A year ago, the Google Podcasts app was hotter than Georgia's asphalt. The number of downloads he received was 500 million, that is, more than 500 million.
– and today it is gone. The search engine giant collected the podcast app's scalp and gave it a place of honor in his Google Graveyard, the location of all canceled Google projects.
for their listening sessions.
At least for those who want to export their podcast subscriptions to YouTube Music, there's a migration process that makes it easier.
But what if the Google Podcasts app is shutting down and you don't want to move to YouTube Music? What if Google and their repeated genocidal behavior have pushed me over the edge?
Consider some alternatives to Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts (RIP)!
What makes a good podcast app?
Before we move forward with exploring Google alternatives, it's important to highlight the benefits of dedicated podcast apps. Usually it's something like this, and you shouldn't settle for anything less.
- automation: Podcast apps require you to subscribe to shows so that your feed can be automatically updated with new episodes. Yes, automation is required. No need to manually search for new content from your subscribed programs.
- download: Users should be able to control download settings, such as manual downloads, limiting new episode downloads per show, and setting maximum storage usage. While it's nice to have new episodes automatically downloaded, it can get out of control if you subscribe to too many shows.
- playlist: Don't underestimate the ability to create and sort playlists to organize your favorite shows, whether it's a list for morning listening, a list for weekend shows, or a list for long drives.
- sound: Most apps include an audio boost feature that enhances the human voice in podcasts. This is an unnecessary feature for those who use headphones with good ANC (active noise canceling), but the volume booster is useful. If you're having trouble with a pair of not-so-great earphones, you're in downtown Karachi, Pakistan (said to be No. 1 on the world's noisiest cities list), and you want to hear what your favorite creators have to say. There will be. A volume booster is a must.
- trimmer: Many apps offer dead air trimmers that automatically remove long pauses in episodes.
- speed: “Podcasters talk very fast.“Others… well, they're, um… other people are human, so um, other people have a different tempo and… um, it's… it's because of the way they speak. , they tend to speak slowly.Why flexible playback speed options are a must.
Pocket Cast (iOS, Android)
The Pocket Casts app is very popular. “PocketCast is the world's most powerful podcast platform, an app by listeners, for listeners” – this is what the developers say about their work. We're not here to hand out crowns, but to say this app is good is an understatement.
The overall experience is a blend of simplicity and robust functionality, and there's also a special Extra Dark theme for OLED display enthusiasts. Plus, with support for platforms like CarPlay, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Sonos, you can get your daily podcasts in a variety of ways, locations, and settings.
Its powerful playback features include a “Next” queue that syncs across devices, silence trimming to save listening time, variable speed control, volume boost for clearer spoken audio, streaming options, and artwork. Includes support for embedded chapters. There is also a way to skip the episode intro.
Users can expect cloud sync to ensure subscriptions, play queues, viewing history, and up-to-date filters. The app automates downloading episodes for offline listening, provides custom episode filters, efficiently manages storage, and notifies you of new episodes.
Castro (iOS)
Castro allows listeners to curate their podcast experience by selecting only the episodes they want to hear, eliminating unnecessary content clutter. The app allows you to easily organize your episodes into personalized queues for hours of seamless listening.
This is complemented by features such as CarPlay compatibility for in-drive listening, chapter support for easy navigation, and silence trimming to streamline your listening sessions.
The app's queue system lets you organize your podcasts with drag and drop. The app has a dark mode, and since it has a “dark” theme, it has its own sleep timer. You can pause playback after a set period of time, so you can fall asleep while listening without accidentally playing the entire episode while you sleep.
With the optional subscription Castro Plus, you get Trim Silence to process episodes faster, audio enhancement for clearer audio in noisy environments, and sideloading to directly import audio files. Advanced features such as:
Cloudy (iOS)
Overcast offers a blend of sophistication and simplicity. There's a Smart Speed feature that effectively reduces listening time without changing the natural sound of the audio, and a Voice Boost feature that ensures consistent volume levels across all podcasts with a broadcast-quality remastering engine.
Of course, the app also offers downloads for offline playback, as well as the ability to discover new podcasts with personalized recommendations.
Overcast's integration with Apple Watch allows for standalone playback and cellular streaming, and CarPlay support is mandatory. Neat!
Privacy is the foundation of Overcast, which operates without relying on third-party analytics, advertising services, or tracking code to ensure the confidentiality of user data. The app is kept alive by ads promoting the podcast, and there is also an option for users to purchase his Overcast Premium, which eliminates ads for a cleaner listening experience.
Podcast Addict (Android)
Yes, a podcast habit can develop into an addiction. Enter his Podcast Addict app, exclusive to Android. With a 4.6/5 rating (from 575,000 reviews) and over 10 million downloads, this device is loved by those who own a Pixel, Galaxy, or other Android-based phone . There's a reason for that – Podcast Addict offers a huge free content library including millions of podcasts, live radio shows, audiobooks, YouTube channels, RSS feeds, and the convenience of cloud backup through Google Drive. Masu.
You won't regret having customizable audio settings like:
- Adjust playback speed
- Skip silence
- increase volume
- Mono audio settings
- Download for offline listening
It supports direct ratings and reviews, seamlessly integrates with Android Auto for in-car listening, and offers Chromecast support for casting to external devices. Additional features include chapter support, bookmarks, sleep timer, shuffle and playlist options, and video player.
Best of all, Podcast Addict is freesupported by a small advertising banner at the bottom of the screen.
Choose wisely (but give it a try)
But next time you're commuting to work or taking a walk in the park on a sunny day, give it a try. I know, I mean, you're not going to be listening to the same 12 songs of hers every day while engaging in the aforementioned activities, but you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.
Podcast omelettes are fun, nutritious, and addictive.
Where can I find the perfect podcast app?
It's easy! Browse the app store of your choice to find the best one.
If you already have a favorite in the list above, feel free to launch it.
