Pocket Casts
One of the best podcast apps across multiple platforms, Pocket Casts is packed with features often missing with other solutions. With Pocket Cast, you’ll get cross-platform and cross-device syncing, Android Auto, CarPlay, AirPlay, and Chromecast support, and much more. At the time of this writing, Pocket Casts is available on Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Alexa, SONOS, Apple Watch, Siri, and the web. For added benefits, consider Pocket Casts Plus, which includes themes, features, and exclusive access. Pocket Casts is also noted for having some of the best discovery tools in the business, allowing you to find content based on categories and your listening habits. There are also organization tools for streaming and downloading episodes, time-skips, a sleep timer, and much more.
Download Pocket Casts
Spotify
The No. 1 music streaming service on the planet, Spotify, is also a great place to find and listen to podcasts. The all-in-one solution is ideal across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, the web, and gaming devices. Like other solutions, Spotify lets you pick up across any device. With Spotify Premium, you can ditch the commercials and have more search functionality.
Begin experiencing Spotify
Podbean
With Podbean, you can listen to your favorite podcasts while also creating your own for a small, monthly fee. Available on iOS, Android, and through the web, Podbean also does a great job of distributing your podcast to various locations, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, the Podbean App, and more. By doing so, quite easily, your new podcast will be available to people around the world.
More about Podbean
Grover Pro
Exclusive to Windows, Grove Pro remains one of the most popular podcast apps on the planet. It offers an impressive job with search, allowing you to find your favorite titles in seconds. Other features include automatic downloads, podcast reordering, light and dark themes, and more. Besides PC, Grover Pro works on Xbox devices.
Download Grove Pro
NPR One
News-centric, NPR One offers the service’s library content and features live shows and podcasts on demand. Highly focused on the mobile device owner, NPR One is nevertheless also available through a web player so that you can listen to it nearly everywhere.
NPR One
iTunes
With iTunes, Apple was one of the first companies to embrace podcasts. Though iTunes is no longer on Apple devices, as the company embraces separate apps for each digital service like Music and Podcasts, it remains available on Windows. With over 250,000 podcasts available, iTunes for Windows includes subscribing to new podcasts by entering their UR. It features a smart playlist feature, speed indicator, organization by genre and length, and much more.
Download iTunes for Windows
The Podcast App
Available on Android and iOS, The Podcast App offers 550,000 shows and 40,000,000 episodes across various categories and interests. Perhaps the best part of The Podcast App is its search functionality, which does a great job of drilling down on all subjects. Though The Podcast App is free, you can unlock special features, including a wellness pack, for extra. But don’t worry, the free version is still highly customizable and fun to use.
Get The Podcast App
Stitcher
Another long-running, popular podcast solution, Stitcher features a brilliant interface and is available on mobile and through the web. For $5/month, you can eliminate ads and also access exclusive content through a premium package. By being a paid subscriber, you also get early access to some podcasts. Like some other solutions, Stitcher is best known for its search functionality that is second-to-none.
Say hello to Stitcher
Luminary
One of the biggest appeals of podcasts is they are typically free and available across multiple platforms and services. Luminary goes in a different direction by offering original content for a price. Considered a subscription podcast network, Luminary is $35/year for unlimited access. New users can try the service free for seven days. Free content is also available through Luminary, although its library isn’t as robust as other free solutions.
Get started with Luminary
TuneIn Radio
Though better known for its local radio, commercial-free music, and premium sports packages, TuneIn Radio also includes full access to podcasts. In doing so, it offers a large library of content across multiple categories. A premium subscription brings commercial-free options and fewer ads on radio stations. TuneIn Radio is available on mobile and through the web.
Check out TuneIn Radio
What to Look for in the Best Podcast Apps
The best podcast apps of the year are just a slice of what’s available out there for podcast enthusiasts. When choosing the best solution for you, make sure it works across your favorite devices and includes syncing capabilities. Otherwise, you’ll be searching and finding the same podcasts across different machines. Do also try the premium features many also provide. Most offer free trials, so it won’t cost you anything unless you decide to subscribe. Finally, have a lot of fun. Podcasters spending a lot of time and resources on making these unique programs. Sit back, relax, and learn something new.
