Best Firstory Alternatives in 2026
The top Firstory alternatives are Podbean, Buzzsprout and Acast: 15 podcast hosting platforms our editors would look at instead of Firstory, in our ranking order.
Firstory: A low-cost podcast host combining advanced analytics, AI tools, video, and monetization. Where it falls short: video support is in early access and centers on apple podcasts synchronization..
Switching from Firstory? For most podcast hosting platforms buyers the best Firstory alternative is Podbean, built for creators wanting an all-in-one podcast platform. On a budget, Blubrry starts at $5/mo, against $7/mo for Firstory.
Why People Look for a Firstory Alternative
- 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
- Paid from $7/mo — Blubrry is $5/mo
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallPodbean9.4
Creators wanting an all-in-one podcast platform
Visit Podbean - Lowest priceBlubrry8.9
Paid plans from $5/mo
Visit Blubrry - Best free optionPodbean9.4
Has a free plan
Visit Podbean - Most monthly upload hoursPodbean9.4
16 hours/mo
Visit Podbean
All 15 Firstory Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forCreators wanting an all-in-one podcast platform
- Better than Firstory:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 9.0
Broad podcast hosting with publishing, analytics, monetization, private, and video tools.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Podbean -
Best forEstablished creators prioritizing analytics and reach
- Better than Firstory:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 9.0
A mature podcast host for creators who value analytics, reach, and multiple publishing options.
- Video podcast support
- Monetization tools
- RSS feed
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Buzzsprout -
Best forPublishers focused on advertising and subscriptions
- Better than Firstory:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 9.0
Acast suits publishers that need podcast distribution, audience insight, and revenue tools.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Acast -
Best forCreators wanting free hosting with video tools
- Better than Firstory:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 9.0
A flexible podcast host with a free tier and paid video, analytics, and monetization features.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
9.1/10★★★★★Visit RSS.com -
Best forLow-cost WordPress-oriented podcast publishers
- Better than Firstory:
- Paid from: $5/mo vs $7/mo
A WordPress-friendly podcast host with broad publishing and monetization options.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Blubrry -
Best forMature publishers needing broad distribution
A mature podcast platform with broad distribution, video support, and monetization tools.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Libsyn -
Best forCreators wanting AI and collaboration features
A feature-rich podcast platform for creators who need AI and collaboration tools.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Podigee -
Best forBroadcasters focused on ads and listener memberships
A broad podcast platform for creators who need distribution, ads, and memberships.
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
- RSS feed
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Spreaker -
Best forWordPress users needing unlimited podcast hosting
A capable podcast host for WordPress users who need unlimited publishing and private feeds.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Castos -
Best forNetworks needing unlimited shows and collaboration
A capable multi-show host for teams, with advanced tools but no free plan.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Transistor -
Best forProfessional shows needing unlimited hosting
A strong fit for professional shows that need unlimited hosting and advanced podcast tools.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Captivate -
Best forTeams needing broad publishing and marketing tools
A broad podcast platform for publishing, audience growth, video, analytics, and monetization.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Ausha -
Best forCreators prioritizing cross-promotion and monetization
A strong fit for creators who want cross-promotion and monetization tools.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit RedCircle -
Best forBudget publishers needing advertising controls
A low-cost podcast host for publishers that need syndication and dynamic ad insertion.
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
- RSS feed
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit iono.fm -
Best forCreators who want unlimited free hosting
A capable free host for creators who accept manual external distribution.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Spotify
Firstory Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Firstory?
Podbean: #1 in our Podcast Hosting Platforms ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. Broad podcast hosting with publishing, analytics, monetization, private, and video tools.
Is there a free alternative to Firstory?
Yes. Podbean, Buzzsprout, Acast, RSS.com and Blubrry have a free plan or a free tier (10 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
What is the cheapest paid alternative to Firstory?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, Blubrry starts lowest, at $5/mo.
Why do people look for Firstory alternatives?
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.
Which Firstory alternative has the most monthly upload hours?
Podbean, with 16 hours/mo.
How do I switch from Firstory?
Export your data from Firstory (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Firstory.
How to Switch from Firstory
- Export your data from Firstory (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Firstory.
Firstory vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Directory distribution | Analytics level | Monetization tools | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Firstory | Yes | $7/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 9.0 |
| 1 | Podbean | Yes | $12/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 9.4 |
| 2 | Buzzsprout | Yes | $180/yr | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 9.3 |
| 3 | Acast | Yes | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 9.2 | |
| 4 | RSS.com | Yes | $15/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 9.1 |
| 5 | Blubrry | Yes | $5/mo | Major directories | Basic | Yes | 8.9 |
| 6 | Libsyn | No | $12/mo | Major directories | Basic | Yes | 8.8 |
| 7 | Podigee | Yes | €210/yr | Major directories | Basic | Yes | 8.7 |
| 8 | Spreaker | Yes | $20/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.6 |
| 9 | Castos | No | $190/yr | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.5 |
| 10 | Transistor | No | $19/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.4 |
| 11 | Captivate | No | $17/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.3 |
| 12 | Ausha | No | $15/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.2 |
| 13 | RedCircle | Yes | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.1 | |
| 14 | iono.fm | Yes | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.0 | |
| 15 | Spotify for Creators | Yes | Free | Manual submission | Advanced | Yes | 7.9 |
Head-to-Head
- Firstory vs Podbean
- Firstory vs Buzzsprout
- Firstory vs Acast
- Firstory vs RSS.com
- Firstory vs Blubrry
- Firstory vs Libsyn
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update