Head-to-head · Podcast Hosting Platforms
Buzzsprout vs Firstory
Buzzsprout leads on 0 checks, Firstory 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
- Free trialonly Firstory
- Most featuresFirstory · 4 of 4
Buzzsprout scores higher on our rubric for podcast hosting platforms: 9.3 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
Firstory offers private podcasts; Buzzsprout doesn't.
Buzzsprout is the better fit for established creators prioritizing analytics and reach. Firstory is the better fit for budget-conscious creators wanting premium features.
- Buzzsprout fits best
Established creators prioritizing analytics and reach
- Firstory fits best
Budget-conscious creators wanting premium features
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Side by side
| Feature | Buzzsprout 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Firstory 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Podcast Hosting Platforms | #5 in Podcast Hosting Platforms |
| Best for | Established creators prioritizing analytics and reach | Budget-conscious creators wanting premium features |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $180/yr | $7/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 14 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Live chat, Docs |
| Integrations | 20 integrations | 11 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Buzzsprout 3/4 · Firstory 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 → |
Firstory is a podcast hosting platform for creators and media businesses that need episode publishing, RSS distribution, analytics, and audience-facing tools. It generates an RSS feed for each podcast, supports automatic or manual… 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
Firstory — where it wins
- Advanced analytics include audience demographics, geography, and listening times.
- AI creates transcripts, summaries, highlights, and newsletter drafts.
- Supports video, private RSS feeds, subscriptions, donations, and advertising.
Where it doesn't
- Video support is in early access and centers on Apple Podcasts synchronization.
- Built-in monetization is available only in selected regions.
- Spotify video requires a separate Spotify for Creators workflow.
- Buzzsprout9.3/10 · Free plan
A mature podcast host for creators who value analytics, reach, and multiple publishing options.
Visit BuzzsproutFull verdict → - Firstory9.0/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A low-cost podcast host combining advanced analytics, AI tools, video, and monetization.
Visit FirstoryFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update