Best Podcast Hosting Platforms in 2026 (Compared & Ranked)

Choosing the right podcast hosting platform in 2026 is no longer just about uploading audio files. Many of today’s podcasting platforms are fully-packaged podcast services, offering podcast analytics, podcast monetization, podcast video support, podcast websites, and global podcast distribution. Pretty neat, right?

In this in-depth guide, we compare the best podcast hosting platforms available right now. We’ll explore and analyse everything from premium podcast hosting companies to free podcast hosting options and even international providers. 

Why are we doing this? So you can confidently choose the best place to host a podcast for your goals! 

Whether you’re a beginner looking for free podcast platforms, a brand searching for a professional podcast service provider, or a business deciding where to upload podcasts, this guide has you covered.

Want to chat about this over a coffee? ☕  Book a free discovery call and ask us what’s on your mind. We’ll be happy to help, offer guidance, and talk you through Saspod’s podcast hosting services.

Quick Comparison: Top 5 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms (2026)

Podcast Hosting Platform	Best For	Free Plan	Video Support	Monetization	Price From
Saspod	Done-for-you podcasting	Use 6MONTHS2026 at checkout	Limited	Via our Production Services.	£9/mo
Captivate	Growing podcasts	No	Limited	Yes	£19/mo
Transistor.fm	Businesses & networks	No	Yes	No	$19/mo
Castos	WordPress users	No	Yes	Yes	$19/mo
Buzzsprout	Beginners	Yes	Limited	Yes	Limited Free / $12

Best Podcast Hosting Platforms Overall

1. Saspod – Best Done-For-You Podcast Hosting & Production

Best for: Brands, businesses, and professional creators who want the best podcast possible

Saspod is not just a podcast host. We are a full-service podcast company that combines podcast hosting, podcast production, podcast editing, podcast strategy, and growth support under one roof. Think of us as your guardian angel, here to guide you to success!

Our full-service offerings make Saspod the ideal option for businesses that want results without managing multiple podcast providers.

We’ve been helping podcasters with podcast hosting services since 2023. All analytics are IAB-compliant, the embedded players are beautiful, and, most importantly, there are unlimited uploads and downloads.

Why Saspod stands out as one of the best podcast hosting platforms in 2026:

• Fully managed podcast hosting platform
• Professional audio & video production
• Strategy-led podcast growth
• Ideal for branded podcasts and thought leaders

When you onboard with Saspod, you are very much in the driving seat. We are all about collaboration. But equally, if you want to leave all the background “stuff” for us to sort out, then you can sit back and just hit record when needed. 

High production quality is at the core of our podcast editing services. You can expect this same high quality in our podcast hosting services, too.

Pricing: 

• Monthly – £9/mo ($12USD/mo) - Use 6MONTHS2026 at checkout when choosing "Semi-Annual," and get 6 months for Free.
• Semi-Annually – £45GBP ($60USD/mo)
• Annually – £85GBP ($133USD/mo)

2. Captivate – Best All-Round Podcast Hosting Platform

Best for: Independent podcasters focused on audience growth and marketing

Captivate is a well-established podcast hosting platform designed specifically for growth-focused creators. Unlike some podcast hosting sites that charge by storage or by hours uploaded, Captivate offers simple, transparent pricing based on downloads, with unlimited uploads included.

Captivate provides powerful marketing tools, including podcast website pages, email-capture integrations, sponsorship-ready features, and advanced analytics, to help podcasters understand and grow their audience. Its interface is clean and intuitive, making it suitable for both newer and experienced podcasters.

All Captivate plans come with the same inclusions, but are differentiated by the number of downloads per month. These are outlined below.

One of their best features is Growth Labs. Through Growth Labs, you can get expert advice about how to grow (get it?) your podcast’s audience. The feature helps with marketing, SEO, getting sponsors and more listeners, and provides a community of podcasters just like you.

The community aspect is often overlooked when it comes to podcasting. Often, the best way to learn is simply to ask someone or a group for help, so don’t underestimate this part of Growth Labs.

Pricing:

• Personal – £19GBP/mo ($25.50USD/mo) – up to 30,000 downloads/month
• Professional – £45GBP/mo ($60.50USD/mo) – up to 150,000 downloads/month
• Business – £95GBP/mo ($127.50USD/mo) – up to 300,000 downloads/month

3. Transistor.fm – Best Podcast Platform for Businesses

Best for: Companies, agencies, and podcast networks

Transistor.fm is a popular podcast hosting platform among businesses and organizations running multiple podcasts. One account can host several shows, making it ideal for brands, agencies, and internal communications teams. If you choose Transistor.fm as your podcast host, then you’ll be joining the likes of IBM, Cards Against Humanity, an NHL team, and the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs.

Transistor offers unlimited uploads and team members, reliable podcast distribution, and excellent analytics tools. It also supports private podcasts, which are commonly used for internal training, memberships, or premium podcast content.

Its simple, professional interface makes it a strong choice for teams that want dependable hosting without unnecessary complexity. 

However, we do need to highlight that Transistor.fm isn’t the cheapest podcast service. To host your podcast here, it costs £19.99 per month for a Starter level, with the limitation of only allowing 50 private podcast subscribers and 20,000 monthly downloads of your podcast. Unless your podcast is as popular as The Joe Rogan Experience, you should be fine with 20,000 downloads per month. If your podcast has a Rogan level of fame, you might want their Business level, which allows for 250,000 downloads per month.

Pricing: 

• Starter – $19USD/mo (£15GBP/mo)
• Professional – $49USD/mo (£36.50GBP/mo)
• Business – $99USD/mo (£74GBP/mo)

4. Castos – Best Podcast Hosting for WordPress

Best for: Podcasters building SEO-driven podcast websites on WordPress

Castos is best known for its deep WordPress integration through the Seriously Simple Podcasting plugin. This makes it a popular choice for podcasters who want full control over their podcast site and content.

Castos includes unlimited uploads, automatic distribution, listener analytics, and podcast monetization features such as private podcasts and Patreon integration in all podcast hosting platforms. It also supports video podcasting and audience engagement tools. Everything you need in one place.

With a standard price of $19 per month (or $190 per year), you get everything you need in terms of storage, downloads, and episodes, private subscription, and basic analytics. You can’t go wrong with it unless you need video hosting, in which case, go with their growth tier ($49 per month or $490 per year).

Castos touts a free one-click migration from previous hosting platforms, a really helpful feature for those of us who already have some experience podcasting.

Pricing: 

• Essentials – $19USD/mo (£15GBP/mo)
• Growth – $49USD/mo (£36.50GBP/mo)
• Pro – $99USD/mo (£74GBP/mo)
• Castos Premium – $499USD/mo (£372GBP/mo)

5. Buzzsprout – Best Podcast Host for Beginners

Best for: First-time podcasters and hobby creators

Buzzsprout is one of the most beginner-friendly podcast hosting platforms available, offering free podcast hosting. Its dashboard is simple, clean, and easy to navigate, making it ideal for those launching their first podcast.

However, there is a catch. On the free plan, Buzzsprout will only host your episodes for 90 days and you can only upload 2 hours each month on a free plan. This is fine for anyone just dipping their toes into the water, but not great if you want to have the next Diary of a CEO back catalogue!

Buzzsprout offers guided distribution to major podcast sites, basic podcast analytics, and optional monetization tools. While uploads are limited on the free plan, it remains one of the most popular free podcast hosting options for beginners.

One of Buzzsprout’s biggest “selling points” is Magic Mastering. They call it “an Instagram filter for your audio.” The feature aims to make your podcast sound professional, however, we really don’t rate it that much. It’s a fast fix. But as we all know, fast fixes are never great.  If you want a true professional sound, then you should get expert editing services from a company like Saspod.

Pricing: 

• Free (but heavily limited)
• Upload 4 hours/month – $19USD/mo (£15GBP/mo)
• Upload 15 hours/month – $39USD/mo (£29GBP/mo)
• Upload 35 hours/month – $79USD/mo (£59GBP/mo)

6. Podbean

Best for: Podcasters focused on ads, patron support, and revenue

Podbean is a podcast hosting platform with a strong focus on monetization. So if you’re wondering “how do you make money podcasting”, this is a good place to investigate as your podcast host. It offers built-in advertising marketplaces, listener donations, and premium content subscriptions. The higher subscriptions also include a dynamic ad insertion feature.

Podbean also supports live streaming, video podcasts (higher plans), and wide podcast distribution, making it a versatile choice for creators looking to earn from their content.

If you’re just starting out with podcasting, Podbean could be a good choice as a podcast hosting platform. You can start and host your podcast for free. If you want more storage and the advanced features mentioned above, you’re going to need to fork over some cash. 

Paid plans start at $12 per month. If you film your podcast, Podbean Unlimited Plus is a good choice as they can help you get your videos more views and hosted properly.

Pricing: 

• Free (but heavily limited)
• Unlimited Audio – $12USD/mo (£9GBP/mo)
• Unlimited Plus – $29USD/mo (£22GBP/mo)
• Network – $79USD/mo (£59GBP/mo)
• Business – $99USD/mo (£74GBP/mo)

7. RedCircle

Best for: Indie creators who want to monetize without massive upfront costs

RedCircle is a podcast hosting platform designed to help podcasters grow and monetize their shows right from the start. They have a range of pricing options, including a free podcast hosting option if you want to test out the platform first. It offers cross-promotion tools, advertising opportunities, and subscription-based monetization.

RedCircle is particularly appealing to new podcasters who want to avoid monthly fees while still accessing monetization and podcast analytics.

When using RedCircle, you can host an unlimited number of podcast episodes across all pricing plans. The key difference is that podcast episodes have to be under 200MB, 250MB, or 400MB. Definitely something to consider if you are working with video podcasts.

If you’re considering partnering up with RedCircle, make sure you carefully look through their pricing page and compare plans to make sure you sign up for the best podcast hosting option for you. 

Pricing:

• Core – Free
• Growth – $19.99USD/mo (£15GBP/mo)
• Pro – $34.99USD/mo (£26GBP/mo)
• Enterprise – $119.99USD/mo (£90GBP/mo)

8. Spreaker

Best for: Live shows and radio-style podcasts

Spreaker is well known for its live podcasting and broadcasting capabilities. This platform not only hosts your show but also helps you record and edit your podcast through “Spreaker Studio” (their own recording app). It allows podcasters to go live with their episodes, interact with podcast listeners in real time, and distribute episodes across major podcast platforms.

If you want to monetize your podcast through ads, you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription. But we do think that they are relatively cheap compared to other podcast hosting platforms. Like many other hosting platforms, Spreaker has a tier devoted to making company podcasts that helps tailor ads, facilitate collaboration, and gives priority support. Something to consider if you need expert guidance.

Spreaker is a strong option for creators who want a radio-style experience and are keen to involve their listeners.

Pricing: 

• Free Speech – Free
• Broadcaster – $20USD/mo (£15GBP/mo)
• Anchorman – $50USD/mo (£37.50GBP/mo)
• Publisher – $250USD/mo (£187GBP/mo)

9. Blubrry

Best for: Podcasters who care deeply about data, control, and industry-standard reporting

Blubrry is one of the most established podcast hosting platforms in the industry and is particularly well regarded for its IAB-certified analytics. For podcasters who want clarity on downloads, listener behaviour, and performance across podcast platforms, Blubrry remains a trusted podcast service provider.

Blubrry integrates seamlessly with WordPress and is often chosen by creators who are building robust, content-led podcast websites. Its podcast hosting infrastructure is reliable, distribution is straightforward, and the platform appeals to podcasters who prefer a more hands-on, technically confident approach to hosting a podcast.

While it doesn’t lean heavily into flashy design, Blubrry excels as a dependable podcast host for creators who prioritise accuracy, compliance, and long-term scalability.

Pricing:

• Standard Hosting – $15USD/mo (£11GBP/mo)
• Advanced Hosting – $25USD/mo (£19GBP/mo)
• Professional Hosting – $100USD/mo (£74GBP/mo)

10. Libsyn

Best for: Established podcasters who want a proven, long-term podcast host

Libsyn is one of the original podcast hosting sites and has been powering podcasts for well over a decade. Its longevity alone makes it one of the most trusted podcast hosting platforms available.

Libsyn offers stable podcast distribution, monetisation options, and integrations with all major podcast platforms. It’s often chosen by creators who want reassurance that their podcast host will still be around years down the line!

Libsyn remains a solid choice for hosting a podcast reliably, especially for creators with established back catalogues.

When signing up, you’ll get a whole month as a free trial. Perfect to test the waters and see if it’s the right podcast hosting platform for you. As always, there are different tiered pricing plans to consider depending on what you need from the service.

Pricing: 

• Basic – $12USD/mo (£9GBP/mo)
• Advanced – $25USD/mo (£19GBP/mo)
• Max – $150USD/mo (£110GBP/mo)

11. Podcast.co

Best for: Companies, teams, and branded private podcasts

Podcast.co is designed specifically with businesses in mind. This podcast hosting platform is widely used for branded podcasts, internal communications, training content, and private podcast distribution.

It offers a polished, professional experience and removes much of the technical friction involved in hosting a podcast. Podcast.co is a strong choice for organizations that want their podcast to feel like a professional extension of their brand rather than a hobby project.

For companies deciding where to host a podcast securely and professionally, Podcast.co is a dependable podcast provider. And this is reflected in the pricing plans. They are not the cheapest podcast hosting platform around!

Pricing: 

• Lite – $19USD/mo (£15GBP/mo)
• Growth – $49USD/mo (£38GBP/mo)
• Premium – $99USD/mo (£75GBP/mo)

12. Acast

Best for: Podcasters aiming to scale through podcast advertising

Acast is a global podcast hosting platform with a strong focus on advertising and monetization. The tag line literally is, “Getting paid to podcast made easy.” It connects podcasters directly with advertisers and supports dynamic ad insertion across podcast platforms.

This makes Acast particularly appealing to creators who are confident in their audience growth and want to turn downloads into revenue. Acast also supports international podcast distribution, making it a good option for creators with global ambitions.

As a podcast service provider, Acast sits firmly in the monetization-first category rather than creator tools or website building. So if you are looking for a partner to help with global domination, then this is your podcast host!

Free podcast hosting is also available here. Of course, there are limitations though. You will have the opportunity to get unlimited episodes when you make your show available in Acast's advertising marketplace. This could be something worth considering.

Pricing: 

• Starter – free
• Influencer – €14.99EUR/mo (£13GBP/mo)
• Ace – €29.99EUR/mo (£26GBP/mo)

13. Podcast Websites

Best for: Podcasters who want a podcast website and hosting in one place

Podcast Websites offers an all-in-one solution combining podcast hosting with professionally designed podcast sites. This platform is ideal for creators who want to host a podcast and launch a polished podcast website without touching WordPress or custom development.

Episodes are automatically published to your site, making it easier to create a central hub for your content. So if you are a podcaster asking, “Where can I upload podcasts and build a site at the same time?”, Podcast Websites provides a streamlined answer.

Now, of course, great services come with a cost. Podcast Websites is one of the most expensive podcast hosting platforms available. They have recently added a pay annually plan, which works out cheaper in the long run and will save you $240 per year.

Pricing: 

• Monthly – $97USD/mo (£71GBP/mo)
• Annually – $77USD/mo but paid annually

14. Simplecast

Best for: Professional podcasters, networks, and media companies

Simplecast is a premium podcast hosting platform used by professional creators and networks that value reliability, speed, and detailed analytics. Now owned by SiriusXM, it has cemented itself as one of the most respected podcast hosts in the industry. This acquisition has created an end-to-end solution that enables creators to publish and generate revenue from their podcasts, all in one place.

Simplecast offers advanced analytics, seamless podcast distribution, and a clean, modern interface. It’s often chosen by creators who have moved beyond beginner platforms and want a more robust podcast service.

They power podcasts from some of the world’s leading brands, including Harvard University, Medium, and Nike.

They separate out their pricing plans into two categories: independent podcasters or networks and shows (for monetization). While the basic plan prices are listed online, if you are keen to make money from your podcast, you will need to reach out to them to enquire about pricing and services. 

Pricing: 

• Basic – $15USD/mo (£11GBP/mo)
• Essential – $35USD/mo (£26GBP/mo)
• Professional – Contact Simplecast
• Enterprise – Contact Simplecast

15. CoHost

Best for: Podcasters focused on understanding and growing their audience

CoHost is a podcast hosting platform built around audience intelligence. It goes beyond basic download numbers to offer insights into listener behaviour, consumption patterns, and engagement.

For podcast creators who want to grow strategically and make informed decisions about content, marketing, and distribution, CoHost stands out among modern podcast hosting platforms.

CoHost is a strong option for podcasters who see their show as a long-term brand or business asset.

Interested in the analytics but don’t want to host your podcast with CoHost? That’s possible! If you’d like to still measure in-depth podcast analytics and audience insights, you can access the Advanced Audience Demographics, B2B Analytics, and Tracking Links features on CoHost’s Analytics Prefix. This connects directly to your current podcast hosting platform.

Pricing:

• Lite – $31USD/mo (£23GBP/mo)
• Plus – $44USD/mo (£33GBP/mo)
• Enterprise – Contact CoHost

16. Fusebox

Best for: Enhancing podcast websites and on-site listening

Fusebox is not a traditional podcast hosting platform, but it plays an important role in the podcast ecosystem. It provides beautifully designed podcast players that can be embedded into podcast websites, improving user experience and on-site listening. Fusebox is simple and affordable.

Fusebox has a mission to make podcasting easier, more accessible, more enjoyable, and more affordable. 

And as you can imagine, the pricing plans really are affordable. Opt to pay monthly or go for an annual subscription to save 33%. 

Pricing: 

• Starter – $9USD/mo (£7GBP/mo)
• Pro – $19USD/mo (£14GBP/mo)

Best Free Podcast Hosting Platforms (2026)

RSS.com

RSS.com has quietly become one of the most accessible free podcast hosting options, especially for local, community, and niche podcasts. Unlike many free podcast platforms that heavily restrict features, RSS.com offers a surprisingly polished experience and straightforward podcast distribution to major podcast platforms.

It’s particularly appealing to creators who want to host a podcast without worrying about technical complexity or immediate monetisation pressure.

• Free hosting for local & niche podcasts
  RSS.com’s free tier is genuinely useful, making it one of the better choices for podcasters searching for podcast hosting free options that still feel professional.
  
  
• Simple distribution & clean interface
  Uploading episodes and distributing to podcast sites like Spotify and Apple Podcasts is refreshingly easy.

Unfortunately, the free plan is limited in scalability. As your audience grows or your needs become more advanced, you’ll likely outgrow RSS.com and need to move to a more feature-rich podcast hosting platform.

Spotify for Podcasters

Spotify for Podcasters is one of the most popular free podcast platforms in the world, largely because it removes cost barriers entirely. It allows creators to upload, host, and distribute podcasts at no cost, with strong integration into the Spotify ecosystem.

It’s especially attractive for creators producing video podcasts or those prioritising Spotify as their primary listening platform.

• Completely free podcast hosting
  No monthly fees, no storage limits, which makes it one of the easiest places to host a podcast.
  
  
• Native Spotify integration & video support
  Episodes are optimised for Spotify listeners, including video podcasting features.

One flaw though… It’s a Spotify-first ecosystem. While distribution elsewhere is possible, control, analytics depth, and branding flexibility are more limited compared to independent podcast hosting platforms.

RedCircle (Free Plan)

As previously mentioned, RedCircle stands out among free podcast hosting platforms because it actively supports monetization from day one. It’s built for indie creators who want to grow, collaborate, and earn without upfront hosting costs.

If you’re asking, “Where to upload podcasts for free and monetise early?”, RedCircle is often the answer.

• Free hosting with monetisation tools
  Cross-promotion, ad marketplace access, and subscription options are available without a monthly fee.
  
  
• Creator-focused growth ecosystem
  RedCircle encourages collaboration between podcasters, making it feel more community-driven than many podcast hosts.

There is a drawback to using RedCircle Free Plan as your podcast host. The interface and analytics aren’t as polished as those of premium podcast hosting platforms, which may frustrate creators looking for deeper data or more advanced controls.

Foreign & International Podcast Hosting Platforms

Ausha (France)

Ausha is a French-based podcast hosting platform with a strong presence across Europe. It’s particularly popular with European creators who want GDPR-friendly infrastructure and support that feels regionally aligned rather than US-centric.

Ausha positions itself as a modern, growth-oriented podcast service provider rather than a bare-bones host.

Working with Ausha offers a strong European and GDPR focus to your hosting needs. The hosting infrastructure and data handling are perfectly suited to EU-based podcasters. They also include features designed to help podcasts grow beyond just uploading episodes.

While Ausha is smaller than US-based podcast platforms, this is still a global brand to recognize.

iVoox (Spain)

iVoox is a major player in Spanish-speaking markets and one of the most recognizable podcast platforms in Spain and Latin America. It functions as both a podcast hosting site and a discovery platform, giving creators access to a built-in listener base.

For Spanish-language podcasters, iVoox is often considered one of the best places for podcasts. Here are two reasons why:

1. Strong reach in Spanish-speaking regions
2. Integrated discovery platform

Unfortunately, the platform is less intuitive for English-speaking creators. International podcast distribution isn’t as flexible as with larger global podcast hosts.

Stationista (Europe)

Stationista is a European podcast hosting platform designed with GDPR compliance and data sovereignty at its core. It appeals to creators, organisations, and institutions that need full transparency around where their data is stored and how it’s handled.

It’s particularly relevant for public sector organisations, NGOs, and European businesses deciding where to host a podcast responsibly, given the strict GDPR requirements.

There is one flaw, however. Stationista lacks some of the marketing and monetisation features found in more mainstream podcast hosting platforms, making it better suited to compliance-focused creators than growth-hungry independents.

How to Choose the Best Podcast Hosting Platform in 2026

With so many podcast hosting platforms available, choosing the right one in 2026 can feel overwhelming. The best podcast hosting platform isn’t about what’s “most popular”. It’s about what aligns with your goals, your workflow, and the kind of podcast you want to build.

Here are the key factors to consider before deciding where to host a podcast:

• Be clear on why you’re podcasting. Before comparing features or pricing, ask yourself what role your podcast plays.
• Free podcast hosting or paid podcast hosting? Free podcast hosting can be a great starting point, but it’s important to understand the trade-offs.
• Where will your podcast appear? Your podcast host should make podcast distribution effortless.
• Analytics are important. Not all analytics are created equal.
• Monetization now or later? Even if monetisation isn’t your priority today, it’s worth considering.
• Podcast websites and branding control. A podcast without a home base is easy to lose.
• Video podcasting and future-proofing your podcast show. Video podcasts are no longer optional for many creators.
• GDPR, data ownership, and compliance. For UK and European creators, GDPR compliance is not optional.
• DIY podcast hosting vs full-service podcast companies. How involved do you want to be?

Podcast Hosting vs Podcast Production

Podcast hosting and podcast production are often confused, but they serve very different purposes.

Podcast hosting is the technical backbone of your show. A podcast host stores your audio files, generates your RSS feed, distributes episodes to podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and tracks downloads and listener data. Without a podcast hosting platform, your podcast can’t exist on podcast sites.

Podcast production, on the other hand, focuses on quality and strategy. This includes audio editing, video editing, sound design, show structure, publishing optimisation, branding, and growth support. Production is what makes a podcast sound professional, engaging, and worth subscribing to.

Many podcast hosting platforms only handle the “where to upload podcasts” side of things. Podcast production ensures that what you upload is actually worth hearing.

For creators who want full control, these services can be handled separately. For brands and businesses, combining podcast hosting and podcast production under one provider often leads to better consistency, higher quality, and stronger results.

That's where Saspod comes in.

FAQs: Podcast Hosting Platforms

What is podcast hosting?

Podcast hosting is a service that stores your podcast audio or video files and generates the RSS feed needed to distribute your show to podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. A good podcast hosting platform also provides analytics, episode management tools, and helps handle podcast distribution across multiple podcast sites.

Can I switch podcast hosts later?

Yes, most podcast hosting platforms allow you to migrate your podcast to a new provider using an RSS feed redirect. As long as the migration is done correctly, your podcast subscribers, episode listings, and rankings on podcast platforms will remain intact.

Are free podcast hosting platforms worth it?

Free podcast hosting platforms can be a great starting point for beginners or hobby podcasters testing a new idea. However, free plans often come with limitations around analytics, branding, monetisation, and long-term control, which can become restrictive as your podcast grows.

What is the best podcast hosting platform?

The best podcast hosting platform depends entirely on your goals and how you plan to use your podcast. Full-service podcast companies like Saspod are ideal for businesses and professional creators, while beginner-friendly platforms such as Buzzsprout or Spotify for Podcasters work well for first-time podcasters.