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Simplecast review: podcast hosting pricing, features, and honest assessment (2026)

SiriusXM

Tiered by downloads pricing · Cloud · Web · Free trial available

Simplecast handles podcast hosting with unlimited storage on every plan, IAB-certified analytics that show you exactly who is listening and how, and one-click distribution to every major podcast directory. This review covers actual pricing ($15-$85/month), the download caps that differentiate each plan, what Simplecast does not include (no AI features, no monetization on basic plans), and where Buzzsprout, Transistor, or Captivate might be a better fit.

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Written by RajatFact-checked by Chandrasmita

Editorial policy: How we review software · How rankings work · Sponsored disclosure

Pricing

Tiered by downloads · 14-day free trial (no credit card required)

Deployment

Cloud

Supported OS

Web

What is Simplecast?

Simplecast is a podcast hosting platform owned by SiriusXM that offers unlimited storage, automatic distribution, and IAB-certified analytics. It is known for its clean interface and detailed listener insights. Plans start at $15/month with a 14-day free trial, and all tiers include unlimited uploads.

Simplecast pricing breakdown -- what each plan actually includes

Simplecast prices by features and download caps, not storage. Every plan includes unlimited storage and uploads, which removes the common anxiety about running out of space. The Basic plan at $15/month ($13.50/month annually) includes 2 team seats, basic analytics, a customizable show website, and a 20,000 download cap per month.

The Essential plan at $35/month ($31.50/month annually) bumps the download cap to 50,000, adds 4 team seats, episode comparison analytics, location and technology breakdowns, and unique listener reports. The Growth plan at $85/month ($76.50/month annually) adds even more advanced analytics, API access, and higher download limits. Professional and Enterprise plans exist but require contacting SiriusXM sales for pricing.

The hidden cost most podcasters miss: download caps. If your show grows past the 20,000 monthly download limit on Basic, you must upgrade to Essential at $35/month. That is a significant jump. Before committing, estimate your monthly downloads realistically. A weekly show averaging 1,000 downloads per episode will hit 4,000-5,000 monthly, well within Basic. But a daily show or a show with a growing back catalog can exceed 20,000 faster than expected.

Compared to Buzzsprout ($12/month for 3 hours of uploads), Simplecast's $15/month Basic plan is slightly more expensive but offers unlimited storage. Transistor ($19/month) includes unlimited shows and downloads at a comparable price point. Podbean ($14/month for unlimited) includes monetization features that Simplecast charges much more for. Simplecast's main advantage is analytics quality, not price.

Basic: $15/mo ($13.50/mo billed annually)
Essential: $35/mo ($31.50/mo billed annually)
Growth: $85/mo ($76.50/mo billed annually)
Professional: Custom (Contact SiriusXM sales)
Enterprise: Custom (Contact SiriusXM sales)

Verified from the official pricing page on March 24, 2026. View source

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What Simplecast actually does (and what it doesn't)

Simplecast is a solid, analytics-focused podcast host with a clean interface and reliable infrastructure backed by SiriusXM. The IAB-certified analytics are genuinely useful and more detailed than what most competitors offer at similar price points. Where Simplecast struggles is its lack of modern features: there are no AI tools, no built-in monetization on lower plans, and no video podcasting support. At $15/month for Basic, it is competitive but not cheap, especially when RSS.com offers unlimited hosting for free. Simplecast is a strong pick if analytics and reliability matter most, but podcasters who want monetization tools, AI transcription, or growth features should look at Buzzsprout, Captivate, or Podbean instead.

Quick verdict

Best when: You care deeply about listener analytics, want unlimited storage without worrying about upload limits, and prefer a clean...

Worth it if: Basic ($15/month) works if you get fewer than 20,000 downloads per month and do not need team collaboration...

Think twice if: Simplecast does not include any monetization tools (ad insertion, sponsorship marketplace, listener donations) on its Basic or Essential...

Simplecast is best for

You care deeply about listener analytics, want unlimited storage without worrying about upload limits, and prefer a clean no-nonsense interface. Skip it if you need built-in monetization, AI tools, or video hosting. The sweet spot is established podcasters and small networks who use data to guide content decisions.

Why Simplecast stands out

IAB-certified analytics and unlimited storage on every plan. Simplecast's analytics go deeper than most competitors, showing listener devices, locations, episode comparisons, and unique listener counts. The SiriusXM backing means reliable infrastructure and long-term stability. vs. Buzzsprout: more detailed analytics and unlimited storage, but no monetization tools on Basic. vs. Transistor: comparable analytics, but Transistor includes unlimited downloads on every plan.

Is Simplecast worth the price?

Basic ($15/month) works if you get fewer than 20,000 downloads per month and do not need team collaboration beyond two people. Essential ($35/month) if you need detailed analytics or have 4+ team members. Try the 14-day free trial first and publish at least 2-3 episodes to test the workflow. Do not go annual until you are sure the download cap on your chosen plan is sufficient.

Simplecast features

IAB-Certified Analytics

Simplecast's analytics are certified to IAB 2.1 standards, ensuring download counts are measured accurately and consistently. Beyond raw downloads, the dashboard shows unique listener counts, episode-by-episode comparisons, geographic breakdowns by country and city, device and app usage data, and listening duration metrics. On the Essential plan and above, you also get technology analytics and detailed audience segmentation. The limitation is that the deepest analytics require the Essential ($35/month) or Growth ($85/month) plans. The Basic plan includes basic download counts and episode stats but not the comparative and segmentation tools. If you want the full picture, you are paying at least $35/month. Also, analytics data is historical only. There are no real-time dashboards or push notifications for download milestones.

Unlimited Storage and Publishing

Every Simplecast plan includes unlimited storage and unlimited uploads. You can publish daily episodes, 3-hour interviews, and years of backlog without hitting a storage cap. This is a genuine differentiator compared to hosts like Buzzsprout (3-12 hours per month) and Libsyn (3-40 hours of new content per month). The catch is that while storage is unlimited, downloads are capped. The Basic plan limits you to 20,000 downloads per month. Hosting 500 episodes is fine, but if those 500 episodes collectively get more than 20,000 downloads, you need to upgrade. For podcasters with large back catalogs that still get regular listens, this cap can be reached sooner than expected.

Recast Shareable Clips

The Recast feature lets you select any segment of a published episode and create a shareable clip with an embedded player. These clips can be posted on social media, embedded in blog posts, or shared via direct link. The player is branded with your podcast artwork and includes a link back to the full episode. Recast is useful but limited compared to dedicated clip tools. You cannot add video, captions, or visual elements to clips. For social media promotion where video clips with waveforms or captions perform better, you would still need tools like Headliner, Opus Clip, or Descript. Recast works best for audio-native sharing on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn where an embedded player is sufficient.

Customizable Show Website and Web Player

Simplecast provides a hosted podcast website on all plans with custom domain support. The website displays your episodes, show description, subscription links, and an embeddable web player. You can customize colors and branding to match your show's identity. The web player can also be embedded on external websites. The website is functional but not feature-rich. You cannot add blog posts, email signup forms, or additional pages beyond the episode listing. If you want a podcast website that doubles as a marketing hub, you will need an external solution. The web player, however, is one of the cleaner embeddable players available and works well on both desktop and mobile.

Pros and cons

Separate what looks good in the demo from what actually matters after a month of daily use.

Strengths

The strengths that matter most once you start using Simplecast daily.

IAB-certified analytics with real depth

Simplecast's analytics are IAB 2.1 certified, meaning the download numbers are measured to an industry-verified standard. Beyond basic downloads, you get unique listener counts, episode comparison charts, geographic breakdowns, device and app data, and technology reports. For podcasters who make content decisions based on data, this level of insight is hard to find at the $15-$35/month price range.

Unlimited storage and uploads on every plan

Unlike Buzzsprout (which caps upload hours) or Libsyn (which caps new monthly storage), Simplecast lets you upload as much content as you want on every plan. Daily shows, long-form interviews, and large back catalogs are all fine. You never have to delete old episodes to make room for new ones. This is a genuine operational convenience.

Clean, intuitive interface that lives up to the name

Simplecast's dashboard is one of the cleanest in podcast hosting. Episode management, scheduling, and analytics are all easy to find. The publishing workflow is straightforward: upload, add metadata, schedule or publish. There are no buried settings or confusing menus. For podcasters who want a no-friction publishing experience, the interface is a real strength.

Recast feature for creating shareable clips

Simplecast's Recast feature lets you create shorter clips from full episodes for sharing on social media. You select a segment, and Simplecast generates a shareable audio clip with an embeddable player. This helps promote individual episodes on Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms without needing a separate tool like Headliner or Descript.

SiriusXM backing for reliability and stability

Simplecast is owned by SiriusXM, one of the largest audio companies in the world. This means the hosting infrastructure is robust, the company is financially stable, and the platform is unlikely to shut down or pivot unpredictably. For podcasters who have had hosts disappear or change terms suddenly, this corporate backing provides reassurance.

Limitations

Check these before subscribing — these are the limitations most likely to affect your experience.

No built-in monetization on Basic or Essential plans

Simplecast does not include any monetization tools (ad insertion, sponsorship marketplace, listener donations) on its Basic or Essential plans. You need to upgrade to the Network and Shows tier, which requires contacting sales for pricing. If earning revenue from your podcast is a near-term goal, Buzzsprout, Podbean, or RedCircle offer monetization at much lower price points.

No AI features of any kind

Simplecast has no AI transcription, no AI show notes generation, no AI clip suggestions, and no AI-powered editing. In a market where competitors like Buzzsprout and Podbean are adding AI features regularly, Simplecast feels behind. If you want automated transcripts, you will need a third-party tool like Otter.ai or Descript, adding cost and workflow steps.

Download caps that force upgrades as you grow

The Basic plan caps downloads at 20,000 per month. The Essential plan caps at 50,000. If your podcast grows past these limits, you are forced into a more expensive tier. Transistor, RSS.com, and Podbean all offer unlimited downloads on their paid plans. The cap model means Simplecast gets more expensive precisely when your show is succeeding.

No video podcast support

Simplecast is audio-only with no plans for video podcast hosting. You cannot upload video episodes, publish to YouTube, or offer video content to listeners. With video podcasting growing rapidly, this is a meaningful gap. Podbean, Castos, and Spotify for Podcasters all support video. If video is part of your strategy, Simplecast cannot be your primary host.

Professional and Enterprise pricing is hidden

If you need features beyond the Growth plan (monetization, advanced team management, custom integrations), you must contact SiriusXM sales for a quote. There is no transparent pricing listed for Professional or Enterprise tiers. This makes it impossible to budget in advance and creates uncertainty about what these plans actually cost.

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Setup, distribution, and team collaboration

Getting started with Simplecast takes about 10 minutes. You create an account, enter your show details, upload artwork, and publish your first episode. Distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Overcast, and other directories is handled with one-click submissions. The 14-day free trial lets you test everything without a credit card.

The learning curve is gentle. Simplecast's interface is designed for simplicity, and the publishing workflow (upload, add show notes, schedule) is intuitive. The analytics dashboard takes a bit more time to learn, especially the episode comparison and unique listener features, but nothing requires technical expertise. Budget one or two publishing sessions to feel comfortable.

Team collaboration depends on your plan. Basic includes 2 seats, Essential has 4, and Growth has more. Each team member gets their own login with access to the dashboard. There are no granular permission controls on the self-serve plans, so every team member has full access. If you need role-based permissions (producer vs. viewer), you will need a Professional or Enterprise plan.

Practical tip: take advantage of the Recast feature from day one. Create 2-3 shareable clips per episode for social media promotion. Also, set up your show website through Simplecast's built-in tool early, since it gives you an immediate web presence while you focus on producing episodes. The website supports custom domains on all plans.

Before you subscribe

Free trial and getting started with Simplecast

Before you subscribe to Simplecast, answer these questions. The clean interface and strong analytics are appealing, but they may not be enough depending on your needs.

1

Use the 14-day free trial to publish 2-3 real episodes. Pay attention to the analytics dashboard, the publishing workflow, and how your show website looks. If the analytics are not a priority for you, Simplecast may be overbuilt for your needs.

2

Calculate your monthly downloads honestly. If you are under 5,000 downloads/month, Basic is fine. If you are approaching 15,000+, budget for the Essential plan ($35/month) from the start. Getting surprised by a forced upgrade mid-growth is frustrating.

3

Decide whether monetization matters in the next 12 months. If yes, Simplecast is probably not your best first choice since monetization features are locked behind custom-priced plans. Buzzsprout, Podbean, and RedCircle offer monetization at accessible price points.

4

Check whether you need any AI features. If automated transcripts, AI show notes, or clip suggestions are part of your workflow, Simplecast will not provide them. You will need separate subscriptions to Descript, Otter.ai, or similar tools.

5

Compare directly against Transistor, Buzzsprout, and Captivate. Upload the same episode to each platform during their free trials. The best host for you depends on whether you prioritize analytics (Simplecast), growth tools (Captivate), monetization (Buzzsprout), or multi-show management (Transistor).

Ready to keep comparing Simplecast?

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Use pricing, tradeoffs, and alternatives before you make the final click.

Frequently asked questions about Simplecast

How much does Simplecast cost per month?

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Simplecast's self-serve plans are Basic at $15/month, Essential at $35/month, and Growth at $85/month. Annual billing saves 10%, bringing Basic to $13.50/month and Essential to $31.50/month. Professional and Enterprise plans require contacting SiriusXM sales. All plans include a 14-day free trial.

Does Simplecast have a free plan or free trial?

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There is no permanent free plan, but Simplecast offers a 14-day free trial on all tiers without requiring a credit card. This gives you enough time to upload several episodes, test the analytics, and evaluate the interface. After the trial, you must choose a paid plan to continue hosting.

Who is Simplecast best for?

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Simplecast is best for podcasters who prioritize analytics and want a clean, reliable hosting platform. Established shows that use listener data to guide content decisions will get the most value. It is less suitable for beginners on a tight budget or podcasters who want built-in monetization without paying for a custom enterprise plan.

Simplecast vs Buzzsprout -- which is better?

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Simplecast offers unlimited storage and deeper analytics. Buzzsprout offers built-in monetization, AI features, and a lower starting price ($12/month). Choose Simplecast if detailed listener data is your top priority. Choose Buzzsprout if you want an all-in-one platform with monetization and AI tools included at a lower cost.

What platforms does Simplecast distribute to?

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Simplecast distributes to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, and other major directories with one-click submission. Distribution is included on all plans. Once submitted, new episodes are automatically pushed to all connected directories.

Is Simplecast good for new podcasters?

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Simplecast is usable for new podcasters thanks to its clean interface, but it is not the most cost-effective option for beginners. At $15/month with no free plan, you are paying more than RSS.com (free) or Buzzsprout ($12/month). The analytics depth is wasted if you are just getting started and have limited listener data to analyze.

What are Simplecast's audio export and embed options?

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Simplecast offers embeddable web players that you can customize and add to any website. The Recast feature creates shareable audio clips from full episodes. Episodes can be exported via RSS feed to any directory. However, there are no video export options since Simplecast is audio-only.

Can teams collaborate on Simplecast?

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Yes, but team seats are limited by plan. Basic includes 2 seats, Essential includes 4, and Growth includes more. Each team member gets dashboard access, but there are no granular role-based permissions on self-serve plans. If you need separate access levels for producers, editors, and hosts, you will need the Professional or Enterprise tier.

Is Simplecast worth the money?

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Simplecast is worth it if analytics are central to how you run your podcast. The IAB-certified data, unique listener counts, and episode comparisons provide insights that most competitors charge more for. It is not worth it if you primarily need monetization tools, AI features, or video hosting since Simplecast does not offer these on its self-serve plans.

Can I cancel Simplecast at any time?

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Yes. Simplecast's Basic, Essential, and Growth plans are billed monthly with no long-term contract. You can cancel at any time and your podcast will remain available until the end of your billing period. You can also export your RSS feed and migrate to another host before canceling.

Simplecast alternatives worth comparing

If Simplecast is not the right fit, these podcast hosting platforms offer different balances of analytics, pricing, and features. The best alternative depends on whether you need cheaper hosting, monetization tools, or a more modern feature set.

ToolBest whenMain tradeoffPricingFree trial
Simplecast(this tool)You care deeply about listener analytics, want unlimited storage without worrying about upload limits,...Simplecast does not include any monetization tools (ad insertion, sponsorship marketplace, listener donations) on...Flat monthly feeYes
BuzzsproutYou are a solo podcaster or small team launching a first show and you...Buzzsprout is audio-onlyPer-upload-hourYes
PodbeanYou publish a single audio podcast on a regular schedule and want hosting, distribution,...Every Podbean account includes a podcast website, but the templates are limited and the...Per-plan tieredYes
TransistorYou host more than one podcast, work with a team, or need private podcast...Unlike Spotify for Podcasters (completely free) or Buzzsprout (free tier with 90-day episode retention),...Per-downloadsYes
LibsynYou are an established or growth-focused podcaster who values reliability, wide distribution, and monetization...This is the most common complaint in every Libsyn review, and it is validStorage-basedYes

Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is the most beginner-friendly podcast host with built-in monetization, AI transcription, and a starting price of $12/month. Its analytics are less detailed than Simplecast's, but it includes features (monetization, AI tools) that Simplecast locks behind enterprise plans. Choose Buzzsprout over Simplecast if you want an all-in-one platform that covers hosting, monetization, and AI without needing third-party tools.

Compare Buzzsprout

Podbean

Podbean offers unlimited hosting at $14/month with built-in monetization, live streaming, and video podcast support. Its analytics are solid though not as granular as Simplecast's. Choose Podbean over Simplecast if you need video hosting, live streaming, or monetization tools at a lower price point.

Compare Podbean

Transistor

Transistor starts at $19/month with unlimited downloads (no caps), unlimited shows, and team collaboration features. The analytics are IAB-certified and comparable to Simplecast's. Choose Transistor over Simplecast if you run multiple podcasts or want unlimited downloads without worrying about overage tiers.

Compare Transistor

Libsyn

Libsyn is the industry veteran, hosting podcasts since 2004. Plans start at $5/month with reliable distribution and a proven track record. Analytics are less modern than Simplecast's but adequate for most podcasters. Choose Libsyn over Simplecast if you want the lowest possible starting price and value long-term platform stability above modern features.

Compare Libsyn

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