Apple Podcasts vs Player FM

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.

Player FM helps users discover, download and play podcasts on the web, Android and iOS. Its library offers over 20 million free podcasts, with trending discovery and topic sections that include niche categories. Users can import subscriptions through OPML or add RSS feeds, including private or password-protected feeds. The service supports video podcasts, episode transcripts, offline downloads and cross-device subscription sync after sign-in. Subscriptions can automatically download recent episodes, and episodes saved to Play Later download for offline use. Premium adds features such as ad-free listening, custom themes, Space Saver compression, playlists, bookmarks and personal search; it also syncs playlists, bookmarks and play history. Premium is a recurring subscription, with its price shown in the app and features varying by platform. Many app subscriptions offer a free trial, whose duration depends on the offer at purchase. Core features remain available on the free plan. On Android, the app supports Android Auto, Android Wear, Chromecast, Samsung Gear S notifications and LG QuickCircle.