Captivate vs Simplecast
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Podcast hosting and analytics.
The verdict
Both Captivate and Simplecast are credible podcast tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Captivate — Growth-oriented podcast hosting.
Choose Simplecast if you'd rather have a lower starting price (from $15/mo) and a longer free trial (14 days). Podcast hosting and analytics.
Captivate vs Simplecast: side by side
| Dimension | Captivate | Simplecast |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $19/mo | From $15/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 7 days | 14 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Podcasters, Marketers | Podcasters, Publishers |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Captivate key facts
- Vendor
- Captivate
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $19/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (7 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Podcasters, Marketers
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- Lichfield, UK
Simplecast key facts
- Vendor
- Simplecast
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $15/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Podcasters, Publishers
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- New York, New York
Frequently asked questions
Is Captivate better than Simplecast?
Neither is universally better — Captivate edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Captivate or Simplecast cheaper?
Simplecast is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $15/mo. Captivate starts at from $19/mo; Simplecast starts at from $15/mo.
Can Captivate replace Simplecast?
Yes for most teams — both are podcast tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.