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Criterion Channel vs Libsyn

Criterion Channel logo

Criterion Channel

Software

Criterion Collection curated films

From
$10.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Libsyn logo

Libsyn

Software

The original podcast hosting platform since 2004

From
$5/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Criterion Channel maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD; Libsyn basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month
  • They diverge on capability: Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, Libsyn covers Reliable hosting.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Criterion Channel and Libsyn differ
AttributeCriterion ChannelLibsyn
Starting price$10.99/month$5/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsWeb, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, XboxWeb, Ios, Android
Founded19842004

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 Criterion Channel

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

Only in Libsyn

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

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Criterion Channel

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

Libsyn

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

Criterion Channel

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

Libsyn

$5/month
  • Classic 50$5/month
    • 50 MB monthly storage
    • Basic statistics
    • Podcast page
  • Classic 150$15/month
    • 150 MB monthly storage
    • Advanced statistics
    • Custom website
  • Advanced 400$20/month
    • 400 MB monthly storage
    • Premium analytics
    • Multiple shows
  • Advanced 800$40/month
    • 800 MB monthly storage
    • Full analytics suite
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Libsyn if

  • You need reliable hosting.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want advanced analytics.
Libsyn review

Questions people ask

Is Criterion Channel or Libsyn better?
Neither clearly leads. Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month and Libsyn at $5/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Criterion Channel or Libsyn?
Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month and Libsyn at $5/month.
Does Criterion Channel or Libsyn run on more platforms?
Criterion Channel runs on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox. Libsyn runs on Web, Ios, Android.
What is Criterion Channel best used for?
Criterion Channel is most often used for streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectives, watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental content, following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlights, educational and film-study use due to curated context and extras. Of those, streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectives and watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental content are not what Libsyn is typically brought in for.
What can Criterion Channel do that Libsyn cannot?
Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, 4K restoration, Essays, Special features. Libsyn covers Reliable hosting, Advanced analytics, Monetization platform, Distribution network. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android 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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