Podcast apps are an essential thing to have on a smartphone for those who are struggling to find time to consume information. The pace of life is increasing and, unfortunately, for many of us reading a newspaper or watching a documentary is a luxury in terms of time. Podcasts are a great way to still be in the loop of events while not sacrificing any other important things.
Google Play Market can boast an abundance of podcast apps. A modern user has an opportunity to choose among a wide range of features as well as price tags.
In this article, we want to review 8 podcast apps for Android that can help you learn something useful while working out, commuting to work or making dinner.
Google Podcasts
Not so long ago, Google has released a native podcast app for Android users. At the moment, the functionality of Google Podcasts app is pretty basic. Users can subscribe to podcasts, create playlists, adjust playback speed and skip over silence. Additionally, you can sync app settings between multiple devices.
Although right now many users complain about various bugs and glitches, developers have a lot of plans considering Google Podcasts. For instance, one of the planned features includes record decryption so that people who have trouble hearing or simply surrounded by a noisy environment, could read the content of a podcast.
Podcast Republic
One of the most feature-rich podcast apps on the market. With Podcast Republic you can not only subscribe to podcasts but also listen to live radio stream, audio books, manage YouTube and SoundCloud channels.
The app is also highly customizable. First of all, there are numerous subscription management options. Users get access to more than 500 000 shows completely for free. Listen to podcasts online or download episodes to your device.
Second of all, Podcast Republic can boast a lot of playback settings. You can easily adjust almost anything from playback speed to schedule a podcast to start playing at a specific time. The app also offers gesture support, which is very useful when listening to a podcast in a car.
Castbox
When choosing among a variety of podcast apps, it is important to understand what features you’d like to have. While some podcast apps are overloaded with settings and customization options, not everyone needs as much functionality.
CastBox is that ideal podcast app that pleases with its simplicity and intuitive interface. Users get only the most needed basic features, for example, ability to search for podcasts, download episodes, set the sleep timer and speed control. Moreover, users get access to over 1 million podcast channels where everyone will find something they’d like. You can also sync podcast subscriptions and listen to favorite shows on any device.
Podcast Addict
If you are looking for a podcast app for your Android device that is rich in feature yet free at the same time, give Podcast Addict a try. The free version of this app offers full functionality and is supported by ads. You will see a small banner at the bottom of the player, yet be able to use the app for free.
Podcast Addict features over 550 00 podcasts and 10+ million episodes of various topics. You can search for a podcast by name/keyword or browse trending shows. There is also a possibility to import your favorite podcasts via RSS or ATOM feeds.
This is one of the most functional podcast apps that has nearly everything a user might want. And if you ever get annoyed with ads, just get a Podcast Addict – Donate app and the ad banner will be removed.
AntennaPod
This simple player provides access to millions of podcasts from different publishers. Users are offered numerous standard and more advanced features that make listening to podcasts and following favorite shows so easy.
AntennaPod developers help their users save battery life and Internet data. This is one of few podcast apps that allows scheduling podcast download time. You can also specify storage capacity by setting the number of cashed episodes.
By the way, since AntennaPod is developed by volunteers, anyone can take part in the coding process. And if you simply have a suggestion or want to request a certain feature, post a comment in AntennaPod’s Google Group.
Spotify
Spotify is a popular music player. But did you know that you can also listen to thousands of podcasts directly from the Spotify app? Browse numerous podcast categories, listen to podcasts online or download it to your smartphone. Furthermore, the app analyzes your preferences and later recommends shows and episodes that you might find interesting.
In terms of podcast settings, Spotify offers only basic player features. However, for many, this is more than enough. Users can mark episodes as “Favorite”, add to the queue and share it with friends via social media. There is also a possibility to adjust the playback speed, skip forward and rewind episodes.
Podcast & Radio iVoox
There are so many podcasts nowadays, that sometimes listeners feel lost among all of this variety. Podcast & Radio iVoox is one of the best podcast apps that has actually addressed this issue. Basically, users can not only browse shows and episodes by category but also choose relevant subcategories. Let’s say, you love science and culture. Browse this topic by subcategories like travel and places, art and literature, languages, science and nature. This approach saves time when it comes to searching for a podcast show that user will be genuinely interested in.
You’d be pleased with the variety of content offered by Podcast & Radio iVoox. Listen to courses, lectures, stand up comedy and even meditation session via just one app. You can subscribe to podcast shows or simply get notified when the new episode comes out. And if you want to listen to a podcast when there is no Internet connection, simply download it to your smartphone beforehand.
Podcast App & Podcast Player – Podbean
Another simple and easy to use podcast app for Android users. Podbean offers numerous playback and audio effects settings. In addition to sleep timer and voice boost, there are more advanced features like an ability to skip silence, Amazon Alexa integration and Android homepage widget.
With Podbean you will never miss an episode thanks to a smart notification system. The app will automatically download a new episode and even delete it when you’re done listening. Moreover, these settings can be customized per each individual podcast.
And lastly, Podbean offers a great audio recording feature, where you can record audio, mix your voice with background music and post your work to Facebook and Twitter.
