PinePods vs YourPods

PinePods is a free, self-hosted podcast server with clients that synchronize across devices. Users can subscribe to shows, search through Podcast Index and iTunes, or follow YouTube channels and receive audio-only downloads as podcasts. Listening position, settings, themes, and subscriptions sync across devices. Playback and library tools include offline downloads, video podcasts, transcripts, custom RSS feeds, OPML import and export, speed controls, and per-podcast start and end cutoffs. PinePods has its own gpodder server and also supports external gpodder servers and Nextcloud gpodder sync. Separate libraries are available for multiple users, with multi-factor authentication and OpenID Connect integration. The maker documents Docker Compose and Kubernetes deployment with Helm. User settings, podcasts, and episodes are stored in MySQL or Postgres; the database API connects web, desktop, and mobile clients, which authenticate with API keys. A public demo is available, though accounts may be deleted and are not meant for permanent use. Support requests and issue reports are directed to Discord and GitHub.

YourPods is a podcast player built in Swift and SwiftUI, with offline downloads, episode transcripts, and private feed support. Playback controls include silence trimming, variable speed, smart skip, sleep timers, and per-podcast Listening Profiles. AutoPilot can add new episodes to Up Next, move priority episodes to the top, and apply those profiles. The app supports iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, Android, Windows, Linux, and modern web browsers, with Siri and Shortcuts and Handoff in the Apple ecosystem. Sync options include Nextcloud gPodder Sync, NextPod, RePod, custom gpodder.net server addresses, and other compatible servers. The maker says the app has no analytics, ads, or data harvesting. Vault Mode keeps subscriptions, queue, and listening history on-device; P3 removes 39 tracking prefixes across 25 analytics services before playback or downloads. YourPods Sync stores account and listening data on US infrastructure, transmitted over HTTPS/TLS. Sync users can export JSON data or delete accounts through the account portal. The app is listed at $4.99 a month as a one-time purchase; YourPods Pro costs $30 a year after trial. Its optional media proxy is limited to 25 episodes per calendar month.