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Podcasting · head to head

Podbean vs Podtrac

Podbean logo

Podbean

Podcasting

All-in-one podcast hosting with built-in monetization

From
Free
Rated
-
Podtrac logo

Podtrac

Podcasting

Industry-standard podcast measurement and analytics

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Podbean upload allowance is monthly rather than cumulative, at 1 GB on the entry plan, so a heavy recording month is capped even with unlimited total storage; Podtrac no pricing information published on homepage or accessible pages
  • They diverge on capability: Podbean covers Unlimited hosting, Podtrac covers IAB-certified measurement.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Podbean and Podtrac actually diverge.

Attributes where Podbean and Podtrac differ
AttributePodbeanPodtrac
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWeb
Founded20062005

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

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 Podbean

  • Unlimited hosting
  • Built-in monetization
  • Live streaming
  • Video podcasting
  • Podcast app
  • Premium content
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

Only in Podtrac

  • IAB-certified measurement
  • Download analytics
  • Industry rankings
  • Audience demographics
  • Trend analysis
  • Custom reporting
  • All podcast hosts
  • Advertising platforms

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Podbean

  • Hosting and distributing a podcast with an RSS feed and playernot Podtrac
  • Running multiple shows or a private internal podcastnot Podtrac

Podtrac

  • Podcast measurementnot Podbean
  • Industry rankingsnot Podbean
  • Advertiser reportingnot Podbean
  • Audience analysisnot Podbean

Where each one falls short

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

Podbean

  • Upload allowance is monthly rather than cumulative, at 1 GB on the entry plan, so a heavy recording month is capped even with unlimited total storage
  • The Network plan at $99 a month meters bandwidth at 3 TB while cheaper plans are unmetered, so the middle tier is the only one with a bandwidth ceiling
  • Advanced analytics are excluded from every plan below Business
  • Private podcasting and live chat support are Business only
  • Team members are capped at 50 on Network despite being described as unlimited

Podtrac

  • No pricing information published on homepage or accessible pages
  • Dedicated pricing page exists but content not retrievable
  • Model not described publicly; requires direct sales engagement

Pricing, plan by plan

Podbean

Free
  • Unlimited Audio$17/month
    • 1 podcast
    • 1GB uploads/month
    • Unlimited storage
  • Unlimited Plus$39/month
    • 2 podcasts
    • 10GB uploads/month
    • 3TB monthly bandwidth
  • Network$99/month
    • Unlimited podcasts
    • 40GB uploads/month
    • Up to 50 team members
  • Business$129/month
    • Unlimited private podcasts
    • 2 public podcasts
    • 40GB uploads/month

Podtrac

Free
  • PublisherFree
    • Podcast measurement
    • Download analytics
    • Industry rankings
  • Premium$undefined/month
    • Advanced demographics
    • Custom reporting
    • API access

Which should you pick?

Choose Podbean if

  • You need unlimited hosting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want built-in monetization.

Choose Podtrac if

  • You need iab-certified measurement.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want download analytics.

Questions people ask

Is Podbean or Podtrac better?
Neither clearly leads. Podbean starts at Free and Podtrac at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Podbean or Podtrac?
Podbean starts at Free and Podtrac at Free.
Does Podbean or Podtrac run on more platforms?
Podbean runs on Web, Ios, Android. Podtrac runs on Web.
Can I use Podbean for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Podbean best used for?
Podbean is most often used for hosting and distributing a podcast with an rss feed and player, running multiple shows or a private internal podcast. Of those, hosting and distributing a podcast with an rss feed and player and running multiple shows or a private internal podcast are not what Podtrac is typically brought in for.
What can Podbean do that Podtrac cannot?
Podbean covers Unlimited hosting, Built-in monetization, Live streaming, Video podcasting. Podtrac covers IAB-certified measurement, Download analytics, Industry rankings, Audience demographics. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Podbean: How much does Podbean cost?

Podbean offers plans starting at $17/month for Unlimited Audio, $39/month for Unlimited Plus, $99/month for Network, and $129/month for Business. Annual billing is available at approximately 20-29% discounts.

Source
Podtrac: How do I get Podtrac pricing information?

Podtrac does not publish pricing on its homepage. A dedicated pricing page exists (/plans-pricing) but requires visiting the site directly to access full details. Source: https://analytics.podtrac.com

Source
Podbean: Does Podbean have a free version?

Yes, Podbean offers a free account. However, the website notes that paid plans cannot be downgraded back to the free plan once you upgrade.

Source
Podtrac: What does Podtrac offer without a paid plan?

Podtrac's free offerings are not detailed on their homepage. Contact via their website for information about complimentary or trial access to their analytics tools. Source: https://analytics.podtrac.com

Source
Podbean: What are the monthly upload limits on Podbean plans?

Unlimited Audio allows 1GB uploads/month, Unlimited Plus allows 10GB uploads/month, and both Network and Business plans allow 40GB uploads/month.

Source
Podtrac: Is Podtrac pricing publicly available?

Podtrac does not display pricing details publicly online. Prospective customers must navigate to their pricing page or contact sales directly for rate information. Source: https://analytics.podtrac.com

Source
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