Anchor by Spotify vs Buzzsprout
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Anchor was Spotify's free all-in-one podcast creation and hosting tool. It has since been rebranded, first to Spotify for Podcasters and then to Spotify for Creators, but anchor.fm links still redirect to the current platform and old accounts carried over automatically. It remains free with unlimited hosting for recording, editing, and distributing podcasts to Spotify and other listening apps.
Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform that lets creators upload audio and video episodes and automatically distributes them to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. It has hosted podcasts since 2009 and serves over 115,000 active podcasters.
- Completely free with unlimited hosting and distribution
- Direct, prioritized distribution into Spotify's listener base
- Built-in monetization path via the Spotify Partner Program
- Old Anchor accounts and links carried over automatically after the rebrand
- Free plan lets new podcasters try hosting before paying.
- Wide automatic distribution to all major podcast directories.
- Built-in AI tools (CoHost, Magic Mastering) reduce manual post-production work.
- Long operating history since 2009 with a large active user base.
- Brand has changed names twice in recent years, which causes confusion when searching for it
- Less third-party plugin/integration flexibility than dedicated podcast hosts
- Advanced analytics and monetization features favor larger, established shows
- Free plan's 90-day episode hosting limit makes it unsuitable for long-term free use.
- Some AI and mastering add-ons are priced separately from the base plan.
- Upload hour limits on paid plans require upgrading as show volume grows.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Anchor by Spotify
View all →
Podcast hosting platform with built-in distribution, monetization, AI editing tools, and analytics.
Podcast hosting platform with automatic distribution, AI show notes, and audio mastering.
Podcast hosting platform with unlimited shows, analytics, and private podcasting on every plan.
Alternatives to Buzzsprout
View all →Podcast hosting platform with built-in distribution, monetization, AI editing tools, and analytics.
Podcast hosting platform with unlimited shows, analytics, and private podcasting on every plan.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAnchor (Spotify for Creators) offers completely free, unlimited hosting with direct Spotify distribution, while Buzzsprout provides richer AI tools, broader directory support, and an API but costs money after a limited free tier.
Key differences
- •Anchor is entirely free with unlimited storage; Buzzsprout’s free tier limits hosting to 90 days and charges for higher volume.
- •Anchor distributes automatically to Spotify and via RSS to other platforms; Buzzsprout pushes to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, etc.
- •Buzzsprout includes AI features (CoHost show notes, Magic Mastering) and an API; Anchor has no AI tools or API.
- •Monetization: Anchor offers Spotify Partner Program; Buzzsprout offers subscriptions, dynamic ads, and fan mail, but may require paid plan.
- •Integration flexibility: Buzzsprout lists specific integrations and an API; Anchor has limited third‑party plugin flexibility.
Pricing & value
Anchor is completely free with unlimited hosting; Buzzsprout’s free plan caps at 90 days and adds paid add‑ons.
Ease of use / learning curve
Both are cloud SaaS, but Anchor’s built‑in recording/editing makes start‑up simpler for beginners.
Features & depth
Buzzsprout provides AI show notes, audio mastering, dynamic ad insertion, and a broader monetization suite.
Integrations & ecosystem
Buzzsprout offers an API and explicit integrations with Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music; Anchor lacks API and plugins.
Scalability
Anchor’s unlimited hosting and storage scale without extra cost; Buzzsprout may require plan upgrades as volume grows.
Support
Buzzsprout lists help center, email, and community support; Anchor provides no support details in the facts.
Migration / lock‑in
Both allow migration (Anchor carries over old links; Buzzsprout’s SaaS model can export RSS) – no clear advantage.
Choose Anchor by Spotify if…
New podcasters who need free, unlimited hosting and direct Spotify reach without extra features.
Choose Buzzsprout if…
Podcasters who want AI tools, broader directory distribution, API access, and are willing to pay for premium features.
Common questions
Can I host podcasts for free forever?
Anchor offers free, unlimited hosting forever; Buzzsprout’s free plan only stores episodes for 90 days.
Do either platform provide AI tools for editing or show notes?
Buzzsprout includes CoHost AI for show notes and Magic Mastering for audio; Anchor provides no AI features.
Is there an API for integrating my podcast workflow?
Buzzsprout has an API; Anchor does not offer an API.