Decided to start podcasting? Looking for the right podcast hosting site? Well, when it comes to podcast platforms, there are a lot of choices to make. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! In this review, I am comparing Buzzsprout vs. Anchor – two of the most popular options for new and growing podcasters.
Both Buzzsprout and Anchor offer similar services but with unique features that make them better suited for different users or businesses. I’ve taken the time to analyze and compare the platforms’ characteristics, their key differences, pros & cons, and more. So, if you’re hesitating between these two podcast hostings, just keep reading to understand which one covers your needs.
Buzzsprout vs Anchor
Pricing plans comparison
I’ll start my Buzzsprout vs Anchor review from the amazing news for those who just want to test the service and don’t want to pay a big dollar for that – Anchor is a totally free platform for all podcasters. It means no trial periods, hosting fees, or paywalls. You can host unlimited content without any time restrictions on this platform.
However, there is always a little “but”! Although Buzzsprout is not free, it does provide nearly limitless potential for your show promotion, growth, and monetization compared to Anchor. Buzzsprout is one of the most generous platforms in terms of added features and bonuses that help you simplify and streamline your work.
It provides 3 main tiers catering to different podcaster’s needs. All paid plans include unlimited hosting, sophisticated analytics, as many team members as you wish, and no-cost data migration from other platforms. The key distinction between the Buzzsprout tiers is the amount of content you can submit monthly and the cost of uploading additional content beyond what your plan allows.
Buzzsprout offers a free plan with advanced features of paid tiers, however, you’ll be limited to only 2 hours of episodes per month, and they all will be deleted in 90 days.
Buzzsprout Pricing Plan
Comparison of statistics and analytics
Let’s keep watching the battle of the platforms hosts and compare the bits we all care about the most – statistics and analytics.
Analytics is essential to help you understand how your podcast is doing and what you may change going forward to make improvements. The good news is that Buzzsprout and Anchor have sufficient analytics tools and are both IAB-accredited, which means that their stats follow standard podcast procedures.
With the help of Buzzsprout’s tools, you can keep track of your overall download total over time, the applications people use to listen to your programs, and the locations of your followers. Additionally, you may go deeper into the statistics offered by several directories on their individual platforms. More in-depth engagement, drop-off, and listener statistics may be available, but this varies from directory to directory.
Buzzsprout statistic
Similar information is provided by Anchor, plus a bit additional for Spotify users (as it is a Spotify-focused platform). Anchor keeps track of the points in your podcast that Spotify users stop tuning in, allowing you to easily identify the content that doesn’t hold listeners’ attention and build future programs around it. You may also analyze the demographics of your audience in terms of age, gender, geography, and listening applications.
Anchor statistic
Distribution and directories comparison
Your podcast should be a success in more places than just your own webpage. This is why both Anchor and Buzzsprout provide the option of publishing your show to many different streamers.
You’re insured by both companies for:
- Google podcasts
- Apple podcasts
- Spotify
- Overcast
- Pocket Casts
- Stitcher
- Castbox
Buzzsprout also expands its distribution to include:
- iHeart Radio
- TuneIn
- Podchaser
- Castro
- Alexa
On the other hand, Anchor covers Radio Public and Amazon Music as well.
Submitting your podcast for a distribution slot is the first step in having your content available on these sites. Once your show has been approved, your podcast platform will immediately begin syncing each new episode with the directories. When using Buzzsprout, you’ll perform the first procedure manually. At the same time, Anchor may send your podcast to these services automatically, increasing the likelihood that it will get picked up by as many relevant directories as possible.
Promotion comparison
Website creation
A podcast-specific website is an excellent tool to boost your visibility and attract new listeners.
Buzzsprout helps create a personalized podcast website for you. Such a website will host your episodes, save all required information, and provide links to your podcast directory listings, social networks, and a contribution page.
Unfortunately, Anchor doesn’t provide a website for its users.
Audio player
We’ll continue our podcast host comparison with the platforms’ players, which are also an important part of your show since you want to provide your audience with the finest possible listening experience.
Buzzsprout boasts amazing, customizable players that come in several variations (Individual, Single, and Multiple Episode Players) to cover different podcasters’ needs. The players have all the necessary controls and easy-to-use buttons. That’s where this platform outshines many of its rivals!
Buzzsprout audio player
Although Anchor has an embedded player, it only allows you to upload individual episodes. Furthermore, the player’s design is extremely simple, and the buttons might be difficult to read owing to their tiny size.
Anchor audio player
Newsletter and sharing
Buzzsprout facilitates the process of distributing your show across various social media platforms and/or your own website. That’s because it uses something called “Visual Soundbites” – an exclusive Buzzsprout tool for creating short, engaging videos which you’ll share on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media. It’s a pity, but Anchor doesn’t provide something comparable.
Promotion tools
Unlike many other platforms, including Anchor, Buzzsprout provides 2 great resources for podcasters so that they can build their listenership efficiently. They are a Buzzsprout podcast promo for cross-promotion and Buzzsprout Ads. You have to pay for these tools, but you’ll be able to find new listeners ASAP.
Monetization comparison
Once your show has a following, you’re probably hoping to recoup some of your investment. This is where podcast monetization enters the picture. Both Buzzsprout and Anchor provide ways for podcasters to earn revenue, but their approaches are not the same. So, what’s the difference between them?
Buzzsprout offers the following:
- Affiliate marketplace – there are a number of partnership-ready brands. Buzzsprout will add the affiliate link to the episode notes if approved. Your revenues have no commissions or middlemen.
- DAC – add pre- and post-rolls to your shows to advertise, promote, or share. You can change them at any time.
- Outside sponsorship – list even non-Buzzsprout sponsors in the show descriptions.
- Donations – include links to Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, PayPal, etc., where your fans can donate.
Anchor provides:
- Listener support – add a ‘Support’ button to your Anchor profile to facilitate monthly donations from your followers.
- Anchor sponsorship (available in the U.S. only) – optional and controllable tool that pairs you with various brands to create custom audio ads.
Comparison of supported files and formats
I love that Buzzsprout uses an auto-modification tool to take all the trouble of mastering the audio off the podcaster’s shoulders. You may have peace of mind knowing that your files are in the correct format and feature a high quality regardless of their type, bitrates, or ID3 tags.
As for Anchor, files larger than 250 MB cannot be uploaded. If you recorded in lossless file formats like WAV, you might need to compress your recordings to stay below the upload limit. This requires compromising audio quality, something not all podcasters are willing to make.
Other features
Both Anchor and Buzzsprout have a set of useful features that help podcasters make their work more efficient and streamlined. However, since Buzzsprout is a paid platform, obviously, it provides a broader selection of innovative tools and solutions.
Let’s take a look at what each platform has to offer:
| Buzzsprout | Anchor |
| The Buzzsprout API – enables simple integration building. | Mobile and desktop app – makes using the platform straightforward. |
| Visual soundbites – an effective technique for sharing programs on social media. | You can record your show on the go. |
| No limit to how many people may be on your show or how many podcasts you can produce with your account. | “Record with Friends” tool – you have the option of recording your show with up to five other remote guests. |
| Canva + Buzzsprout tool – offers a plethora of tools for generating amazing visuals for your show. | You can add Spotify tracks to your show, mixing conversations and music. |
| The Magic Mastering Tool – improves the podcast’s audio. | Available video podcasting. |
| Episode transcription – it not only improves your podcast’s accessibility for the hearing-impaired but also boosts its search engine rankings. | |
| Chapter Markers Tool – segments larger episodes into chapters. Your listeners will be aware of what to expect. | |
| For newcomers, Buzzsprout offers blog posts, video training, newsletters, and a podcast network. |
H2: Which is better – Anchor or Buzzsprout?
In concluding my Anchor vs. Buzzsprout review, I should note that both platforms are very popular and highly appreciated by podcasters. So, choosing between them is not easy. However, it all comes down to what matters most to you.
If you’re new to the world of podcasting and want to test yourself without significant investments, do consider Anchor. It’ll provide you with everything you need to start and even monetize your show.
But if you’re serious about podcasting or need to launch a program as a part of your business and want to grow it in the long run – then it would be wiser to pick Buzzsprout with its robust features and tools.
Advantages of Anchor over Buzzsprout
- Absolutely free
- Includes podcast recording and editing software, as well as access to Spotify tracks
- Video podcasting available
Advantages of Buzzsprout over Anchor
- Numerous tools, features, and integrations that allow easy tracking, promoting, and monetization of your podcast
- Customizable website
- Customizable players
- Effective customer support.
