Podbean vs. Simplecast | Podcastbricks

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a powerful medium for creators, businesses, and hobbyists alike to share stories, insights, and entertainment with a global audience. However, launching and managing a podcast requires more than just a microphone and a good idea—it demands a reliable hosting platform to store, distribute, and analyze your content. Two prominent players in the podcast hosting space are Podbean and Simplecast. Both platforms offer unique features tailored to podcasters, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. In thisreview, we’ll dive deep into Podbean and Simplecast, comparing their features, pricing, ease of use, analytics, monetization options, and more to help you decide which is the best fit for your podcasting journey .

Podbean vs. Simplecast Review

Podbean has been a staple in the podcasting world since 2006, making it one of the older and more established hosting services. It’s known for its all-in-one approach, offering tools for hosting, publishing, promotion, and monetization. Podbean appeals to a wide range of users, from beginners looking for affordability and simplicity to professionals seeking advanced features like video podcasting and live streaming. With over 360,000 podcasters trusting the platform—including big names like IBM and J.P. Morgan—Podbean has built a reputation for reliability and versatility.

Simplecast, on the other hand, entered the scene in 2013 and positions itself as a modern, streamlined solution for podcast hosting, distribution, and analytics. It’s particularly favored by creators who value detailed audience insights and a clean, user-friendly interface. Simplecast powers podcasts for major companies like Shopify, Slack, and Facebook, highlighting its credibility among high-profile users. While it may not offer as many bells and whistles as Podbean, it focuses on delivering a polished experience with robust analytics and stylish tools.

Both platforms have their strengths, but your choice will depend on your specific goals, budget, and technical comfort level. Let’s break it down step by step.

Pricing: Affordability vs. Value

Pricing is often the first consideration for podcasters, especially those just starting out. Here’s how Podbean and Simplecast stack up.

Podbean Pricing

Podbean offers a tiered pricing structure with a free option, making it attractive for beginners:

Basic Plan (Free): $0/month. Includes 5 hours of storage and 100 GB of monthly bandwidth. Limited features, no advanced analytics, and no ability to submit to Spotify directly.
Unlimited Audio Plan: $14/month ($9/month if billed annually). Unlimited storage and bandwidth, basic analytics, and distribution to major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Unlimited Plus Plan: $39/month ($29/month if billed annually). Adds video podcasting, live streaming, and advanced monetization options like dynamic ad insertion and premium content sales.
Business Plan: $129/month ($99/month if billed annually). Includes private podcasting, multiple channels, and priority support—ideal for organizations or networks.

Podbean’s annual billing discounts (up to 36% on some plans) make it a cost-effective choice for long-term users. The free plan, while limited, is a great way to test the waters without committing financially.

Simplecast Pricing

Simplecast takes a simpler approach with three paid plans and no free tier (though it offers a 14-day trial):

Basic Plan: $15/month ($13.50/month if billed annually). Unlimited storage, basic analytics, 20,000 downloads/month, and support for one podcast with multiple team members.
Essential Plan: $35/month ($31.50/month if billed annually). Adds advanced analytics, 50,000 downloads/month, custom domains, and more customization options.
Growth Plan: $85/month ($76.50/month if billed annually). Increases download limits to 120,000/month, offers detailed audience insights, and supports larger teams or networks.

Simplecast’s pricing is slightly higher than Podbean’s entry-level paid plan, and its download caps may deter podcasters expecting rapid audience growth. However, the unlimited storage across all plans and the inclusion of team collaboration features provide solid value.

Pricing Verdict

Podbean wins on affordability with its free tier and lower-cost Unlimited Audio plan ($9/month annually vs. Simplecast’s $13.50/month). However, Simplecast’s pricing reflects its focus on premium features like advanced analytics and team management, which may justify the cost for professional podcasters. If budget is your top priority, Podbean is the better starting point. For those willing to invest in analytics and a modern interface, Simplecast holds its own.

Features: Tools for Podcast Success

A hosting platform’s features can make or break your podcasting experience. Let’s compare what Podbean and Simplecast bring to the table.

Podbean Features

Podbean is a feature-rich platform designed to cover every aspect of podcasting:

Unlimited Storage and Bandwidth: Available on paid plans, ensuring you won’t hit limits as your library grows.
Video Podcasting: A standout feature on the Unlimited Plus and Business plans, allowing you to host video content alongside audio.
Live Streaming: Podbean’s live audio streaming lets you engage listeners in real time, with options for listener calls and virtual gifts.
Website Builder: Create a customizable podcast website with built-in themes, SEO optimization, and a unique domain (on higher tiers).
Monetization Options: Includes an ad marketplace, premium content sales, and Patreon-style listener donations.
Mobile App: Record, edit, and publish podcasts directly from your phone, complete with sound effects and background music.
Distribution: One-click submission to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

Podbean’s versatility makes it a one-stop shop, particularly for creators interested in diversifying their content (e.g., video or live streams) or monetizing early.

Simplecast Features

Simplecast takes a more focused approach, prioritizing ease of use and analytics:

Unlimited Storage: Available on all plans, with no caps on episode uploads.
Download Caps: Bandwidth is limited by downloads (20,000–120,000/month depending on the plan), which could be a constraint for popular shows.
Advanced Analytics: Simplecast’s Audience Insights provide detailed data on listener locations, devices, listening speeds, and drop-off points—ideal for data-driven podcasters.
Recast Tool: A unique feature that lets you and your audience share custom audio clips on social media, boosting promotion.
Website Builder: Offers a sleek, mobile-friendly site with customizable layouts and a branded domain (on higher tiers).
Embeddable Player: Simplecast’s visually appealing, responsive web player is one of the best in the industry.
Distribution: Seamless integration with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other directories.

Simplecast excels in delivering a polished, modern experience with tools tailored to audience growth and engagement, though it lacks extras like video hosting or live streaming.

Features Verdict

Podbean offers more features overall, especially for creators who want video, live streaming, or extensive monetization options. Simplecast, however, shines with its analytics and sharing tools, appealing to podcasters who prioritize understanding and growing their audience. If you need an all-in-one solution, Podbean is the winner. For a streamlined, analytics-focused experience, Simplecast takes the lead.

Ease of Use: Getting Started and Beyond

A platform’s usability can determine how quickly you get your podcast off the ground and how enjoyable it is to manage.

Podbean Usability

Podbean’s interface is functional but feels somewhat dated compared to newer platforms. The dashboard is straightforward, with options to upload episodes, manage settings, and track stats. New users may find the abundance of features overwhelming at first, but the platform provides step-by-step guides for publishing and distribution. The mobile app is a major plus, allowing on-the-go recording and editing with minimal technical know-how. Customer support is responsive, with email, live chat, and a searchable knowledge base available.

Simplecast Usability

Simplecast prides itself on a clean, modern design that’s intuitive for beginners and pros alike. The dashboard is uncluttered, making it easy to upload episodes, access analytics, and customize your site. The platform’s focus on simplicity means fewer features to navigate, reducing the learning curve. Support is excellent, with live chat and detailed documentation, and the import process from other hosts (like Podbean) is seamless with clear instructions.

Ease of Use Verdict

Simplecast edges out Podbean in terms of user-friendliness, thanks to its sleek design and streamlined workflow. Podbean’s interface, while effective, could use a refresh, and its feature density might intimidate newcomers. If you value simplicity, Simplecast is the way to go; if you’re comfortable with a slightly steeper learning curve for more tools, Podbean holds up.

Analytics: Understanding Your Audience

Analytics are crucial for tracking your podcast’s performance and refining your content strategy.

Podbean Analytics

Podbean offers basic analytics on all paid plans, including total downloads, trends over time, and listener locations. Higher tiers unlock more detailed stats, such as device breakdowns and episode comparisons. While sufficient for most podcasters, Podbean’s analytics lack the depth and granularity of competitors like Simplecast. The data is presented clearly but doesn’t delve into listener behavior (e.g., drop-off points).

Simplecast Analytics

Simplecast is a leader in podcast analytics, offering robust insights even on its Basic plan (e.g., downloads, locations, devices). The Essential and Growth plans add advanced features like listening speed, sharing activity, and precise drop-off tracking—certified by the IAB Tech Lab for accuracy. This level of detail is invaluable for podcasters aiming to optimize episodes or pitch to advertisers.

Analytics Verdict

Simplecast is the clear winner here. Its analytics are more comprehensive and actionable, making it the go-to choice for data-driven podcasters. Podbean’s stats are solid but don’t match Simplecast’s depth or polish.

Monetization: Turning Passion into Profit

For podcasters looking to earn revenue, monetization options are a key factor.

Podbean Monetization

Podbean excels in this area with multiple income streams:

Ad Marketplace: Connects you with advertisers, taking a small cut of profits.
Premium Content: Sell individual episodes or subscriptions.
Crowdfunding: Accept recurring donations from fans via a built-in system.
Dynamic Ad Insertion: Add ads to episodes dynamically, even retroactively.

These tools make Podbean a powerhouse for monetization, especially for podcasters with a growing audience (5,000+ downloads/episode).

Simplecast Monetization

Simplecast takes a minimalist approach, lacking native monetization features. You can integrate third-party ad networks or sponsorships manually, and its detailed analytics help you pitch to advertisers. However, there’s no built-in ad marketplace, premium content system, or donation platform, which puts it at a disadvantage.

Monetization Verdict

Podbean dominates with its diverse, built-in monetization options. Simplecast relies on external solutions, making it less convenient for podcasters focused on revenue.

Final Thoughts:

Podbean and Simplecast, across pricing, features, usability, analytics, monetization, and support, the choice boils down to your priorities as a podcaster in March 2025.

Choose Podbean if:

You’re on a tight budget and want a free or low-cost option.
You need an all-in-one platform with video, live streaming, and monetization tools.
You’re a beginner or small business looking for versatility and growth potential.

Choose Simplecast if:

You prioritize advanced analytics to understand and grow your audience.
You prefer a modern, user-friendly interface with stylish tools like the Recast feature.
You’re a professional or team managing multiple shows and don’t need extensive monetization built in.

For hobbyists or budget-conscious creators, Podbean’s affordability and feature set make it a fantastic starting point. For data-savvy podcasters or those with an established audience, Simplecast’s analytics and polish are hard to beat. Ultimately, both platforms are reliable and well-regarded—your decision hinges on whether you value Podbean’s breadth or Simplecast’s depth. Whichever you pick, you’ll be well-equipped to share your voice with the world. Happy podcasting!