Head-to-head · Podcast Apps
Pocket Casts vs Podcast Guru
Pocket Casts 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 scorePocket Casts · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
Pocket Casts scores higher on our rubric for podcast apps: 8.8 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #14.
Pocket Casts is the better fit for cross-platform power users. Podcast Guru is the better fit for broad catalog with private-feed support.
- Pocket Casts fits best
Cross-platform power users
- Podcast Guru fits best
Broad catalog with private-feed support
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Side by side
| Feature | Pocket Casts 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Podcast Guru 7.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 7.2 |
| Ranking | #3 in Podcast Apps | #14 in Podcast Apps |
| Best for | Cross-platform power users | Broad catalog with private-feed support |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $39.99/yr | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Docs |
| Integrations | 9 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Pocket Casts 5/5 · Podcast Guru 5/5 | ||
| Offline downloads | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video podcasts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Episode transcripts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private feed support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-device sync | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android; also Apple TV, Apple Watch, Wear OS, CarPlay, Android Auto, Android Automotive, Sonos, Alexa, and Chromecast | Web, Android, iOS |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Pocket Casts is a podcast listening, discovery, and management app for people who move between mobile, desktop, web, and connected playback devices. It supports podcast search, episode downloads for offline playback, video episodes,… 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
Pocket Casts — where it wins
- Supports web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Syncs follows, queues, playback position, and history across devices
- Handles video, private feeds, transcripts, offline downloads, and car platforms
Where it doesn't
- Transcript features apply only to supported episodes
- Folders, bookmarks, themes, and wearable apps require Plus
- Plus costs $3.99 monthly or $39.99 annually
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
- Pocket Casts8.8/10 · Free plan
A broad podcast app with free cross-device access and focused Plus upgrades.
Visit Pocket CastsFull 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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All podcast apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update








