What makes podcasts great is the presence of hundreds of apps that allows you to listen to your favorite show wherever, whenever, and however you like. Some even helps you discover new shows, while others make it easy to share episode clips, or connect with other listeners.
We encourage you to try a few different apps to see which one is best for you.
Podcasting apps and where to find them
Here are a few recommendations to get you started, beginning with those that work across iOS and Android devices. Apps that let you add the secure feeds of creators you support on Patreon or Acast+, and those that allows you to move your shows from one app to another.
Note: Spotify does not allow private or secure RSS feeds (like those from Patreon, Acast+ and other creators you may support) to be added to their platform. If you regularly listen to exclusive content, you may want to consider one of the other options.
Once you’ve downloaded an app, find the option to add a podcast.
Application | Private Feeds | Import/Export | Ios | Android |
Apple | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Castbox | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Castro | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Clever.FM | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Downcast | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Google Podcast | Yes | 100 show limit | Yes | Yes |
Overcast | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Pocketcast | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Podcast Addict | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Podkicker | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Radiopublic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Spotify | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Stitcher | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Switching podcast apps
Want to switch from one app to another, but want to keep all your podcast subscriptions intact?
Look for an option to export your OPML file in your current app — this can usually be found within the app’s ‘settings’ menu.
Save this OPML file to your device storage, then open up your new app.
Find the option to import your OPML file into your new app — again this will most likely be within ‘settings’ — and follow the instructions.
All your podcast subscriptions should now appear in your new app.