Captivate vs Transistor: Podcast Hosting Comparison (2026)
Both Captivate and Transistor offer unlimited podcasts and a built-in podcast website. Captivate provides unlimited uploads/storage, extensive distribution lists, IAB certified analytics, podcast promotion, dynamic content insertion, and private podcasting. Transistor includes unlimited team members, 50 private subscribers, 20K monthly downloads, live customer support, advanced analytics, and API Access. Transistor has a free tier, while Captivate does not. Captivate limits users to monthly download caps, while Transistor has a specific 20K monthly download limit on its starting plan.
AI Citation Scorecard
How often each is cited by major AI engines when buyers ask podcast hosting questions. Last 90 days across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.
Probes run hourly; each (engine × query) combo retests every ~3 days.
Pricing
Key Features
- ✓Unlimited Podcasts
- ✓Unlimited Uploads/Storage
- ✓Extensive Distribution List
- ✓IAB certified analytics
- ✓Podcast Promotion
- ✓Dynamic content insertion
- ✓Private podcasting
- ✓Podcast Website
- ✓Unlimited podcasts
- ✓Unlimited team members
- ✓50 Private subscribers
- ✓20K Monthly downloads
- ✓Live customer support
- ✓Advanced analytics
- ✓API Access
- ✓Built-in podcast website
When to choose Captivate
Captivate is suitable for users who require unlimited uploads/storage and features like dynamic content insertion and private podcasting, but do not require a free plan. It is also suitable for those who prioritize IAB certified analytics and podcast promotion. Captivate plans have monthly download caps.
When to choose Transistor
Transistor is suitable for users who need a free tier and want to manage unlimited team members. It is also suitable for users who need API access and live customer support. Transistor provides 20K monthly downloads with its starting plan and has a limit of 50 private subscribers on lower plans. Transistor integrates with Zapier.