5 min read

The best podcasting apps

Written by
Matt Cheney
Published on
June 11, 2024

Podcasting apps play a crucial role in the listening experience for both podcasters and their audience. With a plethora of options available, it's essential to find the best podcasting app that suits your needs. In this blog, we'll provide an overview of the best podcasting apps for iOS and Android, based on various sources and user reviews.

1. Apple Podcasts
  • The most popular podcast app for iOS, with over 1 million podcasts available
  • Offers a review section for listeners to rate and review content
  • Personalised playlists based on users' listening preferences
  • Syncs across all Apple devices for seamless listening

2. Spotify
  • Second-most popular podcast app overall, with over 2 million podcasts in its library
  • Offers exclusive content and a redesigned episode page
  • Switch between music and podcasts seamlessly
  • Available on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms

3. Google Podcasts
  • Provides SEO benefits and accessibility on Android devices
  • Displays podcasts at the top of some search results
  • Intelligent recommendations based on what you follow
  • Sync across devices with your Google account

4. Overcast
  • iOS-only app with a minimalist design
  • Offers advanced features like Smart Speed, which shortens silences, and Voice Boost, which enhances audio quality
  • Built by an independent developer, Marco Arment
  • Supports podcast creators through a patronage system

5. Pocket Casts
  • Offers a customisable listening experience with features like playback speed control, volume boost, and trim silence
  • Provides a discovery section to help listeners find new content
  • Works on iOS, Android, and the web
  • Offers a one-time purchase for the premium version with additional features

6. Podbean
  • Created by the team at Podbean, a podcast hosting platform
  • Offers a variety of features, including playback speed, skipping silences, and sleep timer
  • Provides podcast hosting services for creators
  • Available on iOS and Android devices

7. RadioPublic
  • Supports smaller podcasts with hand-curated playlists
  • Offers a paid listening programme to help podcasters monetize their content
  • Available on iOS and Android devices

8. Podcast Addict
  • Popular Android podcast app with over 10 million downloads
  • Integrates with Android Auto and Chromecast for easy listening on the go
  • Offers advanced search and filtering options
  • Supports importing and exporting OPML files for easy podcast subscription management

9. Castro
  • A sleek, minimalist iOS podcast app with a simple design
  • Offers features like playback speed, sleep timer, and chapter support
  • Utilises a unique "Inbox" system for managing new episodes
  • Offers a subscription-based model for premium features

10. Stitcher
  • Offers a wide range of podcasts and exclusive content
  • Available on iOS and Android devices
  • Provides a premium subscription option with ad-free listening and bonus episodes
  • Allows users to create custom playlists and share them with friends

11. Player FM
  • Offers audio snippets and transcripts for better podcast discovery
  • Great for podcast discovery, with over 20 million podcast episodes available
  • Available on iOS, Android, and the web
  • Offers a premium subscription for an ad-free experience and additional features

Additional Podcasting Apps

  • Castamatic (Best app with crypto payments)
  • AntennaPod (Open-source Android podcast app with a focus on privacy and customisation)
  • Audials Play (Offers podcast suggestions, a sleep timer, and the ability to record live radio)

Conclusion

Choosing the right podcasting app is essential for an enjoyable listening experience. With various options available, it's important to explore and try different apps to find the best fit for your preferences. Whether you're an avid podcast listener or a podcaster looking to reach a wider audience, the perfect app is out there waiting for you.

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