The Best Android Podcast Apps for Listening 2021

1) Google Podcasts

100% Free

The Google podcast app is Android’s built-in version of a podcast player, and it does a great job of serving its purpose. It is simple and has a lot of the core features you’d expect in a podcast player. Google Podcasts is perfect for anyone that wants to get into podcasts, but it also has enough features for even the hardcore podcast listeners. But, if you feel like Google Podcasts is still missing features that would make it right for you, there are more options below.

Key Features:

- Discover shows that are trending in-app

- Manage your listening history and downloads

- Offline downloading to save data

- Increase playback speed to save time

- Google-powered search of episodes, podcasts, topics, and podcast hosts

- Queue episodes for continuous listening

Podyssey

100% Free

We have an app too! What makes Podyssey stand out is our passionate community of podcast lovers who provide binge-worthy episode recommendations that you won’t find elsewhere. Every Sunday we send a newsletter that rounds-up a handpicked selection of the top podcasts recommended that week. This means that we’re not just one of the most popular podcast listening platforms, but also one of the best ways to find new podcasts that you’ll love.

Key Features:

- View what episodes are trending in-app

- Recommend your favorite podcasts

- Discuss episodes with fellow podcast fans

- See recommendations based off of your interests

2) Pocket Casts

Free, with a paid subscription option ($9.99 USD / year)

While Pocket Casts may not be the most popular app, it has become the go-to for tens of thousands of hardcore podcast enthusiasts. More specifically, podcast superfans will enjoy features such as a sleep timer, fine-tuned playback speed controls, dark mode, and more. The paid subscription option allows users to automatically sync listening across all of their devices and even more styling and theming options.

Key Features:

- Fine Grained Playback speed controls from 0.5x to 3.0x

- Sleep Timer

- Automatically generates a playback queue of shows you have favorited

- Sync your listening across all of your devices

3) Podcast Addict

Free, with a paid subscription option ($9.99 USD / year)

The Podcast Addict app is exclusive to Android and is one of the most popular Android podcast players (it has 10+ million downloads and a 4.7 out of 5 star rating). You can find podcasts, audiobooks, radio, and more all in one place. If you love being able to tweak and customize a bunch of settings, you’ll probably love Podcast Addict. However, if you want a player that works intuitively without the fuss, it's probably not the player for you.

Key Features:

- Find your favorite podcasts via search or filters

- Reorder your subscriptions by preference

- Skip silence & Sleep Timer

- Use shuffle mode to mix-up your playlists

- Find podcasts similar to what you listen to

4) Spotify Podcasts

Free, with a paid subscription option ($119.99 USD / year). Student and Family discounts available.

Spotify may not offer all of the features of some of the other podcast platforms, but it does come through with providing a reliable and consistent listening experience. If you already use Spotify for music and want to listen to podcasts without having to download and learn a new app, Spotify is a great choice. Spotify has also invested in human curators who provide high-quality, pre-made playlists which help cut down on time spent finding the right show. Lastly, there are some podcasts that are exclusive to Spotify and that might be a deciding factor for you when choosing your podcast player of choice.

Key Features:

- Access top and trending podcasts in your country

- Discover podcasts hand-picked by your favorite celebs

- Enjoy editor-curated podcast playlists

- Keep your favorite podcasts and music in one spot

5) BeyondPod

Free, with a paid subscription available

With the BeyondPod app, you can manage categorized podcast feeds which suit your interests, based on themes or even by podcast network. As you search through the app, you can also access your playlists with a single swipe, allowing you to listen and explore at the same time. Overall, the app was built for power users who are looking for high levels of customization.

Key Features:

- Access podcasts and video shows

- Skip or replay sections

- Enjoy smart playlists, automatically curated for you

- Save battery by scheduling podcast downloads

6) Castbox App

Free, with a paid subscription option ($27.99 USD / year)

The Castbox podcast app is one of the few apps that try to cater to both listeners and podcast creators. For example, podcasters can use the Livecast feature to go live and chat with their fans. The app is a bit different than any of the other podcast players in the list as they try to be more than a player, for instance, they have a crypto wallet built-in and Zen Mode feature (which gives you access to a plethora of relaxing background audio tracks to help you get some R & R).

Key Features:

- Join in on live, podcaster-driven discussions

- Participate in the Community feed and comment on episodes

- View your History to track what you’ve listened to

- Listen to ambient soundscapes with Zen Mode

7) Player FM

Free, with a paid subscription option ($39.99 USD / year)

If you’re interested in an array of content, then the Player FM app is a notable choice. Not only can you listen to pure audio-based podcasts, but you can also access a complete library of video content. Filled with countless “smart” features, it’s as if this app can do it all! For example, your “Play Later” queue will even automatically download when you are connected to WiFi, so that you can enjoy offline listening without having to plan for it. Frequent listeners may also enjoy viewing their Usage Stats, which records how many minutes you’ve spent listening and your number of subscriptions.

Key Features:

- Access an international database of 20M+ podcasts

- Enjoy podcasts, audio books, videos, and more all in one place

- Cloud sync ensures all of your devices will have your content

- Organize podcasts by genre and mood

8) Stitcher

Free, with a paid subscription option ($34.99 USD / year)

Long-time podcast fans will be familiar with Stitcher, as it’s one of the original podcast apps. While it is a hit with some OG podcast fans, it also gets criticized for feeling like an app that was built a long time ago. The app is divided into two main screens: My Podcasts and Discover. Within these you have various options to guide your listening, from searching through shows you’ve favorited to viewing podcasts by genre. If you choose to subscribe to Stitcher Premium, you’ll also unlock a treasure trove of additional content and ad-free listening to Stitcher exclusives.

Key Features:

- Filter by unplayed vs. played episodes

- Keep track of unfinished episodes all in one spot

- Easily connect to smart speakers, such as Amazon Alexa

- With Stitcher Premium, you can unlock exclusive content

Know of a great podcast app that we should include on our list of podcast platforms? Email info@podyssey.fm to let us know!