Podcast Platform reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 241 Reddit reviews across 8 subreddits and 25 posts to rank the best Podcast Platform brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/podcasting, r/podcasts, r/podcast, r/empirepodcast, r/Anticonsumption. Top-rated brands include Buzzsprout (4.4/5), Pocket Casts (4.4/5), Spotify (3.7/5).
Stats
Reviews241
Subreddits8
Posts25
Brands64
Products2
241 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Buzzsprout
4.4
(21)
"I absolutely love Buzzsprout!!!! We just started are podcast and Buzzsprout made it so easy."
"Buzzsprout is really easy to use and set things up, easy to get listed on all the directories."
"I've been with Buzzsprout for over five years and love it! It's super user friendly, has awesome features included in the plan."
"We use Buzzsprout as our host site. It's really easy to use and set things up, easy to get listed on all the directories, their customer service is really helpful."
"Great hosting platform for beginners."
"Super easy to get started with and have every feature I need."
"Lets you start multiple podcasts under 1 account."
"It's really easy to use and set things up."
"I don't see any reason to switch."
"I'm really happy with Buzzsprout."
#2
Pocket Casts
4.4
(16)
"This. By far the best one I've ever used."
"Adding to the Pocketcast praise."
"Cross platform, syncs automatically between platforms, has all the bells and whistles you want."
"Pocket Casts is all you need and nothing you don't."
"OP, Pocket Casts is my favorite app and my recommendation for podcast listening."
"Pocketcasts, as has already been mentioned, is about as good as it gets."
"The best podcatcher is Pocket Casts."
"Pocketcasts all day"
"Pocket casts"
"Pocket Casts and Overcast have been the best apps for me."
#3
Spotify
3.7
(18)
"Spotify for both!"
"Spotify is great. You don't need premium to download podcasts, meaning you also don't have to worry about ads."
"Spotify for podcasts (because you can skip the ads anyway)"
"I've gone for Spotify as I was able to add my Spoiler Special and Pilot+ subscriptions there."
"I mainly use Spotify although the Spoiler Special pod isn't available there so I use Apple Podcast for that."
"Spotify, iTunes and Google Podcasts are the best free platforms to access podcasts from around the globe on a variety of topics."
"Spotify"
"Spotify or iTunes or google podcast"
"I'm currently using Spotify (should work without premium as well) which is great too"
"I do spotify i reccomend welcome to nightvale or my brother my brother and me"
#4
Captivate
4.4
(12)
"I use Captivate (in the past Acast and Substack), and I'm super happy with the really useful/practical feature set it has. And very good analytics!"
"Amazing platform."
"They support multiple shows."
"You could launch as many podcasts as you want."
"I tried out a bunch of different platforms and hosts and ultimately decided on Captivate. They make everything simple and clean with a beautiful website."
"We've also been happy with Captivate though we're not monetizing so no experience with any of those features."
"Captivate is my podcast host. Unlimited shows can be released under one subscription."
"I love Captivate, Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Blubrry, and anybody but Spotify."
"Now on captivate and it's great."
"We moved from our old one and now use Captivate."
#5
Anchor.fm
4.3
(12)
"I'm also a huge fan of Anchor. Has everything we need for our podcast!"
"I highly recommend Anchor. It is a great, 100% free platform, acquired by Spotify last year and allows you to distribute your show to all major platforms and it even has built in monetization tools."
"Anchor is insanely easy and free! It automatically distributes your podcast to all the main services."
"I would suggest using Anchor.fm Because once you submit your podcast to them and get approved, they do all the work for you in getting your podcast on every podcasting host they can."
"I use Anchor. Does anyone have any negative issues with it?"
"Anchor."
"By the sound of it, seems like Anchor is a great idea."
"I have been diggin Anchor. They do a lot of the hard lifting for you and make uploading and monetization really easy"
"If you're looking for free pod hosts, then Podbean, Soundcloud, and Anchor all have free options. Out of them, I would go with Anchor as it is made by and for podcasters."
"Anchor is the best free platform with SoundCloud probably being second."
#6
Podcast Addict
4.0
(12)
"I've been using podcast addict for more than a decade. It's absolutely perfect for me and has incredible support."
"Podcast addict is one of the few free apps I've paid for, I use it so much and it does everything I could possibly want it to do"
"Podcast Addict. Tried so many others and always come back to it."
"Podcast Addict."
"Podcast Addict, easy, lightweight, and free."
"It's great to set up in pretty much anyway you would like."
"The app Podcast Addict"
"I use Podcast Addict. It lets me sort my podcasts how I want, and I haven't run into a limit on how many playlists I can make."
"I use podcast addict and you can do similar things"
"I like podcast addict"
#7
Riverside.fm
3.9
(10)
"Riverside.FM is excellent - great audio quality and reliability for remote guests."
"It’s super user-friendly and honestly perfect if you’re just starting out. You can record really high-quality audio and video right through your browser."
"Riverside. They are quite responsive to feature requests and the editor is getting better. The recording platform is excellent."
"Riverside is great, use some of the editing as initial edits then edit on Audition for rest. Host on podbean."
"We use Riverside.fm, as a recording platform it works great. I do use some of the editing tools to do initial editing. I then download the track and edit in Audition."
"You'll still pay a little over $100 for a year but it's 100% worth it!"
"Not only can you edit on Riverside, but it offers text-based editing based on your transcript, which is pretty cool."
"I use riverside and generally it’s pretty good. I’d give it a 7/10. There’s a lot it does well, but a lot it does really shit too."
"I use riverside for recording and social media clips but transcripts, editing, and audio enhancements are not very good."
"Riverside does have editing, but it's pretty janky and has shitty AI crammed into it instead of actual editing tools."
#8
Overcast
4.5
(8)
"Only one answer to this imo."
"Does everything I need it to do plus has some nice features."
"Thirding I love Overcast best one I’ve used!"
"I'm a huge fan of Overcast. Smart Speed alone makes the app a must-have for anyone who listens to a lot of podcasts."
"Seconding Overcast, is great."
"I like Overcast - I upgraded to premium years ago. I wish they had an android version too."
"Overcast or Pocket Casts
I think overcast is more start forward but I like pocket casts UI"
"Overcast has a nice freemium model and none of the creepy *middleman* crap of Stitcher."
#9
Google Podcasts
3.6
(9)
"Google Podcast works surprisingly well."
"Google podcast.. I don't know why it doesn't get any love here but its design is so minimalist and simple."
"Google podcast pulled their shit together finally, now I can recommend"
"I love Google podcast!"
"Google podcast are free"
"Google podcasts...there are ads, but nbd."
"Google podcast"
"I use the Google Podcast app"
"Google podcasts all day. I used to use podcast addict on my android and it destroyed my battery."
#10
Libsyn
3.6
(9)
"We also use Libsyn and have multiple shows running at once. It's relatively inexpensive."
"Look I use libsyn. They’re not free, but you get what you pay for."
"I have been impressed over the last year."
"I go with Libsyn. I've been with them for years and their customer service is the best in the business. Great analytics as well."
"I use libsyn. Reasonable rates depending on how often you upload."
"Been using Libsyn after extensive research into a lot of the hosting sites."
"While libsyn is accessible and free of bugs (as far as I'm aware), it's product overall feels like a bait-and-switch."
"Any thoughts on Libsyn?"
"As a hobbyist, I would recommend against using Libsyn."
#11
Spreaker
4.0
(7)
"I'm an executive for the company that owns the second largest podcast hosting company (behind Spotify), Spreaker, which I obviously highly recommend."
"Spreaker has been much better for monetization but I still miss Podbean’s nice stats interface and overall ease of use."
"Spreaker is getting good reviews from podcasters of late."
"The first that comes to my mind is Spreaker. It comes at a cost, but as far as I know they're great at what they do."
"Spreaker and Spotify have tons of podcasts and all are free."
"I use 2 sources. One is Spreaker (which I use the MOST) and the other platform is Anchor which is FREE and I am monetized on several areas already."
"Spreaker"
#12
Castbox
3.4
(8)
"Castbox is my favorite"
"Castbox is a great app I use"
"I like castbox and radio public, mostly because they allow the podcaster to monitize from day one."
"I use Castbox on Android. It's pretty simple to use and my only issue with it is the number of ads they throw at you."
"Castbox"
"Castbox"
"Castbox"
"Castbox"
#13
Podbean
4.2
(6)
"Everything is straight forward and it posts to all the pod apps too."
"Im really enjoying podbean."
"I've been using Podbean for the last six years and have no complaints."
"Haven't had any issues in the past year and a half."
"You can record from your phone on the Podbean app."
"I was on Podbean for a year but switched to Spreaker because programmatic ad slots on Podbean weren’t getting filled and were paying really low rates."
#14
Transistor.fm
5.0
(5)
"I love everything about my 6 years at transistor.fm."
"Been with transistor.fm for 6 years with nothing but positive experiences."
"I'd previously used Transistor as well, 100% recommend."
"Been with transistor.fm since i started with podcasts a couple years ago. I love that it's 100% hustle free."
"I've been a Transistor.fm client for more than 5 years now after trying a few other ones mentioned here."
#15
Stitcher
3.8
(6)
"I use Sticher. Download it to your phone from the app store. Easy."
"I use Stitcher and I'm happy"
"I second this! Great app!"
"Been using stitcher for years. I like it"
"I use Stitcher.
I recommend:
* LeVar Burton Reads
* Hello, from the Magic Tavern
* Myths and Legends
* The Blacksmith's Pub
* Critical Role
* Marvel's: Wolverine, the Lost Trail"
"I use Stitcher."
#16
Transistor
4.4
(5)
"It’s still my platform of choice. It’s easy to use, and they make distribution a breeze."
"We really like it."
"Transistor will let you run multiple shows on the same subscription fee."
"It allows you to easily migrate existing shows."
"Lots of premium hosts can do this."
#17
StreamYard
4.2
(5)
"I've had zero issues with Streamyard after 4 episodes now."
"I really like streamyard. They keep addi my new features that sets them apart."
"I think I'm going to try Streamyard. Thanks for all your input!"
"I use streamyard and love it."
"I haven’t noticed any drift in Streamyard, but they are jacking up their prices."
#18
Acast
4.2
(5)
"The free option has everything you need. Go check them out. Unlimited shows and uploads."
"I use Acast. Got a month free promotion so I'm taking advantage of it. Everything good so far."
"I’ve heavily considered ACast. Seems a lot better analytic access but I’ll have to read up on the other notes."
"Simple and user friendly, no issues so far"
"My instinct is that Acast would be the favoured one for making as much revenue as possible"
#19
Podcast Republic
4.8
(4)
"I use Podcast Republic from the Google play store. It's amazing. Then you just search or browse podcasts and subscribe to them. All free."
"I recommend Podcast Republic for Android. I've been using it for years."
"I've used Podcast Republic for years. It's ad usage isn't intrusive either."
"Podcast Republic works the best. Tons of customizations."
#20
Spotify for Podcasters
5.0
(3)
"This is easy"
"Spreads pretty much everywhere, simple and easy to use."
"A totally free podcast host without any restrictions as far as episode length, number of uploads, bandwidth, etc."
#21
Zencastr
4.3
(3)
"We use and love Zencastr. It records in high quality on each person's desktop."
"We use Zencastr. It has an audio and video recording platform, editing, and hosting all in one."
"Didn’t notice any in Zencastr either."
#22
Castos
4.3
(3)
"I can run unlimited shows."
"I'm using Castos since I produce multiple shows."
"We like Castos."
#23
AntennaPod
4.0
(3)
"I have started using AntennaPod."
"AntennaPod for me, completely open source."
"Nobody recommend Antennapod
Download from f-droid or google play store"
#24
Anchor
3.7
(3)
"I'm happy because it's always growing."
"We really liked it."
"If you're already podcasting I say skip Anchor - I just recently started a podcast - 4 episodes in and Anchor is great."
#25
Podcast Platforms
3.3
(3)
"You could read up alternatives if it continues to be a problem"
"What is best is subjective. What matters to you?"
"I'm looking for a platform besides obviously the two in the title that allow people to download and follow the series"
#26
RSS.com
5.0
(2)
"I'm a brand ambassador for RSS.com, but only because I genuinely fell in love with their platform after extensive testing!"
"My top pick is RSS.com. In full disclosure, I'm a brand ambassador for them, but I became a brand ambassador because I love their service."
#27
Pinecast
4.5
(2)
"It’s super affordable, and allows you to create a network."
"We ended up going with Pinecast to host our podcast."
#28
Descript
4.0
(2)
"I use Descript for a lot of Recording and editing. They are GREAT for editing."
"Descript"
#29
Alitu
4.0
(2)
"I liked Alitu because it was a platform where you could very easily do editing - and depending on what you were looking to do, it could be done with a push of one button."
"I use Alitu. I thoroughly enjoy them, and while they don't have video capability (yet), if you had an audio only podcast there are more features you could capitalize on."
#30
RedCircle
4.0
(2)
"If monetization is your focus, there's no better option than RedCircle."
"Redcircle. Was recommended to me in the audiodrama community so I switched from SoundCloud to that. It's free, supports RSS and easy distribution to other platforms and no upload limits."
#31
Player FM
3.5
(2)
"I also like the features of Player FM. You can make an account and sync between Android and PC, gratis with some ads."
"Player FM"
#32
Voice America
5.0
(1)
"There's a great platform out there that seems to beat them all with a full social media team, graphics team, voice talents and engineers that will produce your show."
#33
Firstory
5.0
(1)
"Allows you to have unlimited number of shows under one account."
#34
Sounder
5.0
(1)
"I pay $13/mo and that includes automatic transcription."
#35
Wooshkaa
5.0
(1)
"I'm using Wooshkaa for a host. Their basic plan is free, and they do all the heavy lifting for you!"
#36
Castopod
5.0
(1)
"What about Castopod? They are Open Source, support Podcasting 2.0, and have a hosted service. I’m very happy with them."
#37
Squadcast
5.0
(1)
"We use Squadcast to record.. Descript own Squadcast, which is excellent, so there is good integration."
#38
Adobe
5.0
(1)
"Adobe Podcasts has become my go-to for its user-friendly interface. I also LOVE the fact that it can help me remove background noise and provide studio quality sound."
#39
Riverside
4.0
(1)
"Riverside’s drift is easy to fix. Takes like a minute in DaVinci Resolve."
#40
iTunes
4.0
(1)
"I still download them on iTunes and then put them on an old school ipod."
#41
Substack
4.0
(1)
"Substack (you can build email lists)"
#42
Switcher Studio
4.0
(1)
"Have you tried using Switcher studio? They have an RTMP Reconnect feature..."
#43
Megaphone
4.0
(1)
"I'm on a network and they use Megaphone. Personally, I have the ability to have multiple shows under my account."
#44
Izitext
4.0
(1)
"Maybe you could check the ones in this article!"
#45
Darknet
4.0
(1)
"Seconding Darknet, it's really great."
#46
Red Circle
4.0
(1)
"I switched from Buzzsprout to Red Circle."
#47
Audacity
4.0
(1)
"I use a mixture of Audacity and Spreaker"
#48
PodParadise
4.0
(1)
"I've been using PodParadise. No issues so far."
#49
Grover Podcast
4.0
(1)
"Im using Grover Podcast on pc. Its free, has dark mode, no ads, and an easy to use queue feature."
#50
PodTalk
4.0
(1)
"My brother made an app called PodTalk. I prefer it significantly than all the other platforms."
#51
Apple Podcasts
4.0
(1)
"I've used Pocketcasts, Google Podcasts and am now using Apple Podcasts."
#52
Podka.io
4.0
(1)
"It’s full of a bunch of technology business and advertising topics if you are interested in that. Easily sorted and nice site."
#53
OP3
4.0
(1)
"I've also started using OP3 which I've found great - just bear in mind that your stats will be public if you choose to use OP3."
#54
Megaphone.fm
4.0
(1)
"I've used almost every host and I think it has the best/most features, especially for dynamic ads, promos, analytics, etc."
#55
PodOps
4.0
(1)
"PodOps is an indie focused platform that offers audio and video hosting."
#56
Ausha
4.0
(1)
"I use Ausha — great marketing tools and clear analytics if you're looking to grow beyond just hosting."
#57
Audacy Creator Lab
4.0
(1)
"We just launched a free hosting platform that’s built for creators who want better monetization opportunities."
#58
Hubhopper
4.0
(1)
"Definitely check out Hubhopper, totally get where you’re coming from Spotify’s hosting (Anchor) is convenient, but when it comes to analytics and actual growth tools, it can feel pretty limiting."
#59
Art19
4.0
(1)
"It has really great tools for a network."
#60
Podible
4.0
(1)
"Shameless plug, but Podible finally made the jump from web to iOS app so you can check that out."
#61
RSS
3.0
(1)
"RSS is very solid. Though I don't believe the feature set is as good as others."
#62
SoundCloud
3.0
(1)
"SoundCloud can host and be a platform you can direct people to so they can listen. it’s also free which is great for first timers."
#63
iHeartRadio
3.0
(1)
"IHeartradio"
#64
Blubrry
3.0
(1)
"I've been using Blubrry for years. I'm a little concerned no one has mentioned it yet."
Discover your audience
GummySearch is an audience research toolkit for 130,000 unique communities on Reddit.
If you are looking for startup problems to solve, want to validate your idea or find your customers online, GummySearch is for you.
Sign up for free, get community insights in minutes.
Tell me more
Get started
