Podcast Hosting
LibsynvsSimplecast
Compare Libsyn and Simplecast side by side. See pricing, features, and which is right for your podcast.
Pricing Comparison
| Tier | Libsyn | Simplecast |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | 30-day free trial on every plan (card required, no charge until it ends) | — |
| Starting Price | $8/mo | $15/mo |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Libsyn | Simplecast |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Storage | ||
| Unlimited Bandwidth | ||
| Dynamic Ad Insertion | ||
| Transcription | ||
| Video Support | ||
| Analytics | ||
| Monetization | ||
| Custom Website | ||
| Team Members | ||
| API Access |
Libsyn Pros & Cons
Pros
- Longest track record in the industry (since 2004)
- Priced on upload hours, not downloads, so audience growth never raises the bill
- Video uploads included on every plan, up to 100GB a month
Cons
- No free forever plan, only a 30-day trial
- Upload allowance is small on the entry plans (3 hours a month on Basic)
- No overage rate published, so exceeding the quota means upgrading
Simplecast Pros & Cons
Pros
- IAB 2.0 certified analytics
- AdsWizz integration for enterprise monetization
- Professional publishing workflow
Cons
- No free tier
- Per-podcast pricing (separate subscription per show)
- No automatic transcription
The Verdict
Libsyn is best for:
- →Professional podcasters needing reliability
- →Established shows with large audiences
- →Networks requiring proven infrastructure
Simplecast is best for:
- →Professional podcasters and networks
- →Enterprise clients needing AdsWizz
- →Data-driven content creators
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper: Libsyn or Simplecast?
- Libsyn is the cheaper way in: its Bare Essentials plan is $8/month, against $15/month for Simplecast's Basic.
- Do Libsyn and Simplecast have free versions?
- Neither one has a free plan. The closest to free on offer: Libsyn lists 30-day free trial on every plan (card required, no charge until it ends). Paid plans start at $8/month for Libsyn and $15/month for Simplecast.
- What is the main difference between Libsyn and Simplecast?
- Libsyn covers Unlimited Bandwidth and Video Support, which Simplecast does not. Going the other way, Simplecast covers Unlimited Storage.