Head-to-head · Podcast Apps
Apple Podcasts vs 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
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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 | ||
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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 → |
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 → |
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
- Apple Podcasts9.3/10 · Free plan
A broad podcast service with discovery, video, transcripts, private feeds, and device sync.
Visit Apple PodcastsFull verdict → - Podcast Guru7.2/10 · Free plan
A broad podcast app with offline listening, video, transcripts, and optional cloud sync.
Visit Podcast GuruFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update








