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Software · head to head

Zencastr vs Libsyn

Zencastr logo

Zencastr

Software

Free podcast recording in your browser

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Libsyn logo

Libsyn

Software

The original podcast hosting platform since 2004

From
$5/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Zencastr has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Zencastr the pricing page lists no dollar amount for any tier; the paid Enterprise tier is marked Custom and requires contacting sales; Libsyn basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month
  • They diverge on capability: Zencastr covers Browser-based recording, Libsyn covers Reliable hosting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Zencastr and Libsyn actually diverge.

Attributes where Zencastr and Libsyn differ
AttributeZencastrLibsyn
Starting priceFree$5/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20152004

Identical on both: 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 Zencastr

  • Browser-based recording
  • Separate tracks
  • Automatic postproduction
  • Video recording
  • Lossless audio
  • Cloud storage
  • Dropbox
  • Google Drive

Only in Libsyn

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

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Zencastr

  • Recording remote podcast interviews with separate local tracks per guestnot Libsyn
  • Recording video podcasts in the browser without guest software installsnot Libsyn
  • Publishing recorded episodes and clips from one workspacenot Libsyn

Libsyn

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

Where each one falls short

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

Zencastr

  • The pricing page lists no dollar amount for any tier; the paid Enterprise tier is marked Custom and requires contacting sales
  • The free tier caps a session at 6 participants
  • The free tier caps video streaming quality at 1080p
  • The free tier is limited to 5 podcast shows and 4 seats

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

Zencastr

Free
  • HobbyistFree
    • 8 hours/month audio
    • MP3 quality
    • Up to 2 guests
  • Professional$20/month
    • Unlimited recording
    • WAV lossless quality
    • Video recording

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 Zencastr if

  • You need browser-based recording.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want separate tracks.
Zencastr 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 Zencastr or Libsyn better?
Neither clearly leads. Zencastr starts at Free and Libsyn at $5/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Zencastr or Libsyn?
Zencastr has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Zencastr and $5/month for Libsyn.
Does Zencastr or Libsyn run on more platforms?
Zencastr runs on Web. Libsyn runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Zencastr for free?
Yes. Zencastr has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Libsyn starts at $5/month.
What is Zencastr best used for?
Zencastr is most often used for recording remote podcast interviews with separate local tracks per guest, recording video podcasts in the browser without guest software installs, publishing recorded episodes and clips from one workspace. Of those, recording remote podcast interviews with separate local tracks per guest and recording video podcasts in the browser without guest software installs are not what Libsyn is typically brought in for.
What can Zencastr do that Libsyn cannot?
Zencastr covers Browser-based recording, Separate tracks, Automatic postproduction, Video recording. Libsyn covers Reliable hosting, Advanced analytics, Monetization platform, Distribution network. Both handle Web support.
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