Podcast Hosting Platforms (P.2): Captivate, Buzzsprout, Transistor & RSS.com

If you're starting a podcast in 2026 or thinking about switching hosts, this episode offers a real-world look at what each platform does well, and where they may fall short.In Part 2: I'm comparing four of the most talked-about podcast hosts for independent creators: Captivate, Buzzsprout, Transistor, and RSS.com.In This EpisodeWhy Captivate remains one of the strongest growth-focused podcast hosting platformsThe AI assistant feature that almost kept me on CaptivateCustomer support experiences and billing challengesCaptivate pricing, download limits, and podcast network optionsTransistor's user-friendly interface and podcast website featuresBuzzsprout's strengths for solo creators and mobile podcastersBuzzsprout's podcast education resources and active communityAudio vs. video podcast hosting costsFree podcast hosting options that still allow you to own your contentRSS.com features including unlimited podcasts, AI transcripts, and monetizationHosting Platforms CoveredCaptivateUnlimited podcasts and episodesStrong marketing and growth toolsAI-powered podcast assistantPodcast network supportMonetization optionsDownload-based pricing structureTransistorClean and intuitive interfacePodcast websites and podcast networksAdvanced analyticsDynamic ad insertion (higher-tier plans)Unlimited podcast hostingBuzzsproutBeginner-friendly podcast hostingMobile app supportVideo podcast publishingStrong educational resourcesActive creator communityTransparent pricingRSS.comFree podcast hosting optionUnlimited podcasts and episodesAI-generated transcriptsPodcast websitesListener donations and monetizationPodcast network supportIndependent creator-friendly approachKey TakeawayThe best podcast hosting platform isn't necessarily the one with the most features; it's the one that fits your workflow, budget, and goals.Other Resources MentionedAdobe PodcastDescriptRiversideConnectFollow the show on Instagram: @krpodlabVisit: krpodlab.com