Libsyn vs Zencastr: which one should you choose?
Quick answer: Choose Libsyn if you mainly need podcast hosting with IAB-verified stats and clear monthly upload limits; plans start at US$12 a month after a 30-day free trial. Choose Zencastr if you want to record, edit and host in one tool and start on a free plan with unlimited recording and hosting.
Libsyn vs Zencastr at a glance
| Libsyn | Zencastr | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | US$12/month (Basic) | Free |
| Free plan / trial | No free plan; first 30 days free on every plan (card required) | Free plan with unlimited recording and hosting |
| What it does | Podcast hosting and distribution | Recording, editing, hosting and publishing |
| Limits | Audio uploads capped by plan, from 3 to 55 hours a month | 6 participants per recording; free plan caps video RSS and views (6,000 and 60,000) |
| Stats | IAB-verified download statistics | Not listed |
| Recording tools | Not listed | Remote recording with separate tracks, 4K video, 48 kHz WAV |
| Team access | Up to five users per podcast | 4 seats and 5 shows on the free plan |
| Best for | Podcasters who want reliable hosting and distribution | Podcasters who record remote guests and want hosting included |
From each official site, checked November 14, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you buy.
Key differences
- Libsyn is a hosting service, while Zencastr combines remote recording, editing, transcription and hosting.
- Libsyn charges by monthly upload allowance: 3 hours of audio on Basic at US$12, 10 hours on Advanced at US$25, and 55 hours on Max at US$150.
- Zencastr's free plan lists unlimited hosting, but it caps video RSS and views.
- Libsyn provides IAB-verified statistics, with advanced stats on the Advanced plan and above.
- Libsyn distributes to YouTube on Basic and adds Spotify on Advanced and above; Zencastr lists distribution to major platforms.
In one line each
Libsyn
Long-running podcast hosting with monthly upload limits, IAB-verified stats and distribution to major apps. Starting price: US$12/month (Basic); an US$8 essentials plan is also linked. Free plan / trial: First 30 days free on every plan (card required). Best for: Podcasters who want reliable hosting and distribution.
Read the full Libsyn summary →Zencastr
Free podcast studio for recording, editing, hosting and publishing audio and video shows. Starting price: Free. Free plan / trial: Free plan with unlimited recording and hosting. Best for: Podcasters who record remote guests and want hosting included.
Read the full Zencastr summary →Frequently asked questions
Is Libsyn cheaper than Zencastr?
No. Zencastr has a free plan with hosting included, while Libsyn starts at US$12 a month after a 30-day free trial. Libsyn's higher plans cost US$25 and US$150 a month.
Does Libsyn or Zencastr have a free plan?
Zencastr has a free plan with unlimited recording and hosting. Libsyn has no free plan, but the first 30 days are free on every plan and a credit card is needed to start.
Can I record my podcast with Libsyn or Zencastr?
Zencastr has remote recording for up to 6 participants with separate tracks. Libsyn's listed features cover hosting, stats, distribution and a podcast website, not recording.
Which has better podcast statistics, Libsyn or Zencastr?
Libsyn lists IAB-verified download statistics on its plans, with advanced stats from the US$25 Advanced plan. Zencastr's listed features do not mention IAB-verified stats.
See all audio & podcasting compared →
We summarise each product from its official website, pricing page and documentation. We don't run hands-on tests or give star ratings. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.