Podcast Hosting
AcastvsPodbean
Compare Acast and Podbean side by side. See pricing, features, and which is right for your podcast.
Pricing Comparison
| Tier | Acast | Podbean |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Starter: 1 show, 5 episodes, or unlimited episodes with ads enabled | 5 hours total storage, 100GB bandwidth |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Acast | Podbean |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Storage | ||
| Unlimited Bandwidth | ||
| Dynamic Ad Insertion | ||
| Transcription | ||
| Video Support | ||
| Analytics | ||
| Monetization | ||
| Custom Website | ||
| Team Members | ||
| API Access |
Acast Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free Starter plan with advanced analytics included
- Yearly billing cuts Essential to $14.99/month and Pro to $29.99/month
- Global infrastructure and support
Cons
- Free Starter plan stops at 5 episodes unless you enable ads
- Transcriptions require Essential or above, not the free plan
- Acast does not publish its ad revenue split on its pricing pages
Podbean Pros & Cons
Pros
- Generous free tier for beginners
- Built-in PodAds advertising marketplace
- AI-powered transcription with speaker diarization
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to competitors
- Customer support can be slow
- Video and team features require higher tiers
The Verdict
Acast is best for:
- →Shows seeking premium advertising deals
- →International podcasters
- →Creators wanting transcription included
Podbean is best for:
- →Podcasters wanting to monetize early
- →Budget-conscious creators
- →Those wanting an all-in-one platform
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper: Acast or Podbean?
- Both have a free tier, so it comes down to the first paid plan: Podbean's Unlimited Audio is $17/month, against $25/month for Acast's Essential.
- Do Acast and Podbean have free versions?
- Both do. Acast gives you Starter: 1 show, 5 episodes, or unlimited episodes with ads enabled, and Podbean gives you 5 hours total storage, 100GB bandwidth.