Maya Robertson
The podcast industry keeps growing with each passing day. According to a study by Edison Research and Triton Digital, %75 of the United States population, (70% up from 2019) are now familiar with podcasting and over 37% of them, which equals to 104 million, listen to podcasts on a monthly basis.
There is no doubt that the increasing number of podcast apps have greatly contributed to this upward trend in the podcast consumption. But at the same time, the abundance of these apps make it a little bit hard to decide which one to download and use.
In today’s blog post, we’re going to be talking about the best free podcast apps for Android and iOS, with their main features, website and app store links, app ratings, and more!
Spotify
Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services with over 500 million monthly active users worldwide, and it is also one of the best podcast apps for Android and iOS hosting more than 5 million podcast titles on its platform. As well as on the Google Play Store and App Store, it’s also available on the web.
Spotify lets users play millions of songs and podcasts for free. It also has premium plans which you can try free if you want to listen to podcasts without any ads and download them to play when you’re offline.
Rolled out paid podcast subscriptions for creators in the United States in April 2021, Spotify acquired podcast delivery platform Podz in June. As of April 2022, Spotify has started to expanded Video Podcasts to all creators in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK.
Also Read: The Best Music Streaming Apps
Podcast Addict
Let’s continue with Podcast Addict which is one of the best podcast apps Android users love and use very actively. It is only available on Google Play Store and has been downloaded over 10 million times so far.
Podcast Addict’s customization options are among the best in the market, offering personalized playlists, adjustable playback speeds, sleep timers, and the ability to skip silences, enhancing the overall listening experience. The app integrates seamlessly with Android’s native features, including widgets and integration with Chromecast and Android Auto, providing flexibility in how users choose to consume their content. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a clean design that highlights essential functions without overwhelming the user. Furthermore, Podcast Addict includes support for multiple audio formats, live streaming radio, and even YouTube channels, making it a versatile hub for all audio-visual content.
The app also provides robust organizational tools, such as the ability to categorize podcasts into custom categories, sort episodes by various criteria, and maintain detailed statistics on listening habits. For those who enjoy discovering new content, the app offers curated recommendations based on listening history, trending podcasts, and various top charts. Podcast Addict also prioritizes community engagement, allowing users to read and leave reviews, share episodes with friends, and participate in forums and discussions about their favorite shows. With continuous updates and a strong support system, Podcast Addict remains a top choice for Android users seeking a reliable, feature-rich podcast player that adapts to their individual needs and preferences.
Also Read: The Best RSS Reader & News Aggregator Apps
Apple Podcast
Let’s move on to Apple Podcast, one of the best podcast apps iOS device owners widely use. It is only available on the App Store. Integrated deeply with Apple’s ecosystem, the app provides a user-friendly interface that aligns with the sleek design language of iOS, ensuring a cohesive user experience. One of its standout features is the extensive library of over two million podcasts, ranging from news and entertainment to educational content and niche interests, catering to a wide audience. Users can easily search for specific shows or episodes using the powerful search function, which includes filters for trending podcasts, top charts, and personalized recommendations based on listening habits.
The app supports automatic downloads and notifications for new episodes, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with their favorite shows. It also offers offline listening capabilities, allowing users to download episodes and enjoy them without an internet connection, which is ideal for on-the-go consumption. The playback features are robust, including adjustable playback speeds, a sleep timer, and the ability to skip forward or rewind, enhancing the listening experience. Additionally, Apple Podcasts syncs seamlessly across all Apple devices via iCloud, allowing users to start a podcast on their iPhone and continue it on their iPad or Mac without missing a beat.
The app’s integration with Siri further enhances its usability, enabling voice commands for playing specific episodes, subscribing to shows, or even recommending podcasts. Apple Podcasts also includes curated collections and editorial recommendations, highlighting popular shows, new releases, and hidden gems, making it easier for users to discover new content. The app’s design is clean and intuitive, with clear navigation that makes it simple to manage subscriptions, create custom playlists, and organize episodes.
For creators, Apple Podcasts offers a powerful platform to reach a global audience, with tools for analytics and monetization, including the recently introduced Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, which allows creators to offer premium content to their listeners. This feature supports the growing trend of listener-supported podcasts, providing an additional revenue stream for podcasters. Overall, Apple Podcasts combines ease of use, a vast content library, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, making it an essential app for podcast enthusiasts on iOS.
Apple Podcast on the App Store
Also Read: Apple Music Revenue and Usage Statistics
Overcast
The last one in our best free podcast apps list is Overcast which is, just like Apple Music, only available on the App Store.
Overcast is a very simple podcast player with many useful features such as Smart Speed, Voice Boost and Smart Players which will greatly improve your listening experience.
With the Overcast app, you can stream your favorite shows, explore new podcasts by searching and with personalized recommendations, download them to play whenever and wherever you want, set a sleep timer and more. You can also use it with your Apple Watch and it offers Apple Car support too.
Overcast is free but you can purchase Overcast Premium if you want to remove ads.
Downcast
Price: $2.99
Downcast is an iOS podcast app that stands out for its extensive customization options and user-friendly interface, making it a top choice for podcast enthusiasts. With Downcast, users can easily discover, download, and listen to a vast array of podcasts from various genres, all while enjoying a seamless and personalized experience.
One of its key features is the ability to create custom playlists, allowing users to organize episodes based on their preferences, such as sorting by date, duration, or priority. The app also supports automatic episode downloads and updates, ensuring that users never miss their favorite shows. Additionally, Downcast offers robust playback controls, including adjustable playback speed, sleep timers, and the ability to skip silences, enhancing the listening experience.
For those who like to listen on multiple devices, Downcast provides iCloud syncing, enabling users to sync subscriptions, playlists, and playback positions across their iOS devices and Mac computers. The app’s intuitive design makes navigation effortless, while its powerful search function helps users find specific episodes or new podcasts with ease.
Furthermore, Downcast supports both audio and video podcasts, offering versatility for various types of content consumption. With its offline listening capabilities, users can download episodes and enjoy them without an internet connection, making it perfect for on-the-go listening. Overall, Downcast combines functionality, convenience, and a high level of customization, making it a comprehensive and indispensable tool for podcast lovers on iOS.
Pocket Casts
Pocket Casts – Podcast Player is a standout mobile podcast app renowned for its user-centric design, powerful features, and seamless cross-platform functionality, making it a top choice for podcast enthusiasts worldwide. This app offers a meticulously curated experience, allowing users to discover, manage, and enjoy a vast library of podcasts with ease. One of the app’s most lauded features is its highly customizable interface, which allows users to tailor the app to their preferences, from the visual theme to playback settings. Pocket Casts supports automatic downloads and episode updates, ensuring users always have the latest content from their favorite shows ready for offline listening, which is perfect for commutes or travel.
The playback experience on Pocket Casts is second to none, featuring advanced controls such as variable playback speeds, trim silence, volume boost, and sleep timers, which enhance the overall listening experience. Users can also create custom filters and playlists, organizing their podcasts based on various criteria such as release date, download status, or listening progress. This organizational prowess is complemented by the app’s powerful search function, which helps users find specific episodes, shows, or even discover new content through curated recommendations and trending lists.
One of Pocket Casts’ defining attributes is its cross-platform synchronization. The app seamlessly syncs subscriptions, playlists, and playback progress across multiple devices, including iOS, Android, and desktop platforms, ensuring a cohesive experience regardless of the device being used. This is particularly beneficial for users who switch between devices throughout their day. Additionally, Pocket Casts supports Chromecast and Sonos, allowing users to stream their favorite podcasts on various home entertainment systems.
Bonus: Moonbeam
“Simply swipe through your personalized, ad-free feed of curated “moments” to discover great new shows and ideas.”
Launched in June 2021 by Kayak’s co-founder Paul English, Moonbeam is the newest podcast app on our list. It mainly serves as a podcast discovery app by offering personalized podcast recommendations using machine learning and human curation. The app also allows you to send tip to your favorite podcasters.
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In today’s blog post, we’ve talked about the best free podcast apps for both Android and iOS. Leave a comment below and let us know which one is your favorite!
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