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Buzzsprout vs Captivate

Buzzsprout and Captivate are both podcast & audio tools. Buzzsprout is aimed at creators, while Captivate is aimed at creators and small businesses. Buzzsprout costs less, from $18/mo versus $19/mo for Captivate. Only Buzzsprout has a free plan.

Buzzsprout

Easiest podcast hosting for beginners

Captivate

Growth-focused podcast hosting

PricingFreemium · $18Paid · $19
Starting price$18/mo$19/mo
Free planYesNo
Free trial—30 days
Built forCreatorsCreators, Small businesses
Platformswebweb
CountryUS · 2009GB · 2019
Rating——

Choose Buzzsprout if

Beginners and small podcasters.

  • Very beginner-friendly
  • Helpful tutorials and support
  • Good add-ons

Look elsewhere if: Companies running many shows (Transistor).

Choose Captivate if

Podcasters focused on growing and monetizing.

  • Strong growth features
  • Unlimited shows
  • Good analytics

Look elsewhere if: Casual hobbyists.

Buzzsprout vs Captivate pricing

Buzzsprout

  • Free$02 hrs uploads/mo, episodes hosted 90 days
  • Audio$18/mo6 hrs/mo; $15/mo billed annually (72 hrs/yr)
  • Audio + Video$30/moVideo to Apple, Spotify, YouTube; $25/mo billed annually
  • Multi-Podcast$36/mo15 hrs/mo shared, up to 5-10 shows; $30/mo annually
  • Archive$5/moKeeps podcast live, no new uploads

Captivate

  • Personal€17/moBilled yearly; 30,000 downloads/mo, unlimited podcasts
  • Professional€44/moBilled yearly; 150,000 downloads/mo
  • Business€90/moBilled yearly; 300,000 downloads/mo

Buzzsprout · Key features

  • Easy upload and directory distribution
  • Magic Mastering audio enhancement
  • Transcripts and chapter markers
  • Cohost AI show notes and titles
  • Dynamic content and ads
  • Podcast website

Cons

  • Free plan deletes episodes after 90 days
  • Upload-hour pricing
  • Add-ons cost extra

Captivate · Key features

  • Unlimited podcasts and team members
  • Growth tools: smart links, CTAs
  • Private and premium podcasts
  • Dynamic ad insertion
  • IAB-certified analytics
  • Podcast websites

Cons

  • Download-based tiers
  • No free plan
  • Smaller brand than Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout vs Captivate: FAQ

Which is cheaper, Buzzsprout or Captivate?

Buzzsprout starts at $18/mo and Captivate at $19/mo. Both prices are checked on the vendors' own pricing pages.

Do Buzzsprout and Captivate have a free plan?

Buzzsprout has a free plan. Captivate has no free plan, a 30-day free trial.

Which is better for small businesses, Buzzsprout or Captivate?

Captivate lists small businesses as a core audience, while Buzzsprout is aimed more at creators.

Not sure yet?

Buzzsprout vs Captivate (2026): Pricing and Features