Google Podcast Alternatives You Should Try Now

Google Podcasts has been my go-to podcast app for a while due to its simplicity and comprehensive features. However, Google recently announced the impending shutdown of its podcast platform, merging it with YouTube Music to create an all-in-one audio platform.

Unfortunately, YouTube Music isn’t widely available in many countries, which left me searching for a new podcast app.

After scouring the web, reading comment sections, and exploring various forums, three names consistently stood out as alternatives: Spotify, Pocket Casts, and AntennaPod.

Pocket Casts

I first learned about Pocket Cast during an episode of the Waveform podcast and have been using it for a few weeks now. What sets Pocket Casts apart is its simple-to-use interface. It offers essential features like downloads, listening history, and statistics as well as RSS support.

The paid version takes it up a notch with 100GB of cloud storage, additional folders, early access to new features, and special profile badges.

Pocket Casts organizes its mobile app into four sections:

Podcasts: This section displays all the podcasts you’re subscribed to.

Filters: Here, you can manage notifications for new episodes and track your progress with uncompleted episodes.

Discover: Podcast recommendations tailored to your interests. You can also search for specific podcasts, using keywords or RSS URLs.

Profile: Access your settings, listening history, downloads, and statistics in this section.

Download Pocket Casts

Spotify

Spotify is undoubtedly a convenient choice for many users. It brings your music and podcasts together under one roof. This eliminates the need to switch between multiple apps for different forms of audio content.

Unlike dedicated podcast apps, Spotify’s recommendations may not be the sharpest – it relies on curated lists, which may not always align with your interests.

Spotify may be suitable if you’re looking for the most basic features, especially if you value the convenience of having all your audio content in one place. However, if you have specific podcast-related needs, you might want to explore a dedicated podcast platform that offers more comprehensive features.

Download Spotify

AntennaPod

AntennaPod is a user-friendly and feature-rich, free, open-source podcast application designed for Google’s Android OS.

It allows you to import OPML files, which is convenient for those transitioning from another podcast application that supports podcast exports. AntennaPod also provides support for multiple podcast directories, enabling users to search and subscribe to podcasts directly.

The app offers a wide range of customization options for playback settings, including a feature that automatically pauses playback when headphones are disconnected and resumes when they are reconnected.

Download AntennaPod

Migrating from Google Podcasts

With Google Podcasts phasing out, it’s essential to begin migrating your podcasts to another app that suits your needs. Google promises a hassle-free process for transferring episodes to other platforms as the shutdown date approaches.

The podcast landscape is evolving, and as Google Podcasts says goodbye, it’s a great time to explore new podcasting apps. While many alternatives exist, my favourite is Pocket Casts due to its clean interface, and a feature-rich free version.