Software · head to head
Buzzsprout vs Spreaker
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Buzzsprout upload hours do not carry over monthly; unused allocation lost; Spreaker free plan allows only one podcast and retains statistics for 6 months
- They diverge on capability: Buzzsprout covers Audio optimization, Spreaker covers Podcast hosting.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Buzzsprout and Spreaker actually diverge.
| Attribute | Buzzsprout | Spreaker |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web, Mobile | Web, Ios, Android |
| Founded | 2009 | 2011 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), 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 Buzzsprout
- Audio optimization
- Automatic distribution
- Episode transcription
- Custom podcast website
- Analytics dashboard
- Magic Mastering
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
Only in Spreaker
- Podcast hosting
- Live streaming
- Social network
- Distribution
- Analytics
- Audio editing
- All podcast platforms
- Payment processors
Both cover
- Social media
- Privacy controls
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Buzzsprout
- Podcast hostingnot Spreaker
- Audio and video podcast distributionnot Spreaker
- Transcription and show notes generationnot Spreaker
- Podcast analytics and monetisationnot Spreaker
Spreaker
- Hosting and distributing podcasts to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeartRadionot Buzzsprout
- Monetising a show through programmatic ads, listener subscriptions or a supporters clubnot Buzzsprout
- Running a multi-show podcast network with collaboratorsnot Buzzsprout
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Buzzsprout
- Upload hours do not carry over monthly; unused allocation lost
- Overage charges apply at plan rate for additional uploads
Spreaker
- Free plan allows only one podcast and retains statistics for 6 months
- Spreaker takes a 20 percent fee on Supporters Club listener payments on the free plan, dropping to 0 percent only on the $20 per month Broadcaster plan
- Subscription monetisation and Apple Podcasts subscriptions require the $20 per month Broadcaster plan
- Player colour customisation and collaborators require the $50 per month Anchorman plan
- Selling and managing your own ad campaigns requires the $250 per month Publisher plan
- Statistics retention is capped at 12 months below the Publisher plan, which extends it to 24 months
Pricing, plan by plan
Buzzsprout
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Buzzsprout review.
Spreaker
Free- FreeFree
- 2 hours storage
- Basic hosting
- Social network access
- Plus$5/month
- 50 hours storage
- Full distribution
- Live streaming
Which should you pick?
Choose Buzzsprout if
- You need audio optimization.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Mobile.
- You also want automatic distribution.
Choose Spreaker if
- You need podcast hosting.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want live streaming.
Questions people ask
- Is Buzzsprout or Spreaker better?
- Neither clearly leads. Buzzsprout starts at Free and Spreaker at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Buzzsprout or Spreaker?
- Buzzsprout starts at Free and Spreaker at Free.
- Does Buzzsprout or Spreaker run on more platforms?
- Buzzsprout runs on Web, Mobile. Spreaker runs on Web, Ios, Android.
- Can I use Buzzsprout for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Buzzsprout best used for?
- Buzzsprout is most often used for podcast hosting, audio and video podcast distribution, transcription and show notes generation, podcast analytics and monetisation. Of those, podcast hosting and audio and video podcast distribution are not what Spreaker is typically brought in for.
- What can Buzzsprout do that Spreaker cannot?
- Buzzsprout covers Audio optimization, Automatic distribution, Episode transcription, Custom podcast website. Spreaker covers Podcast hosting, Live streaming, Social network, Distribution. Both handle Social media, Privacy controls, Web support, Ios support.