Head-to-head · Podcast Apps
Apple Podcasts vs YourPods
Apple Podcasts leads on 0 checks, YourPods 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
- Free trialonly YourPods
- Most featuresApple Podcasts · 5 of 5
Apple Podcasts scores higher on our rubric for podcast apps: 9.3 against 6.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #20.
Apple Podcasts is the better fit for broadest all-around podcast listening. YourPods is the better fit for privacy-minded users wanting self-hosting options.
- Apple Podcasts fits best
Broadest all-around podcast listening
- YourPods fits best
Privacy-minded users wanting self-hosting options
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Side by side
| Feature | Apple Podcasts 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | YourPods 6.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 6.6 |
| Ranking | #1 in Podcast Apps | #20 in Podcast Apps |
| Best for | Broadest all-around podcast listening | Privacy-minded users wanting self-hosting options |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 15 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS | Web, macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux |
| Support | Phone, Live chat, Docs, Community | Docs |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 5 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Apple Podcasts 5/5 · YourPods 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 | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, Android, Windows, Linux, and modern web browsers |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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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 → |
YourPods is a privacy-focused podcast app for people who want control over playback data and synchronization. It supports subscriptions through RSS URLs or search, offline downloads, interactive transcripts, chapters, private feeds,… 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
YourPods — where it wins
- Offline playback, transcripts, notes, and private feed support
- Self-hosted synchronization through gPodder-compatible servers and Nextcloud
- Supports Apple devices, Android, Windows, Linux, and modern web browsers
Where it doesn't
- The $4.99 app purchase and $30/year Pro service are separate
- The web Pro trial requires payment information at signup
- Documentation is the listed support channel
- Apple Podcasts9.3/10 · Free plan
A broad podcast service with discovery, video, transcripts, private feeds, and device sync.
Visit Apple PodcastsFull verdict → - YourPods6.6/10 · Free plan · 15-day trial
A flexible podcast player for private, offline listening across major platforms.
Visit YourPodsFull 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