Softwr

News · head to head

Arc Publishing vs Libsyn

Arc Publishing logo

Arc Publishing

News

The enterprise publishing platform for news organizations

From
On request
Rated
-
Libsyn logo

Libsyn

Podcasting

The original podcast hosting platform since 2004

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Libsyn has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Arc Publishing now sold as Arc XP, and arcpublishing.com redirects there; Libsyn basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month
  • They diverge on capability: Arc Publishing covers Modular CMS, Libsyn covers Reliable hosting.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arc Publishing and Libsyn actually diverge.

Attributes where Arc Publishing and Libsyn differ
AttributeArc PublishingLibsyn
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquotesubscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, MobileWeb, Ios, Android
CategoryNewsPodcasting
Founded20162004

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Arc Publishing

  • Modular CMS
  • Content creation
  • Publishing workflow
  • Paywall management
  • Subscription billing
  • Analytics dashboard
  • API framework
  • Commerce integration

Only in Libsyn

  • Reliable hosting
  • Advanced analytics
  • Monetization platform
  • Distribution network
  • Custom website
  • Ad insertion
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

Both cover

  • Advertising networks
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Arc Publishing

  • Content management for news and digital publishersnot Libsyn
  • Subscription and paywall managementnot Libsyn
  • Video publishing alongside articlesnot Libsyn
  • Multi-site delivery for broadcast and B2B publishersnot Libsyn

Libsyn

  • Hosting podcast audio and distributing it to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTubenot Arc Publishing
  • Measuring audience with IAB certified download statisticsnot Arc Publishing
  • Monetising shows through advertising on enterprise plansnot Arc Publishing

Where each one falls short

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

Arc Publishing

  • Now sold as Arc XP, and arcpublishing.com redirects there
  • Pricing is not published
  • Built for media companies, so the editorial workflow assumptions do not suit a general business site

Libsyn

  • Basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month
  • Advanced IAB verified stats require the $25 per month Advanced plan; Basic gets basic stats only
  • Spotify video distribution requires the Advanced or Max plan
  • Dynamic ad insertion sits on Professional and Enterprise plans that are quoted by sales with no published rate
  • The top published tier, Max at $150 per month, still caps audio uploads at 55 hours per month

Pricing, plan by plan

Arc Publishing

On request
  • Enterprise$undefined/custom
    • Custom CMS
    • Paywall integration
    • Advanced analytics

Libsyn

Free
  • Starter Plan$8/month
    • Basic plan for bare essentials
  • Basic$12/month
    • 3 hours audio uploads/month
    • Video uploads up to 100GB/month (~50 hours)
    • Basic IAB verified analytics
  • Advanced$25/month
    • 10 hours audio uploads/month
    • Video uploads up to 100GB/month (~50 hours)
    • Advanced IAB verified analytics
  • Max$150/month
    • 55 hours audio uploads/month
    • Video uploads up to 100GB/month (~50 hours)
    • Optimized for high-volume

Which should you pick?

Choose Arc Publishing if

  • You need modular cms.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want content creation.

Choose Libsyn if

  • You need reliable hosting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want advanced analytics.

Questions people ask

Is Arc Publishing or Libsyn better?
Neither clearly leads. Arc Publishing starts at On request and Libsyn at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arc Publishing or Libsyn?
Libsyn has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Arc Publishing and Free for Libsyn.
Does Arc Publishing or Libsyn run on more platforms?
Arc Publishing runs on Web, Mobile. Libsyn runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Libsyn for free?
Yes. Libsyn has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Arc Publishing starts at On request.
What is Arc Publishing best used for?
Arc Publishing is most often used for content management for news and digital publishers, subscription and paywall management, video publishing alongside articles, multi-site delivery for broadcast and b2b publishers. Of those, content management for news and digital publishers and subscription and paywall management are not what Libsyn is typically brought in for.
What can Arc Publishing do that Libsyn cannot?
Arc Publishing covers Modular CMS, Content creation, Publishing workflow, Paywall management. Libsyn covers Reliable hosting, Advanced analytics, Monetization platform, Distribution network. Both handle Advertising networks, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Arc Publishing: Does Arc XP publish pricing online?

No. Arc XP does not publish pricing on their website. Interested customers are directed to schedule a chat with a local account manager or request a demo to discuss pricing.

Source
Libsyn: How much does Libsyn cost?

Libsyn pricing starts at $8/month for basic use, $12/month for Basic plan, $25/month for Advanced (most popular), and $150/month for Max. Professional and Enterprise plans are available upon request.

Source
Arc Publishing: How do I get a pricing quote from Arc XP?

You must contact Arc XP's sales team directly. The company offers options to schedule a chat with your local account manager or submit a demo request form.

Source
Libsyn: Does Libsyn offer a free trial?

Yes, Libsyn offers a 30-day free trial for every plan with no promo code required. You can cancel anytime.

Source
Libsyn: What is the difference between audio and video uploads?

Basic plan includes 3 hours of audio uploads per month, Advanced includes 10 hours, and Max includes 55 hours. All plans allow up to 100GB/month video uploads (~50 hours).

Source
Share

Related pages

Other head to heads