It's official: Google has shut down Google Podcasts on April 2, 2024, adding the app to the pile of defunct Google services and leaving many Android users without their podcasts of choice. iOS users don't fare much better. While Apple Podcasts has improved recently, especially with the launch of automatic transcription in iOS 17.4, it's never really recovered from its disastrous overhaul in 2021.
Thankfully, podcasts are still incredibly popular, and there are more top podcast managers on Android and iOS than ever before. Read on to discover the best options for managing your podcasts on mobile devices, and consider some backup suggestions if you're looking for a fresher podcast app experience.
Pocket Casts is a podcast app like no other
Platforms: Free on iOS and Android; Plus subscription ($40/year) or Premium subscription ($100/year) on iOS, Apple Watch, Android, Mac, Windows, and Web.
Pocket Casts brings together almost all the useful features found in almost every other podcast manager, as well as many unique features. The app also offers these services through a smooth interface that's easy to use, and best of all, it's free (although paying a membership does get you some perks).
Some standout features include audio enhancement options: built-in Volume Boost makes it easier to hear people while reducing background music or noise; Trim Silence eliminates long pauses; you can Adjust the playback speed between 3x and 3x (doing so will not affect the pitch).
Pocket Casts users can sync their subscriptions and playback locations across multiple devices, and the app has powerful options for finding new podcasts (including the ability to search by episode) so you can find all podcasts discussing a specific topic , and view your listening history. You can also play third-party media files stored on your device and set a sleep timer to pause podcasts while you listen before bed.
While the free version is feature-rich, it's not perfect. For example, playlist and filter options could be more powerful. You can queue playlists however you like or use a handful of preset categories to filter your podcast subscriptions and downloaded episode lists, but you can't sort subscriptions by topic or create your own auto-updating playlists. Considering that Pocket Casts packs so many features, it seems odd that it lacks this kind of customization.
Despite this thorny issue, I like the look and feel of Pocket Casts. Not only does the app cover all the basics, but it also has some customizable gesture options (like setting up a swipe left to archive episodes) and even a dark theme.
The free version of Pocket Casts is available on Android and iOS and includes all the features I've discussed so far, but there's also the premium Pocket Casts Plus option if you want to access more features and wider device support. For just $40 per year, Plus subscribers get access to Pocket Casts' Mac, Windows, Web and standalone Apple Watch versions, plus 20GB of cloud storage accessible on all connected devices. If you really like the app, you can also sign up for a Patron membership ($100/year), which increases your cloud storage and gives you early access to new features.
the best of the rest
While PocketCasts remains my top recommendation for Android and iOS, I've curated a few alternatives that deserve recognition for their reliability and functionality in case PocketCasts doesn't meet your needs. I've included both Android and iOS apps, although some are only available on one platform.
Procast (Android/iOS)
If you like to tweet or share your thoughts about your favorite shows, Procast is a great option. The built-in clipping feature lets you cut out portions of your podcast to complement a tweet or text. It also has a neat "swipe to inbox" feature that lets you add episodes to your queue with a simple swipe. Procast is a solid choice for iOS and Android users .
Cloudy (iOS)
Overcast is an iOS-exclusive app that packs a ton of features, including support for Apple Watch. You get playback controls like adjustable playback speed, audio enhancement, and automatic silence trimming, and the app automatically retains your location when you stop listening midway. Overcast also lets you create custom playlists with a few clicks, or listen to every podcast you download continuously. There are also some welcome quality-of-life options, such as the ability to add Siri shortcuts and customize headphone, remote, and car dashboard controls. The main drawbacks are low visibility for new shows, and the free version comes with ads, but you can pay $10 per year to remove them and unlock additional features like sideloading audio files saved on your iPhone. You can download Overcast on the iOS App Store.
Podcast Addict (Android)
Podcast Addict is a free Android app that includes convenient features like customizable playlists and adjusting each podcast's unique listening settings. You can also mark your favorite shows using listening priority within the app, and even rate and review series, just like with Apple Podcasts. In addition to the millions of podcasts available in the app, Podcast Addict offers over 120,000 radio stations and over 20,000 audiobooks. It also supports Android Auto and Chromecast. The free version displays ads (just simple banner ads on some screens), while the premium version costs $0.99 per month or $9.99 per year and offers extra features like playlist widgets and additional app themes . You can download Podcast Addict on the Google Play Store.
