Top 6 Podcast Apps
6 Top Picks with Features for Every Listener
We've broken down the features so you can find the right one for you.
Listening to podcasts is a delightful activity; but with more than 660,000 options available on a variety of topics, how do you make your selections and keep them organized? A podcast or podcatcher app is a great way to have all your favorite shows in one place, but deciding which app works for you can be a challenge. Luckily, we are here to help! I've picked my favorite podcast apps for the iPhone; some are Apple Watch compatible, and a few have an iPad version as well. Features I look for include chapter points, offline storage, and the ability to export podcast playlists. But you may have different priorities depending on your daily routine and favorite devices. Read on to discover which app will work best for your podcast habit.
Apple Podcasts – iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (Free)
This is Apple's native podcast app, and many podcasters depend on its use; one of my shows draws 52 percent of its listeners from this app! The interface is simple; you can easily browse podcasts, then subscribe, or just listen to individual episodes whenever you wish. Unfortunately, Apple recently changed the app so new episodes don't download automatically. If you're just looking for a simple app without advanced features, this app is for you. Downcast – iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch ($2.99)
Downcast is my favorite podcast app because of its many flexible advanced features and ease of use. One of the highlight features is its support for video podcasts, which very few apps accommodate. The app also offers a simple way to stream or download any episode, and provides some great tools such as custom playlists, support for private password-protected shows, ability to export lists to your computer or another app, and even iCloud backup. Smart and custom playlists give you listening flexibility; I created a favorites list of about 100 podcasts, and Downcast lets me scan through them to easily pick the ones I am in the mood to hear. Downcast supports podcasts that offer chapters, too. For you intense listeners out there, you can speed up playback to up to three times faster than regular speed so you can hear more without missing a word. The iPad version of this app is great and works the same as the iPhone version, while the Apple Watch version allows full control to navigate all podcasts in your list and play any episode. In my opinion, this app covers everything you will ever need. Procast – iPhone (Free)
Procast was just released and is slowing becoming a favorite of mine. The app has all the features you would expect including subscriptions and a really nice interface, as well as some unique perks that might just pique your interest. When you first launch Procast, the app asks questions, then automatically adds shows based on your interests. Beyond that, what I really like about this app is the ability to highlight specific sections of a podcast, then share these snippets with friends. I also like the Inbox, where new episodes arrive daily and a quick swiping gesture lets you keep or remove selections. Best of all, Procast is ad free and your listening history is completely private. Overcast – iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (Free)
Overcast was created by Marco Arment, founder and developer of the popular readit-later service Instapaper. I have found that Overcast offers many of the convenient, streamlined features that made Instapaper so popular; it's well laid out, easy to navigate, and responsive. Playlist set up is a breeze and really gives you a seamless, organized listening experience. Discovery is another valuable feature; you can look through all the podcast offerings in each of the 23 categories and collections, and even get some great podcast recommendations from Twitter friends. Other stand-out features include Smart Speed and Voice Boost. Smart Speed reduces silent parts of the episode, cutting down on listening time, while Voice Boost automatically equalizes and increases vocal volume as needed, which is great when one guest or presenter is not as loud as others. The app relies on ads for revenue, but if you'd like to go ad free, there's a Premium option for $9.99 a year. Castro – iPhone, iMessage, Apple Watch (Free)
Browse 16 topics in Castro's Discover section, then select and subscribe to podcasts that strike your fancy; you can even import favorites from other apps like Overcast and Apple Podcasts! Once you've subscribed, your episodes are delivered to your in-app inbox, where you can put them into your queue or archive them for later listening. This app didn't come out on top for me, because although Castro has many fans that like the interface, I find it hard to navigate the different screens. As well, the app is audio only and does not support password protected podcasts. Castro Plus, at $8.99 a year or $3.99 a quarter, offers advanced features like Trim Silence, Enhance Voices, episode artwork, Night Mode, Siri Shortcuts, and more. Outcast – iPhone, Apple Watch ($0.99)
For all those who've been looking for an autonomous Apple Watch podcast app, Outcast is for you. The app works on your iPhone as usual; you can browse and subscribe to podcasts, and of course download and play episodes. You can also browse and download shows right on your Apple Watch using a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, then listen without your iPhone. Enjoy your podcasts straight from your watch, or with AirPods or other Bluetooth earphones you've synced. If you are like me, you always have your iPhone with you, so this isn't an important feature, but runners will love the flexibility of leaving the phone at home and still enjoying their daily casts.