Simplecast vs Zencastr
Simplecast and Zencastr are both podcast & audio tools aimed at creators and small businesses. Only Zencastr has a free plan.
Podcast hosting with IAB-certified analytics and AdsWizz monetization
Free browser and iOS studio to record, edit and host podcasts
| Pricing | Paid · $15 | Freemium |
| Starting price | $15/mo | Not published |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | 14 days | — |
| Built for | Creators, Small businesses, Enterprise | Creators, Small businesses, Enterprise |
| Platforms | web | web, ios |
| Country | US · 2013 | — |
| Rating | — | — |
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).
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).
Simplecast vs Zencastr pricing
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
Zencastr
- Free (Vibecastr)$06 participants, 4K video, unlimited tracks, hosting and transcripts
- EnterpriseCustomCustom limits on every feature, sales-led
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
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
Simplecast vs Zencastr: FAQ
Do Simplecast and Zencastr have a free plan?
Simplecast has no free plan, a 14-day free trial. Zencastr has a free plan.