Get the very best podcast experience with these 6 great apps
While we usually think of our mobile devices as great for music listening of all kinds, increasingly our Android phones and tablets are being used for listening to podcasts. We produce a bunch of them here at Mobile Nations, and the popularity and scale of the podcast continues to grow. But just as is the case with music player apps, not all podcast players are created equally.
Thankfully Android is blessed with a strong selection of podcast apps to choose from, but there are some more worth your time – and money – than others. So, head on past the break to see the top podcast apps for Android. And once you've chosen, why not subscribe to the Android Central podcast and join us each week for a listen!
1. Pocket Casts
Pocket Casts has long been a favorite among avid podcast listeners, but in its current incarnation it has arguably risen to the top of the mountain. If you want style and function, cloud sync, a huge library, video support, variable speed playback oh and not forgetting Chromecast support, then look no further. The folks at Shifty Jelly have you covered with all of those.
Add to all that a widget, full controls in the notification tray, auto download and delete, filters and playlists, a sleep timer and OPML import and export support and you're looking at one of the most full featured podcast apps available in Google Play. And it goes beyond Google Play, too. Pocket Casts is also available on iOS and the web, keeping your podcasts in sync no matter what device you're on.
Pocket Casts also takes on the task of podcast discovery and pretty much succeeds. The featured, trending and top podcast sections are brimmed with a bevy of shows covering all kinds of different subject areas. If you really are looking for one of the very best, then give Pocket Casts at least a look. The developers also post probably the best changelogs anywhere in the Play Store!
DOWNLOAD: Pocket Casts ($3.99)
2. BeyondPod
BeyondPod used to lack the visual flare of something like Pocket Casts, but it always brought it where it matters most. And now, it's also a damn fine looking app with its recent redesign. A favorite of many for a long time now, BeyondPod has power, features and access to a huge library of podcasts that should please even the most obscure show hunter.
It too has Chromecast support, something fast becoming a "must have" when it comes to media delivery applications, as well as cross-device sync and automatic background downloading. BeyondPod is available to trial, in full free for 7 days before you need to pay up the $6.99 for the full version. That's a nice touch and not something seen every day.
With that free trial, BeyondPod should certainly be given a look.
DOWNLOAD: BeyondPod ($6.99, 7 day free trial)
3. Podcast Addict
Podcast Addict is a free, ad-supported or paid-for premium podcatcher that may lack a little on the visuals but more than makes up in the features. It'll let you import your feeds from a number of sources but it'll also help you easily find some great new content to listen to. Search by channel, interests and more, and Podcast Addict will come up with the goods.
Besides podcasts, though, it'll also let you organize RSS feeds and YouTube channels which is something competing apps don't offer. It's also got Chromecast support built in which is fast becoming a must have feature. After all, why wouldn't you want to listen to your podcasts on the best speakers you own?
The option of a truly free and ad-supported version is appealing, but if you're going to be spending the $2.99 to remove the ads you may want to consider one of the prettier options out there. But if you're all about function over form, Podcast Addict will suit you just fine.
DOWNLOAD: Podcast Addict (Free, $2.99 to remove ads)
4. Doggcatcher
Doggcatcher is another long time favorite, indeed it once claimed the title of Android Central's Editors Choice for podcast app of the year – back in 2011 if you were wondering. The alternative choices weren't quite as strong as they are today, but Doggcatcher is still a strong choice.
The UI has gotten better with the past few updates, but still feels a step behind the leading competition. What it lacks in the user interface department it makes up for everywhere else, though — the way it handles podcasts with its auto download and delete, variable speed playback and feed categorization makes it worth checking out. And it has Chromecast support which we love to see.
At $2.99 all-in it's an inexpensive choice in the grand scheme of apps as well, so it's really worth giving a shot.
DOWNLOAD: Doggcatcher ($2.99)
5. Player FM
If you're looking for one of the most modern looking podcast players on Android, Player FM is where it's at. Embracing Google's new Material Design principles, Player FM just looks amazing. There's no other way to describe it. Beneath the good looks though, Player FM is packed with useful features like cross-device subscription sync and support for both Chromecast and Android Wear.
One of the other strong points to Player FM is its excellent discoverability features. Be it individual shows or subscribing to channels, you're going to be well looked after in finding some quality content. Tell it what you're interested in and watch it work its magic.
Oh, and it's completely free — forever, not just a trial — for up to 20 subscriptions, with a new Gold service coming to unlock unlimited subscriptions and a few other neat features.
DOWNLOAD: Player FM (Free)
6. Stitcher for Podcasts
Stitcher may be mostly known as an internet radio service, but it's also a great podcast service as well. You can browse and add all of your favorite podcasts, and "stitch" them together into stations for listening in the order you want. You can also keep up with breaking and daily news through a variety of top news programs to mix it up from your normal weekly podcasts. There's single sign-on support from Google and Facebook, which is convenient as well.
It's still sticking to its older-style of design that doesn't quite look as modern as Pocket Casts and Player FM do, but it's functional and familiar to folks who have been using Stitcher for years. And the fact that you're getting this many features in a free app definitely makes it worth considering.
DOWNLOAD: Stitcher for Podcasts (Free)
Originally published June 2014, updated January 2015
Reader comments
The six best podcast apps for Android
I agree with number one. I have used Pocket Casts on my first Android device a Droid 2, then I used it when I went over to iOS and now I am using it on my Moto X. It is a truly great podcasts app.
Does it work with assist on the X? For example, can I say "OK Google Now, play the Android central podcast?" like I can do for music on Google play music?
Posted via Android Central App
No it doesn´t. I just tried it.
I appreciate that, thanks. I guess it only works with Google apps
Posted via Android Central App
It might work if you checked the option in the settings to "allow apps to see episodes"? I can't test it, but I suspect it would be able to play it through Play Music with that option checked. The section says that it makes episodes visible to Google Music and Sonos.
Good advice. I'll check it out
Posted via Android Central App
It's does work. At least it does with beyond podcast.
Switch to BeyondPod, haven't miss Pocketcast.
Posted via the Android Central App
Just throwing this out there, you only need to say "ok google"... not "ok google now"... LOL
Aware this comment is ancient, just thought you might like to know.
Actually on the Moto X it's "OK Google Now," not "OK Google."
That is correct. You can also change the launch phrase to something completely different. The OG Moto X will be getting that feature very shortly according to Motorola.
Posted via the Android Central App on the 2nd Gen. Moto X
I use doubletwist cause its worked well for me
Agreed. I love Pocket Cast. And Richard is right about Shift Jelly's change logs. I emailed them once *just* to tell them that reading their change log made my day.
Here's the most recent one:
The Pocket Casts live keynote just finished and all the leaked rumours were true!
- The discovery section now has a laser powered Trending podcasts chart, to help find new awesome podcasts*
- Lots of design tweaks using DesignerBrain technology(TM). Including improved images and better download notifications**
- Many bug fixes. So many. Really.
* Yes, real frickin' lasers. PEW PEW PEW.
** A real designer was used but he was only mildly injured in the process.
And, on that note, does anyone know if there's a way to view the change logs for previous app versions in the Play Store?
Because, yes, I would totally go back and read all their old ones, just for the laugh.
what is the major diffrence , ???
Long time Dogcatcher user.
Posted via Android Central App
Yeah, me too. I haven't tried Pocketcasts, but all the other ones including some not listed here I have tried and keep coming back to Doggcatcher. I just wish they would get the cloud sync working for all and not just closed beta testers.
Agreed, cloud sync and it will be damn near perfect for me
Posted via Android Central App
+1
Yes, I tries a few different Podcast Player's many moons ago, but I've been very satisfied with DoggCatcher when it was first brought to my attention by a great Podcast called Android Central. I think it was Jerry that mentioned it & I've been using since then.
I use Doggcatcher too. I've tried others, but keep coming back.
It's Power, and perhaps what turns some people off, is that it is so fiddly in it's settings. Every time I download it onto a new phone, I spend time adjusting how downloads happen, what happens to listened podcasts, how the buttons operate, how it deals with Bluetooth... you can set it up to be exactly what you want.
But it is a pain with every new installation. The DG guys need Cloud backup of your podcast list, and also of your tweaked settings. Sirs, if you are reading this thread, I love your stuff, but get that Cloud stored preferences sorted.
I like Podcast Republic (formally iPP Podcast Player)
I use that too for both Juan Epstein and The Combat Jack Show.. But it's kinda buggy sometimes..
Posted via Android Central App on The Nexus 5
Ya, I like Podcast Republic as well. Seems to let me get all the podcasts that I would ever need.
Another vote for Podcast Republic. Easy to use; price is right.
I've been loving for a long time now Pocket Casts, it's really good.
Posted via Android Central App
Been using BeyondPod since the OG Droid days. It has feedly integration as well, if you're obsessed with RSS like me. It also has multi device sync which works great.
I was a BeyondPod user for quite a while, and really liked it. But, when PocketCasts came out with their newer version, I made the switch and really felt like BeyondPod was left in the dust.
BUT, BeyondPod has a new (public) beta that I've been trying for a week or so. (http://www.beyondpod.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?11-BeyondPod-4-x-Evoluti...), and it's really nice! Performance is good, and the new UI is very interesting and not a clone of PocketCasts at all.
I think I'm going to end up going back and forth with BeyondPod and PocketCasts like I used to, since they're BOTH gonna be top-notch again. :)
I use BeyondPod on my Android devices and my BlackBerry PlayBook as well as my Q10. Love it on all. Serves me well.
Posted via AC App from my S4 mini WITH an LED CrackLight ;-)
Beyondpod hasn't failed me yet, been using it for over 3 years and still love it. Pocket cast looks nice but I paid for Beyondpod and they've given me no reason to switch.
Posted via the Android Central App
I'm currently trying out Podcast Addict right now...Not too bad. Beyond Pod I've used time and time before. Didn't know that TuneIn had podcast support....may give that a try.
I've been using Pocket Casts since it was the Free App of the Day on Amazon. Then I heard how Amazon screwed them over and I went to the Play Store and bought it. I have tried the others but kept going back to it.
I got Pocket Casts as the FAOTD and stopped using it when they pulled it from Amazon and stopped supporting it. I saw their Amazon sob story as a way to get free publicity. I switched to Beyond Pod and have used it since.
They were right. Amazon abuses developers.
Which the developers agree to when they agree to have their app featured as the FAOTD. Whether they were right or not, they agreed to Amazon's terms and then complained about it afterwards to get free publicity for their app. That's my take on it at least.
Thanks for reminding me it was a free app of the day. I searched for it on Amazon but it's not on there any more. I found it in my purchased apps list though. I'm going to try it out and, if I like it, buy it on Google Play.
The version on Amazon is pretty old, since they have stopped supporting it in the Amazon app store after all their difficulties with the "Free App of the Day" ordeal a few years ago.
http://blog.shiftyjelly.com/2011/08/02/amazon-app-store-rotten-to-the-core/
It really highlighted how badly Amazon screws over developers with their Free App of the Day program. I used to grab the apps pretty religiously, but now I feel like an a$$ for doing it, so I've stopped. It's worth the read, IMO.
Same here, about the Amazon thing.
I only use Podcast Addict. I didn't like Pocket Casts UI. Maybe I'm weird I don't know.
+1
Podcast Addict is awesome. and the free version with ads isn't crippled like the other podcast apps.
Podcast Addict is really cool. And they were very honest when KitKat broke the SD Card access, helping the user on hopw to correctly set the new SD Card folder where Podcast Addict could write.
I also use Podcast Addict. Great app and the developer seems to be always adding features and tweaking the UI.
I initially used BeyondPod but after the Pocketcasts UI update I bought it from the Play Store after getting as the free AOTD on Amazon. I've gone Pocketcasts and haven't looked back. Okay, I lie, I check out BeyondPod occasionally but find it hasn't really changed since I stopped using it. Pocketcasts has great integrated variable speed and fresher looking UI. Excellent.
You should check out my post above, which has a link to the BeyondPod (open) beta for their new version. I love PocketCasts, too, but am intrigued by the UI of the new BP, which is really pretty cool.
Worth a look if you used to use BP, IMHO.
Thanks. I'll have to check it out.
How can you not mention Podcast adduct. It's free and has pretty much all the features of a paid app like variable speed playback
Posted via Android Central App using galaxy s4
I used Doggcatcher for years, but switched up to Pocket Casts sometime last year. Love that it'll sync between my phone and tablet, and it has a beautiful UI.
Posted via Android Central App
I did the same thing. Nothing wrong I can put my finger on for Doggcatcher but PocketCasts is more fun to use. And they do an awesome job with updating the app.
i'm a big fan of AntennaPod: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.danoeh.antennapod&hl=en
I've been using AntennaPod for awhile now. It seems to do everything I want and is free without ads.
As someone with multiple Android devices the list starts and stops at Pocket Casts. The perfect, seamless sync between devices is alone worth the price, and by far the best feature.
Have used pocketcasts ever since Google Listen was cruelly spring cleaned away from me
You should try uPod.
Posted via Android Central App
I have actually used all of these. I started off with Doggcatcher back in 2010. It was the best option by far at that time. I played with Stitcher and Tune In briefly and used Beyond Pod the most until about a year ago when I switched to Pocket Casts. I found out that UI was really the most important thing for me and Beyond Pod was not a good UI experience. Inputs seemed too small and navigation unintuitive. Pocket Casts is truly enjoyable to interact with and it just simply looks good. I too enjoy Shifty Jelly's change logs. They always make me laugh.
I use Pocket Casts since it's definitely the best on Android right now. I still miss Google Listen and hope one day they'll release an updated version or integrate podcasts into Play Music. Even Apple makes a Podcast app now. I think Google killed off Listen prematurely.
I agree about Google Listen. Simple perfectly functional free.... Abandoned.
Ah well Pocketcasts is a good replacement. P
Posted via Android Central App
I agree about Google Listen. Simple perfectly functional free.... Abandoned.
Ah well Pocketcasts is a good replacement.
Posted via Android Central App
I've tried most of those and I am still looking for a dr.Podder replacement from my Pre Minus. I'm currently using CarCast which works well.
Posted via Android Central App
I like carcast for its simplicity. And because it's open source, I can pitch in and fix a few bugs.
Long time user of Pocketcasts (and still use it on my 7 and 10 inch tablets), but I am a podcast-aholic, as well as a flashaholic, so I have literally hundreds of files. The problem is that Pocketcasts (whose I/O is second to none) gives the file names obscure hexadecimal names which disregard the ID tags. So you have absolutely no idea if you look in the file folder which file is which. Once a file disappears from the server, Pocketcasts won't be able to pick it up again, which results in orphaned files. At one point, I Pocketcasts thought I had about 250 files, when in fact the directory had over 500 --- many duplicates, many partials, that Pocketcasts simply couldn't handle. As I have repeatedly complained to the developers (who are otherwise fantastic and responsive) "it doesn't matter how good your i/o is if you can't take care of the data."
I am now a Podcatcher user and find it very friendly. The developer is also very responsive and the i/o nearly as elegant. But, most importantly, the app takes care of my files and I can identify them easily. No more orphans.
I am also on Podcatcher and echo everything hgoldner#CB said about it. The developer is very responsive and is enhancing it more quickly. Works great on both my Moto X and Nexus 7 (2nd gen)
PocketCast just doesn't have any competition. It requires a little set up to get things JUST how you like them but it is amazing! for me -
- I only want it to keep the one more recent episode of this huge video podcast
- start 30 seconds in to this other one so i don't have to listen to the intro music
- keep every episode of Protocol radio one so I can have some good beats always available
- not Auto download this podcast but I like to know what episodes are there in case I run out of others
- Run Engadget HD at 2x speed because those guys have lots of pauses
and all of those settings are remembered, cloud sync'd, and it's awesome!
Another Podcast Addict user here. Can't really say its better than any other top rated podcast app, though. Ha!
One Cast - simple light weight podcast client. no frills or bells/whistles, just a simple and easy to use platform
PodKicker Pro: I was a long time Google Listen user. Tried some of the ones mentioned here and they were feature overload for me. I just wanted to be able to open the app and continue with the last thing I was listening to. Also it's nice to have the ability to save your place in multiple podcasts. I've used PodKicker Pro for a few months now and love it. Simple and to the point. Auto download and delete if you want it, but you can customize it per podcast, which is also nice.
Recently switched to Beyond Pod from Pocket casts because Pocket casts was lagging alot when listening in 1.5x speed. (using a GS4). Beyond Pod has no lag at all...
Posted via Android Central App
N5 here, no lag at all using pocket casts at 1.5x
Same with a Nexus 4.
fyi, there were two or three updates to Pocket Casts last month and the change logs for each mentioned fixes (and then more fixes) to variable speed playback that broke somewhat recently. Think they got it all fixed now.
I am a longtime double twist user
Posted via Android Central App
Still using PodTrapper that hasn't been updated in 3 years because it's the only one that updates every hour on WiFi and only downloads when app is open.
I would check out Podcast Addict, I am pretty sure it can be set to do exactly what you want.
Beyondpod, now that it, too, has sync
Like several others, I'm using PodcastAddict. Lockscreen controls, notification drawer controls, scheduled auto-downloads, auto-deletes, and shortcut widgets that will take to the player, playlist, or home page. All of the low, low price of nothing.
Downcast is my favorite.
I've heard lot of complaints from Podcasters about Stitcher. I don't like using it, either.
downcast is the one thing keeping me on ios for now. if theres an android app that offers the same functionality with a decent interface byby apple
I use downcast on my ipod. I asked the developer if he would make an android app and he said he was thinking about it. that was 2 years ago! pocket casts is awesome and I feel better than downcast on iOS
Posted via the Android Central App
I would recommend Podcast Addict; I've used beyondpod for the longest time but have moved to podcast addict and am very happy with it.
I tend to prefer simple solution and if one of my existing apps can give the podcast functionality, then great. So my choice will be tune in radio. I use it a lot to hear local radios when on the go or out of my country.
Posted via Android Central App
Podcast Addict - Solid App and the developer provides great support.
Podcast Republic!!
Posted via Android Central App
So can u subscribe to any iTunes podcasts with any of these?? I kinda wanna move away from Podcast Republic (formerly IPP player).
Posted via Android Central App on The Nexus 5
Pretty much all podcasts are available without using iTunes at all.
I subscribe and rate my favorites in iTunes to give the podcasters credit and increase their rank.
Why would you want to piggyback one podcast app into another podcast app?
iTunes doesn't store podcasts. It just provides a catalog of podcasts published and stored elsewhere. Pocket Casts does the same. If you are subscribed to a podcast in iTunes, just search for it in Pocket Casts.
Pocket Casts works great for me. Their support is also topnotch as they got back to me the same day I sent an email with an issue.
BeyondPod is great. My favorite feature is that they added native speed control (originally required a plug-in). I like my podcasts run at 1.25x normal speed so I can listen to more.
Well, I think I will go ahead and purchase Pocket Casts. Thanks for the article.
Posted via Android Central App
PocketCasts is by far my favourite, has the cleanest UI imo
Is there a podcast app that will sync subscriptions and play location on the web? I want to be able to listen to podcasts at my desk, but pick up on my phone for long drives. I know stitcher can do it, but I'm not a big fan. Any others?
This is a 'holy grail" feature for me, too. I would love for PocketCasts and/or BeyondPod to create a simple Chrome Extension Player or stand-alone player for Windows which will sync across my other devices.
I've wanted this as well and the PocketCasts guys have said they might look at some sort of web interface, in the meantime I have my phone connect to my PC over bluetooth so I can just manage all my podcasts on my phone and stream them to my PC when at my desk
That's an interesting idea. I think I'll try it, too. Thanks!
Pocket Casts or bust. All others BLOW!
Posted via Android Central App
While Pocket Casts may look pretty, Doggcatcher has always worked for me. From sorting to playback via Bluetooth it works they way I want. I've tried other podcast players but always go back to Doggcatcher. The dev is very responsive to requests, too.
Posted via Android Central App
I like dog catcher chromecast support and syncing between devices
I'm a huge fan of Pockets Casts. If tried all the Android and most of the iOS podcast apps. Nothing comes close.
Posted via Android Central App
I've been using PocketCasts for a few years now, it's so good I've never wanted to try another (which says a lot as I swap around a lot of my other apps looking for the best one).
Posted via Android Central App
Pocket Casts takes my vote. Not mentioned here is one of my favorite features: it has a great sync feature for those of us with a mix of Android and iOS device. Their cross platform syncing is almost flawless.
They should charge me per year. I'd pay it.
Pocketcast for me. I also have tunein.
Posted via Android Central App
Nr 1 is Pocket Casts by very far. There are some good others, but non having sync between devices like Pocket Casts has, make them altesdy B choice. To complete my top 5. 2) Dogcatcher 3) Podcast Republic 4) Podcast Addict 5 BeyondPot
Posted via Android Central App
Yeah PocketCast is probably the best...just wish it offered login support for paid audio subscriptions
I use Player FM. Free, no ads, Chromecast support. Only downside to me is a 20 subscription limit.
Posted via Android Central App
I use double Twist. Helps me handle my music on device as well as podcasts.
Posted via Android Central App
My doubletwist is terrible at searching for podcasts, and always plays ads. I downloaded some cracks but they don't solve the problem one iota.
You can solve your ad problem by upgrading to the pro version, big spender.
These are the types of comments that keep many developers from even considering doing an Android app. What is it? $5 to upgrade to pro and you dig for a crack to disable the only other way they have of making any money? A podcast app is used by most every single day. Five bucks is nothing to ask for that kind of utility. We are just now getting the best mobile apps on our platform now and the last thing I want is crap like this putting a hurt on us. More of us need to call others out on this kind of stupid stuff.
I used to use (Google) Listen. Those were the days :(
Pocket Casts for me now.
Pocketcast for podcast and tunein for radio :D
Yes i agree with you
It's sad that in all of those screenshots, there is no mention of: thebestpodcastintheuniverse.com
been using AntennaPod since the demise of Listen. very clean and simple plus #HoloYolo :D https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.danoeh.antennapod&hl=en
Podcast Addict is definitively in the top 5. It's free, but I would recommend to donate to the developer. Solid App and great support.
Test comment... New notifications coming soon.
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Testy, aren't we! :P
PocketCasts
-UI
-Syncs between platforms
I use Podkicker. Funnily enough I prefer the free version to the paid one. Well at least I contributed :-)
I like Podcast Addict, when Google Listen shut down I tried it because it was free, and the free version uncrippled. I loved it so much I *happily* paid for the advert free version. The developer is continually updating it, and he has his own support forums and listens to people's suggestions - I personally have had ideas accepted and implemented.
I like the Chromecast support, and Car Mode (bigger control buttons for fat fingers on the move), all the default configurations are sensible but you can fine tune everything on a per podcast basis.
I am using Podcast Republic. Thumb up!
I'm giving Podcast Republic a go, but I listen to a set of podcasts that are subscrition based and I need to log in to download them. I can't see an option for this so they refuse to download. Which of these other recommendations will allow me to do this?
great stuff. how do i get my own podcast submitted to all of these podcast apps? do i need to submit my feed to each app developer?
This is an extremely dumbed down explanation (it's from WikiHow; dumb kinda comes with the territory over there....) of the various avenues you'll need to go down to get your podcast out there. Like I said, this is just simple "How-To," but it sounds like you're brand new to the podcast game, so you might find it to be a perfect introduction.
Sorry to say but Beyond should be struck from this list, Used it with this sites recommendation for over a year, was great. Until they burnt it down and rebuilt it, unecessarily. So I.m back to pick another from this list...Pocket Casts it is .
Anyone have suggestions for a good podcast app that has an OSX client? I currently use instacast to sync between OSX and ios but would like something that could sync between OSX and Android. Hoping for one that can sync between all 3 just seems ludicrous at this point. :(
I've been using AntennaPod for a long time and it meets all my needs. Originally used Podkicker but switched as I liked the look of AntennaPod better after reading about its Holo look and open source nature I believe.
Posted via the Android Central App
No Stitcher?
Posted via the Moto X Pure Edition
Pocket casts cannot be used with podcasts that require a username and password. So in other words, useless.
What about tunein?
Posted via Android Central App
I have used BeyondPod for a couple of years and like the revamp. Especially for the tablet. Crazy part for me is that Android Central's video feed doesn't work on it... It really sucks as I listen mostly, but like the option to turn on the video to see new products while being discussed. BeyondPod allows me to shut off the screen while the video plays. If YouTube would do this, it wouldn't be a big deal. I am sure the others have an option like this, but I paid for the app so, why not use it. ☺
Posted via the Android Central App
I been using double twist and podcast republic which is pretty good
Posted via the Android Central App
I'm gonna try Player FM..
Posted via Android Central App on The Nexus 5
Started my Podcast listening with Stitcher for about a year. It was always buggy and I never liked the design.
Been using PocketCasts for about a year now and it just keeps getting better. I usually download them over WiFi since Podcasts are by far my biggest use of data.
Lately, I have been doing some streaming and other than the data use there is no reduction in the listening experience even over a fairly slow connection.
One of my most used apps.
The only podcast app I use on Android is Pocket Casts. Just absolutely love it.
Posted via my Nexus 6
I'm a big fan of PocketCasts. Great app, and support is always friendly and quick to respond to issues.
Hey AC guys, your podcast video feed stopped working in that app in August. Is it just me?
Posted via the Android Central App
I listen to at least 4-6 hours of podcasts per day and can't imagine doing it without PocketCasts. Hooray for Shifty Jelly!
Man, I miss Google Listen.
Stitcher does the trick for me now.
Posted with my Nexus 6!
I'm using uPod. Not that well known, but a great app with push notifications for new feeds. And a really responsive developer. Check it out http://upod.mobi and on the play store...
Posted via the Android Central App
Pocketcast is the best but sticher is nice too.
Posted via the Android Central App
I'd been using Public Radio & Podcast for quite a while, but I was getting tired of some UI hiccups and the inability to sync across devices. Because of this article, I downloaded both Pocketcast and BeyondPod. I ended up getting a refund on Pocketcast, simply because I like the BeyondPod interface a little better. Other than that, the two seem pretty equivalent. Both are certainly a pretty good upgrade from PRP.
Podcast Republic gets my vote. Free and includes chromecast is how I catch up on the likes of Answer Me This, Ian Collins Wants A Word and a more than fair share of Twit.
Posted via Android Central App
Pocket Casts for me. I bought it awhile back and haven't regretted it once.
Posted from my Moto X (2013) via the Android Central App
My vote goes to Podkicker Pro: lightweight, fast as hell, and can backup subscriptions as a separate file
Nothing comes close to Stitcher
Posted via Android Central App
Stitcher
Posted via the Android Central App
I used Doggcatcher from the early days and seem to always go back to it after trying to switch to PocketCasts. This time maybe I'll stay away. I'm finding that it's easier to stick with PocketCasts this time, especially since they've allowed me to stream in an external player. Still missing the feature in Doggcatcher that plays the next newest audio podcast when the one I'm listening to finishes, but love the feature more in Pocketcasts that keeps playing the audio of a video podcast when you shut off the screen. And Chromecast and sync support just work better in Pocketcasts.
I've tried several of these apps and by far the best has to be Podcast Addict. I have it as a must have for Android podcast fans.
I found this app after migrating from iOS to Android and was seek to have a bare bones Podcasting app that was simple and easy to use.
When I first started using PocketCasts, I didn't like it very much because the settings were limited and the interface was kinda boring. But they have done a really good job of updating the app over the years and now I completely agree that it is the best podcast app on Android.
My second choice would be the Stitcher app. It's an internet radio app first, but the podcast feature if very good as well.
Been using Podcast Republic for a long time. It does the job well.
Posted via the Android Central App
I have the paid version of BeyondPod and I'm sorry I bought this app. It has a confusing interface. There seems to be no cohesion to the design. Important buttons are half off the screen on my HTC One M8. Podcasts just stop playing, but it doesn't tell you you lost your connection, or what 's causing the problem. If you don't have your reading glasses on it's very difficult to read the screen. I would not recommend this to anyone.
DoggCatcher user here. it's a steal at $2.99. I believe it used to be $4.99. That's what I paid and it is worth every penny. Great, responsive dev as well.
Just a heads up AC, the comments become a mess when you update an article like this one based on new versions of Apps and don't make a new thread. The comments from 7 months ago at the top might not really apply to the current versions, etc.
I use Tunein Radio app. Surprised it's not on the list.
Posted via the Android Central App
I've been a PocketCasts user since I've had an Android device. I even used it back when I made the mistake of buying an iPhone. It's an excellent pod catching app. I love the UI. It even has nice little touches like changing the color of the controls based on the cover art for the show you are watching.
Posted via the Android Central App on the 2nd Gen. Moto X
In future article updates, maybe mention witch apps support automation through Tasker et. al.
BeyondPod has a Tasker plugin and supports "intent" commands.
PocketCasts and Podcast Addict have intents"
I'm not sure about the rest.
This article should really mention that if you want to use the browser for Pocket Casts, it costs another $9. I have used Stitcher for a few months. I like it because I can listen in browser when I'm working at my desk and resume in my car, but I don't like its UI, so I was jazzed to see the top app that had this same functionality with a much improved interface. I was not jazzed to find out after I already paid for the app in the Play store that it was going to cost me more than twice again what I had just paid to be able to use it as advertised. Luckily I had time to refund my app purchase.
Pocket Casts, or GTFO : )
Posted via Note 4
Thanks Andrew.
I have used PocketCasts ever since Phil recommended it. It's still superb. Thank him for me.
BeyondPod is everything.
Posted via the Android Central App
Used Stitcher for a long time until switching to PocketCasts. Love it.
Posted via the Android Central App
I find myself torn between Beyond Pod, which I've used for years, and Pocket Casts which I've been trying for months. I like the way BeyondPod handles playlists much better. However, Pocketcasts let me use the 30 second jump on video casts while Beyond Pod doesn't. If only these two would combine their features it'd be a perfect product.
I've tried just about every podcast app out there and I have found Pocket Casts to be perfect.
As of March 2015 PocketCasts doesn't support authenticated feeds. Sorry guys, that's an absolute must for me.