Global Player review
A free radio and podcast app with replay, downloads and paid ad-free options.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Global Player brings Global’s radio brands—including Capital, Heart, Classic FM, LBC, Smooth Radio and Radio X—together in a web player and mobile app. It suits listeners who want live broadcasts alongside catch-up shows, podcasts and playlists, rather than a radio-only stream. The Free plan includes live radio, catch-up shows and downloads, podcasts and playlists. Listeners can rewind live radio, replay moments and download eligible catch-up shows and podcast episodes for offline listening. Curated playlists, recommendations and a sleep timer of up to 120 minutes round out the listening features.
The subscription options are organized by brand coverage and content. Brand Plus costs £4.99 per month or £49.99 per year, and provides ad-free live radio, replay and catch-up for one music brand family; the specific stations depend on the family, and subscriber benefits vary by brand. Radio Plus costs £9.99 monthly or £99.99 annually and removes ads across Global’s 30+ music brands for live, replay and catch-up listening. LBC Catch Up Plus is £4.99 monthly or £49.99 annually for ad-free catch-up from LBC and LBC News. These tiers make sense for listeners who want fewer commercial breaks in particular Global content, while the free plan covers core listening.
Global Player is available on web, iOS and Android, with support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa, Siri, Sonos, Google Home and Chromecast. That breadth is useful for switching between mobile, car and supported home audio devices; Chromecast support is specified for live radio. The service is a more focused choice for people interested in Global’s stations and related podcasts than for listeners seeking radio brands outside that lineup. Choose the free tier to explore its core offer, or compare the paid options according to which brands and content you listen to. Those who want ad-free access across multiple Global music brands should consider Radio Plus rather than Brand Plus.
Global Player pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free plan includes live radio, catch-up shows, downloads and podcasts
- Rewind live radio and replay moments, with eligible offline downloads
- CarPlay, Android Auto, smart-speaker and Chromecast support
- Where it doesn't
- Ad-free listening requires a paid subscription
- Brand Plus covers only one music brand family
- Subscriber benefits vary by brand
Global Player fact sheet, pricing and score →
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