Buzzsprout vs Libsyn
Buzzsprout and Libsyn are both podcast & audio tools. Buzzsprout is aimed at creators, while Libsyn is aimed at creators and small businesses. Libsyn costs less, from $8/mo versus $18/mo for Buzzsprout. Only Buzzsprout has a free plan.
Easiest podcast hosting for beginners
Veteran podcast host with IAB stats, video and ad monetization
| Pricing | Freemium · $18 | Paid · $8 |
| Starting price | $18/mo | $8/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Built for | Creators | Creators, Small businesses, Enterprise |
| Platforms | web | web |
| Country | US · 2009 | US · 2004 |
| 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 Libsyn if
Established podcasters and small networks that want proven hosting, IAB stats and access to ad revenue.
- Two decades of reliable hosting and feed stability
- IAB-verified stats that advertisers trust
- Built-in access to a large podcast ad marketplace
Look elsewhere if: Beginners who want a free start or unlimited uploads at a flat price (Buzzsprout, Captivate, Transistor).
Buzzsprout vs Libsyn 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
Libsyn
- $8 Plan$8/moBare-essentials tier; limits shown at signup
- Basic$12/mo3 hrs audio/month, basic IAB stats, YouTube video
- Advanced$25/mo10 hrs audio/month, advanced IAB stats, Spotify video
- Max$150/mo55 hrs audio/month, social calendar, advanced stats
- ProfessionalCustomDynamic ad insertion, API, network RSS feed
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
Libsyn · Key features
- Audio and video podcast hosting with RSS feed management
- IAB-certified download statistics on every plan
- One-click distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and 20+ apps
- Video publishing to YouTube and Spotify on higher tiers
- Customizable podcast website and embeddable player
- Automatic podcast ads, PodRoll and host-read ad marketplace
Cons
- Upload-hour limits feel restrictive next to unlimited hosts
- No permanent free plan
- Dashboard is less intuitive than Buzzsprout or Captivate
Buzzsprout vs Libsyn: FAQ
Which is cheaper, Buzzsprout or Libsyn?
Libsyn starts at $8/mo and Buzzsprout at $18/mo. Both prices are checked on the vendors' own pricing pages.
Do Buzzsprout and Libsyn have a free plan?
Buzzsprout has a free plan. Libsyn has no free plan, a 30-day free trial.
Which is better for small businesses, Buzzsprout or Libsyn?
Libsyn lists small businesses as a core audience, while Buzzsprout is aimed more at creators.