This IN-DEPTH Podbean review uncovers why this software is considered as the TOP and MOST PRACTICAL podcast hosting platform for beginners and…
Podbean Review 2021: BEST Podcast Hosting For Beginners?
- By Allan Borch
- Updated August 27, 2020

Podbean is a feature-packed and straightforward podcast hosting platform. This software is convenient and functional. It is beginner-friendly and requires zero technical knowledge. This software is an excellent choice for those who have plans of growing their podcast and making money out of it.
Features & Effectiveness
This platform is filled with useful features that benefit podcasters, regardless of their skill level and purpose. It makes setting up easy for anyone, and it has all the right tools to support shows in whichever phase they are in.
Pricing
Podbean offers a free plan that is favorable to those who want to try and explore podcasting first, without the need to invest money just yet. However, as the show grows, the most advanced features are only available on higher-tier plans.
Ease Of Use
Navigating through Podbeans platform is a breeze, and it has left out technical jargon which makes it easier to understand what each page and button is about. Though some pages change the interface, the way they are structured is still easily adaptable.
Support
Podbean has a Support Center with all possible concerns thoughtfully categorized. Each resolution has step-by-step instructions and includes a video as well. However, when there are issues not included in the knowledge base, Live Chat is only available on Business Plan. Otherwise, a ticket needs to be opened via email.
- Free Plan
- Mobile publishing
- Social Media Auto-Sharing
- Patron Program
- Multiple monetization tools
- Video podcasts
- Live shows
- Podbean Podcast App
- Themed website
- Easy to navigate
Cons
- Free account has limited features
- Live Chat Support only available on Business Plan
- Pricing plans
In choosing a platform to host your show, it is important to consider the platform’s features, usability, and pricing. In this Podbean podcast hosting review, I will go over everything this platform has to offer. Continue reading to find out if Podbean is the right platform for you!
What Is Podbean?
Podbean.com is a podcast hosting platform that has been around since 2006. It is where podcasters can publish, distribute, market, and monetize their shows. It has multiple tools and even offers custom solutions for different podcaster’s needs (1).
Currently, pod bean is a home to The Misfits Podcast, True Crime Garage, and The Secret Sauce, and more (2)!
Who Is Podbean Suitable For? (And Why)

Podbean Features & Effectiveness
Dashboard

Publishing & Distribution

Embeddable Players


Website

Statistics

Podbean Podcast App

Podbean plugins are either paid or free to use. Your options range from Dropbox integration to automated emails via Mailchimp.
Podbean Plugins
Podbean lets podcasters install plugins with no hassle. Just choose among the available plugins and click to install. It even lets you create your own plugin!
Marketing & Monetisation
Podbean has a lot of marketing and monetization options that help take your show further. It has an Ads Marketplace (3) where brands can sponsor your episode. It may take a while to be selected, but as long as you have unique content, the opportunity is just around the corner.
Another option is growing a fanbase and releasing Premium Content (4). This type of content gets published on the Podbean app, and your listeners can purchase it from there too. There are no fees to releasing premium content; instead, Podbean takes a 15% share. Not bad at all!
In connection with the premium content, once you have established a fanbase, you can opt for the Patron Program (5) where listeners fund your show a fixed monthly fee to help keep it running!
Lastly, while you are still building your audience, you can start earning commissions for being a Podbean Affiliate (6). Just promote the platform to fellow podcasters, businesses, and brands and let them sign up using your link!
Podbean Pricing

Podbean Support

Podbean Podcast Hosting Reviews


User Feedbacks & Reviews
Check out what users have to say in their Podbean reviews:
Final Verdict & Recommendation
To wrap this up, I am giving Podbean a rating of 4.37 out of 5.
Podben has all the essential tools to get anybody started with podcasting and to become successful in it. This platform is robust, yet it is very convenient to the point that it lets you control your show even on mobile! Plus, it requires no technical knowledge at all!
The only main concern I have with this platform is its pricing plan which can mislead podcasters to think it is affordable at $9/month when in reality, if you want to get the most out of it, the Podbean cost at least $29/month.
If you are a beginner, I highly recommend this platform because it saves you from the hassle of transferring to another as you grow. Though the price can be high for starters, with all the monetization options, it is still easy to gain back. I do think it is a good investment!
Podbean Alternatives
If you want to check what other platforms have to offer, here are the top 3 competitors of Podbean:
To those who are looking for affordable platforms, Libsyn (7) offers a Classic Plan that costs $5/month. It also has multiple monetization tools, a mobile app, and integrated publishing. I would say Libsyn is a tough competitor of Podbean.
Spreaker (8) is an all-in-one platform, and it makes podcasting seamless. It lets podcasters record straight from the platform. It has a free plan too! However, their monetization tool is only available on their On-Talent Plan which is at $6/month. It is still cost-efficient!
Anchor (9) is a 100% free hosting platform. It allows podcasters to record and edit episodes from the platform. Even better: Anchor pays podcasters to use their app! It has an interesting business model, and it is worth checking out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Podbean has a free plan. However, to increase storage or gain access to its advanced features, you will have to subscribe to one of their paid plans.
Free plan allows 5 audio hours or mp3 files and a bandwidth of 100GB per month. Free users are also limited to publish up to 3 episodes per day.
Reference
- 1. https://www.podbean.com/about-us
- 2. https://www.podbean.com/2019-top-10-podcasts
- 3. https://sponsorship.podbean.com/podcasters
- 4. https://www.podbean.com/premium
- 5. https://patron.podbean.com/
- 6. https://www.podbean.com/affiliate
- 7. https://libsyn.com/
- 8. https://spreaker.com
- 9. https://anchor.fm/