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Compare podcast apps
The Podcast App next to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and Overcast, on the things that decide whether an app fits you.
We make The Podcast App, so read this table with that in mind. It sticks to things you can check yourself in a few minutes. Prices and plan details for other apps change often, so we link to them instead of quoting them.
| The Podcast App | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | Overcast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phones | iPhone and Android | iPhone only | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android | iPhone only |
| Apple Watch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CarPlay | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Android Auto | Yes | No Android app | Yes | Yes | No Android app |
| Listen in a browser | Yes, web player | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Account needed to start | No | Uses your Apple Account | Yes | No | No |
| Import an OPML file | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Export an OPML file | Yes | Not on iPhone | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free; Premium $4.99/month | Free | Free tier; paid plans | Free; paid plan | Free; paid plan |
What The Podcast App does differently
Smart Ad-Skip. On supported shows, ad breaks are marked, and one tap jumps to the end of the break. Free up to a daily limit. The app inserts no ads of its own; ads a host reads inside the audio can still play.
Downloads are unlimited and free. No account and no plan needed.
Transcripts and questions. Read an episode, chat with it, or ask Podcast Brain about everything you've heard. Free up to a daily limit; Premium raises the limits and adds Listen in English, Weekly Brief and claim tracking.
It's a podcast app only. No music, no audiobooks, no exclusive shows. It reads the same public feeds as every other podcast app.
When another app may suit you better
- Apple Podcasts comes with your iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch, and keeps everything in your Apple Account. It also carries Apple's paid show subscriptions.
- Spotify puts music, audiobooks and podcasts in one app, and some shows are only on Spotify.
- Pocket Casts has a long-standing web and desktop app and a large set of power-user settings.
- Overcast is a long-running iPhone app with its own audio tools, such as Voice Boost and Smart Speed.
Switching
Coming from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or Overcast? The switch guide shows how to bring your shows over with an OPML file, or by hand from Spotify.
Sources: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Overcast. If a cell here is out of date, tell us and we fix it.
Try The Podcast App
Free on iPhone and Android. No account needed to start.
