Podcasts are announcing their return in this digital age, and they are doing it in a big way. Generally, podcasts are an exciting way to listen to expert topics, music, newsfeed, audiobooks, among many other things.
Now, there are apps for such provisions that you can install on your Android device. Podcast apps are available for download on Google Play. Interestingly, some are free.
We understand that it can be challenging to decide what podcast app best suits you as the options are endless online. That’s why we’ve come up with the top 10 best Android podcast apps.
1. Podcast Go
Podcast Go is among the most downloaded apps, and it’s all for a reason. This Android podcast app comes with trendy features, and it is easy to operate. If you are hoping to have a better listening experience of audio programs, settling for Podcast Go is a smart decision.
The app comes in a free version and another that you unlock ads that cost $2.99. Some of its amazing features are theme customization, sleep timer, playlist creator. Podcast Go gives you the option of downloading podcasts. It comes with about 300,000 shows.
Pros
- Free option
- Offline listening
- Own playlist
Cons
- Free option has ads
2. Antennae Pod
If you are looking for a podcast that you don’t have to pay anything for, Antenna Pod is a worthy consideration. Although the application doesn’t enjoy the brand recognition that most podcast apps on our list relish, it is a decent punch.
Antennae Pod allows you to decide when and how to download new podcast content. It has the power to access episodes and feeds that are password-protected, and this gives it an upper hand over its competitors.
Some of its unique features are iTunes access, chapter support, and memory management. Also, it features a sleep timer, a smart deletion function, and a playback speed variation mode.
Pros
- Free
- User-friendly
- No ads
Cons
- The interface is often complicated
3. Castbox
Castbox is another free podcast app that you can enjoy using. You can unlock it with just $1.99 to stay clear of the annoying ads that are common with the free version. Castbox enjoys a user-friendly interface and a clean layout.
The app also comes with several popular features such as a sleep timer, RSS readers, Amazon Echo integration, and music app-like playlist. Castbox includes CBC, NPR, This American Life, and other podcasts networks. What’s more, there are zero audio uploading restrictions
Pros
- Free option
- Popular podcast networks
- Amazon Echo integration
Cons
- Annoying ads in the free version
4. TuneIn Radio
If you are looking to listen to sports news and live radio programs in addition to top-quality podcasts, you shouldn’t go any further than TuneIn Radio. This fantastic app comes feature-packed, and it is easy to use. There is a free version for the application, which is excellent for trials, but you can always upgrade to a subscription plan for more features and better user experience.
The app supports other Android apps. You can use it to obtain commercial-free news from Fox, BBC, and CNN. Additionally, TuneIn Radio offers live sports news, new music, and AM/FM radio streaming.
Pros
- Free option
- Supports radio and sports news
- User-friendly
Cons
- The premium plan is costly
5. DoggCatcher
Though DoggCatcher does not come with a free tier, its fantastic features make it worth the small fee that you pay. Dogcatcher has been around for more than a decade, and so perennial podcast listeners are familiar with its service.
The app is feature-heavy, and this makes you think that the one-time fee is a favor. Some of its unique features include personalized recommendations, podcast classification, podcast search, and auto clean-up.
Pros
- Small fee
- Many podcast suggestions
- Personalized recommendations
Cons
- Doesn’t support cloud app sync
6. Beyond Pod
Beyond Pod is a popular podcast app that comes in a free and paid version. With the free version, you can enjoy standard features like playback speed, volume boost, and sleep timer. Of course, the paid version promises these features and many others like smart playlist, multi-device synchronization, and new episodes downloading. Beyond Pod is a fantastic podcast discovery tool. It helps you to locate multiple podcasts.
Pros
- Free option
- Great audio
- New content suggestion
Cons
- The design is slightly convoluted
7. Google Podcasts
If you have a Google account and would want to listen to the latest podcast, you should consider getting Google Podcasts. The app is free to download and use and not only allows you to listen to your favorite podcast but also the radio and audiobooks.
There are thousands of audio programs on Google Podcasts for you to enjoy. The app works with all smartphones and integrates with Google Assistant. Furthermore, the app is super-fast and ads-free.
Pros
- Free
- Ads-free
- User-friendly
Cons
- Limited playback
8. Podcast Republic
The podcast republic is an all-round podcasting app with stunning features. The app suites all Android phones. It enjoys a minimal layout and multiple widgets that you’ll find interesting to use. Like most podcasts apps on our list, podcast republic comes in a free version, and you can unlock it at the cost of $2 to get rid of ads.
The Podcast Republic supports major networks for podcasts, music, and audiobooks. There re more than 50,000 shows, and you have the options of live streaming. Extra features include a sleep timer, auto-play mode, and OPML file support
Pros
- Free option
- Live stream
- Thousands of shows
Cons
- Complicated interface
9. Spotify
Spotify fans have always wondered when their favorite streaming service will join the podcast bandwagon. It seems like their prayer has been answered as they can now download the app from Google Play.
While there’s a free version, real podcast fun is in the subscription plan. It’s feature-jammed and not only promises quality audio but videos too. Spotify has a beautiful user interface and enjoys an offline mode.
Pros
- Free option
- Simple to use
- Streams audio and videos
Cons
- Expensive subscription
10. Podcast Addict
From the name, Podcast Addict is an addictive app that you’ll find hard to stay away from upon downloading. The exciting bit is that it comes in a free version, and the unlocking option is budget-friendly. Podcast Addict is fabulous in all angles. It is feature-packed, user-friendly, and highly customized. You can use it to listen to comedies, dramas, and music.
Some of its outstanding features are multi-playlist support, virtual podcasts, sleep timers, and search bar. It has many widgets and supports Chrome cast.
Pros
- Free option
- Easy podcast search
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cluttered user interface
Conclusion
If you have an Android device and you are a diehard podcast fan, you should take advantage of the above apps. They are the best, and it means an exciting listening experience. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite talk shows, radio programs, and comedies.