On the fence about choosing the best podcast app? If so, we have got you covered.
No doubt, podcasting applications are the home digital audio content. These podcast applications help creators to connect with the audience out there.
There are many popular names for the best podcasting applications, such as — Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc. However, many other reliable podcasting applications have a smooth UI and listening experience.
We have handpicked a list of the best podcast apps for iOS and Android in this post.
Without further ado, let’s get straight to the list.
List Of The 13+ Best Podcast Apps [iOS & Android]
According to recent podcast statistics, podcast listeners listen to their favourite podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Here are listed some best podcast apps.
- Google Podcast
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify Podcast
- Pocket Casts
- Overcast
- Castro
- Luminary
- Laughable
- GoodPods
- Castbox
- TuneIn Radio
- Himalaya
- Audible Podcast
1. Google Podcast (iOS, Android)
Google Podcast was launched back in 2018; it’s been the top priority of podcast listeners since then. The thing is, Google Podcast isn’t a popular podcast app like Spotify and Apple Podcast. However, it has a decent fan following of podcast listeners.
The application’s functionality is simple; you can open the app and listen to the podcast episodes available there. You also can download the podcast content on wifi if you want to listen offline.
One downside of Google Podcast is that — it doesn’t have any playlist; however, you can set up a queue to listen to podcasts. The app comes with a robust “Explore Topics” feature that you can use to search for podcasts.
Google Podcast is an ad-free platform that stands apart from other podcast apps available.
Price: The app is free to use.
Ads: No ads
2. Apple Podcast (iOS Only)
Undoubtedly, Apple Podcast is the number one podcast application for iOS users. Also, Apple Podcast is the second most popular podcast available out there. The latest rollout of the application came with total revamping of episode pages, content, and so on.
The latest update of the application wasn’t that stable, and it was buggy. However, the recent big fixes all the issues, and the app is accessible easily. The only downside is that the Apple podcast doesn’t have a playlist feature or a search option. But they provide channels and subscription features that help users find the content they are looking for.
You can explore different podcasts available on the application. What’s more, if you’re into the Apple ecosystem, you can access Apple Podcasts on all devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Price: Free version available or $9.99 yearly.
Ads: Yes — related to podcasts only.
3. Spotify Podcast (iOS, Android)
We all know, that Spotify is the most popular music streaming platform available. The thing is, in 2020, Spotify had outranked Apple Podcast in terms of downloads. In addition to listening to music, you can also access thousands of podcasts available out there.
The podcast available on Spotify is practical and user-friendly, specifically for beginners. With Spotify, you can make use of a podcast and music app simultaneously.
The only downside of the Spotify Podcast app is the streaming ad insertion. Sometimes these ads get hectic and ruin the content-consuming rhythm. Besides that, Spotify is a reliable application available for iOS and Android.
Price: Free
Ads: Yes
4. Pocket Casts (iOS, Android)
Pocket Casts is a reliable and award-winning podcast app available out there. The thing is, Pocket Cast and Overcast are the names that won back-to-back awards for the best podcast apps available.
The Pocket Casts has an intuitive interface and makes it super easy to consume the content on the go. You can easily listen to podcasts, discover new podcasts, and more.
What’s more, Pocket Casts is also compatible with other platforms such as — Sonos, CarPlay, AirPlay, and Chromecast. Even you can sync content across devices and play across different devices. You can switch back and forth content between two devices.
Price: The free version is there. Paid plan costs $4.99/month.
Ads: Yes, with the free version.
5. Overcast (iOS)
Overcast is one of the most popular podcast apps available out there. The application has a simple yet effective user interface. While using the app, you will find different aspects such as podcast player, speed adjuster, volume booster, smart playlist, etc.
With the Overcast, you can also download your favorite episodes if you’re connected to wifi. The thing is, Overcast is ads supported; however, all the ads will be related to podcasts only. These ads will help you connect with the great content.
Well, if you want to block or remove the ads, you can easily upgrade to the premium version, which costs $9.99/yearly. All the apps purchased will be managed using your Apple ID only.
Price: Free or costs $9/99 yearly.
Ads: Yes, podcast-related only.
6. Castro (iOS)
Castro is another reliable podcast app for iOS devices. The most anticipated version of the Castro app was launched back in 2028 named — Castro 3. The released version of the app comes with many improvements, such as — improved UI and listening experience.
You can use the app to create a different playlist called the “Queue.” Using the Queue, you can easily control the content you can access on the application. The only downside of the application is — it doesn’t come with a playlist feature.
The Castro plus version is cheaper when compared to other podcast applications such as — Overcast. What’s more, in the premium version, you get features such as trim control, sideloading, charter support, and so on.
Price: Free version available. Castro Plus costs $8.99/year.
Ads: Yes, removable with the paid version.
7. Luminary (iOS, Android)
When it comes to the best podcast apps, Luminary stands apart. The thing is — Luminary see themselves as — the Netflix of podcasting thing. With the help of Luminary, you get access to different podcasts along with a library of exclusive shows.
With the paid version of Luminary, you get access to an ads-free podcasting listening experience. However, the free version users can also turn and listen to different podcasts available on the platform.
It is wise to say, Luminary has a good reputation in the podcast industry and has good app features. Some of the application’s top features are — the search feature, discover tool, playback, offline mode, etc.
Price: Free version available. The paid version costs $4.99.
Ads: Yes, Removable with the paid version.
8. Laughable (iOS, Android)
As the name suggests, Laughable is a robust podcast app featuring comedy-focused podcast apps. The thing is Laughable features the world’s largest database of comedians, which is quite fascinating.
Within the Laughable app, you can easily search and find different comedians’ podcasts available. What’s more, the app will also suggest shows and podcasts. You will also get access to different features such as offline files, playback adjustment, sleep timer, etc.
Anyways, Laughable isn’t just limited to comedy podcasts; it also has different podcasts available, such as athletes, actors, and other public figures.
Price: Free version available
Ads: Removable with the paid version.
9. GoodPods (iOS, Android)
GoodPods podcast apps have been created by siblings — JJ and Ken Ramberg (brother and sister). They have created these podcasting apps to act as a social podcasting network.
Using this podcast app, users can easily explore or find what their friend circle and family listen to. Also, the app will directly recommend podcast episodes based on their circle listening history.
The best part, GoodPods has a smooth UI and design, where you can easily access and consume podcasts. While writing the review, we checked it had maintained a review and rating frequency of 4.8 stars.
Price: It costs $0.99/month.
Ads: Yes, only podcast-related.
10. Castbox (iOS, Android)
The Castbox app started back in 2016, offering a seamless listening experience to users. The app is straightforward; also it has an easy user interface.
The best part, the Castbox app is available for iOS and Android devices. What’s more, the Castbox app is cross-compatible with devices such as — Apple Watch, CarPlay, along with Amazon Echo.
Overall, Castbox is a reliable podcast app available with tons of features. You should give it a try.
Price: Free version is available the paid version costs $0.99/month.
Ads: Yes, only podcast-related.
11. TuneIn Radio (iOS, Android)
TuneIn is a radio app where you can also listen to your favorite podcasts. Through the search tab, you can explore a lot of podcast categories. They also feature new podcasts on their homepage. The app is ad-supported, you can download it directly from the Google Play Store and App Store.
You can also stream live news, podcasts, and sports on TuneIn if you are a premium subscriber. It also supports all the Alexa-supported devices. It also comes with a car mode, where you can listen to your favorite podcasts on the go.
Price: Free of cost with Ads.
Ads: Ads come with the free version. If you pay $10 once then you can remove the visual ads and get fewer audio ads.
12. Himalaya (iOS, Android)
Himalaya is a Chinese podcast app that comes with a global version where you can listen to over 24 million English and Chinese podcasts. It also offers over 4000 audiobooks and more than 1000 courses that the best instructors in the industry teach. This platform is for both listeners and creators, which means you can monetize your podcasts on this platform.
On this app, more than 500k podcasters are running over 270k podcasts, which calculates up to more than 24 million individual episodes of all time. If you are already a subscriber of podcast apps like Spotify, TuneIn Radio, and Google Podcasts, then you can import your subscription to this app for free.
It offers various filters for you to search for your favorite or new podcasts, such as popular shows, featured shows, similar to your listening habits, and so on. You can find podcasts in multiple categories and choose the best for yourself.
Price: It comes with a 7-day free trial; after that, the monthly pricing is $11.99/mo, and annual pricing is $149.97/year.
13. Audible Podcast
Audible is best known for its book but it also offers podcasts. It is an app that makes it easy to arrange your title whether it is spoken or written in your personal library. You will get access to the exclusive podcast with brand new Audible originals and audiobooks which you can’t find anywhere.
Audible is the leading provider and creator of premium audio storytelling boosting the lives of our thousands of listeners each and every day. Audible has revived media category and is the driving forcibly behind nowadays audio entertainment revolution.
Price: Pricing starts at $7.95 per month.
Related Read:
Conclusion — Which Is The Best Podcast App?
So this is our handpicked list of the best podcast apps available out there. You can choose any apps available on the list. All the apps listed above are available for iOS and Android devices. All of them almost come with a free and paid version.
We suggest getting started with Google Podcast or Spotify if you’re an Android user. Also, for iOS device users, we suggest the only best option — Apple Podcast.
Now over to you — which podcast app you’re going to choose from the above list?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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