Choosing a podcast hosting platform can be stressful. Podbean and Anchor (now rebranded as Spotify for Podcasters) are the two biggest names in the industry—but which one is right for you in 2025?

Whether you’re launching your first episode or leveling up your show, this comparison reveals the hidden strengths, weaknesses, and critical recent updates (like the removal of Anchor’s mobile recording tools) that you need to know.

Don’t make a decision without reading this breakdown first.

Podbean vs. Anchor (Spotify): At a Glance

The Core Difference: Anchor is a “walled garden” designed to feed content into Spotify. Podbean is an open platform designed to grow your show everywhere (Apple, Amazon, Google).

Pricing

• Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters): Completely free. No storage limits, no monthly fees. This makes it the default choice for hobbyists.
• Podbean: Freemium model. The free plan is limited (5 hours storage). Serious growth requires paid tiers starting at $9/month, which unlock unlimited storage, bandwidth, and monetization.

Advanced Features

• Podbean:
  • IAB Certified Analytics: Industry-standard stats required by most sponsors.
  • Live Streaming: Host live audio shows with up to 200 participants.
  • Monetization Freedom: Patron programs, Apple Subscriptions integration, and dynamic ad insertion.
  • Full Website: You get a customizable website for your podcast, not just a landing page.
• Anchor (Spotify):
  • Video Podcasting: The easiest way to upload video episodes (viewable mostly on Spotify).
  • Fan Interaction: Q&A and Polls that appear directly in the Spotify app.
  • Riverside Integration: New Update! Native recording tools have been replaced by a built-in version of Riverside.fm for recording and editing.

Spotify for Podcasters: The “Hidden” Constraints

While the rebrand to “Spotify for Podcasters” brought new features, it also introduced limitations that old “Anchor” users might not expect:

1. The “Walled Garden” Effect

Features like Video Podcasts, Q&A, and Polls only work on Spotify. If you rely heavily on these, you may alienate listeners on Apple Podcasts or Overcast who cannot see or interact with them.

2. Monetization Rules

To qualify for the Spotify Partner Program (ads), you need high engagement from Spotify listeners specifically. It is currently available primarily in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Their cut of ad revenue can be variable, whereas Podbean offers a more transparent marketplace.

3. Ownership & Analytics

Spotify’s analytics are incredible for Spotify listeners (showing you exactly where they stopped listening), but they are weak for other platforms. Podbean provides a holistic view of all your downloads across every app.

Distribution & Market Share

Podbean acts as a universal donor, pushing your RSS feed equally to all directories. Spotify for Podcasters distributes to major platforms, but its workflow is optimized to prioritize the Spotify ecosystem.

Market Context: As of recently, Anchor/Spotify holds a dominant ~30% market share due to its free entry point, while Podbean follows closely as a top choice for professional independent creators.

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Pros and Cons Breakdown

Podbean Pros

• True Ownership: You own your website and RSS feed control.
• Professional Stats: Essential for pitching sponsors outside of Spotify.
• Live Streaming: Engage with your community in real-time.

Podbean Cons

• Cost: You will eventually need to pay ($9/mo) as you grow.
• Interface: The dashboard is functional but less “sleek” than Spotify’s modern UI.

Anchor (Spotify) Pros

• 100% Free: Zero cost for unlimited hosting.
• Video: Best-in-class support for video podcasts on Spotify.
• Music Integration: Use licensed music (but episodes become Spotify-exclusive).

Anchor (Spotify) Cons

• New Complexity: The switch to Riverside for editing has a steeper learning curve than the old “record button.”
• Weak External Stats: Harder to understand your audience on Apple/Google.

Comparison Table: Quick View

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Lesser-Known AI Features

Podbean AI: Podbean has aggressively integrated AI, offering noise reduction, auto-generated show notes, and “magic chapters” to save you editing time.

Spotify’s “Vertical” Push: Spotify is now testing features that allow you to upload vertical video “shorts” to preview your episodes, trying to mimic the TikTok discovery engine inside the audio app.

Final Verdict: Which should you choose?

• Choose Anchor/Spotify if: You have zero budget, you want to do a video podcast, or you are just experimenting.
• Choose Podbean if: You want to build a business, own your website, and sell ads to sponsors yourself.

Both platforms are capable, but they serve different masters. Spotify serves the listener; Podbean serves the podcaster.

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