Castro vs Podimo

Castro is a podcast player for Apple devices, centered on a queue for adding, reordering, and automatically playing episodes. Queued episodes download over Wi-Fi, and users can listen offline, read episode transcripts, and sync across devices. Playback speeds are adjustable from 0.8x to 3x; Trim Silence can shorten total listening time by 10–20% without changing audio quality. Other listening tools include private feeds, podcast chapters, episode sharing, and per-podcast settings for auto-queue, audio filters, playback speed, and intro skipping. Users can import their own audio by adding files to iCloud Drive. Castro has a CarPlay app, while Apple Watch users can control playback and browse the queue. The listed platforms are iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Apple Watch. The free plan is available, and Castro Plus adds advanced playback, sideloading, Night Mode, custom icons, and more. Listed subscriptions include $3.99 per month, $9.99 per month billed quarterly, $24.99 per year, and family subscriptions at $39.99 per year. Castro directs questions to [email protected].

Podimo is a subscription audio service for podcasts and audiobooks, including exclusive and original content. Its catalog is described as containing more than 1,000 exclusive shows and more than 70,000 audiobooks. The service offers personalized listening and interactive features connecting creators and audiences. Listeners can download episodes and audiobooks for offline playback, and video podcasts are supported. Playback settings include automatic queue downloads, audio-only downloads and video streaming quality controls. Podimo is available on the web, iOS, Android and iPad, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Apple users can cast to Sonos using AirPlay; Chromecast is currently available only on Android. A free plan provides public podcasts through open RSS feeds. Premium costs €4.99 per month and includes 20 audiobook hours; Premium Plus costs €9.99 per month and includes 100 hours. A 30-day trial is listed. Availability varies by country, and the service is for individual, personal, non-commercial use.