Free Podcast Hosting: Is It Good?

With so many great free podcast hosting services available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Consider these factors when making your choice:

• Content length: How long are your episodes?
• Monetization goals: Do you plan to monetize your podcast?
• Technical skills: How comfortable are you with the technology?
• Additional features: Are there any specific features that are important to you?

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different platforms to see which one you like best. After all, the best way to learn is by doing! And remember, there are many resources available online to help you get started with podcasting.

Free Podcast Hosting Service Comparison

Feature	Buzzsprout	Podbean	Spreaker	Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters)	Acast
Storage	2 hours/month	5 hours/month	10 episodes	Unlimited	Unlimited
Bandwidth	Unlimited	100GB/month	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Analytics	Basic	Basic	Basic	Detailed	Basic
Distribution	All major	All major	All major	All major	All major
Website	Basic	Customizable	Basic	Basic	Basic
Monetization	Affiliate program	Ads, Patreon	Listener donations	Donations, sponsorships (select markets)	Ads (not on free plan)
Additional Features	Magic Mastering™, chapter markers	Live streaming, social media	Live streaming, mobile app	Built-in tools, background music	Embeddable player
Best For	Beginners, short episodes	Variety of options, live streamers	Live shows, smaller catalogs	New podcasters, streamlined solution	Ad-focused podcasters

1. Buzzsprout

• Pros:
  • User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners
  • Magic Mastering feature enhances audio quality
  • Advanced statistics to track listener engagement
  • Monetization options through affiliate marketing
• Cons:
  • Limited free plan with 2 hours of upload time per month
  • No video podcasting capabilities
  • Basic website customization options

2. Podbean

• Pros:
  • Unlimited storage and bandwidth on the free plan – perfect for podcasters with longer episodes or frequent publishing schedules.
  • Built-in monetization options (ads, premium content) – start earning from your podcast right away.
  • Customizable podcast website with various themes – create a professional online presence for your show.
  • Live streaming capabilities – engage with your audience in real-time.
• Cons:
  • Can be less intuitive for new users compared to Buzzsprout
  • Ads on the free plan
  • Limited advanced statistics

3. Spreaker

• Pros:
  • Desktop and mobile app for recording and editing
  • Live streaming with chat interaction
  • Monetization options through listener donations and subscriptions
  • Distribution to multiple platforms
• Cons:
  • Limited storage (10 hours) on the free plan
  • Ads on the free plan
  • Can feel cluttered compared to other platforms

4. Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters)

• Pros:
  • Completely free with unlimited storage
  • Seamless integration with Spotify
  • Easy-to-use recording and editing tools
  • Built-in monetization through listener support and ads
• Cons:
  • Limited customization options
  • Basic analytics
  • No direct ownership of your RSS feed

5. Acast

• Pros:
  • Unlimited storage and bandwidth even on the free plan
  • Access to Acast’s advertising marketplace
  • Advanced analytics for tracking audience demographics and behavior
  • Customizable website with various themes
• Cons:
  • Free plan includes Acast branding on your podcast website
  • Can be less beginner-friendly compared to other options
  • Limited customer support on the free plan

Choosing the Best Platform for You

While all of these platforms offer valuable features, Podbean’s generous free plan, coupled with its monetization and customization capabilities, makes it an attractive option for podcasters seeking both flexibility and growth potential. However, consider these additional factors when making your final decision:

• Your podcasting goals: If you’re just starting out, a simple platform like Buzzsprout or Anchor might be ideal. If you plan to grow your show and monetize it, Podbean is a strong contender.
• Technical skills: If you’re not tech-savvy, choose a platform with an intuitive interface and good customer support.
• Monetization: If earning money from your podcast is a priority, look for platforms with built-in monetization options like Podbean.
• Storage and bandwidth: If you plan to publish long episodes or have a large audience, unlimited storage and bandwidth are crucial, which Podbean provides.