Choosing a podcast host isn’t glamorous, but it determines how reliably your show publishes, what analytics you get, and how easily you can grow.
Below is a current, research-backed look at 10 of the biggest hosting and distribution platforms in 2026, what they offer, and who they fit best. Where helpful, you’ll also see how to pair a host with Boomcaster for studio-quality capture (local, separate tracks) before you upload.
Note: We focus on hosting/distribution services (not listening apps that don’t host general RSS feeds). Sources are linked throughout.
Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor)
What it is: Spotify’s all-in ecosystem for hosting, distribution, analytics, and video podcasts, integrated with the Spotify Partner Program for monetization. Spotify highlights simplified publishing, show page customization, and earning options for eligible creators , with creator tooling accessible via Spotify for Creators . Recent updates emphasize Premium viewers’ uninterrupted video experience and new revenue streams for qualifying creators .
Best for: Creators who want frictionless publishing to Spotify (audio and video) and a single vendor for hosting, analytics, and monetization.
Pair with Boomcaster: Record locally in Boomcaster (separate tracks) for clean masters, then upload to Spotify’s host so streaming quality isn’t limited by internet hiccups during recording.
Buzzsprout
What it is: A beginner-friendly host with IAB-certified analytics, straightforward pricing, and helpful onboarding resources. Buzzsprout advertises advanced, IAB-certified statistics and easy distribution , with current pricing and plan structure published on its site . Independent reviews in 2025 continue to rate it highly for ease of use and features like Magic Mastering and tutorial support .
Best for: New and growing creators who want a simple interface, decent analytics, and a big knowledge base.
Pair with Boomcaster: Use Boomcaster to capture high-fidelity local tracks; export your finished WAV/MP4 and publish through Buzzsprout to all directories.
Libsyn
What it is: One of the original podcast hosts with mature distribution, monetization add-ons, and both audio/video support. Libsyn highlights “distribution everywhere,” scheduling, Canva integration, and quick publishing , with current positioning as a trusted audio and video host . Libsyn also shares ongoing industry insights (e.g., advertising trends for 2026) on its blog .
Best for: Established shows and networks that value reliability, legacy features, and no-nonsense distribution.
Pair with Boomcaster: Keep your recording chain separate from hosting; capture broadcast-grade audio locally in Boomcaster, then push to Libsyn for its wide syndication.
Podbean
What it is: A long-standing host known for value pricing, unlimited hosting tiers, and built-in monetization/ads. Podbean’s feature pages stress unlimited hosting options, professional stats, embeddable players, and monetization tools .
Best for: Budget-minded creators who want “all-in” plans (including monetization) without lots of add-ons.
Pair with Boomcaster: Use Boomcaster to ensure clean, isolated tracks for editing, then publish through Podbean’s unlimited tiers.
Transistor
What it is: A modern host popular with serious creators and companies. Transistor emphasizes multi-show hosting on one plan, team collaboration, detailed analytics, private podcasts, and a built-in website . It also maintains updated guidance on private podcasting and pricing .
Best for: Creators who run multiple shows, want private feeds, or need network-level analytics in a clean UI.
Pair with Boomcaster: Capture separate WAV tracks in Boomcaster for clean post, then publish through Transistor’s multi-show setup and embed their player.
Captivate
What it is: A growth-focused host with unlimited shows, IAB-certified analytics, and (as of late 2025) an ad marketplace plus integrated recording/editing tools .
Best for: Marketers and pro creators who want growth tooling, IAB 2.2 analytics, and modern monetization options.
Pair with Boomcaster: Keep production in Boomcaster for local multitrack capture, then use Captivate’s analytics and ad tools to scale.
Simplecast
What it is: A well-known host with fast, one-click distribution, episode templates, embeddable players, and tiered plans with clear download allowances .
Best for: Teams that want streamlined workflows and dependable distribution with sensible pricing tiers.
Pair with Boomcaster: Export finalized mixes from Boomcaster, publish via Simplecast’s one-click distribution, and use its web players for your site.
RSS.com
What it is: A value-centric host emphasizing unlimited episodes, analytics, monetization tools, and support for Podcasting 2.0 features like the Location tag . Their 2025 roundup also details included website options and plan comparisons .
Best for: Creators who want low-friction hosting, Podcasting 2.0 niceties, and a bundled website.
Pair with Boomcaster: Record and edit locally in Boomcaster, then publish to RSS.com to leverage Podcasting 2.0 fields and simple distribution.
Acast (Hosting & Ads)
What it is: A global hosting and monetization company supporting the open podcast ecosystem with one-click app distribution, scheduling, and robust ad tech . Acast continues to expand its data/ads stack via acquisitions (e.g., Podchaser, RadioPublic) to improve targeting and workflow for creators and advertisers , with current plan tiers showcased publicly .
Best for: Creators prioritizing audience growth and dynamic ad monetization across the open RSS ecosystem.
Pair with Boomcaster: Deliver polished local recordings from Boomcaster; rely on Acast’s distribution and dynamic ad placements to monetize at scale.
RedCircle (or Spreaker, depending on needs)
What it is: RedCircle blends hosting with creator monetization tools and cross-promotion features, publishing to all major platforms and highlighting unlimited episodes/storage/downloads on its feature pages . (Spreaker, as an alternative 10th pick, is also widely used for hosting + monetization; choose based on UI preference and ad features.)
Best for: Growth-minded independents who want revenue tools and simple, unlimited hosting.
Pair with Boomcaster: Produce clean masters in Boomcaster; upload to RedCircle and test cross-promo or ads to accelerate growth.
How to Choose (in 5 minutes)
- New to podcasting? Start with Buzzsprout (friendly UI, great docs) .
- Want a single vendor with video and Spotify reach? Use Spotify for Podcasters .
- Running multiple shows or private feeds? Try Transistor .
- Want unlimited plans + monetization baked in? Consider Podbean or Acast .
- Need growth-focused analytics and tools? Choose Captivate .
- Prefer classic stability and wide distro? Go with Libsyn .
- Value Podcasting 2.0 features? Check RSS.com .
- Want a simple, fast workflow? Simplecast is built for one-click distribution .
Whatever you pick, separate hosting from recording. Capture your interviews in a tool that protects the source quality before the internet gets a vote.
- Record locally, on separate tracks. Boomcaster’s local multitrack capture means each speaker’s file is pristine even if Wi-Fi drops.
- Edit from clean masters, then publish anywhere. Upload your final mix to the host you choose; distribution and analytics work the same, but your audio is studio-grade.
Learn how local, separate-track recording works and why reliability matters most: Boomcaster Features.