Being active while listening to podcasts has become a common sight these days. The diverse topics of podcast content make many people switch from listening to radio to podcasts.
Not only listening, many people are also interested in creating their own podcast program. Are you one of them?
To get the best experience when listening to or creating podcasts, you need a reliable app. This time, we will give tips on choosing the best podcast application. We will also provide recommendations for good podcast apps like Spotify and Anchor. Come on, read the article to the end.
What is podcasts?
Podcasts are audio programs that you can listen to through a podcast player app. Podcasts usually consist of a number of episodes on topics ranging from book reviews to horror stories. This wide choice of topics is one reason more and more people turn to listening to podcasts.
Not only listen online, you can also listen to podcasts offline by downloading them first. That way, you can listen to it even without an internet connection. In addition, podcasts don't always have to be listened to sequentially. You can choose which episodes you want to listen to first.
Best of all, anyone can create a podcast. You don't have to be a professional broadcaster or have a state-of-the-art studio to create your own podcast.
This is because some podcast applications have also been equipped with editing features to polish your podcast to make it more beautiful.
How to choose a podcast app?
Today, there are tons of podcast apps that you can choose from. The features are even more diverse to make listening and making podcasts easier. You may be confused about which application you should choose. Here we share some tips in choosing a podcast app for you.
To listen to or create a podcast? Choose according to purpose
When choosing a podcast app, you need to adapt it to your goals. Choose an app with features that can provide a great listening experience if you just want to listen to podcasts.
For example, the download feature so you can listen without an internet connection. There is also a notification feature so you don't miss the latest episode.
Most podcast apps offer two functions for listening and creating podcasts. However, if you are looking for an app to create podcasts, choose an app with features to improve the quality of your podcast.
These features, for example, audio editing that can be operated easily. Features like these help you produce great podcasts like a pro.
Consider apps based on how you listen to them
Podcasts can also be listened to on a computer. You can do this by installing an app or via the podcast app website. However, you can only listen through the website online.
If you have a habit of switching devices while listening to podcasts, consider an app with a cross-device sync feature.
This feature allows you to listen to some podcasts on your phone and the rest on your computer. With this feature, you can listen to your favorite podcasts without interruption even if you switch devices.
Check out the features
The podcast application is equipped with various features to make it easier for users. These features offer a variety of functions to make it even more comfortable for you to listen to and create your own podcast. Here are some examples of features you should consider when choosing a podcast app.
A timer that can stop podcasts automatically.
The timer feature in this podcast app will help you save not only your battery, but also your internet plan. This feature can stop the podcast after a while. You can set when the podcast is stopped. This timer feature is worth considering if you frequently play podcasts as a lullaby.
Volume boost which can increase volume in noisy environment.
This feature is very useful for those of you who often listen to podcasts in noisy places such as cars or cafes. This feature can increase podcast volume when you are in a noisy place. You can also listen to podcasts clearly without being disturbed by environmental noise.
Ease of sharing on social media that makes it easy for you to share podcasts.
This feature is important for those of you who like to share anything on social media.
Those of you who like to listen to or create your own podcast will be pleased with the existence of this feature. For podcast creators, this feature will make it easier for you to promote your podcast.
Editing to polish your podcast.
This feature is mandatory in the podcast app you choose to create your own podcast with. This editing feature allows you to cut, edit, also add background music. With this feature, you don't need to install additional applications to edit your podcasts.
Paid or free, according to your budget
The podcast application is available in two versions, namely a paid version and a free version. The free version means you don't have to spend money to listen to podcasts.
However, usually your enjoyment of listening to podcasts must be interrupted by advertisements. You also can't download podcasts you're listening to.
If you don't want to be bothered by ads, consider using a paid app. Not only ad-free, some apps also offer other benefits such as the freedom to download.
Subscription fees for this application vary with different subscription durations. You can choose it according to the budget you have.
Top 10 recommended podcast apps
Next, we'll recommend ten of the best podcast apps that we've selected based on how to vote above. These products are carefully selected taking into account user ratings and reviews. Our products are sorted by popularity on Google Play and App Store
1. Stitcher
Stitcher was created for those of you who want to always be up-to-date on world developments. With this podcast app, you can listen to international news, comedy podcasts, fiction and crime.
You can also listen to his exclusive podcasts by subscribing to the premium version.
Other features that you can enjoy in this application such as synchronization between devices. You can also set downloads per podcast with filters and sorts that you can customize yourself.
Not to forget, this application also features a sleep timer.
- Operating system: iOS and Android
- Feature: Download, sleep timer, exclusive content, up next queue, and so on
- Rating on Google Play: 4.0 of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: 4.7 out of 5
- Paid: No (paid for premium access only)
2. Anchor
Anchor offers a complete package of creating podcasts in one application. Not only creating podcasts, you can also take advantage of its free and unlimited hosting features. Apart from that, your podcasts can also be distributed on all major podcast player apps.
If you want to make money from podcasts, Anchor also offers monetization features. Best of all, you can take advantage of all the features for free.
This application is most suitable for those of you who are just starting to create podcasts.
- Operating system: iOS and Android
- Feature: Free unlimited hosting, distribution, analytics, monetization, and so on
- Rating on Google Play: 4.2 out of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: 4.9 out of 5
- Paid: No
3. Pocket Casts by Automattic
With Pocket Casts, you don't have to worry about finding podcasts to listen to. This is because this podcast application has a special recommendation feature for you. This feature makes Pocket Casts the right choice for those of you who want to explore new podcasts.
You also don't have to worry about creating playlists because this app automatically creates them from your favorite podcasts. Uniquely, you can also play podcasts via a smart TV at home with this application. You won't miss your favorite podcast episode anywhere.
- Operating system: iOS and Android
- Feature: Sync between devices, recommendations, theme settings, airplay and chromecast, and so on
- Rating on Google Play: 4.3 out of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: 4.2 out of 5
- Paid: No
4. Google Podcasts
Google Podcasts offers a podcast listening experience tailored just for you. This is thanks to its various features that you can customize yourself. Uniquely, you can use Google Search and Google Assistant to find podcasts.
One of the other mainstay features is up next queue so you can listen to several podcast episodes smoothly. A feature that is very suitable for those of you who like to listen to your favorite podcast in a marathon.
- Operating system: iOS and Android
- Feature: Synchronization between devices, downloads, smart audio playlists, skip over silences, and so on
- Rating on Google Play: 4.5 of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: 4.7 out of 5
- Paid: No
5. Spotify
Spotify is probably better known as a music player app. However, you can also use this app to play podcasts.
In fact, Spotify has a number of original podcasts by well-known podcasters like Rintik Sedu that shouldn't be missed.
You can also listen to gripping horror podcasts like Do You See What I See? which only exists on Spotify. This variety of Spotify original podcast content makes it the choice for you fans of local podcast content.
- Operating system: iOS and Android
- Feature: Recommendations, downloads, original podcast content, curated playlists, and so on
- Rating on Google Play: 4.5 of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: 4.8 out of 5
- Paid: No (paid for premium access only)
6. TuneIn Radio
This application is most suitable for those of you who like to listen to various audio programs, from podcasts to radio broadcasts. TuneIn Radio provides over 5.7 million podcasts. You can also listen to more than 100,000 radio stations from all over the world.
Interestingly, you can also watch live sports matches. However, to access it you have to pay a subscription fee. If you still want to listen for free, this app also claims to serve fewer ads.
- Operating system: iOS and Android
- Feature: Download
- Rating on Google Play: 4.6 out of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: 4.8 out of 5
- Paid: X (paid for premium access only)
7. Noice
This Indonesian-made podcast app has a unique trailer feature. With the Clips feature, you can hear a snippet of a podcast before deciding to listen to the full version. If you often hesitate when trying new podcasts, this app can be an option.
Not only listening to podcasts, you can also listen to radio, songs, and audiobooks. In addition, you can interact with other podcasters and listeners through the comments and sharing features on social media.
- Operating system: iOS and Android
- Feature: Download, clips, and share on social media
- Rating on Google Play: 4.7 out of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: 4.7 out of 5
- Paid: No
8. Podcast Addict
Podcast Addict offers free access to over five million podcasts. If you are confused when choosing, this application also provides a recommendation feature that is tailored especially for you. Not only podcasts, you can also listen to audiobooks, live streams, Soundcloud, and YouTube.
To make it more comfortable, you can enjoy various features such as volume boost, skip silence, and playback speed.
You can take advantage of all these features in both online and offline mode. And most importantly, all you can enjoy for free. Those of you who want to install a free podcast application with various features can try this application.
- Operating system: Android
- Feature: Downloads, bookmarks/notes, playback speed, volume boost, and so on
- Rating on Google Play: 4.8 out of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: X
- Paid: No
9. Castbox
This podcast application that has been downloaded by more than 10 million people has won various awards. Awards such as "The Most Entertaining App" as well as "Top Trendings App" from Google Play.
With this app, you can listen to more than 95 million audio content from 27 countries. Very suitable for those of you who like podcasts from abroad.
You can also import podcasts with OPML from other podcast apps like Google Podcasts and Pocket Casts.
Also, for those of you who are Apple Watch users, you can control this app from your smartwatch. It's also easier for you to listen to podcasts on the go with the synchronization feature between devices.
- Operating system: iOS and Android
- Feature: Volume boost, trim silence, livecast, cross-device syncing, and so on
- Rating on Google Play: 4.8 out of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: 4.8 out of 5
- Paid: No (paid for premium access only)
10. Podbean
This podcast player and creator app offers an easy-to-use audio recorder feature. This recorder feature includes a variety of effects that help you get creative with your podcasts. If you want to create a podcast, but don't have a recording studio, just install this app.
This application also has a livestream feature so you can broadcast live podcasts. With its monetization feature, your podcast listeners can reward you. Truly the app of choice for podcast creators!
- Operating system: iOS and Android
- Feature: Auto download, voice recorder, editing, livestream and so on
- Rating on Google Play: 4.8 out of 5
- Ratings on the App Store: 4.8 out of 5
- Paid: No (paid for premium access only)
