Head-to-head · Podcast Apps
Apple Podcasts vs AntennaPod
Apple Podcasts leads on 0 checks, AntennaPod on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreApple Podcasts · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresApple Podcasts · 5 of 5
Apple Podcasts scores higher on our rubric for podcast apps: 9.3 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
Apple Podcasts is the better fit for broadest all-around podcast listening. AntennaPod is the better fit for free open-source Android listening.
- Apple Podcasts fits best
Broadest all-around podcast listening
- AntennaPod fits best
Free open-source Android listening
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Side by side
| Feature | Apple Podcasts 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | AntennaPod 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #1 in Podcast Apps | #8 in Podcast Apps |
| Best for | Broadest all-around podcast listening | Free open-source Android listening |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS | Android |
| Support | Phone, Live chat, Docs, Community | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features Apple Podcasts 5/5 · AntennaPod 4/5 | ||
| Offline downloads | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video podcasts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Episode transcripts | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Private feed support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-device sync | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Web, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Windows via iTunes, CarPlay, HomePod, smart speakers, and supported car systems | Android |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Apple Podcasts is a freemium podcast discovery and playback service for listeners across Apple devices, supported web browsers, Windows via iTunes, CarPlay, HomePod, selected smart speakers, and supported vehicle systems. It is suited to… Read the review → |
AntennaPod is a free, open-source podcast player for Android, maintained by a volunteer community without commercial interest. It is suited to listeners who want RSS and Atom feed subscriptions, an ad-free application experience, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Apple Podcasts — where it wins
- Video playback, transcripts, downloads, and playback controls
- Private RSS feeds and synchronized libraries across devices
- CarPlay, HomePod, smart speaker, and vehicle-system support
Where it doesn't
- Premium subscription prices are set by individual publishers
- Windows access is provided through iTunes
- Some features depend on supported devices and car systems
AntennaPod — where it wins
- Free, open-source app with no in-app advertising
- Downloads, automatic episode management, and offline listening
- Supports private feeds, video podcasts, and playback controls
Where it doesn't
- Available only on Android
- Synchronization requires a separate server or service
- Integration options center on gpodder.net and Nextcloud
- Apple Podcasts9.3/10 · Free plan
A broad podcast service with discovery, video, transcripts, private feeds, and device sync.
Visit Apple PodcastsFull verdict → - AntennaPod8.0/10 · Free plan
A capable ad-free Android podcast app with offline listening, video, and RSS support.
Visit AntennaPodFull verdict →
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All podcast apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







