Libsyn vs Simplecast
Libsyn and Simplecast are both podcast & audio tools aimed at creators and small businesses. Libsyn costs less, from $8/mo versus $15/mo for Simplecast.
Veteran podcast host with IAB stats, video and ad monetization
Podcast hosting with IAB-certified analytics and AdsWizz monetization
| Pricing | Paid · $8 | Paid · $15 |
| Starting price | $8/mo | $15/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 30 days | 14 days |
| Built for | Creators, Small businesses, Enterprise | Creators, Small businesses, Enterprise |
| Platforms | web | web |
| Country | US · 2004 | US · 2013 |
| Rating | — | — |
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).
Choose Simplecast if
Growing podcasts and networks that want IAB-certified analytics and a path to ad revenue through SiriusXM's AdsWizz.
- Certified analytics that advertisers and networks trust
- Direct path to programmatic ad revenue through AdsWizz
- Unlimited storage, no per-hour upload limits
Look elsewhere if: Hobby podcasters or beginners on a tight budget (Buzzsprout, Transistor, Captivate).
Libsyn vs Simplecast pricing
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
Simplecast
- Basic$15/mo$13.50/mo prepaid annually; 20K downloads/mo, 2 seats
- Essential$35/mo$31.50/mo prepaid annually; 50K downloads/mo, 4 seats
- ProfessionalCustomDynamic ad insertion, AdsWizz marketplace, ad-free feeds
- EnterpriseCustomAPI, white-label RSS, high bitrate audio, success manager
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
Simplecast · Key features
- Unlimited audio storage and uploads on every plan
- Multiple shows under one account with per-show team permissions
- IAB Tech Lab certified download and listener analytics
- Location, app, browser and unique listener reports on Essential
- Automatic show website with themes and custom domain
- Embeddable episode and show players with drop-off analytics
Cons
- Download caps make costs rise quickly as a show grows
- Dynamic ad insertion requires a sales-led plan
- Only two team seats on the Basic plan
Libsyn vs Simplecast: FAQ
Which is cheaper, Libsyn or Simplecast?
Libsyn starts at $8/mo and Simplecast at $15/mo. Both prices are checked on the vendors' own pricing pages.
Do Libsyn and Simplecast have a free plan?
Libsyn has no free plan, a 30-day free trial. Simplecast has no free plan, a 14-day free trial.