Know what is free before you upgrade.
Last updated: May 2026
The Podcast App starts with free core listening: search, follow, queue, playback, speed controls, sleep timer, chapters, OPML, unlimited audio downloads, limited video, and limited transcript-backed AI where eligible. Premium is the optional layer for deeper Brain, summary, chapter, flashcard, translated-audio, video, and transcript-heavy workflows.
Useful, specific, and tied to the app.
Free listening first
Search for shows, play episodes, follow podcasts, build a queue, use the player, change speed, set a sleep timer, use chapters, and move subscriptions with OPML before deciding whether Premium is useful.
Free limits stay visible
Free users can use unlimited audio downloads, limited video watches, and limited transcript creation for eligible episodes. Some AI flows also need a transcript, account state, and abuse-prevention checks.
Premium is for heavier workflows
Premium unlocks Podcast Brain, deeper summaries and chapters, flashcards, Synthesis Radio, translated audio, higher AI/transcript capacity, expanded video access where supported.
How this works inside The Podcast App.
The practical boundary is simple: free core listening comes first, Premium limits stay clear, and advanced features depend on eligible podcast data.
Start without a payment decision
Use the app as a podcast player first. The free tier is built around listening, organizing, and switching, with Premium reserved for heavier AI, transcript, video, download, and study workflows.
Upgrade when the evidence workflow matters
Premium fits listeners who want to review what they heard, ask from eligible listening history, use episodes as study material, translate eligible audio, or remove tight limits from heavy video and transcript use.
Treat the store as the final price source
The current Android Settings capture shows a $4.99 monthly Premium option, but store pricing can vary by platform, country, tax, promotion, and subscription state. The app store checkout remains the final source of truth.
A closer look at the app workflow.
What to understand before downloading.
Best search fit
This page answers the practical pricing question: what can a listener do for free, and what exactly does Premium add in The Podcast App?
Product-backed proof
The screenshot comes from the app Settings screen and shows the real free account entry point and Premium Brain benefit language rather than a generic marketing mockup.
Honest conversion path
The page can link to free app, Podcast Brain can search eligible transcript-backed moments from your listening history.
Clear plan boundaries matter.
Free tier
Core listening is free. Free limits include daily video limits and limited transcript creation for eligible episodes; audio downloads are unlimited.
Account-sensitive features
Sync, purchases, protected AI limits, transcript-backed chat, and abuse-prevention checks may require sign-in or account verification.
Premium tier
Premium unlocks Brain, more advanced AI workflows, higher limits, translated audio, Synthesis Radio, expanded video access where the underlying podcast/video source supports it.
Check plan and episode eligibility
Use the pricing guide to see what is free versus Premium, then use the AI feature eligibility checker to understand when transcripts, summaries, Brain, Synthesis Radio, translated audio, and other Premium AI workflows can run.
Start with the free player. Add Premium when the deeper workflow fits.
Core listening is free. Premium unlocks deeper AI features and expanded limits for listeners who need more.