Buzzsprout vs Captivate: Podcast Hosting Comparison (2026)

Buzzsprout offers a free tier, while Captivate does not. Captivate offers unlimited uploads and storage, while Buzzsprout has limits on upload hours on lower plans.

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.

Tied overall — both at 100% cited across 10 probes.
ChatGPT
Buzzsprout
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Captivate
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Perplexity
Buzzsprout
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Captivate
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Gemini
Buzzsprout
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Captivate
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Claude
Buzzsprout
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Captivate
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Copilot
Buzzsprout
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Captivate
1 / 1 probes
100%
Excellent
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

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

Pricing

Buzzsprout
Starting price
$15/month
Free tier
Yes
buzzsprout.com ↗
Captivate
Starting price
$17/user/month
Free tier
—
captivate.fm ↗

Key Features

Buzzsprout
  • ✓Upload up to 72 hrs / yr
  • ✓Easiest way to get started
  • ✓Listed in Podcast Directories
  • ✓Advanced Stats
  • ✓Unlimited Episodes
  • ✓Premium Website
  • ✓Add-on Availability
  • ✓Cohost AI and Magic Mastering (Add-ons)
Captivate
  • ✓Unlimited Podcasts
  • ✓Unlimited Uploads/Storage
  • ✓Extensive Distribution List
  • ✓IAB certified analytics
  • ✓Podcast Promotion
  • ✓Dynamic content insertion
  • ✓Private podcasting
  • ✓Podcast Website

When to choose Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is suitable for users who need a free tier or a more affordable starting price, and who value a user-friendly interface and comprehensive features for podcasters. Buzzsprout is also a good choice for those who want to be listed in podcast directories and have access to advanced stats.

When to choose Captivate

Captivate is suitable for users who require unlimited podcasts, unlimited uploads and storage, and extensive distribution options. It is also a good fit for those who need IAB certified analytics, podcast promotion, dynamic content insertion, and private podcasting. Captivate is a strong option for users who want all features included in every plan and are willing to pay a higher starting price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in features between Buzzsprout and Captivate?
Buzzsprout offers features such as uploading up to 72 hours per year, being listed in podcast directories, advanced stats, unlimited episodes, a premium website, and add-on availability like Cohost AI and Magic Mastering. Captivate provides unlimited podcasts, unlimited uploads/storage, an extensive distribution list, IAB certified analytics, podcast promotion, dynamic content insertion, private podcasting, and a podcast website.
Which platform has a free plan?
Buzzsprout offers a free tier, while Captivate does not.
What are the pricing differences?
Buzzsprout starts at $15/month, while Captivate starts at $17/user/month.
Are there any upload or storage limitations?
Buzzsprout has limited upload hours on lower plans and no rollover for unused hours, with additional charges for exceeding limits. Captivate offers unlimited uploads and storage.
What analytical features do they offer?
Buzzsprout provides advanced stats. Captivate offers IAB certified analytics.

AI visibility profiles

Is one of these your brand?

Get the full report by email: every podcast hosting buyer question we ask, which engines name you, and who gets named instead.

Buzzsprout

buzzsprout.com

Captivate

captivate.fm

Free check

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