5 great apps for podcast discovery and playback on Android and iOS
Pocket Casts
Pocket Casts is a full featured, easy to use podcast player. It has powerful playback options, such as queues, trim silence, variable speed, volume boost, playback skip, Android Auto and Wear support, a sleep timer, and Chromecast integration. The app also includes a set of tools, such as sync for subscriptions, playback and filters; notifications for new episodes, automatic downloads, custom filters, a discovery platform with browsing by charts, networks and categories, sharing, and OPML import/export for collections of links.
Download for Android or iOS
Podcast Republic
Podcast Republic is great for managing and playing podcasts, audio books, YouTube channels or playlists and live radio streaming. The app lets you subscribe, browse, and listen to any podcast. You can stream podcasts without downloading them, or download them for offline play. It supports multiple playlists, device sync, OPML import and export, multiple language support, a special layout for tablets, and integration with Chromecast, Android Wear, and Android Auto. The built-in media player support variable playback speed, remembers play position, connects via Bluetooth, and offers a sleep timer. Podcast Republic is fully configurable as well, with two-level settings, global settings and individual podcast settings.
Download for Android
AntennaPod
AntennaPod is a podcast manager and player with instant access to millions of free and paid podcasts. It lets you add, import, and export your feeds using the iTunes podcast database, OPML files, or simple RSS links. The app features powerful automation controls for downloading and deleting episodes, letting you do things such as specify times, intervals and WiFi networks. The player offers adjustable playback speeds, chapter support, and a sleep timer. You can also keep track of episodes and share them through social media and email. The app allows you to manage storage by setting the amount of cached episodes, smart deletion (based on your favorites and play status), and selecting your preferred location. It also lets you choose between light and dark themes, making the interface easier on your eyes.
Download AntennaPod for Android
NPR One
NPR One starts with the latest headlines before moving to a flow of stories that matter - narratives that increase your understanding, create connections, enrich your life and enliven your mind. All thoughtfully curated by hand, every day. The app lets you skip what you don't want or tap the lightbulb to say a story is interesting, learning your preferences and turning into your personal radio station. NPR One is also integrated with Android Auto and Android Wear, so you can skip, pause, and search at a glance without ever touching your phone. Chromecast support is available as well. The app delivers international, national, regional and local content via a simple, intuitive interface. It also includes a sleep timer with five presets.
Download for Android or iOS
CastBox
CastBox lets you discover and subscribe to over 340,000 podcasts, grouped into 16 categories. Episodes can be downloaded in mp3 format without additional cost and limitation. The podcast and radio playing can be controlled from a widget, notification center, lock screen, headphone, and Bluetooth. You are also free to build your own customized playlist for different scenes and moods. The OPML import/export support will let you easily transfer podcasts between your devices. CastBox also offers a sleep timer and the choice between light and dark themes.
Download for Android or iOS
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