Apple Podcasts vs Castro

Apple Podcasts9.3Visit Castro8.1Visit

Higher score Apple Podcasts #1 in Podcast Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Apple Podcasts

vs

Castro #7 in Podcast Apps 8.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Castro

• Apple Podcasts fits best

  Broadest all-around podcast listening

• Castro fits best

  Queue-focused Apple listening

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Side by side

Feature	Apple Podcasts 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Castro 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.1
Ranking	#1 in Podcast Apps	#7 in Podcast Apps
Best for	Broadest all-around podcast listening	Queue-focused Apple listening
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$24.99/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS	macOS, iOS
Support	Phone, Live chat, Docs, Community	Email
Integrations	7 integrations	2 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features Apple Podcasts 5/5 · Castro 4/5
Offline downloads	✓	✓
Video podcasts	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Episode transcripts	✓	✓
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	iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple Watch
Our review
Pros	Video playback, transcripts, downloads, and playback controls Private RSS feeds and synchronized libraries across devices CarPlay, HomePod, smart speaker, and vehicle-system support	Inbox triage keeps new episodes organized Queue workflow supports focused listening and downloads Transcripts, CarPlay, and playback enhancement tools
Cons	Premium subscription prices are set by individual publishers Windows access is provided through iTunes Some features depend on supported devices and car systems	Available across Apple platforms only Device synchronization requires a Plus plan Advanced playback features require a paid plan
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 →	Castro is a podcast player for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch users who manage many shows. Its core workflow centers on an inbox for reviewing and triaging new episodes, followed by a queue for deciding what to hear next. Automatic 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

• Castro — where it wins

  • Inbox triage keeps new episodes organized
  • Queue workflow supports focused listening and downloads
  • Transcripts, CarPlay, and playback enhancement tools

  Where it doesn't

  • Available across Apple platforms only
  • Device synchronization requires a Plus plan
  • Advanced playback features require a paid plan

• Apple Podcasts9.3/10 · Free plan

  A broad podcast service with discovery, video, transcripts, private feeds, and device sync.

  Visit Apple PodcastsFull verdict →
• Castro8.1/10 · Free plan

  A queue-first podcast app for Apple users who want structured listening.

  Visit CastroFull verdict →