Libsyn vs. Blubrry Review

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 6 minutes

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the last decade, evolving from a niche hobby into a mainstream medium for storytelling -sharing ideas, entertainment, and business growth. For anyone looking to start or grow a podcast, choosing the right hosting platform is a critical decision. Two of the most established names in the podcast hosting space are Libsyn and Blubrry. Both platforms have built strong reputations, serving thousands of podcasters worldwide, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. In this review, we’ll explore the features, pricing, usability, and unique strengths of Libsyn and Blubrry to help you decide which is the best fit for your podcasting journey in 2025.

Libsyn vs. Blubrry Review

Libsyn

Libsyn, short for Liberated Syndication, has been a cornerstone of the podcasting world since its launch in 2004. With over 67,000 podcasts hosted and more than 111 million monthly downloads, it’s a trusted name among beginners and professionals alike. Libsyn’s longevity and partnerships with major platforms like Spotify, Pandora, and iHeartRadio underscore its reliability and reach. It’s designed to serve a broad audience, from hobbyists to government agencies, celebrities, and large media companies, making it a versatile option.

Blubrry

Blubrry, founded in 2005, is another veteran in the podcast hosting space, boasting a directory of over 750,000 podcasts and a strong focus on integration with WordPress. Known for its PowerPress plugin, Blubrry appeals to podcasters who want to manage their show directly from their own website. It’s also one of the few platforms certified by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) for podcast measurement compliance, a testament to its commitment to accurate analytics.

Both platforms offer core hosting services—storage, RSS feed generation, and distribution—but their approaches differ in ways that can significantly impact your experience. Let’s break it down.

Pricing:

Libsyn Pricing

Libsyn’s pricing structure is tiered based on monthly storage limits, making it accessible for podcasters on a budget:

  • $5/month: 50MB of monthly storage (about 50 minutes at 128kbps).
  • $15/month: 250MB of storage (roughly 4 hours of audio).
  • $20/month: 400MB of storage, plus advanced statistics.
  • Higher tiers: Up to $75/month for 1,500MB, with additional features like apps and premium content options.

One quirk of Libsyn’s pricing is that basic statistics are an add-on ($2/month) at the $5 tier, and advanced stats (geographic data, trends) kick in at $20/month. This staggered approach can feel limiting if you’re on a lower plan and want detailed insights.

Blubrry Pricing

Blubrry’s pricing starts higher but includes more out of the gate:

  • $12/month: 100MB of storage (about 100 minutes at 128kbps), with professional statistics included.
  • $20/month: 250MB of storage.
  • $40/month: 500MB of storage.
  • $80/month: 1,000MB of storage.

Blubrry sweetens the deal with a “no-fault overage” policy, giving you 25% extra storage (e.g., 125MB on the $12 plan) before charging for excess. Unlike Libsyn, all plans come with professional stats—downloads by geography, device, and platform—making it a better value for data-driven podcasters.

Pricing Verdict

Libsyn wins for budget-conscious beginners with its $5 entry point, but Blubrry offers more bang for your buck at similar price points (e.g., $20 gets you 250MB and full stats vs. Libsyn’s basic stats). If you need detailed analytics without breaking the bank, Blubrry has the edge.

Features: What Each Platform Brings to the Table

Libsyn Features

Libsyn’s feature set is robust and geared toward distribution and monetization:

  • Distribution: Easily publish to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and more via its OnPublish tool, which also supports detailed reporting on listener platforms.
  • Monetization: Offers ad insertion (pre-, mid-, or post-roll) with a 50% revenue share, plus control over which ads run. You can also create a custom iOS/Android app for $10/month.
  • Scheduling: Pre-schedule episodes for automatic release.
  • Basic Website: A simple podcast page is included, though it’s not as customizable as Blubrry’s offering.

Libsyn’s Publisher Hub plugin (launched in 2019) lets WordPress users manage their podcast from their site, narrowing the gap with Blubrry’s PowerPress.

Blubrry Features

Blubrry shines with its WordPress integration and streamlined workflow:

  • PowerPress Plugin: A standout feature, PowerPress lets you upload episodes, manage RSS feeds, and embed players directly in WordPress. It’s free to use with any host but integrates seamlessly with Blubrry.
  • Free WordPress Site: Every plan includes a managed WordPress site or a basic landing page, ideal for podcasters without their own domain.
  • Analytics: IAB-certified stats are included across all plans, offering deeper insights than Libsyn’s base tiers.
  • Player: A sleek, customizable player works with any MP3 RSS feed, enhancing listener experience.

Blubrry lacks some of Libsyn’s monetization tools (like direct ad insertion), but its focus on website integration makes it a favorite for self-hosted podcasters.

Features Verdict

Libsyn excels in distribution and monetization, making it ideal for podcasters focused on growing their audience and revenue. Blubrry’s WordPress integration and comprehensive stats appeal to those who prioritize control over their site and data.

Usability: Interface and Learning Curve

Libsyn Usability

Libsyn’s interface is functional but dated. It’s straightforward for uploading episodes and generating RSS feeds, but the design feels clunky compared to newer platforms. The Publisher Hub helps WordPress users, but non-technical podcasters might find the dashboard overwhelming at first. Support is strong, with email, a knowledge base, and community blogs, though there’s no live chat or phone option.

Blubrry Usability

Blubrry’s dashboard got a sleek overhaul in 2021, making it more intuitive than Libsyn’s. Uploading is simple, and PowerPress simplifies publishing for WordPress users—just add a post, upload your file, and you’re live. Setup can be tricky for novices (e.g., linking PowerPress to hosting), but once configured, it’s a breeze. Support is email-based with a forum, and free migration assistance is a bonus.

Usability Verdict

Blubrry edges out Libsyn with a modern interface and WordPress ease, though Libsyn’s broader distribution tools are easier to navigate for non-WordPress users.

Analytics: Tracking Your Audience

Libsyn Analytics

Libsyn’s stats vary by plan:

  • $5/month: No stats unless you add $2/month for basics (downloads, top apps).
  • $15/month: Basic stats.
  • $20+/month: Advanced stats (geography, trends, devices).

The tiered system can frustrate users who want full insights without upgrading. Data is exportable to Excel, which is handy for analysis.

Blubrry Analytics

Blubrry includes professional stats with every plan:

  • Downloads by country, device, platform, and episode.
  • Trending reports and historical data.

As an IAB-certified platform, Blubrry’s metrics are reliable and detailed, giving you a clearer picture of your audience from day one.

Analytics Verdict

Blubrry dominates here. Full stats at $12/month outshine Libsyn’s staggered approach, especially for podcasters who rely on data to grow.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Libsyn Strengths

  • Affordable entry at $5/month.
  • Strong distribution network.
  • Monetization options (ads, apps).
  • Reliable for large-scale podcasts.

Libsyn Weaknesses

  • Dated interface.
  • Stats locked behind higher tiers or add-ons.
  • Less focus on website integration.

Blubrry Strengths

  • WordPress integration via PowerPress.
  • Comprehensive stats across all plans.
  • Free WordPress site included.
  • Modern dashboard.

Blubrry Weaknesses

  • Higher starting price ($12/month).
  • Fewer monetization tools.
  • Setup complexity for non-WordPress users.

Who Should Choose Libsyn?

Libsyn is perfect for:

  • Beginners on a Budget: The $5 plan is unbeatable for dipping your toes in.
  • Monetization Seekers: Ads and apps offer revenue potential.
  • Broad Distribution: Ideal for reaching listeners on multiple platforms.

If you don’t need a custom website and want a simple, cost-effective solution with growth potential, Libsyn is a solid pick.

Who Should Choose Blubrry?

Blubrry suits:

  • WordPress Users: PowerPress and the free site make it a no-brainer.
  • Data Enthusiasts: Full stats at every tier are a major draw.
  • Self-Hosted Podcasters: Control your brand with a custom site.

If you value analytics and website integration over monetization, Blubrry aligns with your goals.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, Libsyn and Blubrry remain titans in podcast hosting, each with distinct flavors. Libsyn’s affordability, distribution, and monetization tools make it a go-to for podcasters chasing reach and revenue. Blubrry’s WordPress synergy, modern design, and robust analytics cater to those who want control and insights. Neither is inherently “better”—it’s about your priorities.

  • Choose Libsyn if you’re starting cheap, need broad distribution, or want to monetize early.
  • Choose Blubrry if you use WordPress, crave detailed stats, or prefer a polished interface.

Both platforms offer free trials or promo codes (like “podhost” for a free month), so test them out. Your podcast’s success hinges on your content, not just the host—but picking the right one can make the journey smoother. Happy podcasting!

I (plan to) write about business, finance, SEO, WordPress, and whatever else interests me. You might find those interesting too. For now, find me on Twitter/ X.