As technology advances, more and more people are turning to podcasts as a source of information and entertainment. Podcasts are audio files that can be downloaded and listened to on a computer or mobile device. They can be about any topic imaginable, from current events to gardening to history. And because there are so many different podcasts available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best podcast apps available. Whether you’re looking for an app that allows you to listen to your favorite podcasts offline or one that provides detailed episode information, we have you covered. So without further ado, here are the 10 best podcast apps in detail so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
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Contents
Why You Should Use a Podcast App
There are several reasons why you might want to use a free podcast app instead of just listening to exclusive podcasts through your web browser. Some of the benefits of using a podcast app include:
- The ability to listen to podcasts offline: This is especially useful if you’re going to be without an internet connection for an extended period of time, such as on a long car ride or flight.
- Easier episode management: With a podcast app, you can usually see all of the episodes of a show that you have not listened to yet, as well as which ones you have already heard. This can be helpful if you want to keep track of your progress or pick up where you left off.
- Push notifications for new episodes: Never miss an episode of your favorite podcast again! Most podcast recording apps will allow you to enable push notifications, which will notify you whenever a new episode of a show is released.
- Additional features: Some podcast listening apps come with additional features that can enhance your listening experience, such as the ability to speed up or slow down playback, change the volume of each speaker individually, and more.
- Better sound quality: Because podcast apps are designed specifically for listening to audio, they often have better sound quality than other types of media players.
Related: What to do if your podcast volume is too low?
10 Best Podcast Apps for Android and iOS
Now that you know some of the benefits of using a podcast app, let’s take a look at 10 of the best ones that are currently available.
1. Overcast
Overcast is a podcast app with many features that allow users to customize their listening experience. With Overcast, users can control playback speed, choose when to start and stop playing episodes, and organize podcasts into playlists. In addition, the app offers a wealth of ways to discover new podcasts, including recommendations based on listening habits and a search function that makes it easy to find podcasts by topic.
Overcast also allows users to subscribe to podcasts and automatically download new episodes, making it a convenient way to keep up with your favorite shows. Whether you’re a longtime podcast listener, among one of the podcast hosts, or just getting started, Overcast is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive podcast app.
Pros
- Many customizations option
- Excellent search function
- Subscribe and automatically download new episodes
- Push notifications for new episodes
- Offline Listening
Cons
- Overcast does not let you stream podcasts
2. Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts is a free app for your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch that lets you listen to your favorite podcasts. The Podcast App has over 300,000 shows and episodes available, so you’re sure to find something that interests you. Whether you’re into politics, sports, true crime, or comedy, there’s a podcast for everyone.
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And if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the Podcast App, you can always search for it in the iTunes Store. Once you find a show or episode you want to listen to, just tap on it and the Podcast App will start playing it. You can also subscribe to shows and episodes so that you never miss an update.
New episodes will automatically download to your device so that you can listen to them even if you’re offline. Plus, with iCloud, your subscriptions and playback position sync across all of your devices so that you can pick up right where you left off. So why not give the Podcast App a try today? It’s the best way to listen to your favorite shows and find new ones that you’ll love.
Pros
- Over 300,000 shows and episodes are available
- Subscribe to shows and episodes
- New episodes automatically download
- iCloud sync
Cons
- No customization options
3. Spotify
Spotify is a music streaming app that you can use to listen to your favorite tunes. But did you know that Spotify also has a podcast app? That’s right – with Spotify, you can not only listen to music, but you can also listen to podcasts. The podcast app is easy to use and has a lot of features that make it enjoyable to use.
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For example, you can easily search for podcasts by topic or genre, and you can also create playlists of your favorites. You can even download podcasts so that you can listen to them offline. Whether you’re a podcast enthusiast or just getting started, Spotify is a great option for listening to your favorite shows.
Pros
- Search for podcasts by topic or genre
- Create playlists
- Download podcasts for offline listening
- Integrated with the Spotify music app
Cons
- No free version (but there is a 30-day free trial)
4. Audible
Audible is an audio book and podcast app that makes it easy for users to find and listen to their favorite shows. The app offers a wide range of features, including the ability to search for specific topics or keywords, create custom playlists, and set playback speed.
In addition, Audible offers a variety of ways to listen to podcasts, including streaming through the app or downloading episodes for offline listening. As a result, users can enjoy their favorite shows even when they’re on the go. Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated podcast fan, Audible has something to offer.
Pros
- Search for specific topics or keywords
- Create custom playlists
- Set playback speed
- Stream podcasts through the app
- Download episodes for offline listening
Cons
- Expensive
5. Castro
If you’re a podcast lover, you’ll want to check out Castro, the newest app on the scene. Castro offers custom playback speeds, so you can listen to your favorite shows at the speed that works best for you. Plus, the enhanced podcast notifications make it easy to keep up with new episodes.
And if you’re short on time, Castro’s advanced chapter support lets you quickly skip ahead to the most interesting parts of a show. But that’s not all – Castro also boasts beautiful artwork and an easy-to-use interface. And if you want to share your favorite podcasts with friends, Castro makes it simple to do so.
Moreover, sideloading and CarPlay support are both included. And if you have an Apple Watch, you can control playback directly from your wrist. So if you’re looking for a great way to keep up with your favorite podcasts, be sure to check out Castro.
Related: How to Listen to Podcasts in your Car.
Pros
- Enhanced podcast notifications
- Advanced chapter support
- Beautiful artwork
- Easy-to-use interface
- Share podcasts with friends
- Sideloading and CarPlay support
- Apple Watch support
Cons
- Missing app-wide text search
6. Pocket Casts
Podcasts are a great way to stay entertained and informed while on the go, and there are a variety of alternative podcast apps available to help you manage your subscriptions. Pocket Casts is a popular option that offers a sleek, user-friendly interface and robust features.
After selecting your favorite podcasts, Pocket Casts can automatically download new episodes and keep them organized for you. You can also customize the playback speed and choose whether or not to have episodes trimmed of silence.
And if you’re worried about podcasts using up too much data, Pocket Casts lets you set a limit on how many episodes are downloaded over cellular networks. Whether you’re a podcast enthusiast or just getting started, Pocket Casts is an app worth checking out.
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Pros
- Sleek, user-friendly interface
- Robust features
- Automatically downloads new episodes
- Can customize playback speed
- Set a limit on how many episodes are downloaded over cellular networks
Cons
- Playback stopping randomly
7. Player FM
With Player FM, you can sync your podcasts across platforms, so you never have to miss an episode. You can also create custom playlists, so you can easily find and listen to your favorite shows. Plus, with the customizable themes, you can make Player FM look however you want.
And if you’re worried about storage space, don’t be – the Space Saver feature will download episodes in a compressed file, so they take up less space on your device. Besides, with the CarPlay and Apple Watch apps, you can listen to your podcasts even when you’re on the go.
Furthermore, if you ever want to bookmark an episode or make an annotation, you can do that too. Plus, with Turbo Fetch, Player FM will automatically fetch new episodes of your subscribed shows, so you’re always up-to-date.
And if that’s not enough, VIP support is available if you ever need help. Oh, and did we mention that Player FM is ad-free? That’s right – no ads! So why wait? Download Player FM today and start enjoying your podcasts like never before!
Pros
- Can sync across platforms
- Create custom playlists
- Customizable themes
- Space Saver feature
- CarPlay and Apple Watch apps
- Bookmark episodes and make annotations
Cons
- Limited podcast library
8. Stitcher
Stitcher is a podcast app that allows you to subscribe to and listen to your favorite shows. With Stitcher, you can easily find the episodes you want to listen to, and the dedicated podcast app will keep track of where you left off. You can also create custom playlists and listen to them offline.
Plus, Stitcher integrates with many popular podcast apps for Android, so you can listen to your podcasts while you’re driving, working out, or doing other activities. Whether you’re a casual listener or a passionate podcast fan, Stitcher is the perfect app for you.
Pros
- Easily find episodes
- Keep track of where you left off
- Create custom playlists
- Listen offline
- Integrates with many popular apps
Cons
- Occasional crashing
9. Podcast Addict
Podcast Addict is a free app for Android that allows users to listen to podcasts. The app has a 4.7-star rating on the Google Play Store, and it has been downloaded more than 10 million times. The app offers a wide variety of features, including the ability to search for and subscribe to podcasts, create playlists, and set playback speed.
In addition, the app supports Chromecast and Wear OS, and it can be used offline. podcast Addict is one of the most popular podcast apps available, and it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy way to listen to podcasts on their Android device.
Related: How to Listen to Podcasts and Music at the Same Time.
Pros
- Ability to search for and subscribe to podcasts
- Create playlists
- Set playback speed
- Supports Chromecast and Wear OS
- Can be used offline
Cons
- The animations could be better
10. Anchor
Anchor is a popular podcast app with over 100,000 downloads on the App Store. The app has a clean and user-friendly interface, and it provides users with a great way to discover and listen to new podcasts. Anchor also offers several features that make it unique.
For example, users can easily import their existing own podcast subscriptions from other apps, and they can choose to have new podcast episodes automatically downloaded to their devices.
In addition, the best free podcast app allows users to create custom playlists of their favorite episodes, and it provides access to exclusive shows that are not available elsewhere. Whether you’re a podcast enthusiast or just getting started, Anchor is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- Clean and user-friendly interface
- Great way to discover and listen to new podcasts
- Easily import existing podcast subscriptions from other apps
- Choose to have new episodes automatically downloaded
- Create custom playlists of favorite podcast episodes
- Access to exclusive shows that are not available elsewhere
Cons
- Needs Improvements
How Do I Choose the Best Podcast App?
Now that you know a little more about some of the best podcast apps out there, you may be wondering how to choose the right one for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Ease of Use
Your podcast app should be easy to use, so you can focus on enjoying your favorite shows. Look for an app with a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate. Your app should also allow you to easily find and subscribe to new podcasts.
2. Features
Think about what features are important to you. For example, some people may prefer an app that has automated downloads, while others may prefer one with custom playlists. During your search, look for an app that has the features you care about.
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3. Price
Podcast apps are generally free, but some may offer premium features for a fee. Be sure to compare the cost of the app against the features it offers to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
4. Platforms
Some podcast apps are only available on certain platforms, so be sure to choose an app that’s compatible with your device. Even if an app is available on your platform, it may not be optimized for your specific device. For example, some Android apps may not work well on Chromebooks.
5. Review
Finally, take some time to read reviews of the app before you download it. This will give you a better idea of what other people think about the app and whether or not it’s right for you. And, if you have any friends who are into podcasts, be sure to ask for their recommendations.
Podcasts are a great way to stay entertained and informed, and there are a variety of apps to choose from to help you do just that. With so many options available, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. But, by keeping the above factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect app for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Podcasts are a great way to stay entertained and informed, and there’s no shortage of excellent apps to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an app with robust features or one that’s easy to use, you’re sure to find the perfect option for you. So what are you waiting for? Start listening to your favorite podcasts today!
FAQs
What is the best app for free podcasts?
There are a lot of great free podcast apps out there, but it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. If you’re looking for something simple and straightforward, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podcast Addict are great options. It has a clean interface and lets you easily search for and subscribe to podcasts.
However, if you’re looking for something with a few more bells and whistles, Castro might be a better choice. In addition to giving you the ability to easily discover new podcasts, it also offers some great features for managing your subscriptions.
For example, you can create custom playlists and set up episode filters so that you only see the podcast episodes that you’re interested in. Ultimately, the best podcast app for you will depend on your personal preferences. You may find that saving the podcasts to an SD card to be important for example.
But regardless of which app you choose, you’re sure to find hours of enjoyable listening.
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Is Spotify a good podcast app?
There’s no doubt that Spotify is a great music streaming service. But is it a good podcast app? That’s a harder question to answer. Let’s take a look at some of the things that make a good podcast app. First, it needs to have a wide selection of podcasts to choose from. Spotify definitely has that covered, with over 300,000 shows available.
Second, it needs to be easy to find and subscribe to new shows. Again, Spotify hits the mark here, with a dedicated Podcasts section and easy-to-use search function. Finally, a good podcast app should offer features like playback speed control and custom playlist creation.
Here, Spotify falls somewhat short, although it does offer basic playback controls and the ability to add podcasts to playlists. Overall, then, Spotify is a great option for music lovers who want to check out some podcasts, but it’s not the best choice for die-hard podcast fans.
What is the best app to listen to podcasts?
There are a lot of great apps out there for listening to podcasts, but which one is the best? It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want an app with a lot of features and options, then you might want to check out Pocket Casts or Overcast. If you’re more interested in finding new and interesting podcasts to listen to, then Stitcher or iTunes might be a better option.
And if you’re looking for an app that’s completely free, then you can’t go wrong with Podcast Addict. So, which is the best app for listening to podcasts? It really depends on your needs and preferences. But whatever app you choose, you’re sure to enjoy hours of stimulating conversation and fascinating stories.
What is the best podcast streaming service?
Trying to decide which podcast streaming service is right for you can be daunting. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best podcast streaming services out there, and help you decide which one is right for you.
So, what are the best podcast streaming services? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re just getting started with podcasts, then we recommend Spotify. It’s easy to use and has a huge selection of podcasts to choose from. If you’re looking for something a little more specialized, then try Stitcher.
It has a great selection of business and news podcasts. And if you’re a die-hard podcast fan, then you can’t go wrong with Pocket Casts. It’s packed with features that make it easy to find and listen to your favorite shows.
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