Can’t get enough of your favorite podcasts? You’re not alone!
Listenership is on the rise, with 44% of the population listening to a podcast at least once.
Within the past decade, podcasts have become a fantastic medium for catching up on the latest news or entertainment. So where’s the best place to check out the latest episode of your favorite show?
Here are 10 apps that a podcast addict should check out.
1. Stitcher
Stitcher isn’t a perfect podcast app. It has its fair share of troubles, including a buggy UI and a tendency to crash in the middle of a listening session.
Though it has some problems, it’s still easy to recommend Stitcher for a number of reasons.
Chief among them is the sheer number of podcasts available on the app. Stitcher’s site boasts over 100,000 podcasts from dozens of sources, so rest assured that your favorite show likely made the cut.
Stitcher also gives users the ability to download their favorite podcasts, so you can keep listening even if you lose your connection.
Though Stitcher is free to use, those who want to up their podcast game can subscribe to Stitcher Premium, which grants users access to premium content like the entire library of ad-free Earwolf shows, as well as exclusive feeds.
2. Google Play Music
In a head-scratching move, Google recently released a dedicated app for podcasts. The app, simply dubbed Google Podcasts, is fine.
But that doesn’t mean it’s necessary. In actuality, one of the best Android apps for podcasts comes pre-installed on all Android phones.
Google Play Music is still the easiest and most streamlined way to get your favorite podcasts through the Play Store.
Best of all, there’s no need to fill your phone with extra apps!
3. Spotify
When it comes to audio entertainment, it’s hard to beat one of the top 10 streaming music services.
Spotify already gives users access to millions of songs and albums from across the globe. But a year ago they branched out and began offering podcasts.
Now, you can jam out to your favorite Katy Perry song before listening to the latest episode of My Brother, My Brother and Me.
Though it took some time to get off the ground, Spotify’s podcast selection is now as robust as its competitors, if not more.
It isn’t only audio podcasts, either. Spotify now supports video podcasts, so you can catch up on your favorites in either format.
4. Pocket Casts
You get what you pay for — especially when it comes to a podcast app.
While most services feature bugs (Stitcher) or a limited UI (Google Play Music), it’s easy to write these frustrations off. After all, they’re free.
Though some may look at Pocket Casts’ premium rate of $3.99 and scoff, it’s well worth the price.
Pocket Casts has a variety of features that most others don’t, such as the ability to sync one’s progress across multiple devices for seamless listening or the ability to stream your favorite show through a smartwatch.
5. iHeartRadio
Don’t be fooled by the name, iHeartRadio does so much more than let you stream radio stations through your phone.
The app is home to thousands of podcasts.
iHeartRadio’s social features allow you to chat with your fellow listeners about the latest episode or share what you’re listening to, making it one of the few podcast apps to integrate community features.
6. SoundCloud
Yes, believe it or not, SoundCloud hosts more than remixes of your favorite songs or your cousin’s mixtapes.
It also hosts tons of underground podcasts just waiting to be discovered!
What’s more, SoundCloud makes it easy to upload podcasts of your own. So if you’ve ever wanted to stop listening and start creating, now is your chance.
All you’ll need is a great recording app, some basic editing software, and a SoundCloud account. Soon you’ll be podcasting with the best of them!
7. TuneIn Radio
TuneIn Shares many features of iHeartRadio, such as live streaming radio, aggregation, and listener-created stations.
But its focus is far different than its competitor.
Instead of primarily serving as a platform for entertainment and comedy podcasts, TuneIn focuses on sports.
So for the podcast listener who wants to learn about creating the ultimate fantasy football lineup, or the wrestling fan who wants to catch up on the industry’s latest backstage news, TuneIn is the podcast app for you.
8. Player FM
Not many people know about Player FM, but those who use it on a regular basis love it.
So what is the rest of the world missing out on?
Among other things, an easier way to listen to your favorite podcasts.
While some apps, like Spotify, allow listeners to toss shows to their TV, smart device, or voice assistant, progress often gets lost in translation. So if a user starts a podcast on their phone, then sends it to their TV, the podcast may start over.
Player FM simplifies this issue by implementing a cloud-based interface.
You can listen to what you want, when you want, and not worry about losing progress.
9. Castbox
Castbox isn’t out to reinvent the wheel, but it does aim to refine it.
Castbox’s selling point comes from its robust algorithm. Once a user listens to a show, Castbox will use their preferences to serve up fresh recommendations based on their history.
10. Podbean
Like SoundCloud, Podbean is a fantastic podcast app for those interested in trying podcasting firsthand.
By signing up for an account, users can access free podcast hosting and list their show on the Podbean app.
New editors take note — Podbean is the podcast app for you. The app touts a feature called ‘Intelligent speed’ which removes silences automatically.
Now, there’s no need to worry about editing dead air!
The Best Apps for a Podcast Addict
If you’re a podcast addict, you need to check out these great apps.
Whether you’re looking for something simple like Google Play Music or want to customize or create your listening experience through Podbean or SoundCloud, these apps are the best of the best.
If you’re looking into the creative side of podcasting, make sure you have the right music for your ads. Check out our article on how to find the best background music for your show!
