Happy Valley

Acast vs Zencastr

Acast and Zencastr are both podcast & audio tools. Acast is aimed at creators and enterprise, while Zencastr is aimed at creators and small businesses. Both have a free plan.

Acast

Hosting with built-in ad marketplace

Zencastr

Free browser and iOS studio to record, edit and host podcasts

PricingFreemium · $25Freemium
Starting price$25/moNot published
Free planYesYes
Free trial——
Built forCreators, EnterpriseCreators, Small businesses, Enterprise
Platformswebweb, ios
CountrySE · 2014—
Rating——

Choose Acast if

Podcasters seeking ad revenue at scale.

  • Strong monetization network
  • Free starter plan
  • Large advertiser reach

Look elsewhere if: Private or internal podcasts (Transistor).

Choose Zencastr if

Independent podcasters and small creator teams who want free studio-quality recording, AI editing and hosting in one place.

  • Free plan covers recording, AI editing and hosting in one place
  • Separate local tracks protect quality when a guest's connection drops
  • Unlimited track storage, transcription and post-production credits

Look elsewhere if: Professional video productions or teams that need advanced editing and guaranteed support (Riverside, Descript).

Acast vs Zencastr pricing

Acast

  • Starter$01 show, 5 episodes; ad monetization included
  • Essential$25/mo$14.99/mo billed annually; multiple shows, unlimited episodes
  • Pro$40/mo$29.99/mo billed annually; team management, publishing API
  • Video$50/mo$39.99/mo billed annually; video to Apple Podcasts, 10k views/mo

Zencastr

  • Free (Vibecastr)$06 participants, 4K video, unlimited tracks, hosting and transcripts
  • EnterpriseCustomCustom limits on every feature, sales-led

Acast · Key features

  • Free hosting and distribution
  • Ad marketplace and dynamic insertion
  • Acast+ subscriptions
  • Analytics
  • Sponsorship opportunities
  • Podcast website

Cons

  • Revenue share on ads
  • Less control over ads
  • Advanced features paid

Zencastr · Key features

  • Local recording of up to 6 participants with separate audio and video tracks
  • 4K video and 48 kHz WAV audio with progressive upload and cloud backup
  • Chat-based AI Producer that removes filler words, pauses and background noise
  • Automatic transcripts in 10 languages, chapters, titles and show notes
  • Podcast hosting with distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube
  • Clip export up to 4K and scheduled posting to social platforms

Cons

  • Ad monetization and paid AI programs come with terms worth reading
  • Pricing has changed several times, so limits may move again
  • No Android app listed, only web and iOS

Acast vs Zencastr: FAQ

Do Acast and Zencastr have a free plan?

Yes, both Acast and Zencastr have a free plan; paid plans add more usage and features.

Which is better for small businesses, Acast or Zencastr?

Zencastr lists small businesses as a core audience, while Acast is aimed more at creators and enterprise.

Not sure yet?