Captivate vs Pinecast
A side-by-side look at Captivate and Pinecast for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
At a glance
| Captivate | Pinecast | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $17/mo | $10/mo |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Best for | Growth-focused podcasters and small agencies who need multi-show hosting, monetization tools, and analytics without paying per show | Independent podcasters who want a clean, affordable host with a real free tier and straightforward upgrade pricing |
| Founded | 2013 | 2015 |
Key features
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
Pinecast
- Podcast hosting with distribution to all major directories
- Free transcripts on paid plans
- Tip jar and paid content monetization built in
- Podcast website creation included
- Collaboration via Crew add-on for team shows
- Analytics and listener insights
Pros and cons
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
Pinecast
Pros
- Free tier with no time limit is genuinely useful for new shows
- Very competitive pricing - $10/mo for unlimited episodes and transcripts
- Honest, modular add-on structure - pay for what you need
- Stable platform with nearly a decade of track record
Cons
- UI is utilitarian - not the most polished experience
- No built-in video podcast support
- Smaller ecosystem of integrations compared to larger hosts
The verdict
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…
Choose Pinecast if
Independent podcasters who want a clean, affordable host with a real free tier and straightforward upgrade pricing.
Pinecast punches above its weight for the price - the $10/month Starter plan covers unlimited episodes and includes free transcripts, which undercuts a lot of competitors. The analytics and tip jar monetization tools are decent without being flashy. The platform…