Head-to-head · Radio Apps
ABC listen vs Global Player
ABC listen leads on 0 checks, Global Player on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreABC listen · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
ABC listen scores higher on our rubric for radio apps: 9.0 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.
ABC listen is the better fit for free Australian public radio and offline listening. Global Player is the better fit for listeners who want Global radio with catch-up and replay.
- ABC listen fits best
Free Australian public radio and offline listening
- Global Player fits best
Listeners who want Global radio with catch-up and replay
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | ABC listen 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Global Player 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #4 in Radio Apps | #6 in Radio Apps |
| Best for | Free Australian public radio and offline listening | Listeners who want Global radio with catch-up and replay |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | £49.99/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features ABC listen 4/4 · Global Player 4/4 | ||
| Offline listening | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ad-free listening | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep timer | ✓ | ✓ |
| CarPlay support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Stations listed | 60 | Not checked yet |
| Platforms | web, iOS, Android | web, iOS, Android, smart speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | ABC listen brings live Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio, podcasts and audiobooks together for listeners who want ABC audio on the web or on iOS and Android. Its appeal is especially clear for people seeking free Australian public… Read the review → |
Global Player brings Global’s radio brands—including Capital, Heart, Classic FM, LBC, Smooth Radio and Radio X—together in a web player and mobile app. It suits listeners who want live broadcasts alongside catch-up shows, podcasts and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ABC listen — where it wins
- Streams more than 60 ABC radio stations and offers podcasts and audiobooks
- Episode downloads support offline listening
- Sleep timer, weekly schedules and CarPlay/Android Auto support
Where it doesn't
- Content coverage centers on ABC programming
- CarPlay, Android Auto and casting integrations focus on audio playback
- Support channels are limited to documentation
Global Player — where it wins
- Free plan includes live radio, catch-up shows, downloads and podcasts
- Rewind live radio and replay moments, with eligible offline downloads
- CarPlay, Android Auto, smart-speaker and Chromecast support
Where it doesn't
- Ad-free listening requires a paid subscription
- Brand Plus covers only one music brand family
- Subscriber benefits vary by brand
- ABC listen9.0/10 · Free plan
Free ABC radio and on-demand audio with offline listening and useful playback controls.
Visit ABC listenFull verdict → - Global Player8.7/10 · Free plan
A free radio and podcast app with replay, downloads and paid ad-free options.
Visit Global PlayerFull verdict →
More comparisons
- TuneIn vs ABC listen
- TuneIn vs Global Player
- BBC Sounds vs ABC listen
- BBC Sounds vs Global Player
- iHeart vs ABC listen
- iHeart vs Global Player
- ABC listen vs radio.net
- ABC listen vs Radio Paradise
All radio apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update