Buzzsprout vs Transistor
A side-by-side look at Buzzsprout and Transistor for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
At a glance
| Buzzsprout | Transistor | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $15/mo | $19/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Best for | New and independent podcasters who want a reliable, well-supported host with a true free tier to test the waters | Businesses, agencies, and multi-show creators who need unlimited podcast hosting with clean analytics under one account |
| Founded | 2009 | - |
Key features
Buzzsprout
- Audio and video podcast hosting with directory distribution
- AI transcripts and show notes via CoHost AI
- Magic Mastering for automated audio enhancement
- IAB-certified analytics
- Fan Mail listener feedback system
- Visual soundbite generator for social media
- Podcast website with custom domain support
Transistor
- Unlimited shows under one account
- Audio and video podcast hosting and distribution
- Private and internal podcast support
- AI transcription
- Detailed IAB-certified analytics
- Dynamic ad insertion
- Embeddable player and podcast website builder
- API access for custom integrations
Pros and cons
Buzzsprout
Pros
- Established platform with 15+ years of reliability and a large support community
- True free tier for testing before committing
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface
Cons
- Free episodes expire after 90 days - not a permanent free host
- Upload-hours caps (not download-based) can catch fast-publishing shows off guard
- AI tools (CoHost AI, Magic Mastering) cost extra on top of plan price
Transistor
Pros
- Unlimited shows on every paid plan - no per-show fees
- Clean, trustworthy analytics without inflated numbers
- 14-day free trial, no credit card required
Cons
- No free permanent tier - trial only
- Download caps per plan tier; high-growth shows can bump up quickly
- Not the cheapest option for a single hobbyist show
The verdict
Choose Buzzsprout if
New and independent podcasters who want a reliable, well-supported host with a true free tier to test the waters.
Buzzsprout has stayed relevant for 15+ years by being genuinely good at the basics: easy setup, clean interface, reliable distribution, and strong customer support. The upload-hours pricing model is different from the download-based model most competitors use - it can…
Choose Transistor if
Businesses, agencies, and multi-show creators who need unlimited podcast hosting with clean analytics under one account.
Transistor is the easiest hosting recommendation for anyone running more than one show - the unlimited-podcasts-per-account model is genuinely differentiated in a market where most hosts charge per show. The analytics are clean and honest (no inflated play counts), and…