Simplecast Alternatives | Podcastbricks

Simplecast is known for its intuitive design, unlimited storage, and powerful analytics, making it a go-to for many podcasters. However, there are reasons creators might seek alternatives:

Cost: Simplecast’s pricing, while competitive, may not suit every budget, especially for hobbyists or those just starting out.
Feature Needs: Some podcasters require advanced features like video podcasting, monetization options, or integrations that Simplecast may not prioritize.
Scalability: As podcasts grow, creators may need platforms with more robust tools for audience engagement or enterprise-level support.
Customization: Some users prefer platforms with greater control over branding or website design.

With these factors in mind, let’s explore the top Simplecast alternatives, their features, pricing, and how they stack up.

1. Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is one of the most popular podcast hosting platforms, known for its ease of use and comprehensive feature set, making it an excellent alternative to Simplecast.

Key Features

User-Friendly Interface: Buzzsprout’s clean dashboard is ideal for beginners, with step-by-step guides for publishing episodes.
Dynamic Content: Add pre-roll or post-roll ads to episodes, even after they’re published.
Monetization: Buzzsprout Ads connects podcasters with advertisers, and its Affiliate Marketplace helps creators earn through referrals.
Advanced Analytics: Tracks downloads, listener locations, and device types, similar to Simplecast’s Audience Insights.
Free Website: Each plan includes a customizable podcast website.
Magic Mastering: An AI-powered audio enhancement tool to improve sound quality.

Pricing

Free Plan: 2 hours of uploads per month, episodes hosted for 90 days.
Paid Plans: Start at $12/month for 3 hours of uploads, up to $24/month for 12 hours. Annual plans offer two months free.

Pros

Affordable entry-level plans.
Excellent customer support via live chat and email.
Seamless distribution to major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Podcast website included with all plans.

Cons

Limited upload hours compared to Simplecast’s unlimited storage.
No video podcasting support.
Advanced features like Magic Mastering require additional fees.

Best For

Buzzsprout is ideal for beginners and small to medium-sized podcasts looking for affordability and simplicity without sacrificing analytics or distribution.

2. Transistor

Transistor is a robust platform tailored for professional podcasters and businesses, offering features that rival Simplecast’s scalability and analytics.

Key Features

Multiple Shows: Host unlimited podcasts under one account, perfect for networks or creators with multiple projects.
Private Podcasting: Create subscriber-only feeds for premium content or internal team communication.
Embeddable Players: Sleek, customizable audio players for websites.
Analytics: Detailed insights into downloads, listener trends, and geographic data.
Team Collaboration: Invite team members to manage episodes and analytics.

Pricing

Starts at $19/month for 15,000 downloads and two team members, up to $99/month for 200,000 downloads and unlimited team members.
No free plan, but a 14-day free trial is available.

Pros

Unlimited shows under one plan, unlike Simplecast’s per-show pricing.
Strong focus on private podcasting for businesses or memberships.
Clean, professional website templates.
Excellent support for team workflows.

Cons

Higher starting price than Simplecast or Buzzsprout.
No free plan.
Fewer monetization tools compared to Buzzsprout.

Best For

Transistor suits professional podcasters, businesses, or networks needing to manage multiple shows or private feeds with advanced analytics.

3. Podbean

Podbean is a versatile platform with a strong emphasis on monetization and live streaming, making it a compelling Simplecast alternative.

Key Features

Unlimited Hosting: Like Simplecast, Podbean offers unlimited storage and bandwidth.
Monetization Options: Dynamic ad insertion, a Patron program for listener donations, and a Premium Content feature for paid subscriptions.
Live Streaming: Host live podcast episodes with listener interaction.
Mobile App: Manage and promote your podcast on the go.
Customizable Website: Fully branded podcast site with SEO tools.

Pricing

Free Plan: 5 hours of storage, 100GB monthly bandwidth.
Paid Plans: Start at $9/month (billed annually) for unlimited audio, up to $79/month for advanced features like live streaming.

Pros

Competitive pricing with a generous free plan.
Robust monetization tools, including crowdfunding and ads.
Live streaming sets it apart from Simplecast.
Unlimited storage across all paid plans.

Cons

Interface feels less modern than Simplecast or Buzzsprout.
Some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.
Customer support can be slower compared to competitors.

Best For

Podbean is perfect for podcasters focused on monetization, live engagement, or those needing a budget-friendly option with unlimited hosting.

4. Captivate

Captivate is a growth-oriented platform designed to help podcasters scale their audience, offering modern features and a sleek interface.

Key Features

Unlimited Podcasts: Host multiple shows under one account.
Dynamic Content Insertion: Add ads or promos to episodes at any time.
Advanced Analytics: Tracks listener growth, episode performance, and platform distribution.
Customizable Website: Fully branded site with lead capture forms.
Team Access: Unlimited team members for collaboration.
Monetization Hub: Tools to connect with sponsors and manage donations.

Pricing

Starts at $17/month for 12,000 downloads, up to $99/month for 150,000 downloads.
7-day free trial available.

Pros

Unlimited podcasts and team members across all plans.
Growth-focused tools like call-to-action buttons and email capture.
Modern, intuitive interface.
Strong community support and educational resources.

Cons

Slightly higher starting price than Simplecast.
Download limits may restrict high-traffic podcasts.
No free plan.

Best For

Captivate is ideal for podcasters focused on audience growth, team collaboration, and monetization, particularly those with multiple shows.

5. Libsyn

Libsyn (Liberated Syndication) is one of the oldest and most established podcast hosting platforms, offering reliability and flexibility.

Key Features

Flexible Storage: Plans based on monthly upload limits, with no cap on total storage.
Monetization: AdvertiseCast marketplace for ad opportunities and premium subscription options.
Custom Apps: Create branded mobile apps for your podcast (higher-tier plans).
Analytics: Detailed insights into listener behavior and download trends.
Distribution: One-click publishing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Pricing

Starts at $5/month for 162MB of monthly uploads, up to $75/month for 1,620MB.
No free plan, but affordable entry-level pricing.

Pros

Highly affordable starting plans.
Trusted by large podcasts and networks.
Custom app creation for brand visibility.
Strong monetization through AdvertiseCast.

Cons

Dated interface compared to Simplecast or Captivate.
Storage limits based on monthly uploads, not unlimited.
Advanced features require higher-tier plans.

Best For

Libsyn is great for budget-conscious podcasters or established creators needing reliable hosting and monetization options.

6. Anchor (Now Spotify for Podcasters)

Anchor, rebranded as Spotify for Podcasters, is a free platform with unique tools for recording and monetization, making it a strong contender.

Key Features

Free Hosting: Unlimited storage and episodes with no cost.
Built-In Recording: Record and edit episodes directly in the platform.
Monetization: Spotify Ad Platform for dynamic ads and listener support via subscriptions.
Video Podcasting: Upload video episodes for Spotify distribution.
Analytics: Tracks downloads, listener demographics, and engagement.

Pricing

Completely free, with optional paid tools for advanced editing or promotion.

Pros

No cost, ideal for beginners or budget-conscious creators.
Seamless integration with Spotify’s ecosystem.
Video podcasting support.
Easy-to-use recording and editing tools.

Cons

Limited control over branding compared to Simplecast.
Analytics are less detailed than competitors.
Monetization tied heavily to Spotify’s platform.

Best For

Spotify for Podcasters is best for beginners, hobbyists, or creators leveraging Spotify’s audience and video podcasting.

7. RSS.com

RSS.com is a newer player in the podcast hosting space, offering simplicity and affordability with features to rival Simplecast.

Key Features

Unlimited Hosting: No limits on episodes or storage.
Cross-Promotion Tools: Connect with other podcasters for shout-outs.
Analytics: Tracks downloads, listener locations, and episode performance.
Free Website: Customizable podcast site included.
Episode Scheduling: Plan releases in advance.

Pricing

Starts at $8.25/month (billed annually) for unlimited audio, up to $20.75/month for advanced features.
7-day free trial available.

Pros

Affordable pricing with unlimited hosting.
Simple, beginner-friendly interface.
Cross-promotion tools for audience growth.
Reliable customer support.

Cons

Fewer advanced features compared to Transistor or Captivate.
Smaller community and fewer integrations.
No free plan.

Best For

RSS.com is ideal for beginners or small podcasts seeking affordability and simplicity with unlimited hosting.

Comparing Simplecast to Alternatives

Platform	Starting Price	Unlimited Storage	Monetization Tools	Free Plan	Best For
Simplecast	$15/month	Yes	Dynamic Ads	No	All-around podcasting
Buzzsprout	$12/month	No	Ads, Affiliates	Yes	Beginners, small podcasts
Transistor	$19/month	Yes	Private Feeds	No	Professionals, networks
Podbean	$9/month	Yes	Ads, Crowdfunding	Yes	Monetization, live streaming
Captivate	$17/month	Yes	Sponsorships	No	Growth-focused podcasters
Libsyn	$5/month	No	Ads, Premium	No	Budget-conscious creators
Spotify	Free	Yes	Spotify Ads	Yes	Beginners, video podcasts
RSS.com	$8.25/month	Yes	Limited	No	Simple, affordable hosting

How to Choose the Right Simplecast Alternative

Selecting the best platform depends on your podcast’s goals, budget, and technical needs. Consider these factors:

Budget: If cost is a concern, Spotify for Podcasters or Podbean’s free plans are great starting points. Libsyn and RSS.com offer affordable paid options.
Monetization: Podbean and Buzzsprout excel with dynamic ads and crowdfunding, while Spotify leverages its ad platform.
Scalability: Transistor and Captivate are built for growing podcasts with multiple shows or team collaboration.
Ease of Use: Buzzsprout and RSS.com are beginner-friendly, while Simplecast and Captivate offer modern, intuitive interfaces.
Unique Features: Podbean’s live streaming, Spotify’s video podcasting, or Transistor’s private feeds may align with specific needs.

Conclusion

Simplecast remains a strong contender in podcast hosting, but alternatives like Buzzsprout, Transistor, Podbean, Captivate, Libsyn, Spotify for Podcasters, and RSS.com offer compelling options for 2025. Whether you’re a beginner seeking free hosting, a professional needing advanced analytics, or a creator focused on monetization, there’s a platform to suit your needs.