Best Simplecast Alternatives in 2026
The top Simplecast alternatives are Podbean, Buzzsprout and Acast: 15 podcast hosting platforms our editors would look at instead of Simplecast, in our ranking order.
Simplecast: A paid podcast platform with unlimited uploads, broad distribution, and advanced tools. Where it falls short: no permanent free plan.
Switching from Simplecast? For most podcast hosting platforms buyers the best Simplecast alternative is Podbean, built for creators wanting an all-in-one podcast platform. On a budget, Blubrry starts at $5/mo, against $13.50/mo for Simplecast.
Why People Look for a Simplecast Alternative
- No permanent free plan
- AI features are not included
- Advanced capabilities are reserved for higher-tier plans
- No free plan — 10 of the alternatives below have it
- Paid from $13.50/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 (Simplecast has none)
Visit Podbean - Most monthly upload hoursPodbean9.4
16 hours/mo
Visit Podbean
All 15 Simplecast 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 Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Paid from: $12/mo vs $13.50/mo
- Editor score 9.4 vs 6.6
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 Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.3 vs 6.6
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 Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.2 vs 6.6
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 Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.1 vs 6.6
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 forBudget-conscious creators wanting premium features
- Better than Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Paid from: $7/mo vs $13.50/mo
- Editor score 9.0 vs 6.6
A low-cost podcast host combining advanced analytics, AI tools, video, and monetization.
- Video podcast support
- Private podcasts
- Monetization tools
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit Firstory -
Best forLow-cost WordPress-oriented podcast publishers
- Better than Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Paid from: $5/mo vs $13.50/mo
- Editor score 8.9 vs 6.6
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
- Better than Simplecast:
- Paid from: $12/mo vs $13.50/mo
- Editor score 8.8 vs 6.6
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
- Better than Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.7 vs 6.6
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
- Better than Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.6 vs 6.6
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
- Better than Simplecast:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 6.6
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
- Better than Simplecast:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 6.6
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
- Better than Simplecast:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 6.6
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
- Better than Simplecast:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 6.6
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
- Better than Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.1 vs 6.6
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
- Better than Simplecast:
- Free plan
- Editor score 8.0 vs 6.6
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
Simplecast Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Simplecast?
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 Simplecast?
Yes. Podbean, Buzzsprout, Acast, RSS.com and Firstory have a free plan or a free tier (10 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
What is the cheapest paid alternative to Simplecast?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, Blubrry starts lowest, at $5/mo.
Why do people look for Simplecast alternatives?
No permanent free plan; AI features are not included; Advanced capabilities are reserved for higher-tier plans.
Which Simplecast alternative has the most monthly upload hours?
Podbean, with 16 hours/mo.
How do I switch from Simplecast?
Export your data from Simplecast (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 Simplecast.
How to Switch from Simplecast
- Export your data from Simplecast (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 Simplecast.
Simplecast vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Directory distribution | Analytics level | Monetization tools | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | Simplecast | No | $13.50/mo | Manual submission | Basic | Yes | 6.6 |
| 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 | Firstory | Yes | $7/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 9.0 |
| 6 | Blubrry | Yes | $5/mo | Major directories | Basic | Yes | 8.9 |
| 7 | Libsyn | No | $12/mo | Major directories | Basic | Yes | 8.8 |
| 8 | Podigee | Yes | €210/yr | Major directories | Basic | Yes | 8.7 |
| 9 | Spreaker | Yes | $20/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.6 |
| 10 | Castos | No | $190/yr | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.5 |
| 11 | Transistor | No | $19/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.4 |
| 12 | Captivate | No | $17/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.3 |
| 13 | Ausha | No | $15/mo | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.2 |
| 14 | RedCircle | Yes | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.1 | |
| 15 | iono.fm | Yes | Major directories | Advanced | Yes | 8.0 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update