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Google will shut down Google Podcasts in April 2024, adding the app to the pile of obsolete Google services and leaving many Android users without a standard podcatcher of choice. iOS users aren’t much better off. Apple Podcasts unbearable confusion iOS 14 and later, and even the latest iOS 17 update, have done little to fix that lackluster user experience.
Thankfully, podcasts are extremely popular, and as a result, there are more top-tier podcast managers on Android and iOS than ever before. Here are our definitive recommendations on the best apps to manage your podcasts on your mobile device, as well as some alternatives for those looking for a more innovative podcast app.
Pocket Casts is the best podcast app
Credit: Pocket Casts
platform: Free on iOS and Android. Plus subscription ($1/month or $10/year) on iOS, Apple Watch, Android, Mac, Windows, and Web.
Pocket Casts has almost every useful feature found in almost every other podcast manager, plus many unique features. This app provides them through a sophisticated interface that is easy to use. And best of all, it’s free.
Great features include audio enhancement options. Built-in “Volume Boost” makes it easier to hear people’s voices while reducing background music and noise. “Trim Silence” cuts long silences. You can adjust the playback speed from 0.5x to 3x (adjusting it does not affect the pitch of the audio).
Credit: Joel Cunningham
Pocket Casts users can sync their subscriptions and playback positions across multiple devices, and the app has powerful options for discovering new podcasts (including the ability to search by episode), so you can search for specific topics. You can find all the podcasts talking about. View viewing history. You can also play third-party media files stored on your device and set a sleep timer to pause when you’re listening to a podcast before bed.
The free version is feature-packed, but it’s not perfect. For example, playlist and filter options can be made more robust. You can add playlists to your queue on a whim and filter your list of podcast subscriptions and downloaded episodes using a small selection of preset categories, but you can sort your subscriptions by topic. or create your own auto-updating playlists. Considering how many features are packed into Pocket Casts, it seems odd that this kind of customization isn’t available.
Despite those annoyances, I like the look and feel of Pocket Cast. Not only does the app cover all the basics, but it also features several customizable gesture options (like setting a left swipe to archive episodes), and even a dark theme.
The free version of Pocket Casts is available for Android and iOS and includes all the features we’ve talked about so far, but if you want access to more features and broader device support, there’s also a premium Pocket Casts Plus option. For $4 a month or $40 a year, Plus subscribers get access to Pocket Casts on Mac, Windows, Web, and standalone Apple Watch versions, plus 10 GB of cloud storage that you can access from all your connected devices.
the best of the rest
PocketCasts remains my primary recommendation for both Android and iOS, but in case PocketCasts doesn’t suit your needs, I’ve hand-picked a few reliable and capable alternatives. Although we have included both Android and iOS apps, some apps are only available on one of his platforms.
pro cast (Android/iOS)
A relative newcomer to the scene, Procast is perfect for tweeting and sharing your thoughts on your favorite shows. The built-in clip feature allows you to cut out portions of your podcast to supplement your tweets and text. There’s also a great “swipe to inbox” feature that lets you add episodes to your queue with a simple swipe. Procast is perfect for: iOS and Android user.
cloudy (iOS)
Overcast is an iOS-only app that packs a lot of features, including support for Apple Watch. Playback controls are available, including adjustable playback speed, audio boost, automatic silence trimming, and the app automatically holds your spot even if you stop listening midway through. Overcast also lets you create custom playlists and listen to a continuous stream of all your downloaded podcasts with just a few taps. There are also quality-of-life options, such as the ability to add Siri shortcuts and customize your headphones, remote control, and car dashboard controls. The main drawbacks are that new shows are hard to find, and the free version has ads, but paying $10 a year allows you to remove them, sideload audio files stored on your iPhone, etc. You can also unlock other features. Overcast can be downloaded from the iOS App Store.
podcast addiction (Android)
Podcast Addict is a free Android app packed with useful features like customizable playlists and adjusting unique listening settings for each podcast. Similar to Apple Podcasts, you can also prioritize and tag your favorite shows for viewing within the app, as well as rate and review series. In addition to the millions of podcasts available on the app, Podcast Addict also includes over 120,000 radio stations and over 20,000 audiobooks. It also supports Android Auto and Chromecast. The free version shows ads (just a simple banner ad on certain screens), while the premium version costs $1 per month or $10 per year and includes extras like playlist widgets and additional app themes. functionality will be granted. Podcast Addict is available for download on the Google Play Store.