Podcast hosting comparison: Wich one to choose and why?

Podcasting is one of the most popular and rapidly growing forms of communication and entertainment at the moment.

In fact, more and more content creators are joining the trend of sharing their unique voices and perspectives with a global audience.

If you are one of them or are considering starting your own podcast, one of the most important decisions you will face is choosing the right hosting service for your content.

The choice of hosting service for your podcast can have a significant impact on how you share your content, reach your audience, and manage your episodes. Due to the wide variety of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to make the right decision.

That's why in this article, we've conducted a thorough comparison of some of the top podcast hosting services.

From free options to paid plans, each of these services offers a unique set of features and benefits.

We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each, highlighting the features that make them stand out. And while this article aims to showcase the advantages of Mumbler's podcast hosting service, we'll maintain an objective perspective by comparing it to other popular services.

So, without further ado, let's dive into what matters to us.

Spotify for Podcasters

Spotify for Podcasters is a podcast hosting platform that has become a popular choice, especially among beginners in the podcasting world. What sets it apart is its simplicity and accessibility.

Advantages of hosting your podcast on Spotify for Podcasters

• Cost of Service: Free
• Unlimited Storage: Spotify for Podcasters offers podcast creators unlimited storage.
• Easy Distribution: It simplifies the process of distributing your episodes. With just a few clicks, you can make your podcast available on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music.
• Audience interaction: It now allows you to receive listener comments from within the app, making it easier to interact with your audience.
• Ability to Upload Videos: You can upload videos that can be played on Spotify, while on other platforms, only the audio is heard.
• Monetization Potential : In some countries, it offers the possibility of monetizing your podcast through sponsored ads.

Features and benefits of using Spotify for Podcasters:

"Its focus on simplicity and ease of use makes it an excellent choice for those who are just starting out in the world of podcasting. The combination of unlimited storage, straightforward distribution, and the ability to upload videos makes it an appealing platform for beginners looking to get started quickly.

Disadvantage of Spotify for Podcasters:

• Limitations in advanced control and customization of your RSS feed. It may be less suitable for creators who want full control over their podcast.

Podbean

Podbean is a podcast hosting platform that has gained popularity due to its ease of use and versatile features.

Podbean Features

• Cost of Service: 9 euros
• Unlimited Storage and Bandwidth: Podbean offers unlimited storage and bandwidth for your audio files. This means you can upload as many episodes as you want without worrying about space or bandwidth limits.
• Distribution on Major Platforms: Simplify the distribution of your episodes on major podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google PodcastsThis helps you reach a wider audience.
• Customizable Website.: The platform allows you to create a customized website for your podcast, making it easier to promote and build a strong brand.
• Integrated Players: It provides customizable podcast players that you can embed on your website or blog for easy access to your episodes.
• Advanced Statistics: It offers detailed statistics about the performance of your episodes and audience behavior. This helps you better understand your audience and adjust your strategy.
• Custom Design: You can personalize the appearance of your podcast page to match your style and brand.
• Advertising: It offers options to monetize your podcast through ads and sponsorships, which can be a source of income for creators.
• Integration with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions: Allows you to create exclusive content for subscribers on Apple Podcasts and other subscription platforms.

Features and advantages of using Podbean

The standout feature of Podbean is its combination of unlimited storage and bandwidth, allowing creators to host a large amount of content without worrying about technical limits. This makes it an excellent choice for creators planning to release frequent episodes or extensive programs.

Drawback of Using Podbean

The cost of additional storage and bandwidth can increase significantly if your podcast has a large number of downloads.

ACAST

ACAST is a podcast hosting platform that offers a wide range of features and tools for audio content creators. It provides both a free and a paid version.

Features of ACAST Free Version

• Unlimited Feeds: Allows creators to manage multiple podcasts with unlimited feeds.
• Basic Analytics: Offers basic analytics tools that provide information about the performance of your episodes and audience behavior.
• Podcast Website: Provides the ability to create a customized website for your podcast.
• Unlimited Episodes and Downloads: There are no restrictions on the number of episodes you can create and host, and no limits on downloads of your episodes.
• Distribution on Popular Platforms: Facilitates distribution on multiple platforms, including Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube, increasing the visibility of your content.
• Monetization Potentiall: In addition to distribution, it offers opportunities to monetize your content through advertising and sponsorships.

Features and advantages of using Acast

Its versatility in terms of unlimited feeds and distribution on popular platforms makes it an excellent choice for creators who want to manage multiple shows and reach a diverse audience. Additionally, its potential for monetization is attractive to those looking to generate income from their podcasts.

Features of ACAST (Pro Plan)

• Unlimited Feeds: Allows creators to manage multiple podcasts with unlimited feeds, ideal for those managing several shows.
• Customizable Podcast Website: Makes it easy to create a personalized website for your podcast, essential for promoting your content and attracting an audience.
• Unlimited Episodes and Downloads: Creators can host an unlimited number of episodes and manage downloads without restrictions.
• Integration with Patreon: Offers integration with Patreon, allowing creators to monetize their content through subscribers and donations.
• Distribution on Popular PlatformsThe platform allows distribution on various popular platforms, including Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
• Monetization Potential: In addition to Patreon, ACAST offers monetization opportunities through advertising and sponsorships.

Features and advantages of using Acast Pro Plan

The ability to manage unlimited feeds and integration with Patreon makes Acast an excellent choice for creators who want to manage multiple shows and generate income through subscribers and donations.

Drawbacks of using ACAST Pro Plan:

The cost of the service may be higher compared to other podcast hosting options.

Mumbler

Our podcast hosting service se diferencia, entre otras cosas, por su accesibilidad y las múltiples posibilidades que les brinda a los creadores para ganar dinero con sus contenidos y controlar su lista de contactos y suscriptores. Cuenta con tres planes: Free, Pro y Plus.

Features of Mumbler's Free Plan

Unlimited Storage: Una de las características más atractivas de Mumbler es su almacenamiento ilimitado. Esto significa que los creadores pueden cargar y alojar tantos episodios o podcasts como deseen sin preocuparse por los límites de espacio.

• Cost of Service: Free
• Monthly downloads: includes 1000 downloads per month.
• Episode Scheduling: The platform allows you to schedule episodes for future releases.
• Private Episode Management: You can manage your episodes privately and publish exclusive episodes for your paying subscribers.
• Unlimited Feed on All Platforms: Your podcast feed is unlimited on any platform. No matter where they listen to you, they can always access all your content.
• Unlimited Episodes: There are no restrictions on the number of episodes you can create and host on Mumbler.
• Unlimited Podcasts: You can publish as many programs as you want without worrying about limitations.
• Monetization through Subscriptions: You can publish free or premium podcasts for earn money from your content.
• Donations: You can enable donations so that your audience can support your content.
• Personalized Support: At Mumbler, we prioritize personalized support, which is valuable for those who need technical assistance or have specific inquiries.
• Access to Your Own Feed: You have access to your own feed so you can integrate it into any website or podcatcher.
• Creator Page: With your creator page, you can promote your content, sell paid audio, and collect contacts for email marketing.
• Included Newsletter: Send email communications to your audience to build community and notify them of releases or updates.
• Database: Includes up to 1000 contacts.
• Cost of Service: Free

Features of Mumbler's Pro Plan

• Cost of Service: 19€/mes
• Unlimited Downloads: There are no limits on downloads and plays of your podcast, so the growth of your audience doesn't generate any concerns.
• Episode Scheduling: The platform allows you to schedule episodes for future releases.
• Private Episode Management: You can manage your episodes privately and publish exclusive episodes for your paying subscribers.
• Unlimited Feed on All Platforms: Your podcast feed is unlimited on any platform. No matter where they listen to you, they can always access all your content.
• Unlimited Episodes: There are no restrictions on the number of episodes you can create and host on Mumbler.
• Unlimited Podcasts: You can publish as many programs as you want without worrying about limitations.
• Monetization through Subscriptions: You can publish free or premium podcasts for earn money from your content.
• Donations: You can enable donations so that your audience can support your content.
• Personalized Support: At Mumbler, we prioritize personalized support, which is valuable for those who need technical assistance or have specific inquiries.
• Access to Your Own Feed: You have access to your own feed so you can integrate it into any website or podcatcher.
• Creator Page: With your creator page, you can promote your content, sell paid audio, and collect contacts for email marketing.
• Included Newsletter: Send email communications to your audience to build community and notify them of releases or updates.
• Database: Up to 5000 contacts.
• Commission-free: If you sell audio, you don't pay commissions.
• Pause suscriptions: If you go on vacation and want to pause subscriptions for a while, you can do so.
• Promotion codes: Create as many as you want to promote your content.

Features and advantages of using Mumbler

The integration of podcasts, newsletters, and the creator page provides you with a variety of very useful tools to promote and grow your podcast. It's also important to highlight the ability to publish multiple programs with the same account and manage episode privacy to earn money through subscriptions.

Drawback of Using Mumbler:

Objectively, the only disadvantage we can highlight is that many people are still unaware of this service. Although it's not clear whether that's a good or bad thing for you. You'll let us know.

Spreaker

Spreaker is a podcast hosting platform that has earned a reputation for its focus on monetization and ease of use. It offers both a free and a paid plan.

Features of Spreaker Free Plan

• Earn Money with Advertising: One of Spreaker's standout features is its focus on monetization. The platform allows creators to earn money by including ads in their episodes.
• Unlimited Episodes: It offers users the ability to host an unlimited number of episodes, essential for those planning to maintain a steady flow of content.
• Record or Go Live from the App: The platform provides the ability to record or go live directly from its mobile app, which can be useful for creators who want to create content on the go.
• Upload to iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts: It makes it easy to distribute your podcast on multiple popular platforms, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, expanding your reach to a wider audience..
• Custom RSS Feed: Allows creators to customize their RSS feed to suit their specific needs.
• No Credit Card Required for Free Plan: Spreaker offers a free plan that doesn't require a credit card to start, allowing beginners to explore the platform without initial commitments.
• 6-Month Statistics: Provides detailed statistics for the last 6 months, allowing creators to evaluate the long-term performance of their content.

Features and benefits of using Spreaker

The standout feature of Spreaker is its focus on monetization through the inclusion of ads in episodes. This can be especially appealing to creators looking to generate income from their podcast.

Drawbacks of Spreaker Free Version:

The free version includes the ability to host only one podcast. It provides statistics for only the last six months.

Features of Spreaker Premium Plan:

• Cost of Service: 20 €
• Ability to Publish Private Podcasts: With this plan, you can manage the visibility of your episodes to control who can listen to them.
• Apple Podcasts Subscriptions: Allows subscriptions to your private podcasts through the Apple platform.
• Advanced Statistics: Provides access to advanced statistics for your episodes.

iVoox

iVoox is a podcast hosting platform that has become a popular option in the Spanish-speaking market, especially in Spain. It offers a free plan and several paid plans.

Features of iVoox Free Plan

• Episode Publishing: You can upload and publish your podcast episodes on the platform.
• Basic Statistics: Access to basic statistics about the performance of your episodes, such as the number of plays and downloads.
• Distribution: iVoox automatically distributes podcast episodes to its own platform, making it easily accessible to listeners.
• Profile Customization: You can customize your podcast profile page with a description, cover image, and links to social media.
• Listener Interaction: Listeners can leave comments and ratings on your podcast episodes.
• Promotion on the Platform: Podcasts can appear in popular categories and be featured on the iVoox platform, which can help increase visibility.

Features and benefits of using iVoox

The availability of a free plan and the ability to interact directly with your audience on the platform are its most notable attributes.

Drawback of Using iVoox Free Plan

If you are a Free plan user, only the most recent 20 episodes of your podcast can be listened to outside the platform. Starting from episode 21, iVoox restricts access to older episodes so they can only be listened to on its own website or app.

Features of iVoox Pro Plan:

• Cost of Service: 6,99 €
• Unlimited Storage and Bandwidth: Offers unlimited storage and bandwidth for your audio files, allowing you to upload as many episodes as you want without worrying about space or bandwidth limits.
• Monetization of Your Podcast: Provides the opportunity to monetize your podcast through its subscription and donation program.
• Episode Scheduling: The platform makes it easy to schedule the release date of your episodes, allowing you to maintain a consistent and predictable schedule for your audience.
• Private Episode Management: iVoox allows creators to control the privacy of their episodes, which is useful if you want to keep exclusive content for a select group of listeners or subscribers.
• Unlimited Feeds: Offers unlimited feeds for your podcasts, making it easy to manage multiple shows.
• Boost Your Podcast's Popularity: iVoox has a recommendation and featured system that can help increase the visibility and popularity of your podcast.
• Downloadable Statistics: The platform provides detailed statistics about your episodes and audience, allowing you to assess the performance and effectiveness of your content.

Features and benefits of using iVoox

The ability to monetize your podcast through subscriptions and donations is a standout feature of iVoox, especially for creators looking to generate income from their content.

Drawback of iVoox Pro Plan

The service is too centralized on its platform, making integration with other podcast players challenging.

Castos

Castos is a podcast hosting platform that focuses on providing a robust set of tools and detailed analytics for audio content creators.

• Cost of Service 19 €
• Unlimited Podcasts and Episodes: Allows users to host an unlimited number of podcasts and episodes on their platform, which is especially useful for those with multiple shows.
• Detailed Listener Analytics: The platform offers detailed analytics about the audience, allowing you to better understand your listeners and adjust your strategy.
• Up to 100 Private Subscribers: Castos allows creators to offer exclusive content to their subscribers. With the ability to have up to 100 private subscribers on their plan, it's a valuable option for those looking to monetize their content.
• Up to 20,000 Downloads per Month: The platform offers a monthly limit of up to 20,000 downloads, which is ideal for creators with a growing audience.

Features and benefits of using Castos

The ability to offer exclusive content to private subscribers.

Drawbacks of Using Castos

The limit of 20,000 monthly downloads may be insufficient for some creators with a growing audience.

RSS

RSS is a podcast hosting solution that offers a wide range of essential tools and features for audio content creators.

• Cost of Service: 4,99 €
• Unlimited Episodes and Audios: Allows users to upload and host an unlimited number of episodes and audios on their platform, beneficial for those planning to create and share a large amount of content.
• Audio to Video Conversion: The platform offers the ability to convert your audio content into videos, which can help you reach a wider audience on video platforms like YouTube.
• Episode Transcriptions : Provides transcriptions of your episodes, which can be useful for making your content more accessible and improving visibility on search engines.
• Multiplatform Statistics: Offers detailed statistics that allow you to track the performance of your episodes on various platforms and measure the effectiveness of your promotion strategy.
• RSS Feed: Generates an RSS feed that is essential for distributing your podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
• Scheduled Future Episodes: The platform allows for scheduling episodes so you can plan and automate the release of your content.
• Automatic Distribution: Offers automatic distribution of your episodes to major podcast platforms, increasing the visibility and reach of your content.
• Apple Podcasts Subscription: It is compatible with Apple Podcasts subscriptions, making it easy for listeners to follow your content on Apple devices.
• Customer Support: Provides customer support to help you resolve any questions or issues you may encounter.

Features and benefits of using Spotify for Podcasters:

The ability to convert your audio episodes into videos, along with the generation of transcriptions and automatic distribution on multiple platforms, makes RSS a comprehensive solution for content creators looking to maximize their reach and visibility.

Drawbacks of Using RSS

It may require a bit more initial technical setup compared to some other platforms, which can be a challenge for beginners.

So, which podcast hosting should we go with?

In this comparison of podcast hosting services, we've explored a variety of options that offer different features and advantages for audio content creators. Each platform has its own strengths and may be the right choice depending on your specific goals and needs.

• Spotify for Podcasters is an excellent choice for beginners as it's free, user-friendly, and offers basic tools to start creating and distributing content.
• Podbean stands out for its ample unlimited storage and mobile app, making content creation on the go easy.
• Acast offers a variety of features, including distribution on popular platforms and integration with Patreon for monetization.
• Mumbler provides features like unlimited storage and downloads, along with monetization through subscriptions.
• Spreaker focuses on monetization through advertising and distribution on multiple popular platforms.
• iVoox is a solid option for creators in Spanish-speaking markets, offering unlimited storage and options for direct audience interaction on the platform.
• Castos allows you to host multiple podcasts and up to 20,000 monthly downloads, along with private subscriptions.
• RSS is a comprehensive solution that allows for hosting unlimited content, converting audio to video, generating transcriptions, and distributing on various platforms.

Each platform has its pros and cons, so it's important to consider your goals, audience, and preferences when choosing the right hosting service for your podcast. Whether you're looking for ease of use, monetization options, or advanced analytics tools, there's a platform that suits your needs.

Start creating and sharing your audio content with confidence!