Head-to-head · Podcast Apps
Castro vs AntennaPod
Castro leads on 0 checks, AntennaPod 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 scoreCastro · 8.1/10
- Free planboth
Castro scores higher on our rubric for podcast apps: 8.1 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.
Castro is the better fit for queue-focused Apple listening. AntennaPod is the better fit for free open-source Android listening.
- Castro fits best
Queue-focused Apple listening
- AntennaPod fits best
Free open-source Android listening
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Side by side
| Feature | Castro 8.1/10 Visit ↗ | AntennaPod 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.1 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #7 in Podcast Apps | #8 in Podcast Apps |
| Best for | Queue-focused Apple listening | Free open-source Android listening |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $24.99/yr | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS | Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | |
| Integrations | 2 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features Castro 4/5 · AntennaPod 4/5 | ||
| Offline downloads | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video podcasts | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Episode transcripts | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Private feed support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-device sync | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple Watch | Android |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Castro is a podcast player for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch users who manage many shows. Its core workflow centers on an inbox for reviewing and triaging new episodes, followed by a queue for deciding what to hear next. Automatic and… Read the review → |
AntennaPod is a free, open-source podcast player for Android, maintained by a volunteer community without commercial interest. It is suited to listeners who want RSS and Atom feed subscriptions, an ad-free application experience, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Castro — where it wins
- Inbox triage keeps new episodes organized
- Queue workflow supports focused listening and downloads
- Transcripts, CarPlay, and playback enhancement tools
Where it doesn't
- Available across Apple platforms only
- Device synchronization requires a Plus plan
- Advanced playback features require a paid plan
AntennaPod — where it wins
- Free, open-source app with no in-app advertising
- Downloads, automatic episode management, and offline listening
- Supports private feeds, video podcasts, and playback controls
Where it doesn't
- Available only on Android
- Synchronization requires a separate server or service
- Integration options center on gpodder.net and Nextcloud
- Castro8.1/10 · Free plan
A queue-first podcast app for Apple users who want structured listening.
Visit CastroFull verdict → - AntennaPod8.0/10 · Free plan
A capable ad-free Android podcast app with offline listening, video, and RSS support.
Visit AntennaPodFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update