Listening to podcasts is a fun way of entertaining yourself on long commutes. It's easy to get lost in documentaries when you use one of the best noise-canceling earbuds. Google recently shuttered its Podcasts app, but there are others to choose from. If you're unsure which podcast app to pick, our list helps you decide which one works for you. You'll find apps based on price, ease of discovery, and playback features. They work on Android and iOS, so compatibility won't be a problem.

1 Podcast Addict

Has everything you need in a podcast app

Podcast Addict's user interface is slightly dated. However, it's a decent podcast app that is free to use. Even though it has a clunky user interface, Podcast Addict has everything you need. It includes a sleep timer, an advanced search function, auto-download settings, customizable notifications, and the ability to export and import libraries.

Podcast Addict is free, but a $0.99 monthly subscription provides extra features like time-stamp bookmarks, playback statistics, and advanced audio settings. It's a podcast app for people who prefer functionality over sleek user interfaces.

2 Pocket Casts

A feature-rich podcast with an intuitive UI

Pocket Casts is our favorite podcast app. It's packed with features, intuitive to use, and free. Finding the podcasts you're looking for is simple. Use the easy-to-navigate interface to browse recommendations, subscribe, or listen directly. You can organize episodes by season. You have the option to download them manually or automatically play them offline.

It also comes with everything you need when listening, such as speed controls, trim silence, a volume booster, and a sleep timer. A Plus subscription gives you 20GB of cloud storage, extra themes, and access to a web player and desktop apps.

3 PodBean

The best option for live podcasts

PodBean is a popular podcast app due to its unique features. The first is intelligent playback speed, which automatically adjusts based on the content you're listening to instead of manually doing it for each episode. The second is the ability to listen to live podcasts and interact in real time instead of after they've been recorded and edited. PodBean also lets you browse through recommendations, purchase premium content, and record your podcast.

The only drawback is its lack of proper season support, making it hard to keep up with some subscriptions. In addition, the interface can be tricky to navigate at times. The icons at the top and the bottom of the screen make it hard to know where to go, especially when switching between subscriptions.

4 Castbox

Packed with features but difficult to navigate

Castbox is similar to PodBean as it's packed with features. However, its interface is a bit complex to navigate, and the ads in the free version can be annoying. Despite these drawbacks, the app has a lot to offer. Castbox is more than a podcast playback app. It's a community of listeners who comment and interact with each other. Additionally, it offers podcast hosting.

It's a great way to find customized recommendations of what to listen to. The free version limits your subscriptions to 100, but that is enough for most people. After finding your crowd, listening is easy and customizable.

Castbox includes speed controls, silence trimming, a volume booster, and a sleep timer. A unique feature is the app's ability to transcribe podcasts and let you search for a specific set of words without listening to the entire podcast. A $5 monthly subscription removes ads, lifts the subscription limit, and gives you more personalized content and playback settings.

Castbox is one of the most feature-packed apps on this list, but it's a bit hard to use. Gauge whether you want something straightforward with less functionality or an app like this that offers a lot but takes a bit of getting used to.

5 Spotify

A convenient option if you already have the app

If you use Spotify to listen to music, you may appreciate using a single app for various needs. However, the features are limited, especially when finding what to listen to, as the app doesn't provide recommendations. Instead, it lists a curated selection. You may find it confusing to mix music and podcasts in your library or when browsing for options. There isn't support for seasons, making finding the proper episode even harder.

Spotify is convenient for everyday use because all your content is in a single place. However, skip Spotify if you need a dedicated podcast platform.

6 Player FM

Lets you listen to podcasts even if you're offline

Player FM is a free podcast app that allows you to download audio content like podcasts, audiobooks, and interviews. It has additional features for downloading and viewing video podcast content. The interface is simple and easy for a new user to navigate and supports multiple Android devices, including but not limited to Android Auto, Chromecast, and WearOS. It's a nifty app that's perfect for listening to podcasts offline.

7 Amazon Music

Enjoy ad-free podcasts with a Prime membership

Your Prime subscription includes Amazon Music, which comes with access to their catalog of ad-free podcasts. While music listeners miss out on on-demand playing unless they upgrade to Music Unlimited, you get all Amazon Music's podcasts for free on-demand. There are also exclusive podcasts alongside cross-platform ones. The Amazon Music app's home page shows the podcast episodes you're listening to. You can also view trending and new podcasts.

However, you'll use the Amazon Music app to listen to podcasts, which means juggling music and podcast apps unless you use Amazon Music for music. If you're a Prime subscriber, stick to Spotify for a combined podcast and music app.

8 Luminary

A sleek podcast app with terrific playback controls

Luminary offers an ad-free listening experience when you upgrade to its premium version. It's worth it, as its sleek interface is the cherry on top of many valuable features. Luminary includes extensive playback controls, offline listening, notifications for new episodes, a sleep timer, and the ability to build custom playlists of podcast episodes.

Luminary offers an extensive podcast library, although it isn't as large as others. If your favorite shows are available on Luminary, give its free trial a go. It has all the features we want from a podcast app. Still, you'll find a better variety of podcasts elsewhere.

Keep your ears open with the best podcast apps

This list has something for everyone, whether you want to discover new podcasts, download them for offline listening, or listen to audiobooks. Did you know you can add your favorite creator's Patreon feed to your podcast app? If you're inspired to make content, refer to our guide on recording a podcast with your Android phone.