Best Podcast Apps of 2023

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Podcasts are great because you can listen to them whenever, wherever. Whether you are commuting to work, running errands, or cooking and cleaning, you can indulge in your favorites! You can even shut out the world if you choose, pop in your earphones, and learn something new.

What people do not realize is that there are plenty of apps that let you record with ease too. Several of them offer a wide array of high caliber features to ensure the experience is seamless for both the recorder and the listener.

In this article, we will be diving into the best apps for iOS and Android so you can find the one best suited for you.
 

What is a Podcast?

Podcasts are audio programs, like radio shows, that are available for streaming or downloading. They are audio episodes focusing on a specific theme or subject. Like a book, they paint a picture for the listener that coincides with whatever they are hearing.

In recent years, the popularity of podcasts has skyrocketed. Thanks to the winning combination of being able to indulge in them wherever and , whenever, and the ability to curate the material you are listening to.
 

Why Listen to Podcasts?

Some reasons to listen to podcasts include having the ability to learn about something new or keep yourself entertained while traveling or doing meticulous tasks.

Podcasts also give you the opportunity to curate information by downloading episodes, bookmarking shows, and browsing your listening history.  Furthermore, you can subscribe to your favorite shows and get access to exclusive content.

Lastly, you can discover new podcasts. It might seem impossible given the large number of them out there, but you are bound to find your favorites when expanding your horizons. Apps like Google podcasts and Apple podcasts recommend new shows based on your personal style and listening history.
 

Are Podcasts Free?

Generally, yes. However, some people may choose to listen to them on paid apps that charge a fee. People can also support their favorite podcasters by becoming paid subscribers.

How Can I Listen to Podcasts on My iPhone or iPad for Free?
Getting free apps on your iPhone   or iPad is as easy as going to Apple Podcasts and listening to a podcast. This app is already built-in and compatible with all Apple devices and boasts an impressive selection of podcasts to choose from. Another option is to browse a selection of podcasts if you are a Spotify subscriber.
 

What is the Best Free Podcast App for Android?

If you are interested in free podcast apps for Android, try out any of the following:

•    Anchor 
•    Google Podcasts
•    Pocket Casts 
•    Player.FM
•    Podbean
•    Podcast Addict
 

Best Podcast Listening Apps for both iOS & Android

The following list of apps are available on iOS and Android devices:

Spotify: Free to Download, Premium version is $9.99/month.

PlayerFM: Free to download and listen, premium subscription available for cross-device syncing and ad-free listening.

Google Podcasts: Free to download and listen.

Pocket Casts: Free

Stitcher: Free to download or $4.99/month for ad-free listening.

PodBean: Free

Castbox: Free to download, Premium option starts at $0.99/month; It removes   subscription limits, allows homepage customization, and offers you customer support priority.

Amazon Music: Free to download, Amazon Music Unlimited is $9.99/month offering ad-free unlimited access, unlimited skips, and the ability to follow your favorite podcasts.

Audible Plus: Free to download if you have an Amazon account, where you can listen to the “free podcasts” selection or. You can  upgrade for $7.95/month to get ad-free access to their whole catalog of podcasts.

TuneIn: Free to download, but you can upgrade your subscription to Premium for $9.99 to receive less ads.
 

Best Podcasts for iOS Only

Apple Podcasts: Free with Apple Devices.

Castro: Free to download, $18.99/year for Castro Plus with additional features.

ListenApp: $2.99 to download on the App store.

PodCruncher: $2.99 to download on the App Store.
 

Best Podcasts for Android Only

Podcast Addict: Free

Podcast Republic: Free, in-app one time purchase of $1.99 for ad-free listening.

Spotify is currently the most popular option. It is free with ads, but the ad-free version is $9.99/month or $99/year.

Other options include:

Pitcher: Free to download. The premium option is $9/month if charged yearly, or $14/month if charged monthly. It removes subscription limits, allows homepage customization, and offers customer service priority.

Player.FM: Free to download and listen, Premium subscription is $3.99/month or $39.99/year. It allows for cross-device syncing and ad-free listening. 

What is the Most Popular Podcast App?

Apple Podcasts were the most popular before 2020. Statista claims that Spotify has now surpassed Apple. It has become the most used app for podcasts. 
 

How to Record a Podcast with a Podcast App

Listening to podcasts is straight-forward but recording them has not always been. Thankfully, there are several apps that simplify this process.
 

Best Podcast Recording Apps:

Anchor

Price: Free

Features: Anchor is Spotify’s iOS and Android podcast recording app. It boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making recording a breeze. It also simplifies creating, distributing, and  generating money from your podcasts on all major platforms. 

Riverside.FM

Price: Free plan, paid plans start at $15/month.

Features: You can record from anywhere. Not only can you record audio, but you have the option to record video as well.

Another cool perk is that recordings take place locally, so they are unaffected by weak Internet or a bad connection. Your recordings progressively upload so that the process has already begun while you are recording, and you are not stuck waiting for it to finish once your recording is complete. Additionally, you have the option to livestream.

Spreaker Studio

Price: Allows you five hours of audio free of charge and 10 episodes. The paid version is $8/month.

Features: Record, edit, and publish your podcast from your mobile phone. You can live stream sessions as well using Skype integration.

Podbean

Price: $9/month billed annually or $14/monthly

Features: This app allows you to record audio but not video. It also features in-app analytics that helps you keep tabs on your podcast’s performance.
 

We hope this article helped you in your search for the best podcast app! If you want to learn more about podcast apps or podcasts worth listening to, be sure to check out our article 4 Best Podcasts and Podcast Apps in 2022.
 

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