Google recently announced that it will discontinue Google Podcasts in 2024. The Google Podcasts alternative they offer is YouTube Music (Android / iOS). However, many users are not enthusiastic about the YouTube Music app for listening to podcasts. Especially Android users prefer a separate podcast app to keep the consumption of YouTube videos and podcasts separate.
Fortunately, there are many podcast apps on the market, for both Android and Apple iPhone users, that can serve as an alternative to the Google Podcasts app.
Since the announcement, I have extensively searched for alternatives to Google Podcasts on Reddit, Tweakers (a Dutch website), and other communities. I have compiled the experiences and facts into one overview. Below, you’ll find the best podcast apps for iOS and Android as replacements for Google Podcasts.
In a hurry to find out a good Google Podcasts alternative? Or want to know how to export your podcasts show from Google Podcasts to any other app? Click the link in this table of contents to skip to that section:
Best Google Podcasts alternatives on Android
Podcast Republic (iOS, Android)
Podcast Republic is a great podcast player for Android and iOS. In addition to the expected features, it allows you to customize the layout and theme, set a sleep timer (sleep after 30 minutes or at the end of the podcast episode, for example), set priorities, and automatically skip start/end.
App: Podcast Republic
Price: Free, contains ads, in-app purchases
Platform: iOS, Android
Rating: 4.6/5
AntennaPod (Android)
AntennaPod is an open-source Android app. It’s built by volunteers with no commercial interest. The app itself contains no ads, keeping it clean and fast. A unique feature nowadays: no login is required. AntennaPod supports the import and export of OPML files, making it easier for users to transfer their podcast subscriptions between devices or from other podcast apps.
App: AntennaPod
Price: Free, ad-free
Platform: Android
Rating: 4.7/5
Best Google Podcasts alternatives on iPhone
Overcast (iOS)
Overcast is a modern, fully-featured audio podcast app with many useful features, in a simple, intuitive interface. Some unique features are Smart Speed (dynamically shortens silences), Voice Boost (enhances and normalizes the audio volume of voices), and customizable playback speed.
App: Overcast
Price: Free, in-app purchases -> Overcast Premium $9.99
Platform: iOS
Rating: 4.7/5
Pocket Casts (iOS, Android)
Pocket Casts is another very popular podcast player for both iOS and Android. Unique features are Cross-Platform Syncing, variable playback speed, and automatic downloads of your subscribed podcasts.
App: Pocket Casts
Price: Free, in-app purchases
Platform: iOS and Android
Rating: 4.1/5
Apple Podcasts (iOS)
Apple Podcasts is the default podcast app on iPhones and iPads. Apple Podcasts includes features similar to other podcast apps, such as Smart Speed (shortening silences) and Voice Boost (enhancing audio clarity). It’s unique because of its deep integration with the iOS ecosystem. It also allows users to rate and leave reviews for podcasts.
App: Apple Podcasts
Price: Free
Platform: iOS
Rating: 4.9/5
How to export Google Podcast
Google Podcasts does not support OPML. Yet. This means you have to manually add subscriptions to your new favorite podcast app. However, Google has announced it will release a migration tool to help existing users to move to Youtube Music or another podcasts app with OPML support.
…or those who prefer a different listening platform, the tools will also include an option to download an OPML file of their show subscriptions, which they can upload to an app that supports their import.
To avoid certain vendor-locking situations, it is therefore wise to choose a podcast app that supports OPML import and exports.
Is Spotify better than Google Podcasts?
Spotify is a comprehensive music player with a subscription-based revenue model. You can find almost all music on it, and nowadays, it also supports podcasts. However, it is not a full-fledged alternative to a dedicated podcast player. It lacks features like a voice booster and the ability to skip silences. This is why I did not mention Spotify above as a replacement for Google Podcasts.
Why is Google discontinuing Google Podcasts?
Google is discontinuing Google Podcasts because it aims to focus entirely on a fully-featured YouTube Music app. The YouTube Music app is intended to become your unique all-in-one environment for all audio content, including music, news, and podcasts.
Final words
In search of Google Podcasts Alternatives, I found apps in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store that exceed all my expectations.
I was a creature of habit and wanted to stick with Google Podcasts for the rest of my life. Preferably in the retirement home. But after this little exploration into the podcast app world, I’m convinced: I won’t miss Google Podcasts.
