Now that Google Podcasts has officially shut down and moved to the YouTube Music app, you may be wondering if there are other viable alternatives that actually provide the basics. The short answer is yes. Alternatives abound, and many users are turning to cross-platform services like Spotify and YouTube Music, but both lack key features that make them inaccessible to many podcast lovers.
Spotify was my top recommendation. However, considering the company has yet to include any simple necessities, it's hard to justify putting it on this list. Most notably, the Spotify app lacks features such as the ability to display seasons, and the user interface is confusing and not user-friendly, to name a few.
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1 pocket cast
Top choice for many podcast listeners
Pocket Casts is loved by millions of users, and it's easy to see why. It has an intuitive user interface and most importantly, it's free. The user interface makes it easy to use and search for your favorite podcasts, and includes all important features and more by default. Episodes can be easily organized by season and can also be downloaded manually or automatically.
Pocket Casts offers speed controls, the ability to trim silence, a volume booster, and, like most apps, the option to set a sleep timer. The only downside to this app is that you have to pay a small fee of $1 per month for 10 GB of cloud storage and, most importantly, the option to use the desktop and web apps . The subscription also provides access to themes and some additional features that make it an ideal alternative that can support developers.
2 audible
There's more to this service than just audiobooks
Audible may not be the first choice for many users, as many people associate it with audiobooks. But the Amazon-owned service has pushed podcasts further in recent years, making it a viable alternative to YouTube podcasts. The service also has some exclusive shows that can only be viewed on this platform, making it a perfectly suitable alternative.
If you're already an Audible user, you have access to thousands of podcast channels and even more episodes. The app allows you to fast forward and rewind by 30 seconds, change speed, set timers, bookmarks, and even has a dedicated in-car mode. This provides a larger user interface, perfect for when traveling or commuting. It requires an Audible Plus subscription, but it also lets you listen to audiobooks, making it a great alternative for avid listeners.
3 cast box
It's free and has ads, if you're interested.
Castbox may not have an intuitive interface like Pocket Cast, but it's simple enough to understand and operate. The free version has ads, but has all the basic features you need. Users can also comment and interact with each other to create their own communities on their favorite channels.
The free version allows you to follow 100 podcasts, which is more than enough for most people. The paid version costs $5 per month and allows you to follow an unlimited number of podcast channels, remove ads, and provide more personalized content. It's one of the most feature-packed podcast services out there, and while it may cost more than others, it offers even more features customized for power users.
Four podcast addiction
Old but delicious
Podcast Addict's user interface may be a little outdated, but it's completely free and comes with all the essential features you need. There's also a sleep timer, advanced search features, automatic download settings, and even the ability to export and import your library. If you don't mind an outdated design and want access to your favorite shows, Podcast Addict could be a great alternative.
When it comes to price, Podcast Addict is a cost-effective alternative to other solutions. It's completely free, and even the $0.99/month subscription tier only adds features like timestamp bookmarks, playback statistics, and some advanced audio settings. Unless you're a power user, the free tier gives you everything you need to start listening to podcasts.
Five antenna pod
For many, open source is the way to go
If you like open source projects, AntennaPod might be for you. This is an open source service that allows you to watch your favorite shows and episodes in order. The app can also surprise you with random episodes and users can easily manage their downloads within the app.
Additionally, the app is completely free with no ads and also allows users to import and export RSS feeds using URLs. It has all the basic playback settings you need on the go, including changing playback speed, skipping intros and ending credits, and the ability to bookmark episodes.
Don't fall asleep with these great podcast apps
Whether you're looking for a free podcast app, open source project, community-based platform, or cross-platform service, there are many viable alternatives to YouTube Podcasts that cost little or nothing. Also check out the AndroidPolice Podcast Show where we discuss the latest trends, smartphones, and personal experiences in more detail.
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