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Head-to-head · Podcast Apps

Apple Podcasts vs Podcast Guru

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Apple Podcasts #1 in Podcast Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Apple Podcasts
Podcast Guru #14 in Podcast Apps 7.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Podcast Guru

Apple Podcasts leads on 0 checks, Podcast Guru 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

Apple Podcasts scores higher on our rubric for podcast apps: 9.3 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #14.

Apple Podcasts is the better fit for broadest all-around podcast listening. Podcast Guru is the better fit for broad catalog with private-feed support.

  • Apple Podcasts fits best

    Broadest all-around podcast listening

  • Podcast Guru fits best

    Broad catalog with private-feed support

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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Apple Podcasts 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Podcast Guru 7.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 7.2
Ranking #1 in Podcast Apps #14 in Podcast Apps
Best for Broadest all-around podcast listening Broad catalog with private-feed support
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS Web, iOS, Android
Support Phone, Live chat, Docs, Community Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Apple Podcasts 5/5 · Podcast Guru 5/5
Offline downloads ✓ ✓
Video podcasts ✓ ✓
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 Web, Android, iOS
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
  • Searches millions of episodes and supports subscriptions
  • Handles private Patreon and password-protected RSS feeds
  • Offers video, transcripts, offline downloads, and playlists
Cons
  • Premium subscription prices are set by individual publishers
  • Windows access is provided through iTunes
  • Some features depend on supported devices and car systems
  • Cloud sync and backup require the VIP plan
  • Advanced playback-speed controls require VIP
  • The free experience does not include cross-device cloud sync
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 →

Podcast Guru is a podcast discovery and listening app for web browsers, iOS, and Android. It is suited to listeners who want access to millions of episodes, podcast search and subscriptions, offline listening, video podcasts, transcripts,…

Read the review →
  1. Apple PodcastsPodcast Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. Podcast GuruPodcast Apps 7.2Free plan

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
  • Podcast Guru — where it wins

    • Searches millions of episodes and supports subscriptions
    • Handles private Patreon and password-protected RSS feeds
    • Offers video, transcripts, offline downloads, and playlists

    Where it doesn't

    • Cloud sync and backup require the VIP plan
    • Advanced playback-speed controls require VIP
    • The free experience does not include cross-device cloud sync

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update