Top Podcast Apps
Who doesn’t love a good Podcast? They’re a convenient way to get audio information, music and other data and take it with you anywhere. You may have a favorite Podcast host and would love to keep up with all of their Podcasts.
The universal appeal of Podcasts is that they are readily available and the topic lists are endless. They are the perfect way to spend time as you commute to school or work and they can be educational, informative or entertaining.
There are many ways to access Podcasts, and one of the best ways to keep up with your favorites is by installing an app to your smartphone or digital device. We’ve found some of the best Podcast apps, so you can access the information you want and make use of your unavoidable downtime.
1. Downcast
Downcast is one of the most versatile apps for iPhones and Macs, but they can also work well with CarPlay and Apple Watch. This app gives you the options of choosing the Podcasts you want to subscribe to and the settings allow you to skip repetitive intros and other clutter so you can get straight to the parts that interest you. To add the Podcasts you want, you can browse through the list on offer, or you can add the URL of your favorites. This Podcast app does come with a one-off fee, but it is a small fee and you will avoid the monthly subscription fees.
2. Google Podcasts For Android
There was no way Google wasn’t going to get into the Podcast niche and this one is a winner for those who have a Google Home Speaker. Google Podcasts give you the ability to start your podcast on your way to or from work, and then continue listening when you get home. There are a number of other features as well, including an adjustable playback speed and more. As this Podcast app is from Google, you can expect bigger and better features in the future.
3. Castro For iOS
One of the best things about Castro as an app for Podcasts is its simplicity. Let’s face it, not everyone wants a laundry list of bells and whistles and this one has a simple, sleek design and pitch perfect audio. You can download Podcast episodes in the background and listen to them you’re ready. This app is a free app, but you’ll still get everything you need from a Podcast app.
4. Luminary
Luminary is a relative newcomer in the world of Podcast apps, but the creators have definitely hit the ground at a sprint with this app. This one is going to cost you a relatively high monthly fee, but the benefits include you won’t get interruptions from annoying ads and you’ll be able to access the newest podcasts as soon as they become available and certainly before they hit the general population. Luminary is available on Android, iOS and web, so it’ll pretty much cover any digital device you have.
5. Spotify
Spotify has been around for over a decade and is still a popular choice for many Podcast users. One of the best features of this Podcast app is that you can access audio and video podcasts, which is great for those who like to watch. The podcasts are also arranged in categories so you can get straight to the one that interests you the most, instead of sifting through long and tedious lists. You can still subscribe to your favorite Podcasters and share them via social media. The downside is that the playback and management options aren’t as well developed as some of the other Podcast apps, but if you’re already using Spotify to listen to music, you won’t need to look for an additional Podcast app.
6. Overcast
This Podcast app is only for iOS users but you can choose the level of your access from free to a nominal annual fee for full access. This Podcast app gives you the option of clip sharing which means you can send a section of your favorite Podcast to your family and friends. You can also set up a playlist of your favorite Podcasts and each new episode will appear in your list as soon as it goes live. If you really love your podcasts you may want to consider paying the annual fee as the free version comes with ads and you may miss out on many of the best features of the paid version.
7. RadioPublic
RadioPublic offers thousands upon thousands of Podcasts in almost every category you can imagine. You also get the option of streaming playbacks or an automatic download of your favorites. RadioPublic is dedicated to listeners as well as creators and offers supported ads that pay the creators each time someone listens to their Podcast. This app is available for Android and iOS. Best of all, it’s free.
8. Stitcher
Stitcher is so much more than your average, run-of-the-mill Podcast app. This must have app is its own Podcast network with many hit shows on offer. Some of these shows are exclusive to Stitcher while others are also available on the mainstream apps. You can listen to Stitcher via Android Auto and CarPlay while driving and other Android and iOS devices. You can get the free version or pay a monthly fee for the premium version.
9. Podcast Addict
If you want a Podcast app with a myriad of cool features, then Podcast Addict is for you. As the name suggests, this is an app for those who really love listening to Podcasts. This app automatically updates the episodes of your favorite Podcast series and it also has an automatic delete feature to clear up clutter on your device. You can also view YouTube videos, audiobooks and many other forms of digital media.
Whatever Podcast app you prefer will depend on what type of Podcasts you like to access. There are dozens of great apps to choose from, including the ones we’ve listed here, but if you’re not sure which one is the best for you, download and try them until you find your perfect one.
