Drop-in podcast site comments
The default third-party comment system since 2007, still embedded across a huge chunk of the web. Free with ads on every thread, or Plus from $11/mo to remove them. Pro at $105/mo unlocks analytics. Easy to drop on a podcast site, but the JS payload is heavy and the privacy reputation has driven a lot of creators to lighter alternatives.
- Free tier works across unlimited sites
- Familiar UX — most readers have used it
- Built-in moderation and spam filtering
- Free plan shows ads on every thread
- Heavy JS payload slows page loads
- Privacy reputation has been a recurring criticism
Disqus has been the default web-comment system since 2007 and remains the most-installed third-party commenting platform by a wide margin. Drop in a script tag, get a hosted comment thread with sign-in, moderation, spam filtering, threading, and reactions. Pricing in 2026: free Basic plan covers unlimited sites with ads served on every thread; Plus at $11/mo removes ads on a single site; Pro at $105/mo annual ($115/mo monthly) unlocks advanced analytics, deeper moderation tools, and enhanced branding; Business is custom-quote enterprise with SSO and account management. For podcast sites that publish episode pages with show notes, blog posts about episodes, or transcript pages, Disqus gives listeners a place to discuss — particularly useful if your audience skews older and won't engage on Discord. The downsides are real and well-documented: the JavaScript payload is heavy and slows mobile page loads meaningfully, the free tier's ads make your site look down-market, and Disqus has been criticized over the years for ad tracking and data sharing. Modern alternatives like Hyvor Talk and Cusdis have shipped specifically as "Disqus but lighter and more private." Disqus still wins on reach (sign-in works because users have accounts) and feature breadth, but for new podcast sites in 2026 it's worth asking whether those advantages outweigh the trade-offs.
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Disqus FAQ
What is Disqus in one line?
The default third-party comment system since 2007, still embedded across a huge chunk of the web
Who should pick Disqus?
Disqus is shaped for drop-in podcast site comments. Its biggest strength: free tier works across unlimited sites. Free with ads on every thread, or Plus from $11/mo to remove them
What should I watch out for with Disqus?
free plan shows ads on every thread; heavy js payload slows page loads. None of these are deal-breakers on their own, but they're worth knowing before you commit.
Is Disqus free?
There's a free tier, and you can ship work on it before deciding to upgrade. Confirm what's included on their site.
What can I use instead of Disqus?
Closest in the same category: PodInbox, Fanlist, Soundbite. Each has its own shape — see the alternatives page for a side-by-side.