Castbox
Castbox: A broad, recommendation-led podcast app with strong offline listening and device synchronization. Ranked #4 of 55 in Podcast Apps by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for recommendation-led podcast listening.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forRecommendation-led podcast listening
- Free planYes
- Founded2016
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Search spans podcasts, audiobooks, radio, and RSS feeds
- Offline downloads, automatic downloads, and flexible playback controls
- Syncs subscriptions, progress, favorites, and history across devices
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide podcast transcript display
- The free experience includes visual and video ads
- Video support is not part of the stated offering
Our verdict on Castbox
Castbox is a podcast listening service for discovering, subscribing to, streaming, and downloading podcasts, audiobooks, radio, and other audio content. It suits listeners who want recommendation-led discovery alongside practical organization tools. Search covers podcasts, episodes, audiobooks, radio, and RSS feeds, while subscriptions, playlists, downloads, and personalized recommendations support regular listening. Castbox is available on iOS, Android, and the web.
Its strongest fit is a multi-device listening setup. Account-based synchronization carries subscriptions, playback progress, favorites, and history across devices. Offline listening includes episode downloads and automatic downloads, while playback tools include speed control, volume boost, trim silence, and a sleep timer. The service also connects with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Chromecast, and Apple Watch. Authenticated private RSS-feed import extends it beyond publicly listed shows, and community comments add an interaction layer.
Castbox follows a freemium model with a free plan and Castbox Premium. Premium removes visual and video ads, enables unlimited podcast subscriptions, adds advanced playback settings, and provides a personalized homepage. The service also includes podcast, episode, audiobook, radio, and RSS-feed search, plus private-feed support and device synchronization. Listeners who want broad audio discovery, offline access, and cross-device continuity should consider Castbox. It is less suitable for buyers who require podcast transcript display or an offering centered on video support.
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Castbox pricing
All 1 Castbox plans and prices →
Castbox fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | iOS, Android, web, PWA, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Apple Watch |
| Offline downloads | Yes |
| Video podcasts | Not verified |
| Episode transcripts | No |
| Private feed support | Yes |
| Cross-device sync | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Chromecast, Apple Watch |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | castbox.fm |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Castbox integrations
Castbox lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home
- Chromecast
- Apple Watch
Alternatives to Castbox
- 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 Castbox alternatives →
Castbox vs the competition
- Castbox vs Apple Podcasts
- Castbox vs Overcast
- Castbox vs Pocket Casts
- Castbox vs Player FM
- Castbox vs Podcast Republic
- Castbox vs Castro
Compare Castbox with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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