RSS.com vs Simplecast
A side-by-side look at RSS.com and Simplecast for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Simplecast
Podcast hosting and monetization built for networks and serious independents
$15/mo
Visit SimplecastAt a glance
| RSS.com | Simplecast | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $12/mo | $15/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Best for | New podcasters who want to launch for free with no storage or episode limits and upgrade when they are ready to monetize | Mid-size podcast networks and serious independents who need certified analytics and monetization in one platform |
Key features
RSS.com
- AI transcription
- Unlimited episode uploads and audio storage on free tier
- Automatic distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music
- Podcast website builder
- Dynamic ad insertion (paid plans)
- Audio-to-video conversion (paid plans)
- Multi-user team collaboration
- Listener donations and Value for Value payments
Simplecast
- One-click distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major directories
- IAB-certified audience analytics (unique listeners, location, technology data)
- Built-in podcast website with custom domain support
- Multi-show management with team permissions
- Embeddable web players (oEmbed-ready)
- Dynamic ad insertion and AdsWizz Marketplace access (Professional and Enterprise)
Pros and cons
RSS.com
Pros
- Most generous free tier in hosting - truly unlimited episodes and storage
- Paid plans are among the most affordable in the category
- Strong 4.95-star rating across 3,100+ reviews
Cons
- Free tier limits analytics to a 30-day window
- Less community, documentation, and ecosystem depth than older competitors
- Dynamic ad insertion and advanced features locked behind paid tiers
Simplecast
Pros
- IAB-certified analytics carry credibility for ad sales and sponsorship negotiations
- 14-day free trial with no credit card required
- Clean interface for managing multiple shows with team-based permissions
Cons
- Dynamic ad insertion only available on custom-priced Professional and Enterprise plans
- 20K-50K monthly download caps on base plans may constrain fast-growing shows
- Customer support rated as inconsistent at the Basic tier level
The verdict
Choose RSS.com if
New podcasters who want to launch for free with no storage or episode limits and upgrade when they are ready to monetize.
The free tier at RSS.com is real and meaningfully more generous than Buzzsprout's - no upload caps, no expiring episodes. That matters for podcasters who publish infrequently or are just getting started. The paid tiers are also reasonably priced at…
Choose Simplecast if
Mid-size podcast networks and serious independents who need certified analytics and monetization in one platform.
Simplecast has held up well as the space has gotten more crowded - it does the fundamentals cleanly, and the IAB-certified analytics are table stakes for any show running direct sponsorships. The inclusion of AdsWizz Marketplace access on the Professional…