Summary
You may be wondering whether there are any other feasible options that genuinely give the essentials now that Google Podcast has officially shut down and transferred to the YouTube Music app. This is because Google Podcast has changed its name to YouTube Music. In a nutshell, the answer is yes.
While there are a lot of alternatives available, and even though a lot of users have switched to cross-platform services like Spotify and YouTube Music, both of these services are lacking in critical elements that make them unsuitable for a lot of people who are passionate about podcasts.
top five podcasts
If I had needed a suggestion, I would have suggested Spotify. Having said that, it is difficult to justify its inclusion on this list considering that the corporation continues to refrain from including the fundamental necessities. One of the most notable shortcomings of the Spotify app is that it does not have features such as the capability to display the seasons, and it also has a user interface that is difficult to understand and not user-friendly.
1- Pocket Casts
For a great number of podcast listeners, the best option
The reason why Pocket Casts is so popular among its millions of users is not hard to understand. It features a user interface that is easy to understand, and most significantly, it is free, at least in a sense. The user interface makes it simple to use and search for your preferred podcasts, and it comes with all of the functions that are important as well as any other capabilities that may be required. It is simple to arrange episodes according to the season, and they may be downloaded not only manually but also automatically.
Speed controls, the ability to reduce quiet, a volume booster, and the opportunity to set a sleep timer are all features that are available in Pocket Casts, just as they are in most other programs. The only drawback of the application is that you will be required to pay a little fee of one dollar per month in order to get ten gigabytes of cloud storage and, most significantly, the opportunity to utilize both the desktop and online applications. Additionally, the membership will get you access to themes, in addition to a few other characteristics that may make it an excellent solution that may be of assistance to the developers.
2- Audible
More than only audiobooks are available via the service
Audible is a service that many people think of when they think of audiobooks, thus it is possible that many consumers may not choose it as their first option. On the other hand, the service that is owned by Amazon has been increasing its emphasis on podcasts over the last several years, which has made it a potential competitor to YouTube Podcasts. The service also offers a few unique programs that are only accessible via this particular platform, and it is an option that is completely acceptable.
If you are already a customer of Audible, you will get access to hundreds of podcast channels and even more episodes than you would otherwise have. It is possible to fast-forward and go back thirty seconds with this application. Additionally, it allows you to alter the speed, set a timer, and bookmark. Additionally, it has a special vehicle mode that offers a bigger user interface, making it suitable for use when driving or commuting. You will need to have a membership to Audible Plus in order to use it. This subscription will also allow you to listen to audiobooks, making it a fantastic choice for those who listen to audiobooks often.
3- AntennaPod
Open source software is the way to go for many people
If you are someone who enjoys working on open-source projects, AntennaPod could be the perfect fit for you. It is a free and open-source program that provides you with the ability to watch your preferred series and episodes in a consistent manner. Even more, the app has the capability to surprise you with a random episode, and it also allows users to simply manage their downloads inside the app itself.
In addition, the application is totally free since it does not include any advertisements, and users may even import and export RSS feeds by utilizing URLs. You are able to modify the playback speed, skip the introductions and closing credits, and bookmark episodes using this device. It also contains all of the fundamental playback options that you want when you are on the go.
4- Podcast Addict
An oldie but for sure a winner
There is a possibility that the user interface of Podcast Addict is a little bit antiquated; nonetheless, the program is totally free and comes with all of the main functions that you need. Some of the features that it offers include a sleep timer, comprehensive search capabilities, auto-download settings, and even the capability to export and import your libraries. It is possible that Podcast Addict is a good choice to consider if you are willing to ignore the outdated design and are interested in gaining access to your preferred programs.
When compared to other options, Podcast Addict is a more cost-effective choice in terms of price. It does not cost anything, and even the membership tier that costs $0.99 per month only provides features like the capability to time-stamp bookmarks, playing statistics, and a few more complex audio settings rather than any more capabilities. When you start listening to podcasts, the free tier will offer you with all you need to get started, unless you are a heavy user.
5- Castbox
If you are interested, it is free and sponsored by advertisements.
Castbox may not have the same user-friendly design as other similar applications, such as Pocket Casts, but it is still easy to comprehend and utilize. There are advertisements that support the free edition, but it still offers all of the essentials that you could need. Customers are able to leave comments and engage in conversation with one another, therefore establishing a distinct community for their preferred channels.
The free edition gives you the ability to follow one hundred podcasts, which is sufficient for the majority of users. You are able to follow an unlimited number of podcast channels, eliminate advertisements, and even get more tailored material if you upgrade to the premium version, which costs $5 per month. It is one of the podcast services that offers the most capabilities available, and while it may be more expensive than other services, it has even more options that are geared at power users.
