Head-to-head · Podcast Hosting Platforms
Buzzsprout vs Acast
Buzzsprout leads on 0 checks, Acast on 1, and 4 are 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
- Highest scoreBuzzsprout · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresAcast · 4 of 4
Buzzsprout scores higher on our rubric for podcast hosting platforms: 9.3 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Acast offers private podcasts; Buzzsprout doesn't.
Buzzsprout is the better fit for established creators prioritizing analytics and reach. Acast is the better fit for publishers focused on advertising and subscriptions.
- Buzzsprout fits best
Established creators prioritizing analytics and reach
- Acast fits best
Publishers focused on advertising and subscriptions
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Side by side
| Feature | Buzzsprout 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Acast 9.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Ranking | #2 in Podcast Hosting Platforms | #3 in Podcast Hosting Platforms |
| Best for | Established creators prioritizing analytics and reach | Publishers focused on advertising and subscriptions |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $180/yr | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Live chat |
| Integrations | 20 integrations | 12 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Buzzsprout 3/4 · Acast 4/4 | ||
| RSS feed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Monetization tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private podcasts | — | ✓ (best) |
| Video podcast support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Directory distribution | Major directories | Major directories |
| Monthly upload hours | 6 hours/mo | Not checked yet |
| Analytics level | Advanced | Advanced |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform for independent creators, organizations, and businesses. It generates and updates podcast RSS feeds, hosts episodes, distributes shows to major podcast directories, and provides podcast websites and… Read the review → |
Acast is a web-based podcast hosting and monetization platform for independent creators, publishers, and podcast networks. It generates and manages RSS feeds, distributes shows to podcast apps and major directories, and includes podcast… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Buzzsprout — where it wins
- IAB-certified advanced analytics and podcast directory distribution
- Audio and video publishing to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
- Monetization tools, transcripts, websites, and embeddable players
Where it doesn't
- Free episodes expire after 90 days
- True private RSS feeds are not supported
- Video publishing starts at the $30-per-month plan
Acast — where it wins
- IAB-verified analytics with advanced audience insights
- Dynamic advertising, subscriptions, and private RSS feeds
- Video publishing, APIs, scheduling, and broad directory distribution
Where it doesn't
- Starter is limited to 1 show and up to 5 episodes
- Video publishing requires the Video plan
- Team management and the publishing API start with Pro
- Buzzsprout9.3/10 · Free plan
A mature podcast host for creators who value analytics, reach, and multiple publishing options.
Visit BuzzsproutFull verdict → - Acast9.2/10 · Free plan
Acast suits publishers that need podcast distribution, audience insight, and revenue tools.
Visit AcastFull verdict →
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All podcast hosting platforms comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update