Buzzsprout is a well-known podcast hosting platform, but is it really the best option for podcasters who want to grow, monetize, and avoid unexpected costs? If you’re leaning toward Buzzsprout, you might want to pause. There are hidden limitations and creeping costs that many podcasters don’t realize until it’s too late — and by then, switching can be a hassle. Before you lock in your plan, let’s look at why Buzzsprout could be a costly mistake — and why Podbean may actually be the smarter move.

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The Buzzsprout ‘Free Plan’ Trap

Buzzsprout’s free plan might seem like a good starting point, but it’s more limiting than most new podcasters realize.

• Buzzsprout offers 2 hours of uploads per month, but episodes expire after 90 days. That means your content disappears unless you upgrade.
• No access to advanced tools like Magic Mastering or Cohost AI unless you pay extra.
• Additional storage costs $4 per extra hour, so over time, the ‘free’ plan can get expensive.

What Podbean Offers Instead:

• 5 hours of storage and 100GB of monthly bandwidth — a far more generous starter plan.
• Customizable podcast website included in the free plan.
• Basic podcast statistics to track your show’s growth without paying extra.

Monetization — Who Really Helps You Make Money??

Buzzsprout’s approach to monetization is limited and requires you to meet certain criteria before you can earn.

• Buzzsprout Ads: Only available on paid plans and requires a specific number of downloads.
• Subscription model: Buzzsprout takes a 15% cut of your earnings.

How Podbean Wins Here:

• Monetization available even on the lowest-tier plans.
• Access to the PodAds Marketplace, Patron Program, and Premium Sales.
• You keep 100% of your subscription revenue, with no revenue sharing.

Storage Limits — The Hidden Costs of Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout’s storage limits can quickly become a financial burden, especially for podcasters who publish frequently.

• Paid plans range from 3 to 12 hours of uploads per month.
• Every additional hour costs $2 to $4, and there’s no true unlimited option.

Podbean’s Approach:

• Unlimited Audio plan for $9/month with unlimited storage and unmetered bandwidth.
• No extra fees for uploading more episodes or extending the length of episodes.

Advanced Features and Customization

Buzzsprout charges extra for features that come standard with Podbean plans.

• Magic Mastering: Available for an extra fee, offering audio enhancement.
• Cohost AI: Only on higher-tier plans, providing limited episode scripting assistance.

Podbean Includes:

• Podbean AI for audio enhancement and episode scripting.
• Video podcasting support on higher-tier plans.
• Fully customizable podcast websites included in every plan.

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Pricing Comparison — The Bottom Line

Hidden Costs Add Up Quickly

Buzzsprout’s a la carte approach may seem flexible, but it often results in a bloated monthly bill. Here’s what you’re really paying for:

• $12/month for only 3 hours of uploads
• $6/month extra for Magic Mastering
• $4/hour if you go over your upload limit
• Additional costs if you want access to AI tools like Cohost

Meanwhile, Podbean includes most of these features in their base plan — for less.

📊 Quick Comparison: Buzzsprout vs. Podbean

• Entry-level plan starts at $12/month for 3 hours of content.
• Magic Mastering costs an additional $6/month.
• Cohost AI is another added expense.

Podbean’s Pricing:

• Unlimited Audio plan for $9/month (billed annually), including unlimited storage and bandwidth.
• Unlimited Plus plan for $29/month (billed annually), adding video support and more advanced features.

What You’re Missing Out On If You Stick with Buzzsprout

Before we wrap this up, let’s talk about what you won’t get if you stick with Buzzsprout:

• Unlimited uploads (you’ll keep hitting caps)
• Built-in monetization tools from day one
• Support for video podcasting
• Full access to advanced features without stacking add-on fees

Why settle when another option gives you more for less?

Conclusion: Why Podbean Is the Smarter Podcast Host

If you’re planning to take your podcast seriously — or even just want to avoid getting nickel-and-dimed as you grow — it’s time to think twice about Buzzsprout. Yes, they offer a friendly interface and decent onboarding, but that comes with capped storage, premium-priced add-ons, and limited monetization control.

Podbean, on the other hand, includes more out of the box:

• Unlimited audio hosting with no hidden fees
• Real monetization tools from day one
• Advanced features like AI and video support

You’re building a brand. Don’t start on a platform that holds you back.

Act Now — Before You Lock Yourself Into a Limited Platform
Podbean’s $9/month unlimited plan includes what Buzzsprout charges extra for — but pricing like this doesn’t always last.

👉 See why Podbean is the smarter choice →

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