Up Next

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.1 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Apple listeners who want keyword-based chapter skipping
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Video podcasts
  Yes
• Facts checked
  23 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Configurable keyword rules skip relevant parts of chapters
  • Offline downloads refresh and clean up automatically
  • On-device transcription, CarPlay and Siri Shortcuts support

• Where it doesn't

  • Focused on Apple platforms rather than a broad device ecosystem
  • Keyword skipping depends on chapter information
  • Designed for individual listening, not team workflows

Our verdict on Up Next

Up Next is a podcast player for Apple listeners who want more control over episode playback, especially through configurable chapter skipping. It supports podcast subscriptions and feed URLs, a reorderable queue, bookmarks, playback-speed controls and a sleep timer. Downloads allow offline listening, while on-device transcription processing and a local-first design suit listeners who prefer playback without an account or central server. Its fit is strongest for individual listeners in Apple’s ecosystem, rather than people looking for a cross-platform or team-oriented service.

The standout feature is smart chapter skipping: listeners can configure keyword rules to skip parts of chapters that match their preferences. Chapter-aware playback also makes it possible to work with episode structure, alongside bookmarks and speed controls. Transcription is processed on-device, and OPML import and export provide a way to move podcast subscriptions. Together these features make Up Next more focused on controlling and organizing listening than on a broad podcast discovery experience.

Up Next is free, with offline downloads included. Automatic refresh and cleanup help manage downloaded episodes, and CarPlay and Siri Shortcuts support extend playback into Apple’s connected features. The listed platforms are iOS and macOS; the App Store details also list iPhone and Apple Watch support and compatibility with Mac, Apple Vision and Apple Watch operating systems. Listeners who want configurable keyword-based skipping and local-first playback should consider it. Those who need a wider device ecosystem or a service centered on team use should look elsewhere.

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Up Next pricing

Up Next fact sheet

Up Next integrations

Up Next lists 2 integrations on its own site.

• CarPlay
• Siri Shortcuts

Alternatives to Up Next

• 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 Up Next alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Up Next is listed in our Podcast Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update