Blubrry vs Podbean
A side-by-side look at Blubrry and Podbean for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
At a glance
| Blubrry | Podbean | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $15/mo | $17/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | WordPress-based podcasters and professional creators who prioritize accurate, advertiser-trusted analytics and content ownership | Podcasters at any level who want hosting plus built-in monetization without stitching multiple tools together |
| Founded | 2005 | - |
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
Podbean
- Unlimited storage and unmetered bandwidth on paid plans
- Dynamic ad insertion and ad marketplace access
- AI audio optimization and content generation credits
- Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and listener patron integration
- Customizable podcast website with domain mapping
- IAB-certified analytics with geo and platform data
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
Podbean
Pros
- Over a decade of reliability with 600,000+ podcasters
- Reasonable pricing - $17/mo for the base paid plan
- Built-in monetization without third-party integrations
Cons
- Monthly upload caps (1GB on base plan) are tight for frequent or video publishers
- Interface feels less modern compared to newer entrants
- Free plan cannot be restored once you upgrade to paid
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 Podbean if
Podcasters at any level who want hosting plus built-in monetization without stitching multiple tools together.
Podbean is a solid, well-established workhorse - it does not have the flashiest interface or the most cutting-edge AI tools, but it has been reliably shipping product for over a decade and the pricing is reasonable. The Unlimited Audio plan…