If you want to start a podcast and you are hung between Buzzsprout and Anchor, this Buzzsprout vs Anchor comparison will provide much-needed guidance.
Both Buzzsprout and Anchor are popular platforms for podcast hosting. Both will offer servers for hosting your content. They will also distribute your podcasts to various directories, and of course, both platforms will allow you to create cover artwork.
But which one is better suited for your business needs? In this Anchor vs Buzzsprout comparative review, I will tell you about their core differences so that you can make an informed decision based on your needs.
Keep reading!
Buzzsprout vs Anchor: TL;DR
- Free tier: Available
- On-the-go recording: No such feature
- Type: Web-based SaaS application
- Multiple host/guest support: Not available
- Multi-channel distribution: Available
- Podcast directories: 12
- Support: Email only. No live rep or phone support
- Community: Facebook group
- Free tier: Always Free
- On-the-go recording: Allows recording using any device
- Type: Web-based SaaS application
- Multiple host/guest support: Available
- Multi-channel distribution: Available
- Podcast directories: 9
- Support: Email only. No live rep or phone support
- Community: Facebook group
Buzzsprout Pros
- There is a free plan.
- Allows displaying visual soundbites on social media.
- Offers integrations with various platforms like WordPress, Canva, Charitable, Podtrac, etc.
- Transcription service available for an additional fee.
- Gives access to many podcast directories.
- Fast customer service with replies usually within 12 minutes.
Anchor Pros
- It is forever free with no limits on uploads and storage.
- It offers better and easier monetization tools.
- Gives access to Spotify and in-depth analytics.
- Submits podcasts to different platforms on your behalf.
- Offers tools for podcast recording and editing.
- Offers 24/7 support.
Buzzsprout vs Anchor: Detailed Comparison
Anchor vs Buzzsprout Comparison Breakdown By Features
- Podcast Hosting
- Podcast Distribution
- Monetization Options
- Recording & Mastering
- Analytics & Reporting
- Pricing Plans
- Customer Support, Training, and Deployment
Anchor vs Buzzsprout: Podcast Hosting
Buzzsprout:
This web-based podcast application will allow you to host your podcasts online so that your followers can access them easily. You will get a landing page where all your podcast episodes will be listed.
The good thing is that you get unlimited storage where you can store your audio files, which will allow you to maintain a complete history of your podcasts.
Depending on the pricing plan, there will be a limit on the number of hours of audio you can upload every month. You will not get unlimited audio plans.
The best part is that you can customize the landing page you get with the platform, and you can even use a custom domain if you want.
Anchor:
Anchor will also allow unlimited podcast hosting with no limit on storage space. You will get a landing page where you can list all your podcasts.
The good thing is that there is no limit on the number of hours of audio you can upload each month.
The drawback is that you cannot use a custom domain with Anchor and the customization of the landing page is very limited.
Winner: Buzzsprout because it allows customization of landing pages and even allows using custom domains, making it a better choice for businesses.
Anchor vs Buzzsprout: Podcast Distribution
Buzzsprout:
It will allow you to share your podcasts on various podcast directories that include Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Spotify, and Overcast.
Some directories which are exclusively available with Buzzsprout include TuneIn, Podcahser, Alexa, iHeartRadio, and Castro.
You must begin by submitting your podcast for a slot to be distributed to various platforms. Once the submission is accepted, the platform will sync every new episode to the directories. However, you must perform the syncing manually.
Buzzsprout offers podcast sharing on social media and even on your own website. When you share, Buzzsprout will show visual soundbites (that is, it will display the audio waves and even the cover art) through its elegant podcast player. You can customize the player to match your brand language.
Anchor:
It will also allow you to share your podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Spotify, and Overcast. The exclusive directories available with Anchor include RadioPublic and Amazon Music.
The distribution feature is similar but the only difference is that you don’t need manual interference. Everything is automatic.
The sharing feature available with Buzzsprout is not available with Anchor.
Winner: Buzzsprout because it offers more directories and easy sharing features.
Anchor vs Buzzsprout: Monetization Options
Buzzsprout:
It will allow you to connect with various affiliate programs. You can easily collaborate with those brands and promote their products and services during live streams or pre-recorded episodes. If your listeners purchase products or services through you, you will earn affiliate commissions.
Unfortunately, they don’t have the option for selling subscriptions. Thus, if you want to set up a paywall for your episodes, you can’t do that.
They also have Buzzsprout Ads – a programmatic platform that allows independent podcasters to earn cash. It is a YouTube-style monetization option where you will have complete control over the ads and you can decide which ads will play in your episodes.
Anchor:
There are no built-in affiliate programs available with this platform. However, you are free to collaborate with different brands if you want. You are on your own.
The platform will allow you to sell subscription plans to your listeners. Additionally, they also have something called Ads by Anchor, which is their proprietary ads platform.
There are a few options available. For instance, you can create ads for Anchor using your voice, or you can display third-party ads. The Spotify Audience Network targets third-party ads to the listeners.
They also have premium sponsorships where you can directly read ads for 3rd-party brands. However, this option will require you to have a very high engagement rate.
Winner: Anchor because it allows to sell subscription plans.
Anchor vs Buzzsprout: Recording & Mastering
Buzzsprout:
This SaaS application doesn’t have a built-in podcast recording feature. But there are tools available for arranging and optimizing your episodes.
There is an option for dynamic content insertion which will allow you to add or remove pre- or post-roll segments in your recordings.
File optimization is automatic. The platform will ensure that your audio files are in the right format with high-quality audio irrespective of ID3 tags, bitrates, or file types.
They also have something called Magic Mastering. You must pay for it as an add-on service, but it will allow you to add audio filters for sweetening & optimizing audio tracks.
Anchor:
Anchor will allow you to record new episodes on the go from any device. The platform even allows you to record with multiple people as co-hosts or guests. You can even invite other users to answer polls and Q&As, or you can simply ask them to send recorded voice messages.
Though it is a great feature, you get only M4A format which has only 32 bytes per second. This will significantly reduce the audio quality.
After completing the recording, you are free to rearrange segments and insert ad slots inside the content. If you want, you can easily add a music track directly from Spotify.
The podcast editor is not very smooth and you can experience interface lag. For experienced podcasters, advanced podcast editing software will be a better choice.
Winner: Anchor because it has a built-in recording option, making it a great choice for beginners.
Buzzsprout vs Anchor: Analytics & Reporting
Buzzsprout:
This web app offers IAB 2-certified analytics, which means the data follows industry best practices. You can easily track total downloads and the apps people use for listening to your episodes and learn about the location of the listeners.
Additionally, you get access to the data from different directories. Though the data available may differ significantly from directory to directory, you still get advanced data on audience engagement, listener stats, and drop-offs.
Anchor:
Anchor also offers similar IAB 2-certified analytics data. You get some extra data for Spotify listeners where you get to know where your listeners are dropping-off. This will allow you to identify areas that are less interesting. You also get data on audience demographics, geolocation, listening apps, and more.
Winner: It is a tie!
Buzzsprout vs Anchor: Pricing Plans
Buzzsprout Pricing:
There are four pricing plans and one of them is a forever-free plan. Here is what they offer:
Free Plan:
- 2 hours of upload each month.
- Episodes stay hosted for 90 days.
- Advanced stats.
- Unlimited team members.
- Ads placed by the platform.
$12 Per Month:
- 3 hours of upload each month (additional uploads at $4 an hour).
- Episodes stay hosted indefinitely.
- Advanced stats.
- Unlimited storage.
- Unlimited team members.
$18 Per Month:
- 6 hours of upload each month (additional uploads at $3 an hour).
- Episodes stay hosted indefinitely.
- Advanced stats.
- No limit on storage space.
- Unlimited team members.
$24 Per Month:
- 12 hours of upload each month (additional uploads at $2 an hour).
- Episodes stay hosted indefinitely.
- Advanced stats.
- No limit on storage space.
- Unlimited team members.
Anchor Pricing:
It allows hosting unlimited content for free forever. There are no paid plans.
Winner: Anchor because it is forever free.
Buzzsprout and Anchor Comparison: Customer Support, Training, & Deployment
Buzzsprout:
The platform offers support through emails and they usually answer emails within 12 minutes. Unfortunately, they don’t provide support through phone or live chat.
Training is limited with no in-person and online webinars. Documentation, videos, etc., are available to help you get started.
As for deployment, it is web-based. Desktop deployment such as Windows desktop, Mac desktop, or Linux desktop options is not available. There is no installation option for Chromebook. On-premise deployment such as Windows on-premise is not available. Also, there is no on-premise Linux. Mobile deployment is not possible. Android mobile and iPhone mobile apps are not available.
Anchor:
Anchor also offers support through emails and they too, have an impeccable response. Unfortunately, they also don’t provide support through phone or live chat.
Training is limited with no in-person and online webinars. Documentation, videos, etc., are available to help you get started.
As for deployment, it is also web-based. Desktop deployment such as Windows desktop, Mac desktop, or Linux desktop options is not available. There is no installation option for Chromebook. On-premise deployment such as Windows on-premise is not available. Also, there is no on-premise Linux. Mobile deployment is possible. Both Android mobile and iPhone mobile apps are available.
Winner: Anchor because it has mobile support.
Anchor and Buzzsprout Comparison: FAQ
Which is better Buzzsprout or Anchor?
Buzzsprout has more promotional tools but they lack social media management options. So, you will need to adjust your marketing strategy accordingly. However, Anchor has more podcasting tools and unlike other providers, it is completely free. Which one is better will entirely depend on your requirements.
I like the fact Buzzsprout allows using custom domains – something that Anchor won’t support. So if you need brand uniformity, Buzzsprout is a better option to host podcasts.
However, you can’t argue with free!
Does Anchor own your podcasts?
No Anchor doesn’t own your content. You are free to use your content anywhere and monetize it in whichever way you want. Anchor also has proprietary monetization options that you can utilize.
Is Buzzsprout the best podcast hosting?
Buzzsprout is a SaaS software for podcasting and offers great features that podcasters can use to improve and market their content to users across the world. Though it lacks a recording feature, it is a more suitable option for businesses that require custom domain support and the ability to customize landing pages.
If you have enough money and you don’t care about on-the-go recording or free Spotify music, Buzzsprout is a better choice because you can provide a branded site to your audience.
Is Anchor a good podcast hosting?
Anchor started as an audio sharing tool like Clubhouse that growth hackers and Silicon Valley investors used frequently. However, it grew into a podcast host with robust mobile applications that allows content creation on the go.
Unfortunately, that style of podcasting with Spotify-enabled added music is not sustainable for professionals and businesses who require more control over branding.
Indeed, Anchor is user-friendly and like other platforms, offers a simplified user interface DNA like Podbean and Libsyn, and also offers some great features that are perfect for beginners & hobbyists.
Buzzsprout and Anchor Comparison: Summary
Both Buzzsprout and Anchor are popular choices for hosting podcasts. Though Buzzsprout lacks the on-the-go recording functionality, its support for custom domain and landing page customization is what professionals find helpful.
Anchor will not allow custom domains, but it has on-the-go recording functionality, making it a much more suitable option for travel bloggers or digital nomads who are always on the road!
Pick the one that’s best for you.