Best Podcast Apps 2023: For Listening, Watching or Recording

In recent years, the popularity of podcasts has exploded as a format to consume and share information, news, and entertainment. However, with the amount of podcast apps on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. New apps are constantly being developed and existing ones updated, which can cause some confusion around what’s available. This is where our guide comes in! We’ve searched the market and compiled a list of the best podcast apps available in 2023, including options for listening, watching, and even recording podcasts yourself. Whether you’re a new to podcasts or a seasoned listener, this guide will help you get the most out of your podcast experience. And, we will keep this guide updated as existing apps evolve and new ones are added. So, sit back, relax, and let us help you navigate the ever-expanding world of podcast apps.

 

Best Apps / Platforms for Listening to Audio Podcasts

Audio podcasts have become a go-to source of entertainment, information, and education for millions of people worldwide. Their popularity has soared because they allow us to stay informed, entertained or engaged while on-the-go or relaxing. Whether you’re commuting, exercising or simply need to fill some downtime, audio podcasts are a perfect option. However, with so many platforms to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one to use. Fear not, we have you covered. Our top picks for the best apps / platforms for listening to audio podcasts include:

  • Spotify: Spotify is a popular choice thanks to its vast library and personalized recommendations based on your unique listening habits. The app allows for playlist creation, exclusive content, and a variety of useful features such as the ability to change playback speed, skip ahead or back by 15 seconds and to rate podcasts. However, the search function returns mixed results for both music and podcast options, which can be frustrating for those looking for a dedicated podcast app. Although Spotify has made a strong push into the podcasting world, it may fall short compared to other dedicated podcast apps.
  • Pocket Casts: Pocket Casts is a powerful and flexible free audio podcast platform, with features like the ability to speed up or slow down playback. It used to cost $4, but moved to a freemium model in 2019, making it a popular choice for Android and iOS users. The app offers personalized listening suggestions and an attractive layout for your subscribed podcasts, with color-coded or symbol-marked filters for easy organization. Each podcast’s window has a variety of listening options, including auto-download, intro skip, a sleep timer, along with the ability to share episodes on social media. Pocket Casts is a great option for listening to your favorite podcasts and discovering more to enjoy.
  • Google Podcasts: Google Podcasts is a clean and intuitive choice for Android users, offering automatic downloads and notifications for new episodes. It integrates with Google Assistant, so you can use hands-free voice commands with your Google Home device. Despite being third behind Apple and Spotify in overall listening stats, Google Podcasts still holds a significant market share. However, it may not be the best choice for power users and requires a Google account sign-in on smartphones.
  • Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts is a top choice for iOS users, offering an extensive library of podcasts and easy management of multiple subscriptions. While the app may not be the most intuitive, users can still rate and review podcasts for helpful insight when selecting what to listen to. The platform’s basic features include skipping forward or back and speeding up playback. However, it lacks advanced options such as personalized playlists and provides episode options in a single queue. Apple Podcasts does have one of the best search capabilities in the podcast app sphere, allowing for audio searching within podcast episodes.
  • Apollo: For those specifically interested in fiction podcasts, Apollo is an excellent choice. The platform offers a curated selection of some of the best audio dramas and fiction podcasts available, along with features such as a sleep timer and dark mode, making it easy to fully immerse yourself in a story and let your imagination run wild. As the number of podcasts continues to grow, we may see podcast apps become more specialized based on specific topics or themes. Apollo is an early example of this trend, offering a unique app that exclusively focuses on fiction podcasts and audio dramas.

 

Best Apps / Platforms for Watching Video Podcasts

The availability and popularity of video podcasts is on the rise. Offering an added layer of visual stimulation to complement the audio, they’ve become the go-to choice for a growing cohort of podcast enthusiasts. For certain types of podcasts, such as talk shows or interviews, having video can certainly add a whole new dimension to the experience, making it more personable and engaging to the viewer. If you’re looking for the best apps/platforms for watching video podcasts, we’ve got you covered with our top picks:

  • YouTube: As one of the largest video hosting platforms in the world, YouTube is an obvious choice for watching video podcasts. With a vast library of content and a user-friendly interface, YouTube offers a seamless viewing experience for both creators and viewers.
  • PlayerFM: PlayerFM is a podcast platform that offers both a vast selection of audio podcasts and a selection of video podcasts. The platform’s sleek interface allows for easy navigation and discovery of new content. With over 20 million shows available for both streaming and downloading, PlayerFM is a great app for those seeking a wide variety of content. 
  • Spotify: As one of the most popular podcast apps, Spotify is still new to video podcasts. Initially, video podcasts were only available to a select few of their top creators, but the platform has since made it available to the public in a growing number of countries. While Spotify is still new to video, it is an app to watch as it continues to expand its offerings in this area. 
  • PodCruncher (iOS only): If you’re an iOS user, PodCruncher is a great option for watching video podcasts. The app offers a user-friendly interface and easy navigation, and its subscription management features make it easy to keep track of your favorite video podcasts. 

 

Best Apps / Platforms for Recording Podcasts

Ready to start your own podcast? Finding the right recording software is essential to creating high-quality content. Lucky for you, we’ve done the research and have some top picks for the best apps and platforms for recording podcasts. We’ve even written a whole guide, Choosing the Best Podcast Recording Software for Your Needs (and budget) to help you make the right choice.  Here are our top picks:

  • SquadCast: SquadCast is an excellent choice for remote recording with high-quality audio and video. It uses a unique technology that ensures each participant’s audio is recorded locally and not over the internet, resulting in crystal-clear audio quality. The platform also offers video recording, making it perfect for interviews or group discussions.
  • Zoom: While Zoom is primarily a video conferencing platform, it also offers a free and easy-to-use video recording feature. While the audio quality may not be as high as some other options, it’s a great choice if you’re on a budget and need to record remotely.
  • Audacity: Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software that’s perfect for beginners. While it doesn’t offer video recording, it’s a great option for recording audio and basic editing. It also supports a variety of audio formats and offers advanced features for more experienced users.

Choosing the right podcast recording software is essential in order to produce a high-quality podcast. Whether you’re recording in person or remotely, these top picks offer a range of options to suit your needs and budget.

Ready to take your podcast recording to the next level? Sign up for a free trial with SquadCast today and experience high-quality, crystal-clear recordings with your guests no matter where they are in the world. With SquadCast, you can record video alongside your audio, making it easier to connect and engage with your guests. Plus, SquadCast’s post-production tools help you edit and polish your recordings for a professional sound. Don’t wait any longer to start producing top-notch podcast episodes. Sign up now for your free trial with SquadCast!

 

About SquadCast

As podcasting explodes in popularity, so does the demand for quality content. Enter SquadCast — the Saas platform that empowers content creators to collaborate from anywhere in the world. This remote recording studio captures quality audio and video conversations, without audio syncing issues. With patented cloud-based technology that incorporates multiple back-up files, there are no lost recordings, which means no worries in the event of a power outage or disconnection issue. Less recording concerns means more time to have meaningful, studio-quality conversations, with simplified post-production and collaboration. Launched in 2017, SquadCast has customers in 220+ countries including marquee brands such as Microsoft, Spotify, ESPN, NPR, iHeartRadio, Kara Swisher, and Shopify. SquadCast is headquartered in Oakland, CA. To get to know us better, check out our podcast: The SquadCast Podcast.