Head-to-head · Podcast Apps
Apple Podcasts vs Fountain
Apple Podcasts leads on 0 checks, Fountain 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 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #9.
Apple Podcasts is the better fit for broadest all-around podcast listening. Fountain is the better fit for social podcast discovery and listening.
- Apple Podcasts fits best
Broadest all-around podcast listening
- Fountain fits best
Social podcast discovery and listening
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Side by side
| Feature | Apple Podcasts 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Fountain 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #1 in Podcast Apps | #9 in Podcast Apps |
| Best for | Broadest all-around podcast listening | Social podcast discovery and listening |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $2.99/user/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Phone, Live chat, Docs, Community | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 8 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Apple Podcasts 5/5 · Fountain 4/5 | ||
| Offline downloads | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video podcasts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Episode transcripts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private feed support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-device sync | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| 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, Android, web |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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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 → |
Fountain is a podcast player and social platform for listeners who want more than a basic audio library. It combines discovery through recommendations, activity feeds, charts, and trending content with playlists, play queues, offline… 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
Fountain — where it wins
- Discovery through recommendations, activity feeds, charts, and trends
- Transcripts, summaries, playlists, downloads, and video playback
- Private feeds, livestreams, clips, comments, and creator payments
Where it doesn't
- Device synchronization is not established by the published plans
- Creator hosting tiers begin at $25 per month for Lite
- Advanced creator features require Pro or Plus plans
- Apple Podcasts9.3/10 · Free plan
A broad podcast service with discovery, video, transcripts, private feeds, and device sync.
Visit Apple PodcastsFull verdict → - Fountain7.9/10 · Free plan
A feature-rich podcast app for discovery, offline listening, video, and social interaction.
Visit FountainFull 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