Podcasts are becoming more popular daily, with everyone having a go-to podcast they need to listen to. While you might think that making a podcast is all about recording and then putting it online, there are other steps to consider before you can hit it big.
Regardless of your intentions for your podcast, you’ll want to make a solid plan to ensure yours will stick out.
So let’s take a look at some of the best podcast websites (see also ‘Can You Make Money From Podcasts?‘) out there to choose from. The ones mentioned on this list are Buzzsprout, Transistor, Castos, Podbean, and RSS. Here we will discuss the benefits and disadvantages of using each host.
A buyers’ guide will follow this, and a short FAQs section to help you on your journey.
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is a great podcast host to start with, as they have a variety of beginner-friendly tutorials to help you get started. They even have advanced promotional features such as a free website to help you as you take your first steps into the world of podcasts.
While there is a basic plan, it’s only available for a limited time, so you will need to continue to pay to use it, which will cost you each month. The good news is that they have an excellent customer support team to help you if you need software guidance.
However, the good news is that it’s easy to navigate, but you may want to be careful with how much you upload at a time, as unlimited audio is unavailable. All-in-all, Buzzsprout is an excellent choice for beginners hoping to take a serious step into the podcast industry.
Pros
- Beginner-Friendly: Buzzsprout has a collection of beginner-friendly tutorials to get you started with making and promoting your podcast.
- Customer Support: Even with the ease of use, Buzzsprout’s customer support is quick and easy to talk to when you need help with the site.
- Easy to Navigate: Buzzsprout isn’t challenging to navigate and is easy to get to grips with.
- Advanced Promotional Features: Alongside professional tutorials, they include a free website that you can customize, alongside other great analytical features to see what you’re doing right.
- Transcription Service: Using Buzzsprout, you can have your podcast transcribed for those who are hard of hearing.
Cons
- Limited Basic Plan: The basic plan is only available for a limited time and only offers a short free trial. It also doesn’t have as many resources available on that plan.
- No Unlimited Audio: There isn’t a plan that includes unlimited audio, so you will still have limits on the number of episodes you can host.
- No Annual Option for Payment Plans: Unfortunately, if you want to pay a lump sum all in one go, you won’t be able to with Buzzsprout. There are only monthly plans available.
Transistor
Transistor is another excellent podcast hosting site perfect for anyone considering stepping onto the professional level or if they’re already there. While it is easy to navigate and great to use, it’s not designed for beginners to jump into.
It has no free plan available, but the great news about Transistor is that if you have multiple podcasts, you can put them all onto the same plan.
However, it’s better established for anyone who already has an audience for their podcast, as they have limited promotional features compared to other hosting sites. However, they make up for this with their great customer support team, who are always quick and ready to help anyone who needs it.
Pros
- Easy to Navigate: Transistor has an easy-to-navigate site that makes it easy to deliver your podcast professionally.
- Customer Support: The customer support team available at Transistor is quick to reach and easy to talk to.
- Unlimited Shows: If you have multiple podcasts under your belt, you don’t have to pay for another account for each show. You can access them all on one account.
Cons
- No Free Plan: No free plans are available, so if you’re a hobbyist, it might not be the ideal platform for you to host.
- Limited Promotional Features: The number of promotional features included is limited, so it’s assumed you already have an established audience before you start using it.
- Not Beginner-Friendly: As I mentioned above, this is a professional hosting site, and it’s not designed for beginners.
Castos
Castos is a great option, especially for WordPress users. They have a plug-in that allows users to share their podcasts on their own site.
Castos also offers unlimited storage, so you can upload as many episodes as you want, and a transcription service to improve SEO and make your podcast more accessible. Unfortunately, there are no free plans for Castos and limited promotional features, so you may struggle if you want to monetize your podcast.
Pros
- Unlimited Storage: Regardless of the plan you choose, you have access to unlimited storage to host as many podcast episodes as you want.
- WordPress Integrated: If you have a site hosted by WordPress, you should be able to connect your podcast through WordPress using their plug-in easily.
- Provides Transcription Services: Castos offers podcast transcription services that can help any hard-of-hearing audience members.
Cons
- No Free Plan: While there is no free plan, there is a 14-day free trial that you can use to try it out.
- Limited Promotional Features: Castos has limited features when it comes to native advertising for your podcast.
Podbean
Podbean is a great option for a beginner, with free plans and remote recording options. That should make it easier if you don’t have your own studio. You also have access to unlimited storage on all plans, but you need to be careful when you upload due to file size restrictions.
While Podbean can be a great access point for beginners, there is an issue where customer support is concerned, as a live chat is available but only for business users.
Pros
- Beginner-Friendly: Podbean is easy to use and beginner-friendly, so you can quickly jump into it and start immediately.
- Free Plan Available: A free plan is available on Podbean, so you can start with a free plan and choose another later if you prefer.
- Unlimited Storage: All plans have unlimited storage, so you can upload your podcast episodes and have as many as you want.
- Remote Recording Options: There are remote recording options available, so if you have co-hosts living elsewhere, you can all record from the comfort of your home.
Cons
- Maximum File Size: Compared to other sites, you have maximum file size for upload. So, if you have a longer podcast, you may struggle.
- Customer Support: Podbean has a live chat option, but only for business users.
RSS
RSS is a podcast host where you can start your podcast for free. However, while it is free to start your podcast, this doesn’t mean it’s free to continue. RSS has an easy-to-use content management system to navigate the site and unlimited storage fo