We’ll be assessing:
Additional features Playlist support Audio playback options Overall app design
Apple Podcasts
We’ll start with this one, if only as a starting point from which to compare the others. In terms of usage, it’s no surprise that it’s the most popular podcast app on smartphones. It’s got some great features, too. It’s built into every single iOS device, has a native Apple TV app, and works on macOS. It also does a good job of recommending new shows. The design works well with iOS. It’s also great when it comes to synching, with new episodes showing within seconds of loading the app. Audio playback can be at either 1.5x or 2x. If you only listen to a few episodes, Apple Podcasts is a safe one to stick with.
Breaker
One key feature missing from Apple Podcasts is the social aspect. That’s where Breaker excels as you can follow your friends and find out what they’re listening to, which shows that the favorite, and any new shows they’ve subscribed to. You can also see comments your friends leave on shows that they’re listening to. It features a stunning overall design, and in terms of playback, it offers 3x speed with an option to “skip silences” that speed up the show.
CastBox
CastBox provides its podcast app via Content box. The app’s overall design is impressive. Content box is an infrastructure based on the blockchain and was designed for the digital content industry. It appears as though, from one industry to the next, the blockchain is slowly changing the world. While there is still much to be done before it’s widely accepted in the mainstream, real products are starting to be offered, such as a number of enterprise services being rolled out by tech giants like IBM and Microsoft. Now it seems that it’s having an impact on the podcasting industry, too.
Overcast
Overcast has been available since 2013 and is one of the more popular options in the tech-podcast community. The design offers a pleasant balance between unique and contemporary iOS design standards. The default color scene is unobtrusive and light, and the primary navigation includes a list of your subscriptions, your playlists, and buttons that enable you to further manage your playlists and subscriptions. When it comes to playing at higher speeds, the problem with 1.5x and 2x is that it can come with distortion. Overcast’s Smart Speed provides a happy medium.
The verdict
When it comes to apps, it’s all about opinion. If you only listen to a small number of shows, Apple Podcasts will serve you just fine. If you enjoy social features, such as friend feed, comments, etc., Breaker would be a good option for you. If you’re something of a podcast addict, Overcast is a great choice. It’s updated frequently and the developer has long supported the open podcast ecosystem.
