Head-to-head comparison
The Ambies vs Podcast Movement
Two of the resources tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
Annual Podcast Academy awards recognizing excellence in audio across genres.
Best for: Audio awards
Largest in-person podcasting conference, returning in New York City in September 2026.
Best for: Industry conference
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
The Ambies
Pros
- Peer-voted by Podcast Academy members
- Genre breadth across the medium
- Permanently tied to On Air Fest from 2026
Watch-outs
- Submission fees per entry
- Heavily US-skewed entries and voters
- Niche genres can be overlooked
Podcast Movement
Pros
- Largest podcast industry event in North America
- Strong networking density
- Active sponsor and exhibit floor
Watch-outs
- Conference passes are pricey
- Big-room sessions can feel surface
- NYC travel and hotel costs hurt
Which one should you pick?
Pick The Ambies if
You’re building around audio awards. The closest thing podcasting has to a peer-voted industry awards show, run by The Podcast Academy. The 2026 sixth annual ceremony was held at Arlo Williamsburg on February 25 as part of On Air Fest — a permanent move announced this year.
Pick Podcast Movement if
You’re building around industry conference. The largest podcasting conference in North America for over a decade. The 2026 flagship moves to New York City — Terminal 5 in Manhattan, September 14-18 — a first-time NYC edition timed with the IAB Upfront.
Also worth comparing
Or see all The Ambies alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does The Ambies do better than Podcast Movement?
The Ambies's standout is "Peer-voted by Podcast Academy members". Podcast Movement doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Largest podcast industry event in North America" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick The Ambies; if the second does, pick Podcast Movement.
What are the trade-offs?
The Ambies: submission fees per entry. Podcast Movement: conference passes are pricey. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use The Ambies and Podcast Movement together?
Both are resources tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using The Ambies for one show or episode type and Podcast Movement for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.