Castaway
Castaway: A free Android podcast player with syncing, offline downloads, and no ads or trackers. Ranked #51 of 55 in Podcast Apps by our editors (3.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Android listeners wanting simple syncing.
At a glance
- Editor score3.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree Android listeners wanting simple syncing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free listening with no ads or trackers
- Syncs subscriptions, played state, and playback position
- Offline downloads, speed controls, and timestamped show notes
Where it doesn't
- Available only on Android
- An account is required for cross-device synchronization
- Support is provided through email
Our verdict on Castaway
Castaway is a free Android podcast player for people who want straightforward listening from RSS feeds without ads or trackers. It supports podcast subscriptions, search across millions of podcasts, offline episode downloads, playback-speed controls from 0.5x to 2.0x, and skip controls. Show notes with clickable timestamps add useful navigation within supported episodes, while lock-screen and Bluetooth controls suit listening away from the app. Its focus is personal listening rather than team or business workflows, making it a fit for solo listeners and small-scale use.
The free plan includes the core listening experience without a paid tier structure. It covers podcast listening, cross-device synchronization, offline episode downloads, and no ads or trackers. Synchronization extends to subscriptions, played state, and playback position across devices, so listeners can continue episodes and keep subscriptions aligned. That feature requires an account, which adds a sign-in step for anyone who wants synchronization rather than using the player on one device.
Castaway’s main trade-off is platform scope: the app is Android-only and deployed as a mobile product. That makes it a focused choice for Android listeners, but less suitable for anyone who needs iPhone, desktop, or broader ecosystem coverage. Email is the listed support channel, so buyers seeking multiple support options may prefer another podcast app. Choose Castaway for free RSS listening with downloads, playback controls, and simple Android syncing; choose an alternative if cross-platform access or a wider feature set is a priority.
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Castaway pricing
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Castaway fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Android |
| Offline downloads | Yes |
| Video podcasts | Not verified |
| Episode transcripts | Not verified |
| Private feed support | Not verified |
| Cross-device sync | Yes |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | cast-away.dev |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Castaway
- Apple PodcastsA broad podcast service with discovery, video, transcripts, private feeds, and device sync.9.3
- OvercastA strong Apple-focused player for listeners who want smarter playback and organization.9.1
- Pocket CastsA broad podcast app with free cross-device access and focused Plus upgrades.8.8
See all Castaway alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Castaway for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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