Head-to-head comparison

Blubrry vs Captivate

Two of the hosting tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.

Veteran host with reliable IAB-certified stats and WordPress integration.

Best for: WordPress podcasters

Podcast host pitched at growth-minded creators who want to monetize and manage many shows.

Best for: Growth-focused podcasters

At a glance

Field
Blubrry
Captivate
Best for
WordPress podcasters
Growth-focused podcasters
Price tier
Platforms
Web
Web
Audience
Solo creatorsSmall teamsAgencies
Solo creatorsSmall teamsAgencies

The honest trade-offs

Blubrry

Pros

  • Strongest WordPress plugin (PowerPress)
  • IAB-certified stats trusted by sponsors
  • Unlimited bandwidth on every plan

Watch-outs

  • Dated interface compared to newer hosts
  • Advanced analytics cost $10/mo extra
  • Storage caps force tier jumps on weekly shows

Captivate

Pros

  • Unlimited shows per account at every tier
  • Strong monetization tools without add-ons
  • Growth Labs education is genuinely useful

Watch-outs

  • Higher entry price than Buzzsprout
  • Some features still in beta
  • Interface has a real learning curve

Which one should you pick?

Pick Blubrry if

You’re building around wordpress podcasters. Blubrry has been doing this since 2005, and the IAB-certified stats plus the PowerPress WordPress plugin still make it the natural pick for WordPress-based shows. The interface feels its age, and analytics now cost extra on top of hosting — annoying in a market where Buzzsprout includes them.

Pick Captivate if

You’re building around growth-focused podcasters. Captivate is the host for indies who treat podcasting as a real business — unlimited shows per account, IAB analytics, and monetization tools without an upgrade dance. Entry price is higher than Buzzsprout and a couple of the promised features are still in beta.

Also worth comparing

Or see all Blubrry alternatives.

Frequently asked

What does Blubrry do better than Captivate?

Blubrry's standout is "Strongest WordPress plugin (PowerPress)". Captivate doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Unlimited shows per account at every tier" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Blubrry; if the second does, pick Captivate.

What are the trade-offs?

Blubrry: dated interface compared to newer hosts. Captivate: higher entry price than buzzsprout. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.

Can I use Blubrry and Captivate together?

Both are hosting tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Blubrry for one show or episode type and Captivate for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.