Best Podcast Hosting in 2026
Get your podcast on every platform - the right way
TL;DR
For new podcasters, Buzzsprout offers the best balance of features and simplicity with a free tier. Serious podcasters should consider Transistor ($19/month) for unlimited shows and advanced analytics. Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor) is free but comes with limitations. Don't overthink it—switching hosts is easy.
Starting a podcast is exciting until you realize you need a hosting platform. The episode files need to live somewhere, and your host distributes your show to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere else.
Good news: podcast hosting is a solved problem. Most platforms do the basics well. The differences are in pricing models, analytics depth, and extra features. Here's what actually matters.
What Podcast Hosting Does
Podcast hosting stores your audio files and generates an RSS feed that podcast apps use to display your show. Your host also provides analytics (downloads, listeners, geography), handles distribution to major platforms, and often offers a website and embeddable player. The best hosts make publishing easy and provide actionable insights.
Why Your Host Matters
Your host affects how easily you can publish, how well you understand your audience, and how professional your podcast appears. Bad analytics leave you guessing about what works. Poor distribution means missing potential listeners. The wrong pricing model can cost you as your show grows.
Key Features to Look For
Unlimited Storage/Bandwidth
essentialNo extra costs as your show grows
Distribution to Major Platforms
essentialEasy submission to Apple, Spotify, etc.
Detailed Analytics
essentialUnderstand who's listening and where they drop off
Embeddable Player
importantShare episodes on your website
Multiple Shows
importantHost multiple podcasts from one account
Episode Scheduling
importantQueue episodes in advance
Transcripts
nice-to-haveAuto-generate or upload episode transcripts
Monetization Tools
nice-to-haveBuilt-in sponsorship and support features
Video Podcasting
nice-to-haveHost video versions of episodes
How to Choose
- How many shows will you have? Some hosts charge per show, others offer unlimited
- Analytics depth—basic download counts vs. listener retention and demographics
- Growth plans—will the pricing work when you have 10,000 downloads per episode?
- Monetization goals—some hosts have built-in sponsorship marketplaces
- Video podcasting—YouTube distribution is increasingly important
Pricing Overview
Podcast hosting ranges from free to $50+/month for professional features.
Free
$0
Beginners, hobby podcasters
Basic
$12-$20/month
Serious hobbyists, growing shows
Professional
$30-$80/month
Networks, multiple shows, advanced needs
Top Picks
Based on features, user feedback, and value for money.
Buzzsprout
Top PickBest all-around platform for most podcasters
Best for: New to intermediate podcasters wanting simplicity and good analytics
Pros
- Excellent user experience
- Good analytics for the price
- Free tier available
- Great support and resources
Cons
- Free tier episodes expire after 90 days
- Gets expensive for high-volume publishers
- Limited advanced features
Transistor
Unlimited shows and episodes for one price
Best for: Podcasters with multiple shows or planning to start more
Pros
- Unlimited shows and episodes
- Excellent analytics
- Professional features
- Good for podcast networks
Cons
- No free tier
- Starts at $19/month
- Might be overkill for one small show
Spotify for Podcasters
Completely free with some trade-offs
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who understand the limitations
Pros
- Completely free
- Easy to use
- Built-in monetization
- Video episode support
Cons
- Basic analytics
- You don't own your RSS feed
- Spotify-centric focus
- Less customization
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Worrying too much about hosting before you've recorded episodes
- Choosing free hosting without understanding the trade-offs (like Anchor's RSS ownership)
- Paying for expensive hosting before you need advanced features
- Not setting up proper analytics to understand your audience
- Ignoring video podcasting when YouTube is a major discovery platform
Expert Tips
- Start with Buzzsprout's free tier or Transistor's trial—you can always upgrade
- Own your RSS feed—this lets you switch hosts without losing subscribers
- Submit to major platforms manually rather than relying on auto-distribution
- YouTube is the #2 podcast platform—consider video or audiogram clips
- Switching hosts is easy—don't stress the initial choice too much
The Bottom Line
For most podcasters, Buzzsprout provides the best balance of ease, features, and price. If you're running multiple shows, Transistor's unlimited model makes more sense. Free options like Spotify for Podcasters work but come with trade-offs around control and analytics. Start simple and upgrade as you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch podcast hosts later?
Yes, easily. Most hosts can import your existing show and set up redirects so you don't lose subscribers. This is why owning your RSS feed matters—you're not locked in.
Do I need to pay for hosting?
Not to start. Free options exist, though they have limitations. As your show grows and you want better analytics and features, $15-20/month is worthwhile.
What about Spotify for Podcasters (Anchor)?
It's genuinely free and easy to use. The catch: you don't fully own your RSS feed, analytics are basic, and there's always a question of relying on a platform you don't control. Fine for beginners, but consider migrating as you grow.
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