Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular every day, but with the sheer amount of podcast apps out there, it can be hard to choose which one you prefer over another. If you are looking to find your favorite app quickly and easily, look at this roundup of the best and latest podcast apps available on the market today. Whether you prefer listening while doing chores or while on long commutes, this list has something for you! check below the best iOS podcast apps.
12 Best Podcast Apps on iPhone
Apple’s Podcasts
Apple’s Podcasts app is one of the most popular podcast apps available, and for good reason. It has an intuitive interface, loads of helpful features and a wide selection of popular podcasts from NPR, This American Life and ESPN.
From there, you can create a custom list of your favorite podcasts, sync play progress between devices, and automatically add new episodes. The app makes it easy to subscribe and listen by automatically downloading new episodes while on Wi-Fi. Apple’s built-in voice commands can help you manage playback, too.
If you like to listen on-the-go, Apple’s Podcasts app is one of your best options. It does not offer as many social features as some of its competitors, but if you need a straightforward way to enjoy podcasts and iTunes U content, it will work simply fine. If you do not mind missing new episodes when offline, Apple offers a free version of its podcast app.
Stitcher For Podcasts
For those who want a little extra handholding when it comes to finding new podcasts, Stitcher is an excellent choice. Once you pick a show or topic that interests you, Stitcher Radio offers in-depth show descriptions and reviews. When you are ready to dive into added content, just click play—it remembers where you left off, so your commute is no longer wasted time.
If you want a little help when it comes to choosing your next podcast, Stitcher will be right up your alley. Click on any show and you will get a detailed description of every episode released so far, along with reviews from other listeners. And because
Google Podcasts
Google has launched its own podcast app for Android, as well as iOS. With Google Podcasts, you can find thousands of popular podcasts that you can download or stream on your device for free. The company says it will offer in-episode content such as show notes and photos.
Google already has some unique and appealing features that may help you decide whether to try it out. For example, you can play a podcast at any speed without affecting the pitch of a person’s voice. This is especially useful if you want to make it easier for someone who is learning English as a second language to understand what is being said on a podcast in an accelerated period.
Spotify
One of Spotify’s major selling points is its combination of radio (which is personalized by song, artist, or genre) and playlists (which are made for a specific activity, such as running or going out). If you are an Apple Music user but do not want to pay $9.99 per month, you can get a similar experience through Spotify Free by selecting Radio on Spotify’s navigation bar.
From there, type in a song or artist that piques your interest and listen for free with ads. By creating your own stations, you will discover contemporary music based on what you like listening to most. This is also where you can like songs, so they become part of a playlist.
Overcast
This is my favorite podcast app. The UI is clean and easy to use and Overcast offers most of what you need in a podcast player: intuitive search, fast performance, smart voice boost (to improve sound quality when listening over Bluetooth or on headphones), playback speed controls, and support for Apple Watch.
One drawback: Overcast does not currently offer a way to play podcasts from your watchlist on your wrist—for that you will have to turn back to Apple’s own Podcasts app.
TuneIn Radio
Many of you might be familiar with TuneIn Radio, which is a giant directory of more than 100,000 radio stations. When you use TuneIn, there is no downloading and uploading necessary—you can listen straight from your phone or tablet. It is perfect for those times when you do not have a data connection. This app also allows users to create custom stations based on specific songs, genres, or artists—which is perfect for music lovers!
For added entertainment, you can also listen to live play-by-play from local and international sporting events, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA, and soccer games. TuneIn also offers news stations for those who want a variety of podcasts on current events. This app is free! If you are not convinced that it is one of the best podcast apps out there already, keep reading.
Pocket Casts
With over six million reviews on Google Play, Pocket Casts is one of best podcasting apps out there. The app has native support for podcasts and even syncs your podcasts with its desktop counterpart—which is great if you listen while working. It is well designed, easy to use, and a top choice for most iOS users.
If you cannot find an app in our list that suits your needs better than Pocket Casts, it is worth giving a try. It also has a feature-rich free version so you can evaluate it out before deciding whether you want to upgrade to Pocket Casts Plus ($4).
Castbox
With a vast selection of podcasts and easy downloads, Castbox is one of our favorite iOS podcast apps. It also has some excellent options for discovery, so you can find a new podcast by looking at what’s trending or your favorites.
If you are looking for more than just episodes of shows you already know and love, check out Castbox. It is an excellent app that makes listening to podcasts as convenient as possible.
Himalaya
This podcast app has been around for a while now, but it is still one of our favorites. It offers powerful features and filters to make listening easier, and it is compatible with both Apple devices and Android. For example, you can create folders for your podcasts, which will automatically add each new episode as soon as it becomes available. There are also categories for stations based on what types of shows you like (e.g., comedy or sports), so you can more easily find shows that interest you.
Downcast
If you are looking for a solid podcast app with a ton of features, Downcast is a great option. For example, it lets you subscribe automatically, so as soon as new episodes of your favorite podcasts are available, they show up on your phone. With Downcast’s Smart Speed feature (which is on by default), episodes are cut from 24 minutes down to an average of 10-12 minutes—which not only saves you time but ensures that you will not fall asleep while listening!
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Spreaker Studio
The Spreaker Studio app allows you to record high-quality podcasts using nothing more than your phone. It records in MP3 format, and it collaborates seamlessly with your Mac or PC for editing and uploading. The best part is that you can also produce live podcasts with a built-in chatroom where listeners can ask questions in real time. If you are already producing a podcast but do not have professional equipment, download Spreaker Studio today!
Ferrite Recording Studio
When it comes to podcast apps, there are two types of podcasters. The first group prefers an app like Audacity (or GarageBand), which gives you plenty of options for editing and recording but can be a little tricky for people who are not familiar with recording equipment. Then there are those who rely on an app like Ferrite Recording Studio, which is perfect for beginners looking for an effortless way to create podcasts with good audio quality.
