Apple Podcasts vs Up Next
Apple Podcasts
apple.comUp Next
apps.apple.comSide by side
| Figure | Apple Podcasts | Up Next |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Podcast apps | 9.0 (#3) | 7.9 (#27) |
| Cross-device sync | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Offline downloads | Yes | Yes |
| Offline listening | Any podcast episode can be downloaded and played offline. | Episodes can be downloaded for offline listening, with automatic refresh and cleanup. |
| Private feed support | Yes | The app supports private podcast feeds using tokenised URLs and HTTP Basic Authentication. |
| Supported platforms | Web, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Windows via iTunes, CarPlay, HomePod, smart speakers, and supported car systems | iPhone, Apple Watch; App Store also lists compatibility with Mac, Apple Vision and Apple Watch operating systems |
| Episode transcripts | Yes | The app can generate transcripts on-device without uploading audio. |
| Video podcasts | Video podcasts support full-screen viewing, Picture in Picture, and switching to audio. | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
Apple Podcasts
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.