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Head-to-head · Radio Apps

BBC Sounds vs ABC listen

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score BBC Sounds #2 in Radio Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit BBC Sounds
ABC listen #4 in Radio Apps 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit ABC listen

BBC Sounds leads on 0 checks, ABC listen on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBBC Sounds · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresABC listen · 4 of 4

BBC Sounds scores higher on our rubric for radio apps: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

BBC Sounds is the better fit for free BBC radio, programmes and podcasts in the UK. ABC listen is the better fit for free Australian public radio and offline listening.

  • BBC Sounds fits best

    Free BBC radio, programmes and podcasts in the UK

  • ABC listen fits best

    Free Australian public radio and offline listening

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. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature BBC Sounds 9.2/10 Visit ↗ ABC listen 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #2 in Radio Apps #4 in Radio Apps
Best for Free BBC radio, programmes and podcasts in the UK Free Australian public radio and offline listening
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Docs Docs
Features BBC Sounds 0/4 · ABC listen 4/4
Offline listening Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Ad-free listening Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Sleep timer Not checked yet ✓ (best)
CarPlay support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Stations listed Not checked yet 60
Platforms Not checked yet web, iOS, Android
Our review
Pros
  • Streams live BBC radio and offers on-demand programmes and podcasts.
  • Combines music mixes, show subscriptions and personalized recommendations.
  • Mobile apps support podcast downloads for offline playback.
  • Streams more than 60 ABC radio stations and offers podcasts and audiobooks
  • Episode downloads support offline listening
  • Sleep timer, weekly schedules and CarPlay/Android Auto support
Cons
  • Available only to listeners in the UK since 21 July 2025.
  • Offline downloads are for podcast episodes in the mobile app.
  • It is a streaming and catch-up service, not a local music-library player.
  • Content coverage centers on ABC programming
  • CarPlay, Android Auto and casting integrations focus on audio playback
  • Support channels are limited to documentation
Our verdict

BBC Sounds brings live BBC radio, on-demand programmes, music mixes and podcasts together in a web service and mobile apps. It is aimed at UK listeners who want BBC audio in one place, whether they are tuning into a live station or…

Read the review →

ABC listen brings live Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio, podcasts and audiobooks together for listeners who want ABC audio on the web or on iOS and Android. Its appeal is especially clear for people seeking free Australian public…

Read the review →
  1. BBC SoundsRadio Apps 9.2Free plan
  2. ABC listenRadio Apps 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • BBC Sounds — where it wins

    • Streams live BBC radio and offers on-demand programmes and podcasts.
    • Combines music mixes, show subscriptions and personalized recommendations.
    • Mobile apps support podcast downloads for offline playback.

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only to listeners in the UK since 21 July 2025.
    • Offline downloads are for podcast episodes in the mobile app.
    • It is a streaming and catch-up service, not a local music-library player.

  • ABC listen — where it wins

    • Streams more than 60 ABC radio stations and offers podcasts and audiobooks
    • Episode downloads support offline listening
    • Sleep timer, weekly schedules and CarPlay/Android Auto support

    Where it doesn't

    • Content coverage centers on ABC programming
    • CarPlay, Android Auto and casting integrations focus on audio playback
    • Support channels are limited to documentation

More comparisons

All radio apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update