Google Podcasts is officially gone. The podcasting app had a good run, but the tech giant has now decided to fold the service and tell users to switch to the YouTube Music app instead. Not everyone is happy about the shutdown, though, and many are now in the market for a good Google Podcasts alternative.
The recommended transition from Google Podcasts isn’t going smoothly, with YouTube Music missing a wide range of popular podcasts, including Google’s own Made by Google podcast. On top of that, many users enjoy using a separate app for podcasting, as it often provides a better experience.
Subsequently, the best Google Podcasts alternatives are seeing a big uptick in usage, which is why we’re going to cover some of your top options for a rebound listen. Most double handily as some of the best podcast apps for Android, but we’ve included options for iPhone users who might have relied on Google Podcasts, too.
Getting Started with Podcasts
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the podcast waters or want to start your own podcast, choosing the right platform for you is key. Granted, each one has all the basics, like downloads for offline listening and playback speed increases, but you’ll notice some subtle differences across the landscape. From different features to more intuitive interfaces, the right platform will vibe with what you need.
Given that podcasts have survived pandemics, recessions, and everything in between, the industry isn’t going anywhere for a while. So, pull up a chair, put on your headphones, and start listening to your favorite podcasts with one of these popular platforms.
The Best Google Podcasts Alternatives and Replacements
1) Pocket Casts
Available: iOS and Android
Widely considered one of the best podcasting apps available today, Pocket Casts is an obvious choice for users looking to ditch the Google Podcasts and YouTube Music apps. It’s feature rich, with options like silence trimming and increased listening speed, so you can cram as much listening in as possible.
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On top of that, Pocket Casts is easy to use. The interface makes it easy to find new podcasts with its dedicated Discovery page and revisit your favorite podcasts with the Podcasts tab, so you don’t have to do a lot of digging to find what you’re actually looking for.
2) Spotify
Available: iOS and Android
That’s right, it’s not just for music! Spotify has been bolstering its podcast offering for a while now, offering an in-depth experience that you can merge with your existing audio library. Even more impressive, it integrates with a wide range of other devices, allowing you to listen on smartwatches like the Pixel Watch 2 and Apple Watch Series 9.
However, while Spotify used to be the king of podcast exclusives, the company has started making its originals available to other platforms. Even the Joe Rogan Experience, one of the most popular podcasts in the world, has officially been brought to the masses, nixing the exclusivity deal in February 2024.
3) Apple Podcasts
Available: iOS only
If you’re ditching Google Podcasts on an iPhone, you might have trouble using some of these alternatives on your device. Fortunately, Apple has its own dedicated podcasting service, called Apple Podcasts, that those already in the ecosystem swear by.
Apple Podcasts has a lot of great recommendation features and the kind of slick interface iOS users are accustomed to. It excels at discovery, offering your podcasts they think you will like based on your previous listening habits as well as what’s trending. Some podcasts will even get bonus content on Apple Podcasts, so you can really rub it in the faces of Android users!
4) Podcast Addict
Available: Android only
If you’re an Android user and want a dedicated app that your iPhone friends can’t use, Podcast Addict might be it. The free service offers all the basics, as well as the ability to cast to other devices for a more all-around listening experience.
There are some downsides for this one, though. The interface looks a bit outdated, making it feel like you’re trapsing through the old internet when searching for something to listen to. Combined with the presence of ads basically everywhere, Podcast Addict could rub some users the wrong way, even though it’s free.
5) Overcast
Available: iOS only
Apple Podcasts isn’t the only iOS exclusive on the list. Overcast is a decidedly popular option that only works in the Apple ecosystem, which is a shame because it’s a great platform. It offers an intuitive interface, along with a handy playlist feature to bundle different episodes and shows together.
Most notably, Overcast is great for sharing clips with friends. It uniquely offers a feature that allows you to send a one-minute clip, audio or video, to a fellow listener to get them interested. Simplicity is a virtue in the case of Overcast and it’s the other standout Google Podcasts replacement for iPhone owners.
6) AntennaPod
Available: Android only
A little customization can go a long way when it comes to listening to podcasts, which is why AntennaPod is definitely one our list of top Google Podcasts alternatives. You can tailor your listening experience to your needs, like customized rewind and fast forward skip times and playback speed.
AntennaPod is an open-source platform is run by volunteers, so there are some key features missing, like a Discovery page. Still, you can easily find what you need by searching for it, so we still think AntennaPod is a solid option for your podcasting needs.
7) Audible
Available: iOS and Android
No, it’s not just for listening to audiobooks! Audible, the Amazon-owned online platform, is most well-known for its collection of audiobooks, but also offers an excellent podcast experience, filled with some exclusively that you’ll only find on the platform.
Admittedly, the focus on audiobooks makes the podcasting experience less easy to use than some of the dedicated options on this list. But if you’re already using Audible, you should find it a more than suitable replacement for Google Podcasts in your day-to-day life.
