Head-to-head comparison
RSS.com vs Simplecast
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.
Genuinely free podcast hosting that monetizes through ads and premium upgrades.
Best for: Free-tier hosting
Enterprise-flavored host with deep analytics and one-click distribution.
Best for: Mid-size networks
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
RSS.com
Pros
- Free tier with unlimited episodes, no time limit
- Auto-distribution to major directories
- AI transcription included
Watch-outs
- Monetization shallower than Acast
- Interface less polished than rivals
- Premium upsells throughout the UI
Simplecast
Pros
- Unlimited storage on every plan
- Deep IAB-certified listener analytics
- Clean custom show websites included
Watch-outs
- Pricier than Buzzsprout or RSS.com
- No AI tools or in-browser recording
- Monetization requires a sales call
Which one should you pick?
Pick RSS.com if
You’re building around free-tier hosting. RSS.com is one of the few hosts whose free tier is actually usable as a permanent home — unlimited episodes and no time limit beats Buzzsprout's 90-day window outright.
Pick Simplecast if
You’re building around mid-size networks. Simplecast nails the boring stuff: clean dashboards, IAB-certified analytics, and feeds that just work. It's an odd fit for solo hobbyists though — you're paying $15+/mo for distribution polish you could get free elsewhere, with zero AI tooling and monetization gated behind opaque higher tiers.
Also worth comparing
Or see all RSS.com alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does RSS.com do better than Simplecast?
RSS.com's standout is "Free tier with unlimited episodes, no time limit". Simplecast doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Unlimited storage on every plan" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick RSS.com; if the second does, pick Simplecast.
What are the trade-offs?
RSS.com: monetization shallower than acast. Simplecast: pricier than buzzsprout or rss.com. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Do they support the same platforms?
RSS.com works on iOS, Android where Simplecast doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use RSS.com and Simplecast together?
Both are hosting tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using RSS.com for one show or episode type and Simplecast for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.