Player FM vs Pocket Casts

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.

Pocket Casts is a podcast listening and discovery service from Pocket Casts, a maker founded in 2010. Listeners can search for shows, play episodes and browse recommendations curated by experts. The service supports offline downloads, video podcasts, episode transcripts, private feeds and cross-device sync. It is available on Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows, as well as Apple TV, Apple Watch, Wear OS, CarPlay, Android Auto, Android Automotive, Sonos, Alexa and Chromecast. The free plan includes podcast listening and discovery with web and desktop access; no limits for the free offering are specified. Pocket Casts Plus adds folders, Up Next Shuffle, bookmarks, wearable apps, themes and icons. For new subscribers, Plus costs USD 3.99 per month or USD 39.99 per year. Taxes and fees may apply based on location. Support is available through the help center, forums and direct contact.