Apple Podcasts vs Castbox

Apple Podcasts is a podcast app and service for finding, following, and listening to shows across Apple devices, the web, Windows via iTunes, CarPlay, HomePod, smart speakers, and supported car systems. Millions of shows are free, and episodes can be downloaded for offline listening; new episodes from followed shows can download automatically. It supports video podcasts and private feeds, with listening synced across devices. Transcripts in select languages can be read and searched, navigated by chapter, or used to jump to a point in an episode. Premium shows, episodes, and channels may have monthly or annual subscriptions, with prices set by creators. Subscriber benefits can include ad-free listening, bonus or unreleased content, and other subscriber-only material. Subscriptions can be shared with up to five people through Family Sharing. Creators have production, analytics, audience connection, and subscription tools. They receive 70% initially and 85% after one year of paid service, excluding applicable taxes; other podcast revenue, including advertising, goes to the creator.

Castbox is a podcast app for discovering and listening to shows. It is available on iOS, Android and web, as well as PWA, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Apple Watch. Its recommendation engine uses artificial intelligence to help listeners find podcasts, and automated transcription and indexing power In-Audio Search. Listeners can download episodes for offline listening, follow private feeds, sync across devices, comment and share. Creators can use Creator Studio analytics for subscribers, streams and downloads; Castbox also offers free audio upload and storage, plus free web hosting for up to 5 podcasts or channels. The Free plan costs nothing and limits listeners to 100 channel subscriptions. Castbox says it uses safeguards for user data but cannot guarantee fully secure internet transmissions. Users can request account and personal data deletion through the app or by emailing support.