Blubrry vs Captivate
A side-by-side look at Blubrry and Captivate for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
At a glance
| Blubrry | Captivate | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $15/mo | $17/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Best for | WordPress-based podcasters and professional creators who prioritize accurate, advertiser-trusted analytics and content ownership | Growth-focused podcasters and small agencies who need multi-show hosting, monetization tools, and analytics without paying per show |
| Founded | 2005 | 2013 |
Key features
Blubrry
- PowerPress WordPress plugin for native podcast publishing
- IAB-certified download analytics with listener retention data
- Dynamic ad insertion and programmatic advertising
- Vid2Pod: converts YouTube playlists to audio-only podcast feeds
- AI assistant for episode planning and social media content
- Standalone statistics plan compatible with any podcast host
Captivate
- Unlimited podcast hosting across multiple shows
- IAB-certified analytics included on all plans
- Built-in monetization: memberships, tips, exclusive content
- Guest booking and interview management tools
- Transcription and dynamic show notes via Captivate Assistant
- Private and members-only podcast support
- Podcasting 2.0 support
- Video podcast publishing to Apple Podcasts
Pros and cons
Blubrry
Pros
- PowerPress is the definitive WordPress podcasting plugin
- IAB-certified analytics with genuine depth - not just download counts
- 20-year track record with no acquisition or pivot disruption
Cons
- Storage caps are low - 125MB/month on Standard is tight for weekly shows
- Interface and marketing have not kept up with modern competitors
- AI tools feel added-on rather than core to the product
Captivate
Pros
- IAB analytics included on every plan, not gated behind premium tiers
- 30-day free trial - longer than most competitors
- Built-in monetization tools without needing third-party add-ons
Cons
- Interface is functional but less polished than some competitors
- Some advanced features feel underdeveloped relative to their billing
- No free permanent tier
The verdict
Choose Blubrry if
WordPress-based podcasters and professional creators who prioritize accurate, advertiser-trusted analytics and content ownership.
Blubrry is the unsexy choice that serious podcasters often land on after trying flashier alternatives. The analytics are genuinely good - IAB-certified, detailed listener retention, device and geo data - and PowerPress remains the gold standard for WordPress podcast publishing.…
Choose Captivate if
Growth-focused podcasters and small agencies who need multi-show hosting, monetization tools, and analytics without paying per show.
Captivate earns points for including IAB-certified analytics on every plan - not just premium tiers - and for building monetization tools directly into the platform rather than routing you to third-party integrations. The 30-day free trial is genuinely long compared…