, better suited for self-sufficient users.

Monetization

Earning revenue from your podcast is a goal for many creators, and both platforms offer monetization options.

Buzzsprout Monetization

Buzzsprout provides an affiliate marketplace and Buzzsprout Ads (extra cost), plus a “refer a friend” program ($20 Amazon gift card per referral). These tools are easy to use but require upgrading from the free plan.

Blubrry Monetization

Blubrry offers an advertising network and an affiliate program (one month free per referral). Its monetization options are robust, especially for established podcasters with larger audiences.

Monetization Verdict

Buzzsprout is better for beginners with its accessible affiliate tools, while Blubrry suits podcasters ready to leverage advertising networks and deeper integrations.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between Buzzsprout and Blubrry depends on your experience level, goals, and budget.

Choose Buzzsprout If:
- You’re a beginner or value ease of use.
- You want a free plan to start or flexible, low-cost options.
- Marketing tools like visual soundbites and a modern player matter to you.
- You prefer simple analytics and quick support.
Choose Blubrry If:
- You’re an intermediate or advanced podcaster.
- You use WordPress and want seamless integration.
- You need unlimited storage or detailed analytics.
- You’re comfortable with a steeper learning curve for more control.

In 2025, both platforms remain strong contenders in the podcast hosting market. Buzzsprout is the go-to for simplicity and growth-focused features, while Blubrry excels for technical users and scalability. Test Buzzsprout’s free plan or Blubrry’s trial to see which aligns with your vision—your podcast’s success starts with the right foundation.