Podcasts are episodes of audio files that you can listen to anytime. Podcasts are focused on a topic or theme, and the listenership has been increasing exponentially. For instance, there were 274.8 million podcast listeners in 2019, and as of January 2023, the number stands at 464.7 million.
It is not a difficult feat to listen to or even record podcasts. Most devices come with stock podcast apps. For example, you can listen to podcasts on Mac using the default Apple Podcasts application. This app is easy to use, and its design is similar to iTunes. Since macOS Catalina, the Apple Podcasts app is available to all Mac users.
However, if you need something better in 2023, there’s a vast selection of podcast listening apps offering a suite of features. Some of them are mentioned below.
Spotify
Spotify brings podcasts and music in one place. The app is free to download, but to unlock advanced features, you must be a premium member paying $9.99/month.
Within the app, you can easily switch between music and podcasts. The Daily Drive Playlist brings the news and music together. It showcases an exceptional collection of podcasts and music that are personalized according to the user’s listening behavior. The app even offers news updates and more.
Users can gain exclusive access by becoming paid subscribers. Then, you can get exclusive content and more from your favorite podcast.
Google Podcasts
Google Podcasts is a free service that you can immediately download and listen to.
The app lets users find what they are looking for with more than five hundred sub-topics. In addition, you can skip over silences and listen to podcasts at faster playback speeds.
The straightforward, user-friendly interface of the application makes it one of the best podcast applications. Users can even import their podcasts with public RSS feeds. In addition, the playlist can be customized according to the user’s preferences, and the app will send timely updates.
Downcast
Downcast is considered one of the best podcast applications for Macs and iPhones. The app also works with CarPlay and Apple Watches.
The app is purchased by paying a one-time fee, and then there are no subscription fees. Within the app, users can quickly subscribe to podcasts. You can search or browse for them within the app or add them via a URL feed.
Thanks to rich settings, users can automatically begin their podcasts after a set number of seconds or end the podcast early. You can even bypass lengthy intros. In addition, you can find all the shows you have downloaded or subscribed to in a listview and get details like how many episodes are in the queue, etc.
The app costs $4.99 for macOS and $2.99 for iPhone.
Pocket Casts
Pocket Casts is another sought-after podcast player application that is free for iOS. The app is also available on Apple CarPlay, Amazon Echo, Apple Watch, Android Auto, etc.
The app features a neat interface and high-end features. It is user-friendly, and you can quickly see what is on the subscription list and the episodes you have finished listening to. In addition, you can decrease or increase the audio speed according to your preferences.
You can access cloud storage and exclusive themes if you are a paying member.
Although the app is free, you can become a paying member by paying $9.99/year and unlock advanced features.
Audible Plus
If you have an Amazon account, you can download Audible Plus for free and listen to the free podcast selection. However, for ad-free access to an extensive catalog of podcasts, you must pay $7.95/month.
However, with the Audible Plus subscription, you cannot download audiobooks. For this, you must have an Audible Premium Plus membership.
On the Audible application, you can access audiobooks and podcasts. This application is for users serious about their audio content. With the Plus subscription, you will access more than eleven thousand podcasts and audiobooks. You can even listen to exclusive and classic audiobooks produced for Audible.
Amazon Music
Amazon Music is free to download, but you will get access to ad-free, unlimited music, and podcasts by paying $9.99/month. Paying members even get unlimited skips and can follow their favorite podcasts.
Please note that Amazon Music is an additional monthly fee even for Amazon Prime members.
In the Amazon Music app, you will find music and podcasts in one place. You can switch between your favorite podcasts and tunes on the fly. There are more than 50 million songs and 70,000 podcasts at your disposal. Also, you can access Amazon-exclusive podcasts.
The Bottom Line
Add these podcast listening apps to your list to never miss out on your favorite shows. You can even think of creating your own podcasts to share your views and opinions.
