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Blubrry vs Criterion Channel

Blubrry logo

Blubrry

Software

Podcast hosting with advanced analytics and tools

From
$12/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Criterion Channel logo

Criterion Channel

Software

Criterion Collection curated films

From
$10.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Blubrry entry plan at $7 per month allows only 1.5 hours of new audio published per month; Criterion Channel maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
  • They diverge on capability: Blubrry covers Unlimited hosting, Criterion Channel covers Criterion films.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Blubrry and Criterion Channel actually diverge.

Attributes where Blubrry and Criterion Channel differ
AttributeBlubrryCriterion Channel
Starting price$12/month$10.99/month
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWeb, WordpressWeb, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox
Founded20051984

Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 Blubrry

  • Unlimited hosting
  • Distribution
  • Advanced analytics
  • WordPress plugin
  • Monetization
  • Detailed stats
  • WordPress
  • All podcast platforms

Only in Criterion Channel

  • Criterion films
  • 4K restoration
  • Essays
  • Special features
  • Curated selections
  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • Account security

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Blubrry

  • Hosting a podcast with a managed WordPress site includednot Criterion Channel
  • Publishing to podcast directories with IAB compliant statisticsnot Criterion Channel
  • Running programmatic and dynamically inserted podcast advertising at the Professional tiernot Criterion Channel

Criterion Channel

  • Streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectivesnot Blubrry
  • Watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental contentnot Blubrry
  • Following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlightsnot Blubrry
  • Educational and film-study use due to curated context and extrasnot Blubrry

Where each one falls short

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

Blubrry

  • Entry plan at $7 per month allows only 1.5 hours of new audio published per month
  • Advanced podcast statistics require the $25 per month Advanced 6 plan; cheaper plans get standard statistics only
  • Monetization features are restricted to the Advanced plans
  • Dynamic ad insertion, programmatic advertising, unlimited shows and sub-accounts sit on a Professional tier with no published price
  • Publishing allowance is measured in hours of audio per month, so a long-form show hits the cap quickly

Criterion Channel

  • Maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
  • No PlayStation 4 app available
  • HDCP compatibility issues reported on some devices like Chromebooks and Xbox One
  • No live chat or phone support for customer service
  • Limited library compared to mainstream services like Netflix and Hulu

Pricing, plan by plan

Blubrry

$12/month
  • Basic$12/month
    • Unlimited hosting
    • Distribution
    • Analytics
  • Advanced$20/month
    • All Basic features
    • Advanced analytics
    • Monetization tools

Criterion Channel

$10.99/month
  • Monthly$10.99/month
  • Annual$99.99/year

Which should you pick?

Choose Blubrry if

  • You need unlimited hosting.
  • You work on Web, Wordpress.
  • You also want distribution.
Blubrry review

Choose Criterion Channel if

  • You need criterion films.
  • You work on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
  • You also want 4k restoration.
Criterion Channel review

Questions people ask

Is Blubrry or Criterion Channel better?
Neither clearly leads. Blubrry starts at $12/month and Criterion Channel at $10.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Blubrry or Criterion Channel?
Blubrry starts at $12/month and Criterion Channel at $10.99/month.
Does Blubrry or Criterion Channel run on more platforms?
Blubrry runs on Web, Wordpress. Criterion Channel runs on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
What is Blubrry best used for?
Blubrry is most often used for hosting a podcast with a managed wordpress site included, publishing to podcast directories with iab compliant statistics, running programmatic and dynamically inserted podcast advertising at the professional tier. Of those, hosting a podcast with a managed wordpress site included and publishing to podcast directories with iab compliant statistics are not what Criterion Channel is typically brought in for.
What can Blubrry do that Criterion Channel cannot?
Blubrry covers Unlimited hosting, Distribution, Advanced analytics, WordPress plugin. Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, 4K restoration, Essays, Special features. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Criterion Channel: Can I watch Criterion Channel offline?

No, Criterion Channel requires an active internet connection for streaming. The service does not offer offline viewing or download capabilities.

Source
Criterion Channel: What devices does Criterion Channel work on?

Criterion Channel works on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, and Xbox. There is no PlayStation app or dedicated mobile app for iOS/Android.

Source
Criterion Channel: How much does Criterion Channel cost?

Criterion Channel costs $10.99/month or $99.99/year with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

Source
Criterion Channel: What is the maximum video quality on Criterion Channel?

Criterion Channel streams in HD quality only. The service does not offer 4K or Ultra HD resolution.

Source
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