With time to spare during the pandemic, many of us found ourselves consuming digital media more than ever. And one of the crowd-favorites recently is podcasts. It’s no wonder why- they are entertaining without being time-consuming. Just pop in those earphones and play your favorite episode using your preferred podcast app.
To get the best of your podcasting experience, you need a trusted app. And whether you’re new to enjoying podcasts or already a longtime listener, you’ve come to the right place. We are here to give you a list of our top 10 picks on the best podcast apps. We’ve also included a buying guide to assist in choosing the best app for you.
Just like the numerous podcast episodes out there, it can be overwhelming to choose which platform to use when listening to a podcast. Fret not as our recommendations below ought to help you decide what app to download.
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | PhP 49.00-519.00 |
Highlights | Extra Dark Theme, Smart Playback Features, Universal Interface |
Storage Requirements | 52.2 MB (iOS), 8.9 MB (Android) |
Best For | All Podcast Listeners |
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS, Android, Web |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | PhP 49.00-2,090.00 |
Highlights | 50 Million Episodes From 27 Different Countries |
Storage Requirements | 132.7 MB (iOS), 37.57 MB (Android) |
Best For | All Podcast Listeners |
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | PhP 199.00-629.00 |
Highlights | Exclusive Podcasts |
Storage Requirements | 154.3 MB (iOS), 29.25 MB (Android) |
Best For | Spotify Music Users |
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | None |
Highlights | Millions of Shows, Sleep Timer, Syncing With Siri |
Storage Requirements | Not Specified |
Best For | New Podcast Listeners Who Are iOS Users |
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | None |
Highlights | Supports Multiple Devices, Autoplay, Google Assistant |
Storage Requirements | 53.9 MB (iOS), 2.50 MB (Android) |
Best For | All Podcast Listeners |
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | PhP 489.00 |
Highlights | Sleep Timer, Voice Boost, Smart Speed |
Storage Requirements | 6.5 MB |
Best For | Longtime Podcast Listeners |
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS, Android, Web Player |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | PhP 249.00-1,690.00 |
Highlights | Improved Playback Experience, Sleep Timer, Airplay |
Storage Requirements | 75.9 MB (iOS), 17.31 MB (Android) |
Best For | All Podcast Listeners |
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | PhP 155.00-1,550.00 |
Highlights | Castro Queue, Dark Mode, Car Support |
Storage Requirements | 49.4 MB |
Best For | Casual Podcast Listeners |
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | None |
Highlights | Curated Podcast Snippets, Video and Audio Podcasts, Interactive Podcasts |
Storage Requirements | 69.2 MB (iOS), 28.04 MB (Android) |
Best For | Podcast Listeners Who Want an Interactive Experience |
From ₱0
Compatibility | iOS, Android |
---|---|
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | PhP 49.00-4,990.00 |
Highlights | Intelligent Speed, Volume Boost, Customizable Playlist, Interactive Livestreaming |
Storage Requirements | 109.9 MB (iOS), 28 MB (Android) |
Best For | Longtime Listener |
Image | 1 ![]() Automattic | 2 ![]() Castbox | 3 ![]() Spotify Ltd. | 4 ![]() Apple | 5 ![]() Google LLC | 6 ![]() Overcast Radio, LLC | 7 ![]() Stitcher, Inc. | 8 ![]() Tiny Podcast Company Ltd. | 9 ![]() Podroom Inc. | 10 ![]() Podbean Tech LLC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Pocket Casts | Podcast Player - Castbox | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Overcast | Stitcher | Castro Podcast Player | PodRoom | Podbean |
Features | An App With a User-Friendly Interface and Cross-Device Syncing | Accessible App With Over 50 Million Podcast Episodes to Choose From | Streaming Music and Podcast Made Easy | Sync With Siri to Utilize Voice Commands in Playing Your Shows | A Totally Free App With Convenient Features Such as Integration With Google Assistant | Voice Boost Feature That Raises Quiet Voices and Lowers Loud Ones | Enjoy More Original Content and Different Playback Options | Straightforward App With Crystal-Clear Audio Even on High Volumes | Share Your Insights With the Podcast Creators and Fellow Listeners | Beginner-Friendly App for Creators and Listeners |
Price Starts at | ₱0 | ₱0 | ₱0 | ₱0 | ₱0 | ₱0 | ₱0 | ₱0 | ₱0 | ₱0 |
Compatibility | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android | iOS | iOS, Android | iOS | iOS, Android, Web Player | iOS | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
Availability | Online, Limited When Offline | Online, Limited When Offline | Online, Limited When Offline | Online, Limited When Offline | Online, Limited When Offline | Online, Limited When Offline | Online, Limited When Offline | Online, Limited When Offline | Online, Limited When Offline | Online, Limited When Offline |
In-App Purchases | PhP 49.00-519.00 | PhP 49.00-2,090.00 | PhP 199.00-629.00 | None | None | PhP 489.00 | PhP 249.00-1,690.00 | PhP 155.00-1,550.00 | None | PhP 49.00-4,990.00 |
Highlights | Extra Dark Theme, Smart Playback Features, Universal Interface | 50 Million Episodes From 27 Different Countries | Exclusive Podcasts | Millions of Shows, Sleep Timer, Syncing With Siri | Supports Multiple Devices, Autoplay, Google Assistant | Sleep Timer, Voice Boost, Smart Speed | Improved Playback Experience, Sleep Timer, Airplay | Castro Queue, Dark Mode, Car Support | Curated Podcast Snippets, Video and Audio Podcasts, Interactive Podcasts | Intelligent Speed, Volume Boost, Customizable Playlist, Interactive Livestreaming |
Storage Requirements | 52.2 MB (iOS), 8.9 MB (Android) | 132.7 MB (iOS), 37.57 MB (Android) | 154.3 MB (iOS), 29.25 MB (Android) | Not Specified | 53.9 MB (iOS), 2.50 MB (Android) | 6.5 MB | 75.9 MB (iOS), 17.31 MB (Android) | 49.4 MB | 69.2 MB (iOS), 28.04 MB (Android) | 109.9 MB (iOS), 28 MB (Android) |
Best For | All Podcast Listeners | All Podcast Listeners | Spotify Music Users | New Podcast Listeners Who Are iOS Users | All Podcast Listeners | Longtime Podcast Listeners | All Podcast Listeners | Casual Podcast Listeners | Podcast Listeners Who Want an Interactive Experience | Longtime Listener |
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Scrolling through numerous app options can be time-consuming and frustrating, not to mention, expensive if you purchase one that doesn’t work for you. But you can avoid all of these if you know what to look out for. In this section, we will discuss important considerations when choosing a podcast app.
A highly functional podcast app should have the following components to make your listening experience optimal. First, the app's interface should have a user-friendly navigation bar. This should help you access the library and the episodes' info more easily. Generally, the interface should be appealing to the eye without sacrificing functionality.
Meanwhile, when it comes to the playback controls, the app should have enough intervals to rewind or fast forward the episode. It shouldn't be too long or short, otherwise, jumping to specific segments you want to listen to can be frustrating. A 10-second option should be good.
Sure, the app is appealing and has a user-friendly interface, however, it will be useless if it’s incompatible with your device. Before downloading or making any purchases, check if it works with your device’s operating system.
And to allow easy access and syncing, it’s a plus if the app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. You may also want to check if the app is available on your browser. With this, you can listen to your podcast shows from different gadgets anytime and anywhere.
Once you’re sure that the app will work on your device, the next thing to look into is the app requirements. These include the storage space, connectivity, and in-app purchases for it to work effectively.
Podcast apps tend to be heavy when it comes to storage requirements. This is especially true for those that come with a lot of features. So to prevent crashes while using the app, check if your phone has an available space of 50MB or more. If you’re low on storage, you may want to consider an app that doesn’t need much space, for instance, as little as 5MB.
Most apps require an internet connection. This won't be much of a concern if you always have access to Wi-Fi or if you don’t mind consuming your mobile data when listening to podcasts. However, it’ll be a plus if the app can be used offline or if it allows you to download episodes so you can listen to your favorite content anytime.
Lastly, take note that some apps require a subscription or in-app purchases so you can fully access all the features like downloading episodes or more playback control. This also allows users access to exclusive shows. But if you just want a basic podcast app, there are many free apps like Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
Your listening experience can be improved with additional features such as a speed adjuster. This would be optimal for those who don’t like listening to hosts who talk slow. This feature is also helpful in slowing down an episode so you can absorb all the information being discussed.
The beauty of podcasts is that it is a space for people to talk about their thoughts and insights. However, there may be silences in the process to allow a speaker to think about the topic. Perhaps you want to get straight to the point or can’t stand silences that elongate episodes. A silence trimmer feature would be helpful for you!
Some individuals prefer listening to podcasts first thing in the morning. In contrast, some use it before sleeping to help them doze off. If you’re one of the latter, a sleep timer is a feature worth considering. With it, you can just set how long the episode will play out. This saves up time and battery without you needing to wake up from your slumber.
If you want to take it to the next step, you can create a podcast yourself. Should you want this, an app that lets you record your podcast gets a plus factor, especially if it has editing tools. It’ll be like a one-stop app for all your podcasting needs.
If you still can’t decide which app to get, going through the users’ ratings ought to help you. Reading what other users say about the app will give you a glimpse of what to expect when you use the app. Reviews are readily available on the app description. If not, you may search for video reviews online for a detailed feedback.
You can also turn to your family and friends and their recommendations. Chances are, you might even have the same taste as them. Ask about their favorite apps and episodes; it will be an excellent virtual bonding experience for you, too!
If you find yourself overwhelmed with the information you get from listening to podcasts, Curtis Stanier of Medium.com shares the following tips on how you can learn more effectively whenever tuning in to a podcast.
Tips:
Don't know what to listen to or need new podcast recommendations? Whether you want to deep dive into the world of true crime or want something that's fun, light, and easy to listen to, we're sure that our top 10 lists will have just what you're looking for!
With the dawn of different technological advancements, recreational activities come in many formats and platforms. Of all these, podcasts are perfect for those who are always on the go. It doesn’t need many resources; all you need are your earbuds and a highly functional podcast app, you’re good to go!
We hope that this article has helped you find the best app according to your preferences. Do let us know how it worked for you. We wouldn’t mind listening to your favorite episodes, too! Just hit us up on our Instagram and Facebook page. Happy listening!
Author: J Ausa
Editor: A. Mangulabnan
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