Acast vs Simplecast: Podcast Hosting Comparison (2026)

Acast offers a free tier, while Simplecast does not. Simplecast includes unlimited storage and uploads in its base plan, a feature not specified for Acast. Acast provides team management in its higher tiers, which is not listed as a feature for Simplecast. Simplecast mentions dynamic ad insertion and flexible ad marking, which are not explicitly stated for Acast. Acast offers multiple shows and unlimited episodes in its paid plans, whereas Simplecast

AI Citation Scorecard

How often each is cited by major AI engines when buyers ask podcast hosting questions. Last 90 days across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.

Acast leads overall — 20% cited vs Simplecast 0% across 10 probes.
ChatGPT
Acast
0 / 1 probes
0%
Invisible
Simplecast
0 / 1 probes
0%
Invisible
Perplexity
Acast
0 / 1 probes
0%
Invisible
Simplecast
0 / 1 probes
0%
Invisible
Gemini
Acast
0 / 1 probes
0%
Invisible
Simplecast
0 / 1 probes
0%
Invisible
Claude
Acast
0 / 1 probes
0%
Invisible
Simplecast
0 / 1 probes
0%
Invisible
Copilot
AcastLeads
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Simplecast
0 / 1 probes
0%
Invisible
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

Probes run hourly; each (engine × query) combo retests every ~3 days.

Pricing

Acast
Starting price
€25/month
Free tier
Yes
acast.com ↗
Simplecast
Starting price
$15/mo
Free tier
—
simplecast.com ↗

Key Features

Acast
  • ✓1 Show
  • ✓5 Episodes
  • ✓Monetize with ads
  • ✓Multiple shows
  • ✓Unlimited episodes
  • ✓Monetize with ads + sponsorships
  • ✓Everything in Influencer
  • ✓Team management
Simplecast
  • ✓Unlimited storage & uploads
  • ✓Customizable show website
  • ✓Manage multiple shows
  • ✓Dynamic ad insertion
  • ✓Comprehensive reporting suite
  • ✓Flexible ad marking at episode level
  • ✓Email support
  • ✓Priority customer support

When to choose Acast

Users who prioritize a free starting option or advanced monetization features like sponsorships and team management would find Acast more suitable. Acast also caters to users needing unlimited episodes in its paid plans.

When to choose Simplecast

Users who need unlimited storage and uploads from the start, comprehensive reporting, and dedicated customer support (priority support in higher tiers) would find Simplecast more suitable. Simplecast also appeals to users who manage multiple shows and require dynamic ad insertion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in pricing between Acast and Simplecast?
Acast offers a free tier and starts at €25/month for paid plans, while Simplecast does not have a free tier and starts at $15/month.
Which platform offers unlimited storage and uploads?
Simplecast explicitly states it offers unlimited storage & uploads. Acast does not mention this feature explicitly, but states 'unlimited episodes' in its paid plans.
Are there differences in monetization features?
Acast allows monetization with ads and sponsorships, with varying options based on the tier. Simplecast offers dynamic ad insertion and flexible ad marking at the episode level.
Which platform is better for managing multiple shows?
Both Acast (in its paid tiers) and Simplecast (as a key feature) offer the ability to manage multiple shows.
What kind of support can I expect from each platform?
Acast highlights comprehensive support. Simplecast offers email support in its basic tier and priority customer support in higher tiers.

AI visibility profiles

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Acast

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Simplecast

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