Anchor was one of the best platforms for beginners to start their podcast journey, and now, it’s all on Spotify after the merge. Anchor is now “Spotify for Podcasters,” and I love it for all the monetization options you get, along with a dedicated and easy podcast interface. However, a few might need to get along, and for those super users, here are the 10 best anchor podcast alternatives to look at.
What Happened To Anchor.FM?
When I began podcasting and creating content around podcasting, Anchor was my favorite podcasting tool for the easy and quick interface. Of course, I was naive and a beginner who didn’t require advanced podcast tools, and editing a podcast on Anchor was much more restrictive. Yet, Anchor Podcast was an easy begin, and in 2019, Spotify acquired Anchor at $140 million.
In later 2023, Spotify finally turned Anchor into Spotify for Podcasters, allowing users to create podcasts in a more robust way with advanced features, monetization options, a dedicated interface to manage and distribute podcasts, and much more.
Spotify for Podcasters is not bad; it is genuinely a good option. However, it is only fair to allow users to know the best alternatives to Anchor podcast or Spotify for Podcasters so they can pick a platform suitable to their interests.
Your Audience is Yawning
Two things can make your audience sleepy while listening to your podcast. One is a boring script, and the second is poor audio.
Here are my favorite 10 best microphones for podcasters that will make you sound sick professional. It is also budget-friendly for beginners and professionals.
Best Anchor Podcast Alternatives That I Like
When picking a podcast platform, it is important to look at a few factors, such as how easy it is to create a podcast on it, distribute podcasts, use podcast editing tools, and how good of a hosting platform it is. Anchor podcast was a free tool with unlimited podcasting hosting; however, some of the podcast hosting platforms listed below might require a subscription, which is not an ideal choice for occasional podcasters, so it is best to learn about the pricing once you make your choice.
Here are the best Anchor Podcast alternatives,
1. SoundCloud Podcast Hosting
Key Specifications
- Easily distribute your shows and episodes to various other platforms
- Core analytics and insights on your podcast performance
- User-friendly interface for quick learning of the tool
- Supports multiple subscription tiers for convenience
- Allows embedding Podcast on various external websites such as blogs or portfolio website
SoundCloud
SoundCloudSoundCloud needs no introduction; it is a seasoned, popular podcasting platform with over 30 million music creators and 175 million users. The popularity comes with several features, especially for podcasters, where creators get to use dedicated insights and creator tools, distribute episodes on various platforms, and engage with their audience.
One of the best things about SoundCloud that makes it a likable option for beginners is the “User-friendly” interface. You can find all the options to create and manage your podcasts right on your screen, and with a few clicks, you can see your Podcast live. For creators to whom insights or analytics matter more, you can find a bunch of great data, such as the number of plays, downloads, reposts and comments, public and private insights, and insights from other sources or third-party distributions.
Pros
- Large and diverse user base
- Better insights and creator tools
- Easily distribute your podcasts to other platforms
- User-friendly interface, which is a great advantage for beginners
- Access to public, private, and third-party distribution insights
Cons
- Limited options to monetize your podcast shows and episodes
- SoundCloud has a huge library of podcast shows, which may limit your organic discoverability
- Few advanced tools may require you to have a premium subscription and may limit the creativity of podcasters
Also Read: AirPods Pro 2 vs Echo Buds 2: This Review is All You Need
2. Storyboard Podcasts
Key Specifications
- Versatile podcast platform
- Offers robust engagement features
- Create private podcasts for limited audiences
- Get detailed analytics of your shows and episodes
- More than just Podcasting, Storyboard is an audio communication platform
Storyboard
StoryboardFrom podcast comedy shows to private team announcements, Storyboard is a one-stop solution for podcasters, and it has some really cool features for engaging with your audience base. Of course, similar to Anchor, you can create public podcasts and share your thoughts and stories, or even give your life updates by creating shows and episodes. The advantage is Storyboard does more than what Anchor could
What I like the most about the Storyboard podcast is the great engagement section, where users can interact with the creator, leave comments, rate the show or episode, and leave an audio comment for the podcast creator. For me, Storyboard is less of a podcast platform and more of an audio communication platform for institutional and organizational affairs.
One of the other things I love about Storyboard is you can create a private podcast for your limited team and also use a paywall to share your premium content. Once you start curating content and get listeners onboard, you get access to the huge listener’s data from start to end. Overall, it is a great alternative to Anchor podcast and offers added value and features to your podcasting experience.
Pros
- A versatile platform that helps you create from public shows to private meetings or training on a single platform
- Better engagement with creators and audience with comment sections, show ratings, audio comments, and more
- Beyond a podcast platform: Storyboard is better known as an audio communication platform for both personal and professional use
- You can always create private podcasts for your limited audience and place a paywall to create a complete private podcasting solution for your show
- Get access to detailed analytics and insights about your Podcast’s performance and listener’s data to enhance your future episodes
Cons
- Too specialized, which may overwhelm first-time users or podcast beginners
- You will require some time to get familiar with the entire interface and advanced tools/features
- With all the engaging options, podcast creators might indirectly depend on the comments or similar engagements to determine the success of their Podcast. The challenge here is the target audience base on the platform is smaller than most other podcast platforms, so you might not see a lot of engagement
Also Read: How to Create a Paid Podcast Subscription on Spotify
3. Rumble Studio
Key Specifications
- SaaS-based platform with your own branding options
- Questionnaire-based content creation
- Guest invite and record answers to choice questions
- Multimedia responses such as text, image, and screen record
- Export and distribute your audio to various channels/platforms
Rumble Studio
Rumble StudioRumble Studio is a platform for podcast creators, companies, and agencies to make podcasting a lot easier for you. With Rumble Studio, you don’t actually require a podcast setup, just a podcast microphone, and Rumble Studio takes care of the rest. Let me tell you how it works.
You pick a set of questions from Rumble Studio’s questionnaire bank or create your own set of questions and record them. Once done, you invite as many guests as you wish; of course, it also depends on what Rumble Studio plan you are on, and then the guests record answers to these questions. You and your guests can record not just audio but also text, images, and screen record responses. You can review the input from guests and ask them to follow up with the changes, if any.
Rumble Studio offers a mixing interface where you can assemble all these parts of your responses and questions and also add audio effects such as jingles. Once you are happy with your episode, you can readily export the mix and distribute it to multiple podcasting platforms.
Rumble is a decent option for those who don’t want to invest in heavy setups or want a more long-distance collaborative experience for their Podcast. It also offers brand kits and white labeling to make the interface more visually representing your podcast show so you can call it your own.
Pros
- Remotely record a podcast with your guests
- Simplified guest podcast setup
- The questionnaire bank to help you design your podcast flow is a great feature
- Multimedia responses and easy review and collaboration
- Branding options help you white-label your Podcast
Cons
- There is a need for a lot of UI/UX changes
- Editing can be a little mess at times
- The White-labeling is partial as a lot of actions, such as guest invites, are done through Rumble Studio branding
Also Read: How to Earn from Podcasts? Alternatives to Podcast Ads
4. BuzzSprout Podcast
Key Specifications
- Free podcast hosting, which is great for beginners
- Dynamic content allows the addition or removal of pre or post-rolls
- Popular and effective monetization options to earn with your Podcast
- Allows team collaboration and multiple podcasts
- Create transcriptions and make your Podcast more accessible to your audience
BuzzSprout
BuzzSproutBuzzSprout is a true alternative to Anchor podcast, and it is because, just like Anchor, BuzzSprout offers free podcast hosting for beginners. Not just that, BuzzSprout has dozens of attractive features, such as dynamic content, monetization options, and episode optimizations, which makes it, overall, one of the best choices for podcasting.
Dynamic content allows you to add or remove pre-post rolls from your published content and helps you make changes to your episodes even after they are published. And with BuzzSprout Ads, earning through your podcasts gets a lot easier. But are Ads the only option? Well, not really. Likewise, to any premium platform, BuzzSprout allows you to set up a paywall and create private podcasts to share premium content and build your audience base. You can redirect the audiences to your BuzzSprout website, an epitome collection of all your published content.
For teams, BuzzSprout turns out to be a more captivating podcast platform as it allows creators to manage multiple podcasts with unlimited team members. Once your Podcast is ready, you can even create transcriptions for them and make your content more accessible to your audience.
Pros
- Free hosting for beginners, which is great for first-time users
- Monetization options such as ads, paywalls, and more
- Dynamic content editing for pre and post-rolls
- Private podcasts for premium content
- Team collaboration and managing multiple podcasts
- Robust analytics for listener behavior and helping creators refine their content strategy
Cons
- Limited storage and accessibility on free hosting
- Restrictive editing features
- Customization limitations on the BuzzSprout website for private podcast creators
Also Read: How to Clean Your Podcast Microphones? A Handy Guide
5. Transistor FM
Key Specifications
- Create unlimited podcasts on a single account
- Private podcasts with a paywall to share premium content
- Create a custom website for your private podcasts
- Dynamic ad monetization for pre-mid-post rolls
- Get detailed analytics and insights on your individual episodes and shows
Transistor FM
Transistor FMA modern podcast platform, Transistor FM, is one of the best options when you want to create fully-fledged premium podcast content. Transistor FM allows you to create unlimited podcasts on your account, and it is a lot easier to manage them. Moreover, you get to create private podcasts with a paywall to distribute your private content to limited audiences only. Of course, you can also create public podcasts and easily distribute your Podcast on various Podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
Likewise to BuzzSprout, I like how you can create a personal website for your audience. Again, this Podcast website is restrictive as there are limited customization options. This is when you can use WordPress-managed hosting with Kinsta to create a podcast website with full control and flexibility.
With Transistor FM, you can find detailed analytics, insights, and trends on your podcast shows and episodes. Some of the prominent data you can view are average downloads per episode, estimated subscribers, and listener trends. Another advantage of using Transistor FM is dynamic ad monetization that allows you to insert dynamic ads on pre-mid-post rolls and earn revenue on your shows.
Pros
- Create unlimited podcasts on your single account
- Want to share your premium content? Create private Podcasts with a paywall and distribute them to limited audiences
- Easily distribute your podcast shows and episodes on major platforms like Spotify, Apple, Google, and more
- Earn on your podcast shows and episodes with dynamic ad monetization on pre-mid-post rolls
- Get comprehensive analytics and details on your individual episodes, including listener trends, downloads, and estimated subscribers
Cons
- Limited website customization while you can create a fully customizable Podcast website on WordPress with Kinsta
- Users may take some time to get used to the advanced features
- Competitive pricing, which depends on the number of subscribers or downloads
Also Read: Podcast Covers: 7 Best Apps to Create Stunning Podcast Cover Art
6. Podbean Podcast
Key Specifications
- Over 600,000 podcasts in the Podbean library
- Mobile app tools for creating both audio and video podcasts
- Easy promotion and distribution to popular platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts
- Live podcasting feature for real-time audience engagement
- Multiple monetization options, including ads, Apple Podcast subscriptions, fan rewards, and patron programs
- Free website creation with mobile responsiveness and customizable pages
Podbean
PodbeanPodbean is one of the oldest podcast platforms, with over 600,000 podcasts in their library, but it doesn’t make it any outdated. From creating a podcast to monetizing it, Podbean offers a complete solution to podcast creators.
Creating a podcast is easier with Podbean as you can readily create one with its mobile app tools. Most importantly, if you are a beginner, you can create both audio and video podcasts with the mobile app and ditch the expensive machines. Of course, after a time when your Podcast is popular, it is always best to improve the quality by upgrading your accessories and tools.
Promoting and repurposing your Podcast is also much easier with Podbean, and distribute your Podcast to the most popular listening apps like Spotify and Apple Podcasts with just a few clicks. The best thing is you can also go live with your Podcast and share your thoughts with your audience in real-time.
Once you grab your audience, you can monetize your Podcast with multiple monetization options like Ads, Apple podcast subscriptions, fan rewards, and other patron programs. There is a monetization option for every type of audience you have.
Podbean also offers a free website when you create a podcast and showcase all your shows and episodes. The website is good as it comes with mobile responsiveness and creates a page like About Us. Again, this podcast website from Podbean is limited, and I recommend you create your own website from scratch using Kinsta and WordPress.
A few other things I like about Podbean are that you get to see detailed analytics on your episodes based on downloads, likes, comments, followers, and more.
Pros
- Create podcasts with user-friendly interfaces and on-the-go with mobile tools
- Record audio and video podcasts and repurpose on other platforms
- Effortlessly promote and distribute podcasts with RSS feed
- Go live with your Podcast on the Podbean app
- Diverse monetization options that suit your interest
- A Podbean website for your Podcast and detailed analytics
Cons
- Limited customizations on the free website
- Platform dependency for live podcast feature
- Competitive market with 600,000 podcasts in the library, which tightens the possibility for organic visibility
Also Read: Podcast Script: Tips, Templates, and More
7. Captivate FM
Key Specifications
- Offers comprehensive podcasting solution with several features
- Create private or member-only podcasts with a paywall
- The platform takes care of all your podcasting needs, from research, dynamic notes, workflows, and other tools
- Creators can add and manage unlimited podcasts and team members based on plans
- Dynamic ads and content offer flexibility in placing ads and making changes to content
- Complete support for those who wish to migrate podcasts from other platforms
Captivate FM
Captivate FMWant to give your Podcast hosting a modern touch and want to get all the features ever on any podcast platform? This is Captivate FM, and it is a one-stop solution for your podcast hosting. One of the much more advanced alternatives to Anchor podcast, Captivate FM, is one of my favorite podcasting platforms.
Captivate offers you solutions to all your podcasting problems, from tech to workflow tools. Here, you can find features such as podcast migrating, guest interview booking, marketing tools, podcast websites, dynamic ads and content, and much more. The platform also offers multiple monetization options such as membership and tipping, dynamic ads, exclusive and bonus content, listener’s tips, and even access to early content.
Beginners shouldn’t face any issues with using Captivate as the user interface is simple, and there is a huge knowledgebase and community that helps you out. For any troubles, there is also a great support team that offers solutions for any technical issues and questions.
Teams also get to create and manage unlimited podcasts based on the subscribed plans. However, all these features are only the tip of the iceberg; and there are several more features that should best suit your podcasting needs.
Pros
- Diverse monetization options for podcast creators
- User-friendly interface for beginners
- Team collaboration allows you to add team members or manage multiple podcasts
- A robust support team to help you solve all your technical issues with the platform
- Advanced features and knowledgebase to help you create better Podcast content
Cons
- All these features are overwhelming for beginners
- Monetization options are complex, as there are several options out there that might require a lot of A/B testing
- Advanced features require a learning curve, which can be time-consuming to be adept to
Also Read: Podcast Name Generators: How to Pick a Name and Tools
FAQs: Best Anchor Podcast Alternatives
In 2019, Spotify acquired Anchor for $140 million, and later in 2023, Anchor was integrated into Spotify as “Spotify for Podcasters,” providing advanced features, monetization options, and a dedicated interface.
While Spotify for Podcasters offers great features, users may prefer alternatives based on specific needs, such as ease of use, diverse monetization options, and unique features offered by other platforms.
The top alternatives include SoundCloud, Storyboard Podcasts, Rumble Studio, BuzzSprout, Transistor FM, Podbean, and Captivate FM.
SoundCloud boasts a user-friendly interface, dedicated insights, and creator tools, easy distribution to various platforms, and engagement features. However, limited monetization options and discoverability challenges may exist.
Storyboard is a versatile platform offering engagement features like comments, ratings, and audio comments. It excels in both public and private podcasting, making it an audio communication platform suitable for personal and professional use.
Rumble Studio eliminates the need for an extensive podcast setup, allowing remote recording with guests through a questionnaire-based approach. It offers multimedia responses and a mixing interface for easy podcast creation.
BuzzSprout provides free podcast hosting for beginners, dynamic content editing, effective monetization options, and team collaboration. However, limitations in storage and website customization may apply.
Transistor FM allows unlimited podcast creation, private podcasts with a paywall, and dynamic ad monetization. It provides detailed analytics and caters to creators aiming for fully-fledged premium content.
Podbean, with over 600,000 podcasts, offers mobile app tools, easy promotion, live podcasting, and diverse monetization options. It provides detailed analytics and a free website for showcasing podcast content.
Captivate FM is a comprehensive podcasting solution with features like podcast migrating, guest interview booking, marketing tools, dynamic ads and content, and multiple monetization options. It supports unlimited podcast creation and team collaboration.
While some platforms, like SoundCloud and BuzzSprout, are beginner-friendly, others, like Captivate FM, may be overwhelming for beginners due to advanced features and monetization options.
Monetization options vary and include ads, paywalls, memberships, tips, and more. Users should explore each platform’s monetization features and choose based on their preferences and goals.
Before You Leave
Get Our Prime Content Delivered to your Inbox for Free!! Join the Ever-Growing Community… Right Now.
Give this article a quick share,
Wrapping up: Best Alternatives to Anchor Podcast
There are several more podcast alternatives to the Anchor podcast, and I have only hand-picked a few of them. A few other notable mentions are Castos, Casted, Spokn, and Podcastle, which are truly the best alternatives to Anchor podcasts. However, before choosing a Podcast hosting service, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each platform and see if the features and pricing suit your podcast requirements.
Storyboard Podcasts takes a unique approach, positioning itself as an audio communication platform. With versatile features, it caters to both personal and professional podcasting, enhancing audience engagement.
Rumble Studio simplifies podcast creation by eliminating the need for an extensive setup. The questionnaire-based content creation and multimedia responses make it a convenient choice, particularly for remote collaborations.
BuzzSprout remains a robust alternative with free hosting for beginners, dynamic content editing, and effective monetization options. It excels in team collaboration and provides detailed analytics, although storage limitations apply.
Transistor FM offers a modern podcasting experience, allowing creators to explore unlimited podcasts and private, premium content. With dynamic ad monetization and comprehensive analytics, it caters to those aiming for high-quality content.
Podbean stands as one of the oldest platforms, offering mobile app tools, easy promotion, and diverse monetization options. Its expansive library, detailed analytics, and free website creation make it a solid choice for creators.
Captivate FM, a one-stop solution for podcast hosting, provides advanced features and multiple monetization options. While its comprehensive offerings may be overwhelming for beginners, it appeals to seasoned podcasters seeking versatility.
In the end, it depends on overall individual preferences and podcast goals, and the level of podcasting expertise. If you are using another podcast hosting platform that is a great alternative to Anchor Podcast, let us know through the comment section below and share this Podcast with your podcast creator friends. If you like this article, do give this a quick share on your social media handles and do tag us. Also, join our Telegram channel, Facebook page, and Twitter to never miss a quick update.
Happy Podcasting!!
