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Head-to-head · Streaming Audio Hosting

AzuraCast vs Caster.fm

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
AzuraCast #1 in Streaming Audio Hosting 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit AzuraCast
Caster.fm #2 in Streaming Audio Hosting 9.0/10 Free plan · paid from $34/mo Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Caster.fm

AzuraCast leads on 0 checks, Caster.fm on 4, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresCaster.fm · 4 of 4

AzuraCast and Caster.fm score identically on our rubric (9.0 out of 10) for streaming audio hosting; AzuraCast sits at #1 and Caster.fm at #2 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

Caster.fm offers live streaming; AzuraCast doesn't publish it. Caster.fm offers scheduled automation; AzuraCast doesn't publish it. Caster.fm offers listener analytics; AzuraCast doesn't publish it. Caster.fm offers recording archive; AzuraCast doesn't publish it.

AzuraCast is the better fit for technical users seeking free, open-source hosting. Caster.fm is the better fit for broadcasters wanting an all-in-one radio platform.

  • AzuraCast fits best

    Technical users seeking free, open-source hosting

  • Caster.fm fits best

    Broadcasters wanting an all-in-one radio platform

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature AzuraCast 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Caster.fm 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 9.0
Ranking #1 in Streaming Audio Hosting #2 in Streaming Audio Hosting
Best for Technical users seeking free, open-source hosting Broadcasters wanting an all-in-one radio platform
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published $34/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted, Cloud, Desktop Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Community, Docs Tickets, Live chat, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features AzuraCast 0/4 · Caster.fm 4/4
Live streaming Not published ✓ (best)
Scheduled automation Not published ✓ (best)
Listener analytics Not published ✓ (best)
Recording archive Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Listener limit Not published 1000 listeners
Audio quality Not published Lossless
Stream protocols Not published Icecast
Our review
Pros
  • Free and open-source with browser-based station administration
  • AutoDJ, scheduling, live DJ tools, requests, and public players
  • REST API, analytics, relays, and integrations with radio platforms
  • Free plan includes streaming, 400 listener slots, and a radio website CMS
  • Combines AutoDJ, scheduling, analytics, recording, and podcast publishing
  • Supports web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, including branded mobile apps
Cons
  • Self-hosting requires server or desktop infrastructure that supports Docker
  • Technical administration may not suit teams seeking a managed hosted service
  • Native YouTube and Twitch multistreaming is not part of the documented scope
  • Free Cloud limits streaming to 400 listener slots and up to 96 Kbps
  • Cloud Plus limits streaming to 1,000 listener slots and up to 128 Kbps
  • Branded mobile apps are available on Pro Medium rather than the free tier
Our verdict

AzuraCast is a free, open-source web radio management suite for individuals, broadcasters, and organizations running internet radio stations. It is designed for self-hosted deployment on servers or desktops that support Docker, with web,…

Read the review →

Caster.fm is an internet radio hosting platform for community stations, religious organizations, schools, independent DJs, and professional radio operators. It combines Icecast-based streaming with live DJ broadcasting, playlists,…

Read the review →
  1. AzuraCastStreaming Audio Hosting 9.0Free plan
  2. Caster.fmStreaming Audio Hosting 9.0Free plan · paid from $34/mo

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AzuraCast — where it wins

    • Free and open-source with browser-based station administration
    • AutoDJ, scheduling, live DJ tools, requests, and public players
    • REST API, analytics, relays, and integrations with radio platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • Self-hosting requires server or desktop infrastructure that supports Docker
    • Technical administration may not suit teams seeking a managed hosted service
    • Native YouTube and Twitch multistreaming is not part of the documented scope

  • Caster.fm — where it wins

    • Free plan includes streaming, 400 listener slots, and a radio website CMS
    • Combines AutoDJ, scheduling, analytics, recording, and podcast publishing
    • Supports web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, including branded mobile apps

    Where it doesn't

    • Free Cloud limits streaming to 400 listener slots and up to 96 Kbps
    • Cloud Plus limits streaming to 1,000 listener slots and up to 128 Kbps
    • Branded mobile apps are available on Pro Medium rather than the free tier
  • AzuraCast9.0/10 · Free plan

    A capable open-source radio suite for technical teams comfortable managing their own hosting.

    Visit AzuraCastFull verdict →
  • Caster.fm9.0/10 · Free plan · paid from $34/mo

    A broad radio platform with a free tier and paid tools for growing stations.

    Visit Caster.fmFull verdict →

More comparisons

All streaming audio hosting comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update