Alternative To Apple Podcast App For Mac
Apple recently extended its warranty program on those faulty keyboards, but the MacBook's single USB-C port still feels limiting. The Microsoft Surface 2 Laptop is a solid substitute for the. Jun 07, 2016 Mac Podcasts app concept Yesterday in my WWDC wish list I included a request for pulling Apple’s podcast player out of iTunes and promoting it to a dedicated app on the Mac.
- Alternative To Apple Podcast App For Mac Free
- Apple Podcast App For Mac
- Alternative To Apple Podcast App For Mac Download
Do you love listening to podcasts on your commute, or just as some background entertainment while at home? No matter who you are, there's a podcast out there for everyone — after all, they can be about anything! But how do you keep track of multiple subscriptions to the shows you like? What if you want to discover new podcasts?
While Apple has its own default Podcast app, it's fairly barebones compared to other options out there. So what are the best apps for podcast listening on iOS? Let's find out!
Overcast
This one is my personal favorite. It's from Marco Arment, the creator of Instapaper, that popular read-it-later service that Betaworks bought a few years ago.
Overcast features a design that's both beautiful and practical. Everything's laid out and organized in a way that's easy to understand, and navigation's fast and responsive. While you can listen to your podcasts just by tapping on the show and episode you want, Overcast's support for custom playlists is exceptional and provides a seamless listening experience.
Discovery is also a big part of Overcast. You'll get recommendations from Twitter friends, or you can dive into the most recommended podcasts in each category. Searching is quick and easy too, in case you already know what you want. There's also support for chapters and sleep timers.
The standout features of Overcast are Smart Speed and Voice Boost. With Smart Speed, silent moments get reduced, saving you time without distorting the natural flow of the audio. Voice Boost provides full volume and enhances the voices, which is great for shows where someone may not be as loud as others.
Overcast has been a favorite for many due to the fantastic podcast listening experience it provides. It's also available on iPad.
Castro
If you prefer a podcast app just for your iPhone that's stunningly gorgeous but still packs in a good set of features, then Castro is a good contender.
I just went over the new features in the Castro 3 update this week, which brings it more up to line with Overcast. These new features include Trim Silence, chapter support, mix to mono, per-podcast controls, and more.
Trim Silence is the biggest addition for many, as it works just like Overcast's Smart Speed by trimming out unnecessary silence without distorting the natural flow of dialogue. It's great and it works well!
Castro 3 also brings a fresh new coat of paint to the player screen, which is now more streamlined and packs in a lot of information without being overly cluttered. And having per-podcast controls means you can fine-tune the settings for each podcast, rather than have a universal 'one size fits all' type of setting for everything. After all, not all podcasts are the same.
Castro 3 does move over to a new subscription-based model that starts at $2.99 per quarter or $8.99 for a year.
Pocket Casts
Is it necessary to download cleaner programs for mac. Is a subscription-based podcast app not your thing? Then Pocket Casts would be more up your alley.
Pocket Casts is a powerful and premium podcast player. It comes with a clean and streamlined interface that's both aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Plus, there are themes to modify the appearance of the app to suit your personal style.
Like the other podcast apps mentioned, Pocket Casts also has a trim silence feature. It trims down the amount of silence there is in an episode, saving you time and getting to your next podcast faster than ever before. There's also variable speed for playback, in case some podcasts move too slow, and a voice boost enhancer makes it easier to hear those quieter voices on a show.
There's also great playlist creation and management with Pocket Casts, as you can easily make a new playlist just based on your favorite shows. Podcasts get downloaded directly on your device or streamed over an internet connection, filters help you organize, and there's a ton of show discovery in the app.
If you need a powerful all-in-one podcast app that looks good while bringing you all of the necessary features, then you can't go wrong. Plus, you just pay once and it's all yours, forever.
iCatcher!
Looking for a reasonably priced podcast app that's jam-packed with features? Then iCatcher! Podcast Player is a good fit.
While iCatcher is pretty basic in terms of aesthetics, there's a lot of other reasons to love it. For one, the Now Playing screen is simple and clean with no frills, just showing you the necessary bits, like show notes and time elapsed. There's even a search function that's accessible from anywhere in the app so you can always find that exact show or episode you want.
Discovering and subscribing to new podcasts is easy with iCatcher. And when you find a podcast but just want to listen to one episode without subscribing, iCatcher lets you do that too. There's support for continuous playback, custom playlists, and much more. iCatcher is one of the most flexible podcast apps available, as you can even use your own images for podcasts. Everything is customizable to best fit your needs and wants.
If you get iCatcher and love it so much that you want to show your support for continued development, there's a tip jar where you can give a few extra bucks in the form of in-app purchases for the developer.
Downcast
If power and functionality are things you're looking for in a podcast app, then Downcast could very well be your best friend. It's incredibly flexible to meet your podcast listening needs, but it won't be winning awards in aesthetics.
One of the great things about Downcast is the fact that it includes support for video podcasts (not all podcast apps do) and there's even a Mac app. If you choose to use Downcast on your Mac as well, all of your subscriptions, playlists, settings, and episode information get synced across all devices through iCloud.
Finding your favorite podcasts and discovering new ones in Downcast is a cinch. And for those private feeds, you can add them via a URL, even if they're protected with passwords. Downcast provides users with a lot of different options for creating smart and custom playlists, and you can have different settings for each podcast you're subscribed to or downloaded.
Even though Downcast doesn't have those cool features similar to Trim Silence or Voice Boost, there's still some great things about playback in the app. Playback can be up to 3x the normal speed, there's chapter support, playback control from external devices, the ability to view embedded images, and much more.
No matter what you're looking for in a podcast app, chances are Downcast has you covered. It's just not the prettiest thing to look at, but you'll mostly be listening instead of looking at it anyway, right?
Procast
If any of the above tried-and-true podcast apps don't pique your interest, then perhaps the recently released Procast app may be more of your speed.
Procast does all of the things you'd come to expect from a podcast app: discovery, subscriptions, and a gorgeous, easy-to-use interface. IT's friendly enough for the podcast novice while also giving power users a great set of features.
The Inbox is a main feature of Procast, where new episodes arrive daily for you to check out. There's a swiping gesture, similar to Tinder, so you can quickly decide what's worth listening to or not.
On the first launch, Procast asks you some questions to automatically get some podcasts for you to listen to based on your interests. Keep in mind that this is optional, but a great way to find something new to listen to.
The standout feature of Procast is definitely the ability to create snippets. With this, listeners are able to cut out any part of a podcast and store it on the device itself. This lets you share it with others, which is pretty darn cool! Plus, this is a great way to let your friends sample a show that you rave about, as long as that clip is amazing.
And for you night owl listeners, Procast comes with a dark theme, and it's all available for free, so why not give it a chance?
Freemake video converter for mac free download. The 2.0 version of Video Converter ALL for Mac is available as a free download on our website. The following versions: 2.0 and 1.0 are the most frequently downloaded ones by the program users. The program is included in Audio & Video Tools. Free Video Converter for Mac is one of the simplest and fastest media converters for OS X. It supports almost all video/audio files, and allow you convert to any format and for any device, even. All video converter free download - Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate, 4Media iPod Video Converter, 4Media YouTube Video Converter, and many more programs. Any Video Converter Free for Mac. Any Video Converter Free for Mac is an universal and versatile free video conversion software for Mac users. This Mac video converter freeware can convert between almost all video formats including ASF, AVI, MPEG1/2/4, WMV, MOV, MP4, 3GP as an excellent Mac AVI MPEG converter.
Spotify
While you may think of Spotify as just a music streaming service, it is also a great app for finding and listening to podcasts, including some completely original ones you won't find anywhere else.
Spotify's podcast feature is available for everyone to use, whether you're on a free account or paid subscription. It will give you recommendations and featured shows, but you can also search for the ones you want as well. Once you save a podcast, new episodes are saved as they become available, so your favorites are always ready to go. If you have Spotify Premium ($10 a month), you are able to save podcasts offline, so you can still listen and enjoy without an Internet connection.
And if you aren't in the mood for a podcast, then just browse through Spotify's huge collection of music and listen to your heart's content! Spotify doubles as both your podcast and music player (free accounts are ad-supported and have limited features).
Laughable
If you're a big fan of comedy podcasts, then Laughable is made for you.
Laughable allows you to find and subscribe to your favorite comedians' podcasts, from Bill Burr to Barack Obama, Joe Rogan to Jordan Peterson, Patton Oswalt to Oprah, and more. The app also makes it easy to find podcasts where your comedian is the host or even a guest, so you're always in-the-know with your favorites. Other features of Laughable include artist profiles, recommendations, search, multiple playback speeds, sleep timer, CarPlay, and offline listening. Laughable also has non-comedy podcasts and public figures, such as Elon Musk, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Shonda Rhimes, Sam Harris, J.K. Rowling, Richard Branson, and more.
Breaker
Breaker is a unique podcast app because it brings in and puts emphasis on social networking combined with your podcasts. Whether you're new to the world of podcasts or a veteran, Breaker can work for everyone.
With Breaker, you can find and follow friends to see what they're listening to, which is a great way to discover new podcasts you may have otherwise never heard of. You can like, share, and even comment on your favorite episodes. Other features in Breaker include multiple playback speeds, Skip Silences, Dark and landscape modes, offline mode, and automatic downloading of new episodes. Breaker is great for podcast discovery among friends, and you can always discuss the shows that you're listening to, which is a nice feature.
Some distinctive bonuses of Breaker include the ability to purchase exclusive episodes from the podcasts you love and exclusive podcasts that are only available on Breaker.
Castbox
Castbox is a great little app if you want an all-in-one podcast player with access to FM radio, audiobooks, and even sleeping ASMR.
In Castbox, users will find over 95 million different kinds of audio content, including a ton of podcasts on various topics. No matter what interests you, you'll find it in Castbox. You also get personalized recommendations based on what you listen to, powerful search, smart speaker support, daily top podcast list, one-click subscriptions, volume boost, trim silence, sleep timer, CarPlay support, and much more. There is also the Livecast feature, which lets you listen to live audio streams, and you can chat with other listeners too.
Stitcher for Podcasts
Fan of podcasts and radio? Then Stitcher is a must for your app collection.
With Stitcher, you're able to stream or download your favorite podcasts or just listen in on the radio for your talk shows or music. Stitcher's vast podcast database includes shows on a wide variety of topics, including news, comics, true crime, and more. There is also a rather extensive back catalog of episodes for Freakonomics, WTF with Marc Maron, True Crime Garage, Comedy Bang! Bang! and more. There is also ad-free, original content on Stitcher Premium, including Marvel comics based Wolverine: The Long Night.
Stitcher Premium starts at $5 a month or $35 a year.
RadioPublic
If you download RadioPublic through a podcast's RadioPublic link, it automatically returns you to the show that referred you so you can listen or subscribe right away.
Otherwise, you can also browse through RadioPublic's catalog of over 500,000 popular podcasts, audiobooks, music podcasts, and shows from networks like BBC, Gimlet, Radiotopia, and more. These aren't just any podcasts either, as the librarians over at RadioPublic often highlight the award-winners on a regular basis, so you're getting high-quality content. If you're overwhelmed by choices, then just tune in to one of the podcast stations that cover a single topic, so it's a good starting point if you don't know what to look for.
RadioPublic also has the basic features you're looking for, such as downloadable or streaming shows, continuous playlists, sharing with friends and family, and more.
Listen up!
So there you have it. We've rounded up some of the best podcast apps out there on the market for you to get your fix on-the-go. The App Store is full of options, we consider these to be the crème de la crème if you will. These are all offered at various price points to fit any budget, and come packed with a great set of features to suit your needs.
Did we include yours in this roundup? Let me know what app you love using for your podcast listening!
July 2019: Removed Instacast Classic and added six new options. These are some of the best ways to listen to podcasts on your iPhone or iPad!
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Just don'tStealing from an Apple Store is so easy people are doing it time and again
Apple Stores are seen as an easy target by thieves, with at least one man in New York arrested twice for stealing from two stores in two years.
By William Gallagher
Monday, September 03, 2018, 07:51 am PT (10:51 am ET)
It doesn't sound like a complicated choice. If you want to listen to podcasts, there's a free Podcasts app right there on your iPhone or iPad. Apple makes that app and actually it's Apple that made this form of audio popular: the pod in podcasts comes from iPod.
You might wonder where you get the actual podcasts you want to listen to, but otherwise this all seems very simple —because it can be. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Apple's Podcasts app.
Or rather, there isn't for most people. For some, there is very definitely a problem with it and for others there are alternatives that do things a little better.
The problem
For some people, Apple Podcasts is unlistenable because it stutters. It's such a rare problem that Apple hasn't acknowledged it but if you're one of the unfortunate few, it is impossible to keep listening.
First you get a sudden silence, like your phone is about to receive a call. Then the audio resumes but maybe it seems a little fast like it's catching up. However, then it stops again, this time for a fraction of a second and lurches back into the next syllable.
So far it appears that iOS 12 fixes the problem but until Apple officially recognizes it and says so, we can't be sure. We can report that our experience is that the stuttering goes away under iOS 12.
And we can also offer a workaround that is certain to fix it. Switch to a different podcast player. It's not like your choice is limited.
There are podcast players that are good for handling large libraries of shows and ones that give you features for skipping or speeding up bits.Plus there are ones with really very dreary names.
Trying to depress us
You're used to apps taking two words and putting them together to make a name. Sometimes you suspect the makers may not have stepped back to read that name again. Such as when a developer wanted to make an illustration app seem both creative and professional and so called it Procreate.
Similarly, you'll be hard-pressed to find a podcast player app whose name doesn't end in -cast but the consequence is that we get Overcast and Downcast.
Downcast seems to not have been developed much recently but Overcast is one of the most popular players available.
Overcast
Overcast works to make managing podcasts easier and also for altering them. As you listen, for instance, you can tap a button called Voice Boost to alter the audio quality. In our experience it just makes the podcast louder but when you're driving, that might be what you need.
Alternatively, if you're in a hurry then Overcast also lets you speed up a podcast, for instance. You can already tell Apple's Podcasts app to play at a range of speeds from half to twice as fast as normal but Overcast does more.
With Overcast, you can say that you want the app to automatically skip over any silent portions of the podcast. Breaker and Castro now do this too but the feature was introduced in Overcast and it is a way to cut down just how long it takes you to listen to a podcast.
Add in the the fact that Overcast will play podcasts up to three times faster than normal and you can really race through your listening.
Only, call it our BBC Radio background, but if you find yourself skipping bits and speeding up a podcast, go click on the Unsubscribe button instead. A show is produced to be heard a certain way and there are indeed times when silences are part of it.
Podcasts are not a simple information delivery mechanism: if they were, there'd be no difference between a podcast and Siri reading out an article to you.
Overcast is a free download and defaults to being supported by ads. They're as unobtrusive as adverts come and they don't appear on every page. Plus they're often ads for other podcasts which can even be useful.
Nonetheless, you can pay a subscription of $9.99 per year to optionally remove the ads. That's not a mistake: removing the ads is an option even when you've paid. You can choose to subscribe and to keep the ads as well.
Castro
Castro has similar features to Overcast but it also addresses an issue that faces the less organized of podcast listeners. As much as you may like various shows, often you'll find you slip behind on your listening and these things mount up.
Apple's Podcasts app notices when you haven't played a series for a while and it takes steps. First it stops downloading episodes, then the next time you do go into it, the app asks if you're still interested.
It's a good system, though it doesn't appear to have stopped our iPhones getting clogged up with gigabytes of podcast audio.
What Castro does instead is stem the tide at its source. Rather than waiting to see what you do, Castro asks you. When you open the app, you'll see a list of all the podcast episodes that have come in since you last listened, and Castro gives you choices.
You can, of course, play one right now. However, faced with an inbox full of them, you can tap to deal rapidly with each one. Play it now or play it next after whatever you're listening to at the moment. You can tap to add this episode to the back of a queue before you listen to the lot.
Or, our favorite feature, you can say no. You might love a series but you can see from the description that you aren't interested in this edition. Or you can see from your watch that you haven't got time. So you can tap on an Archive button and that episode vanishes on you but you remain subscribed to the series.
All of this is free and it happens to particularly suit how we like listening to podcasts. There is a paid version of Castro, however, which adds options to do with skipping silence but also the ability to load other audio. Rather than solely playing podcasts, the paid edition lets you add any audio you have.
That helps make this a single place to listen to everything.
Castro is free to download and use but there's a paid version that costs $8.99 per year or $2.99 per quarter.
Finding podcasts
Alternative To Apple Podcast App For Mac Free
Here's one for you. Have a listen to the AppleInsider podcast.
Other than by direct recommendation like that, the way you find podcasts comes down to exploring. Podcast apps have different ways of helping you, though.
Apple's Podcasts app is the weakest. It gives you a search bar and you can type in keywords or any search term and hope it turns up something interesting.
Overcast maintains a visual catalog of recommended podcasts. There's an overall recommendation plus more in categories such as Arts, Business and so on. Plus Overcast includes a section called Collections which lists podcasts by their makers, such as Relay.fm or Radiotopia.
These are more like networks of podcasts. There shouldn't be any reason to think that if you love the superb design series 99% Invisible then you'll like others from the same network, yet somehow the odds are that you will.
Seeing these sister podcasts and also just seeing icons for many shows does make Overcast feel like a gallery.
In comparison, Castro feels a little more barebones. Rather than any visuals, you're presented first with a listing of topics but then when you go into any of them, you're shown icons and full titles.
Much more elaborate is Breaker. While its features are reasonably basic, it aims to offer you podcasts through social media interaction. As you find ones you like and listen in Breaker, you help other people discover those shows and vice versa.
It's one of those ideas that needs a lot of people to be using the app and a lot of time for it to build up into always offering you something interesting. However, it is a way to get you out of the rut of always listening to the same shows or in the same categories.
Breaker is another podcast app that's free to download but has a paid version. In this case, though, the paid tiers range from 99c to $4.99 and get you exclusive podcast episodes.
Keep listening
It seems as if there are podcasts on every topic and that's probably true. There are certainly enough of them that it's easy to feel the format is familiar or even tired.
Yet these are still early days for podcasts. The production quality of them, the presentation and the entertainment of them is rising. Whether you stick to Apple's Podcasts app or explore a little further, podcasts are a deeply absorbing addition to your iPhone or iPad.