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Software · head to head

Anchor vs Chartable

Anchor logo

Anchor

Software

Free podcast hosting and creation platform by Spotify

From
Free
Rated
-
Chartable logo

Chartable

Software

Podcast analytics and attribution platform

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Anchor no longer a standalone product. Spotify folded Anchor into its own podcaster tooling, and anchor.fm now redirects to creators.spotify.com; Chartable shut down on 12 December 2024. Spotify, which acquired Chartable in February 2022, announced the closure on 27 September 2024 and folded parts of it into Spotify for Podcasters
  • They diverge on capability: Anchor covers Unlimited podcast hosting, Chartable covers Download analytics.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Anchor and Chartable actually diverge.

Attributes where Anchor and Chartable differ
AttributeAnchorChartable
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWeb
Founded20152017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Anchor

  • Unlimited podcast hosting
  • One-click distribution
  • Built-in recording
  • Episode scheduling
  • Monetization tools
  • Analytics
  • Spotify
  • Apple Podcasts

Only in Chartable

  • Download analytics
  • Chart rankings
  • SmartLinks tracking
  • Attribution
  • SmartPromos
  • Cross-promotion analytics
  • All podcast platforms
  • Advertising networks

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Anchor

  • Free podcast hosting and distributionnot Chartable
  • Recording and basic editing from a phonenot Chartable
  • Distributing an episode to Spotify and other directoriesnot Chartable
  • Audience analytics for a shownot Chartable

Chartable

  • Podcast analyticsnot Anchor
  • Marketing attributionnot Anchor
  • Chart trackingnot Anchor
  • Growth measurementnot Anchor

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Anchor

  • No longer a standalone product. Spotify folded Anchor into its own podcaster tooling, and anchor.fm now redirects to creators.spotify.com
  • Tying hosting to Spotify's platform means the analytics and monetisation follow Spotify's terms rather than a neutral host's

Chartable

  • Shut down on 12 December 2024. Spotify, which acquired Chartable in February 2022, announced the closure on 27 September 2024 and folded parts of it into Spotify for Podcasters
  • The tracking prefixes no longer function, and shows still carrying one need it removed
  • chartable.com now redirects to Spotify's Megaphone site

Pricing, plan by plan

Anchor

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited hosting
    • Automatic distribution
    • Built-in recording tools

Chartable

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Chart tracking
    • Basic analytics
    • 1 podcast
  • Indie$20/month
    • Advanced analytics
    • SmartLinks
    • Attribution
  • Team$100/month
    • Multiple podcasts
    • SmartPromos
    • Team access
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Unlimited podcasts
    • Custom integrations
    • API access

Which should you pick?

Choose Anchor if

  • You need unlimited podcast hosting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want one-click distribution.

Choose Chartable if

  • You need download analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want chart rankings.

Questions people ask

Is Anchor or Chartable better?
Neither clearly leads. Anchor starts at Free and Chartable at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Anchor or Chartable?
Anchor starts at Free and Chartable at Free.
Does Anchor or Chartable run on more platforms?
Anchor runs on Web, Ios, Android. Chartable runs on Web.
Can I use Anchor for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Anchor best used for?
Anchor is most often used for free podcast hosting and distribution, recording and basic editing from a phone, distributing an episode to spotify and other directories, audience analytics for a show. Of those, free podcast hosting and distribution and recording and basic editing from a phone are not what Chartable is typically brought in for.
What can Anchor do that Chartable cannot?
Anchor covers Unlimited podcast hosting, One-click distribution, Built-in recording, Episode scheduling. Chartable covers Download analytics, Chart rankings, SmartLinks tracking, Attribution. Both handle Web support.

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