Castro
Castro: A queue-first podcast app for Apple users who want structured listening. Ranked #7 of 55 in Podcast Apps by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for queue-focused Apple listening.
At a glance
- Editor score8.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forQueue-focused Apple listening
- Free planYes
- Paid from$24.99/yr
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Castro
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 manual downloads support offline listening, while chapters, CarPlay, sleep timers, customizable playback settings, Trim Silence, Enhance Voices, and podcast transcripts cover common listening needs.
The free plan focuses on inbox triage, queue-based listening, downloads, offline playback, transcripts, private feeds, and playback controls. Castro Plus Monthly costs $3.99 per month, while Plus Quarterly costs $9.99 per quarter and Plus Annual costs $24.99 per year. These paid plans add advanced podcast playback features and device synchronization. Plus Family Annual costs $39.99 per year and provides a family subscription. The paid tiers are most relevant to listeners who want synchronized queues, listening progress, episode states, folders, and podcast settings across devices.
Castro fits an Apple-centered listening setup, with support for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Apple Watch, plus Apple CarPlay and Apple Watch integrations. Its strongest distinction is the combination of inbox review and queue management rather than a simple subscription-and-playback flow. Choose it if organizing a large podcast rotation and controlling the next listening session matter most. Listeners who need platforms outside Apple's ecosystem should choose a different podcast app.
Your product? Our editors can test Castro in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Castro pricing
All 4 Castro plans and prices →
Castro fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $24.99/yr |
| Supported platforms | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple Watch |
| Offline downloads | Yes |
| Video podcasts | Not verified |
| Episode transcripts | Yes |
| Private feed support | Yes |
| Cross-device sync | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Apple CarPlay, Apple Watch |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | castro.fm |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Castro integrations
Castro lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Apple CarPlay
- Apple Watch
Alternatives to Castro
- 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
Castro vs the competition
- Castro vs Apple Podcasts
- Castro vs Overcast
- Castro vs Pocket Casts
- Castro vs Castbox
- Castro vs Player FM
- Castro vs Podcast Republic
Compare Castro with any tool side by side →
Used Castro? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Castro 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.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Castro is listed in our Podcast Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/castro/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/castro.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update