Podbean vs Anchor in 2024 [Podcast Hosts Comparison]

It’s no secret that podcasting has taken off in recent years. In fact, the number of people who listen to podcasts has quadrupled since 2013!

If you’ve decided to dive into the world of the podcasting business, you might be wondering which platform to use to host your show. There are a few popular options out there, but it’s important to make sure your podcast is hosted on a platform that meets your needs.

In this article, I’ll compare two popular podcast hosting platforms – Podbean vs. Anchor. I’ll go over the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Podbean vs Anchor

Pricing plans comparison

When you’re trying to decide between podcast hosts, one of the main considerations will be the price. Here’s a comparison of the pricing plans offered by Podbean and Anchor.

Podbean offers five different pricing plans: Free, Unlimited Audio, Unlimited Plus, Business, and Podbean Pro plans. With the free tier, you’ll get access to all basic podcast hosting features and up to 500 MB of storage capacity & 100 GB of monthly bandwidth. All paid Podbean plans have no limits on storage or bandwidth and include sophisticated features and tools that only get better from plan to plan. I love the way Podbean covers the needs of all podcasters’ categories – from novice users to professionals.

Anchor, on the other hand, doesn’t have any paid pricing plans – no trial periods, hosting fees, or paywalls. All users have free access to the same set of features, making this platform a perfect place for hobbyists or those who want to test the waters without significant investments.

Podbean pricing plan

Comparison of statistics and analytics

If you’re trying to choose a podcast host, you might wonder how Podbean and Anchor stack up in terms of statistics and analytics.

Anchor and Podbean are IAB-certified, so you can get detailed information on your listenership no matter which one you choose. With both platforms, you can see how many people have downloaded your content, which devices they use to listen to, where they are located, which episodes are the most popular, etc.

However, Podbean also offers Engagement Intel as a separate add-on. This lets you know if listeners stop mid-episode or finish it, which can be helpful in identifying the content that doesn’t hold people’s attention.

Podbean statistics and analytics

Anchor, on the other hand, provides Spotify-based analytics. This is an especially useful feature for Spotify users, as it lets you see which points in your podcast cause people to tune out. Additionally, Anchor provides information on unique listeners and the demographics of your followers in terms of age & gender.

So if you’re looking for a comprehensive view of your podcast’s performance, both Podbean and Anchor are good options. Choose the host that offers the most important data for you.

Anchor statistics and analytics

Distribution and directories comparison

Podbean distribution and directories

When it comes to podcast distribution, both platforms make it easy to get your show out there. This allows you to submit your program to all of the major directories so your audience can find and listen to your episodes on their favorite app.

However, there is one key difference between Podbean and Anchor. Podbean allows you to order your episodes based on their numbers, which can be a great feature for serial shows. Unfortunately, Anchor does not have this capability.

Anchor distribution and directories

Promotion comparison

Website creation

Having a website dedicated to your podcast is a great way to get more people to discover it. And if you want to create a professional site, Podbean offers a comprehensive and convenient solution. You’ll build a site that suits your specific needs with a variety of templates to choose from, all of which are mobile-responsive and compatible with custom domains. Additionally, you can enable notifications for new followings and comments, making it easy to keep track of your audience engagement.

Anchor does not provide a website, so if that’s an important feature for you, Podbean may be a better choice.

Audio player

Both Podbean and Anchor offer quite basic players with no bells and whistles. However, if you’re looking for a more customizable player with a better design and more user-friendly controls, Podbean is a clear choice. With Podbean, you can upload single episodes, multitracks, or even video episodes and personalize the player to match your brand. In contrast, Anchor’s player only allows you to upload individual episodes and doesn’t offer the same level of customization.

Podbean audio player

Anchor audio player

Newsletter and sharing

When considering Anchor vs Podbean for your newsletter and social media sharing needs, it’s important to keep in mind the different functions each platform offers.

Podbean will automatically distribute your content on various social media platforms, making it easy to reach a wide audience. You can also embed badges on your site to direct listeners to your podcast page. And with Mailchimp integration, you can easily send newsletters and update followers on your latest episodes.

Anchor allows you to share a link to your Spotify page on Instagram, making it easy for new followers to find and follow your show.

Promotion tools

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a podcast host, and promotion is certainly one of them. If you’re looking for a host that offers promotional tools, then Podbean is a better option. Being a free platform, Anchor doesn’t provide any promotional tools, whereas Podbean offers a Facebook community, cross-promotion through paid ads on other podcasts in the same niche as yours, and the ability to promote your show on the Podbean app – your logo will be shown on the banner that spans the top of the Podbean app’s homepage. All of these tools can help you reach a wider audience and build your podcast following.

Monetization comparison

Monetization is an important aspect of any business, and podcasting is no different. Both Anchor and Podbean offer different effective monetization tools to help podcasters make money from their shows.

Podbean monetization

Podbean offers PodAds with Geo-Targeting instrument, Ad Marketplace, Podbean Patron, and Premium Podcast. Anchor offers Ambassador Ads, Automated Ads, Premium Sponsorship, and Podcast Subscriptions. However, remember that Anchor Ads tools are available only for U.S.-based podcasters.

Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to monetization. Podbean’s Ad Marketplace and PodAds with Geo-Targeting instrument are both powerful tools that give podcasters a lot of control over their advertising. On the other hand, Anchor’s Automated Ads may be a better option for those who want a hands-off approach.

Anchor monetization

Comparison of supported files and formats

Both Anchor and Podbean support a variety of audio file formats. Podbean’s free plan supports .mp3 and m4a files, while higher-priced plans allow for virtually any file format. Anchor, on the other hand, allows users to upload recordings in different formats, including WAV and MP3, but with a maximum file size of 250MB.

So, if you have a larger file or a specific format that you need to use, Anchor may not be the right choice. However, both platforms offer easy-to-use tools for creating and publishing your podcast episodes.

Other features

Both Anchor and Podbean include a number of beneficial tools that can assist podcasters in making their job more effective and streamlined. However, because Podbean is a paid host, it certainly has a larger assortment of unique services.

Let’s analyze the features that each platform offers:

Podbean	Anchor
Mobile app – allows you to easily handle your episodes, record them directly from your phone, or submit previously generated content.	Desktop and mobile app – can be accessed from any gadget.
Audio live streaming – communicate with your audience in a more personal manner. Share unedited, real-time content and give your fans special material!	Video podcasting – creators have the option to capture videos and send them straight to Anchor.
Transcription and closed caption tool – useful for improving the show’s search engine optimization and making your info easily accessible.	Use music from Spotify – adding new audio to your show without worrying about copyright issues is a great way to jazz up your production.
Video podcasting – even if few podcasters use videos, having a choice is usually very advantageous.	Record with Friends instrument – you and up to four additional internet visitors may record your audio simultaneously.
Private podcast – accessible to Business plan subscribers and permits protected exchange of internal messages, documents, video lectures, etc.	Segmented episodes – the app separates the audio parts into “blocks,” which you may reorder to create a customized sequence for your episode.
	Listener interactivity – Anchor makes it simple for podcasters to develop a sense of connection and participation with features like Q&A, polls, and timestamp sharing.

Podbean App

Anchor App

Which is better, Podbean or Anchor?

Concluding my podcast host comparison, I must admit that both Anchor and Podbean have a lot to offer, so which platform to choose really depends on your specific needs and preferences. Podbean is known for its robust features and ease of use, while Anchor is known for its simplicity and integrations with other tools. If you’re just getting started with podcasting, Anchor might be the better option. However, if you’re looking for more advanced features, such as website integration or detailed analytics, then Podbean might be a better fit.