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Head-to-head · Radio Apps

BBC Sounds vs iHeart

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 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
iHeart #3 in Radio Apps 9.1/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 4 features Visit iHeart

BBC Sounds leads on 0 checks, iHeart on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 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
  • Free trialonly iHeart
  • Most featuresiHeart · 1 of 4

BBC Sounds scores higher on our rubric for radio apps: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

BBC Sounds is the better fit for free BBC radio, programmes and podcasts in the UK. iHeart is the better fit for radio, podcasts and music across multiple devices.

  • BBC Sounds fits best

    Free BBC radio, programmes and podcasts in the UK

  • iHeart fits best

    Radio, podcasts and music across multiple devices

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 ↗ iHeart 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.1
Ranking #2 in Radio Apps #3 in Radio Apps
Best for Free BBC radio, programmes and podcasts in the UK Radio, podcasts and music across multiple devices
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Support Docs Docs
Features BBC Sounds 0/4 · iHeart 1/4
Offline listening Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Ad-free listening Not checked yet Not checked yet
Sleep timer Not checked yet Not checked yet
CarPlay support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Stations listed Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
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.
  • Free access includes live radio, artist radio and the full podcast library.
  • Paid tiers add on-demand playback, skips and offline downloads.
  • Works with Alexa, CarPlay, Android Auto, Sonos and connected TVs.
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.
  • Unlimited skips and commercial-free radio require Plus or a higher plan.
  • Offline downloads are limited to All Access and Family.
  • Support is listed through documentation only.
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 →

iHeart brings live radio, artist stations, podcasts, playlists and on-demand music together in one audio service. Its free tier is suited to listeners who mainly want live radio, artist radio and podcasts; paid plans extend the experience…

Read the review →
  1. BBC SoundsRadio Apps 9.2Free plan
  2. iHeartRadio Apps 9.1Free plan · 30-day trial

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.

  • iHeart — where it wins

    • Free access includes live radio, artist radio and the full podcast library.
    • Paid tiers add on-demand playback, skips and offline downloads.
    • Works with Alexa, CarPlay, Android Auto, Sonos and connected TVs.

    Where it doesn't

    • Unlimited skips and commercial-free radio require Plus or a higher plan.
    • Offline downloads are limited to All Access and Family.
    • Support is listed through documentation only.
  • BBC Sounds9.2/10 · Free plan

    A free BBC audio service for live radio, catch-up programmes and podcasts in the UK.

    Visit BBC SoundsFull verdict →
  • iHeart9.1/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A free radio and podcast service with paid options for on-demand music and offline listening.

    Visit iHeartFull verdict →

More comparisons

All radio apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update