Buzzsprout Review 2026: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

Key takeaways: 

• Buzzsprout is a beginner-friendly podcast host that offers a clean interface, guided onboarding, and reliable distribution.
• Pricing is based on your monthly upload hours (not on file size or storage limits), which works better for weekly shows.
• It covers the basics well, but advanced creators may outgrow its features and monetization.

Buzzsprout is a popular podcast hosting platform, especially for beginners. It’s known for its simple interface and a free plan that makes it easy to get started.

But it’s not the only option, and choosing the right host matters as your podcast grows.

In this review, I break down Buzzsprout’s key features, pricing, pros, and limitations. Plus, I’ll compare it with alternatives so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for your podcast.

Buzzsprout’s key features

Now let’s run through some of Buzzsprout’s key features and how they’re likely to affect your workflows and podcast.

Hosting and distribution

Buzzsprout feels more reliable because it’s so simple to use and reduces room for error.

Its stripped-down interface and guided workflows make uploads straightforward, feeds stable, and episode delivery consistent across podcast apps.

Like all hosts, Buzzsprout automatically generates an RSS feed for your show that you can submit to podcast directories. But it also integrates directly with popular directories (Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.), so you can submit your feed with a click. 

For platforms that still require manual submission, it provides clear, step-by-step instructions.

Podcast website and embed player

One of Buzzsprout’s standout features is that it provides a basic podcast website (under Buzzsprout’s domain) with all paid plans. You can also get a custom URL for an additional fee. 

This site is automatically generated from your show’s details and episodes. But, you can customize the theme color and background image. 

Here’s an example:

The site is basic, but mobile-responsive. Listeners can browse episodes, read show notes, and play episodes in a web player. It’s a nice perk for creators who don’t have an existing website!

If you already have a website, Buzzsprout also provides embeddable episode and playlist players. Add them to any page with a short code snippet, and each player includes a subscribe button for major podcast apps.

Analytics (IAB-certified)

Buzzsprout offers a solid analytics dashboard to track your podcast’s performance. 

Its podcast analytics are IAB certified, which means they adhere to the industry-standard guidelines for measuring downloads. This ensures your download numbers are filtered for bots and duplicate requests, making them more trustworthy. 

In the Buzzsprout dashboard, you’ll find all the basic key metrics podcasters rely on, like:

• Total downloads over time.
• Episode downloads.
• Episode download trends over time.
• Listener location.
• Apps and platforms listeners use to access your show.
• Device info and operating system.

The analytics are clear and easy to read, but they aren’t as detailed as they could be. More advanced podcasters may want to supplement with external analytics tools.

Dynamic content and announcements

Buzzsprout offers dynamic content insertion for adding promotions or ads to your podcast without re-editing your original episode files.

You can insert short audio clips at the beginning, middle, or end of an episode and apply them across multiple episodes at once. Buzzsprout can also scan episodes for natural breaks and suggest mid-roll placement.

Best of all, the dynamic insertion is non-destructive, so it doesn’t overwrite your original file. You can swap it out or even remove it just as easily as you can add it in.

But, this isn’t full dynamic ad insertion based on listener data. It requires more manual setup. Either way, it’s still a practical option for newer podcasters who want simple promo or ad placement.

Monetization options

Buzzsprout is not an ad network or a full monetization suite, but it covers the basics that independent podcasters need to get started with earning, including:

Dynamic ads and sponsorship reads

Buzzsprout’s dynamic content feature can be used for ads. If you secure a sponsor or want to run an affiliate promotion, you can record a short ad read and insert it across all episodes. 

Sponsors and affiliates tracking

While this doesn’t automatically insert anything, there’s a field in your Buzzsprout account's Monetization tab where you can keep track of your sponsor/affiliate information. 

You can also display your sponsor or affiliate links on your Buzzsprout website, so listeners can click through.

Buzzsprout ads program

Buzzsprout Ads allows you to automatically insert ads into your episodes and earn a share of the revenue. 

It’s only available to shows that meet certain criteria. But it’s a very simple, set-it-and-go system for podcasters who may not have their own sponsors. 

Be aware, you don’t get control over specific sponsors, which means they may not be the best fit for your audience.

Listener support

Buzzsprout includes a “Listener Support” feature that is essentially a built-in donation system.It allows your fans to sign up to contribute monthly donations to support your show. Buzzsprout even uses Stripe to handle the payments. 

Note that Buzzsprout takes a 15% cut of this revenue.

Chapter markers

Buzzsprout’s’s chapter editor allows you to add chapters to your episodes so that listeners can skip to specific segments. Listeners using apps like Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Overcast, etc. will see those chapter titles and can jump to the parts they’re interested in. 

This is great for improving listener retention. While someone might not re-listen to an entire 60-minute episode, they can easily find that one interview or segment they loved.

I love that the chapter interface in Buzzsprout is so simple and easy to use. 

Transcripts and accessibility

Like most podcast hosts, Buzzsprout supports podcast transcripts attached to each episode. These appear on your Buzzsprout podcast website and are included in your RSS feed, which helps with accessibility and podcast SEO.

You can generate transcripts using Buzzsprout’s Cohost AI, but I found the accuracy can be inconsistent. If you use it, plan to review and edit the text before publishing. Cohost AI is also a paid add-on, costing an extra $5–10 per month, depending on your plan.

Read more: For more options, check out our list of the best transcription services.

Audio mastering

Buzzsprout offers an optional add-on service called Magic Mastering, which is essentially an audio enhancement tool. 

After you upload an episode, Magic Mastering applies level balancing, noise reduction, EQ, and compression to improve overall clarity.

This can be helpful for beginners who want quick improvements without editing. But I’m on the fence about it, especially since it’s only available on Buzzsprout’s paid plans.

More serious podcasters will almost certainly edit their episodes with a podcast editor, like Riverside. You’ll get a lot more than just audio enhancement (and much better results) this way.

Cohost AI

Cohost AI is a paid add-on that uses artificial intelligence to help you automate and streamline parts of your podcast workflow. It can help you generate episode titles, draft your episode description, and create chapter markers from your audio. 

Overall, this can be a useful time-saver, but many podcast editors already include it. For example, with Riverside, you can use AI to automatically generate chapters, descriptions, and show notes. There’s even a chat-based editor to turn your podcast into social media videos,  podcast covers, and more.

Buzzsprout pros and cons:

You’ll see based on the features above, Buzzsprout’s strong points are it’s:

• Ease of use: Its intuitive dashboard and guides are ideal for beginners.
• Reliable analytics: IAB-certified analytics give you cleaner, more reliable data.
• Low setup overhead: The included website, embed players and ad insertions cover basic promotion without extra tools.
• Strong onboarding and support: Helpful documentation and responsive support make it easy to get started..

But, some of cons to consider are:

• Monthly upload limits. Buzzsprout's restrictive plans can get expensive for long or frequent posting shows.
• Limited monetization. No advanced ad targeting, programmatic ads, or end-to-end sponsorship management.
• No native video podcasting. Buzzsprout is audio-focused and will extract audio only from video uploads. (If you’re looking for video hosting, try Riverside or Spotify.)
• Multiple shows are not consolidated. There’s no single unified dashboard for all shows unless you have a network arrangement.
• No built-in recording or advanced editing. You’ll need separate software for recording and editing your show which means you’ll need additional paid subscriptions.

Buzzsprout pricing: How it works and what it really costs

Unlike hosts that price plans based on total storage or bandwidth, Buzzsprout charges based on the number of audio hours you upload each month. This works for lower volume podcasters, but may cost more for podcasters who record and publish a lot of content. 

Let’s take a look at Buzzsprout’s plans and what they include.

Note: AI features like Cohost AI and Magic Mastering are paid add-ons that cost an additional $5-10 each (depending on your plan).

Keep in mind that:

• Buzzsprout’s free tier is more of a trial. Episodes on the free plan are only hosted for 90 days and are then removed from your feed. 
• Paid plans differ mostly by the addition of more in-depth analytics and monetization tools. 
• If you do go over the monthly time caps, you only pay $4 per additional hour. 

Overall, pricing for Buzzsprout hosting is reasonable and in line with other podcast hosts. You’re also not locked into a contract. If you take a break from podcasting, you can downgrade your plan or pay $5/month to keep your episodes live on directories. 

Buzzsprout also provides unlimited storage, something other podcast hosts don’t offer.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider an all-in-one platform like Riverside, which offers unlimited podcast hosting. You can record, edit, and host your show starting at only $24 a month.

Setting up Buzzsprout: Adding a show

If you’re starting a brand new podcast, here’s how to set up on Buzzsprout:

Step 1: Sign up and provide podcast info

When you sign up, Buzzsprout asks for your podcast’s basic details, including the title, description, category, and language.

Your podcast description appears in listening apps, so keep it concise, clear, and keyword-focused

It’s also important to choose a category that best fits your content. You can pick a primary category and a sub-category/secondary category. 

Lastly, you’ll need to provide an author name and a contact email as well. This email is included in your RSS feed for administrative purposes and account recovery, though not all directories display it publicly. Buzzsprout will list that email in your RSS feed’s public contact. Some directories show it, some don’t, but it’s necessary for account recovery and other administrative tasks.

Step 2: Upload podcast artwork

You’ll need to upload cover art for your podcast. This is the square image that shows up in podcast directories, like Apple and Spotify. 

Don’t skip this step. Artwork is required by many directories and is easy to make using a tool like Canva. In fact, Buzzsprout connects you straight to Canva’s cover art templates from the platform. 

PS. An even quicker way to create a podcast cover, is by using Co-creator, Riverside’s built-in chat-based editor. Straight after recoridng a podcast, just ask Co-creator to create a cover and will generate one for you.

Step 3: Publish an episode

To activate hosting on Buzzsprout, you need to upload at least one episode or trailer. Just drag and drop your MP3 file into the dashboard to get started.

Step 4: Submit your podcast to directories

Buzzsprout provides a Directories tab that lists major podcast platforms and the status of your submission. 

For brand new shows, you have to go through each directory and opt to be listed. Just follow Buzzsprout instructions for each.

Step 5: Verify and wait

After submitting your podcast to directories, all that’s left is to wait. Apple might take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Spotify is usually fast (sometimes within hours or even minutes). 

During this time, your Buzzsprout feed is technically live, but you won’t show up in podcast app search results right away. Buzzsprout’s dashboard will often update the status as you are approved by each directory.

Step 6: Check your podcast apps

Once approved, do a quick check by searching your podcast name in the directory apps you submitted your RSS feed to. It’s a good idea to subscribe to your own podcast on multiple apps to ensure everything looks right. 

If something’s off, you can correct it in Buzzsprout, and it will update the feed. Changes propagate to apps within a day or so.

That’s it; you’ve launched a podcast! For me, Buzzsprout’s guided onboarding made what can be a daunting process very simple. It even has a checklist on the home dashboard for new podcasts, which will remind you to do things (like submit to each directory).

Importing an existing podcast to Buzzsprout

If you already have a podcast hosted elsewhere and want to migrate it to Buzzsprout, here’s how to do it without losing any subscribers:

Step 1: Sign up and choose import

After you create a Buzzsprout account, select the option “I Already Have a Podcast” when prompted. 

Buzzsprout will then guide you through an import process. Don’t worry, nothing will change on your old host just yet. 

Step 2: Import your episodes

Find and select your podcast in Buzzsprout. 

Buzzsprout will automatically fetch your past episodes. It typically imports the most recent episodes first, usually the last 50 or so, depending on what’s in your feed. 

During this process, Buzzsprout also grabs your show info, like your title, description, artwork, so that your Buzzsprout listing matches your old one. This import usually takes only a few minutes.

Step 3: Preview and verify

Once imported, check that your episodes and details look correct in Buzzsprout. 

Since this is just a copy at this stage, your original podcast is still live on the old host and your subscribers are none the wiser. 

Step 4: Upgrade your plan

Buzzsprout allows you to import and test for free, but to actually host all those episodes and officially redirect them, you’ll need to pick a paid plan. 

Choose a plan  that fits your monthly needs and activate it. This ensures your imported episodes don’t expire and that you have enough upload time for new episodes going forward.

Step 5: Redirect your old RSS feed

Once everything is set up on Buzzsprout, the most important step is redirecting your old podcast RSS feed to your new Buzzsprout feed.

This is done on your old hosting platform. There, you’ll find a setting often called “301 Redirect” or “Permanent Redirect.” Paste your new Buzzsprout RSS URL there. 

When done correctly, the transition is seamless. Existing subscribers won’t need to resubscribe, and most won’t notice anything beyond a brief delay the first time the feed updates.

If you need extra help, Buzzsprout’s help documentation even has specific guides for redirecting from various hosts .

Pro tip: Do not publish new episodes to both places. Once you decide to switch, you’ll publish new episodes on Buzzsprout only. The redirect ensures that even people subscribed to the old feed get the new episodes via the new feed.

Step 6: Monitor your redirect

After setting the redirect, it’s a good idea to leave your old host account active for a few days. Buzzsprout recommends keeping the old feed up for about 2 weeks. 

Most directories update to the new feed within 24-48 hours, and many within minutes. 

Test your podcast in a couple of apps after a day or so. If you see new episodes from Buzzsprout appearing, you know everything is working.

Step 7: Close the old hosting account

Once you’re confident the redirect has been picked up by all major podcast directories, you can cancel your old hosting subscription. Do not cancel it immediately upon setting the redirect! 

If the old feed goes dead before the directories have switched, you could lose some listeners. By keeping it up for a short transition, you ensure everyone’s moved over. 

Buzzsprout vs. alternatives: How to choose

Buzzsprout’s user-friendly interface makes it ideal for most beginners and intermediate creators. But I wouldn’t recommend it for longer shows or for video podcasts. 

Here are some options you can look into and compare:

For an all-in-one hosting alternative

If you want to avoid multiple subscriptions, then choosing an end-to-end podcast platform is your solution. Instead of a separate platform for recording, editing and hosting, with Riverside you can do it all. 

Record in up to 4K resolution with 10 participants. You can even stream your show. Edit with AI tools to clean up audio, trim filler content and brand your show using captions, overlays  and music. There’s also a chat-based editor, you can use to prompt edits or even to turn your podcast into assets like podcast covers, promotional clips, a blog and more. 

And without switching platforms you get unlimited podcast hosting with one-click distribution to all major platforms. 

Budget-friendly Buzzsprout alternatives

Buzzsprout’s hourly upload pricing can get expensive for longer or more frequent shows.

Some podcast hosts, like Libsyn and Blubrry, use storage-based pricing which can work well for shows with short episodes. But large back catalogs or long archives can still drive costs up over time. 

For a completely free option, try Spotify for Creators. It comes with unlimited hosting but also fewer features. 

Another option is to use an all-in-one platform like Riverside that won’t require a separate subscription for every part of your podcast. Plus, Riverside has no limits on hosting uploads or storage. 

Buzzsprout alternatives for monetization 

Buzzsprout provides basic monetization tools, but if you require more advanced monetization, try: 

• Libsyn. With its own ad insertion marketplace (Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast) and premium content options, Libsyn is for networks or shows wanting to plug into a larger ad network. 
• Podbean: You’ll get access to an Ads Marketplace and a Patron program built in. It also allows paid subscriptions (premium episodes) out of the box on certain plans. 
• Spotify: This  is completely free and offers monetization tools that support ads, subscriptions, and video content.

If you specifically need dynamic ad insertion with targeting, campaign scheduling, and geo-targeting, then platforms like Megaphone, Spreaker, and Acast are worth considering. 

Buzzsprout alternative for multiple shows

Buzzsprout treats additional podcasts as separate entities, which means you’ll need a paid plan for each one. 

Transistor allows multiple public podcasts on one plan. So does Captivate. This can be a lot more convenient and cost-effective for podcasters juggling multiple shows.

Buzzsprout alternatives for website or tech integrations

If you already have a WordPress site and want tight integration, Blubrry with PowerPress is built for that. You can publish episodes directly through the WordPress plugin and manage your podcast entirely from your site. Each episode lives on your own domain with structured metadata that helps with search visibility. 

Buzzsprout, on the other hand, integrates with WordPress using embed players. You paste a player into a page and it plays episodes hosted on Buzzsprout’s servers. This is simple and works well for just listening, but your episode content and RSS feed remain off-site. 

Buzzsprout alternatives for video

If you’re hosting a video podcast, you’ll need a compatible platform. Some video friendly podcast hosts include Riverside, Spotify for Creators, and Podbean.

FAQs about Buzzsprout

Is Buzzsprout free?

Buzzsprout offers a free plan, but with limitations. On the free tier, you can upload up to 2 hours of content per month and test out most of the platform’s features. 

The catch? 

Any episode you upload will only stay hosted for 90 days before Buzzsprout removes it. The free plan also shows a small Buzzsprout ad on your podcast website and limits advanced stats.

Buzzsprout’s paid plans start at $19/month (for 4 hours of uploads). Always check Buzzsprout’s site for current free plan specifics, as it occasionally updates what’s included.

Is Buzzsprout good for beginners?

Yes. Buzzsprout is often rated among the most beginner-friendly podcast hosts. You don’t need any technical expertise. Buzzsprout handles everything under the hood.

When you first log in, you are guided through setting up your show and publishing episodes with helpful tips and checklists.  The interface is clean and uncluttered, and the workflow is intuitive without overwhelming you with advanced settings.

Beginners also benefit from Buzzsprout’s resources. There is a podcast and blog full of tips for new podcasters. And, the friendly community and responsive support team can help you get answers fast.

How long does it take for a new episode to appear in apps?

Once you publish a new episode on Buzzsprout, the RSS feed updates immediately, but how long it takes listening apps to reflect that update can vary. In most cases, your new episode will show up on major platforms within a few minutes to a few hours. Here’s a breakdown:

• Spotify and Amazon Music/Audible: These usually update very quickly, sometimes almost instantly or within an hour, because they continuously check feeds or get pinged.
• Apple Podcasts: Apple’s app typically checks feeds frequently, but it can take up to 24 hours for a new episode to appear for all users. If you use Apple Podcasts Connect’s dashboard, you can manually refresh the feed, which can speed things up.
• Other apps (Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, etc.): Many of these are either nearly instant because they use the Apple index or have their own quick crawlers which populate within a few hours.

If your entire show is new (first episode ever), some directories won’t list it until the show is approved. For example, Apple can take a day or 2 for initial approval. After that, episodes update normally.

Does Buzzsprout support video podcasts?

No. Buzzsprout is focused on audio podcasts and does not host or distribute video podcasts in the way some other platforms like Spotify or Riverside do. If you upload a video file to Buzzsprout, Buzzsprout automatically extracts the audio and creates an audio episode from it. The video portion won’t be used. 

How does Buzzsprout compare to Libsyn, Blubrry, or Podbean?

Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Blubrry, and Podbean are all reliable podcast hosts, but they’re designed for different priorities. 

• Buzzsprout is often seen as the easiest to use, with a modern interface, clear analytics, and simple hourly-upload pricing. It’s especially friendly for beginners and smaller teams. 
• Libsyn has been around for a long time and it’s built on solid infrastructure. The downside is that the interface feels dated, and many useful features cost extra.
• Blubrry stands out for its WordPress integration via the PowerPress plugin. It’s a strong choice if you want your podcast publishing and SEO fully managed on your own site. 
• Podbean focuses on value and breadth, offering unlimited hosting, built-in monetization tools, live streaming, and its own listener app.

And don’t forget Riverside! It provides studio-quality recording, AI-powered editing tools, and unlimited hosting for one low price.

Is Podbean better than Buzzsprout?

‘Better’ depends on your priorities. Podbean and Buzzsprout are both reliable, but they take different approaches. 

Podbean’s biggest advantage is unlimited hosting at a low flat price, which makes it appealing for daily shows, long episodes, or creators who don’t want to track upload limits. It also offers features Buzzsprout doesn’t, like video episodes, live podcasting, an integrated patron program, an ad marketplace, and a mobile creator app. 

By contrast, Buzzsprout focuses on ease of use, polished workflows, and clear analytics. It also includes guided directory submission, simple dynamic content insertion, Magic Mastering for audio cleanup, and highly praised customer support. Its hourly upload limits can be a downside for high-volume creators, but for most weekly podcasts, it’s rarely an issue. 

In short, Podbean favors value and feature breadth, while Buzzsprout favors simplicity, polish, and user experience. 

What equipment do you need for podcasting on Buzzsprout?

Buzzsprout doesn’t require any special equipment. If you can upload a finished audio file, you’re ready to publish. In terms of making your podcast, all you need are reliable essentials that help you sound clear and professional. I recommend:

• Computer or laptop: Any modern computer works for recording, editing, and uploading episodes. Editing is much easier on a computer than on a phone.
• Microphone: An external mic is essential. A USB microphone is ideal for beginners and offers much better sound than built-in mics.
• Headphones: Prevent echo during recording and make it easier to catch audio issues while editing.
• Recording/editing software: This helps you record in high quality and polish your work for publishing. We recommend Riverside, where you can record in up to 4K video and 48 kHz audio, and edit your work with the help of AI tools like AI Co-Creator. You can even host directly on Riverside with any paid plan.

Optional extras: Pop filter, mic stand, or boom arm for better comfort and cleaner audio.