Hey there, podcast lovers! If you’re a fan of Google Podcast, you might have heard the news that Google Podcast is no longer available. For many, this comes as a surprise. Google Podcast was simple, free, and worked well with other Google services. But now, you need to find a new way to listen to your favorite shows.
Don’t worry, though! There are plenty of alternatives out there that can replace Google Podcast. This post will briefly explain why Google Podcast has stopped its service and share 6 Google Podcast alternatives.
Why Does Google Podcast Stop Service?
Google Podcast has shut down. Many users are reluctant and lost. This news is not groundless. As early as last year, Google announced that Google Podcast would stop its service. Google is shifting its focus to YouTube Music. They want to combine music and podcasts into one app.

While YouTube Music is great for music, many podcast fans feel it doesn’t have everything they love about Google Podcasts. Some users are not happy about this. This is why Google Podcast alternatives come into being.
6 Google Podcast Alternatives
Google Podcast was a popular choice for many listeners. But now that it’s going away, we need to find new options. The following 6 Google Podcast Alternatives stand out from the public reviews of Google Store and Reddit.
1. Spotify
Spotify is not only a popular music streaming app but also one of the largest platforms for podcasts. It has become a major player in the podcasting field, hosting a wide range of shows, including some exclusive to the platform.

Supported devices: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, web browsers, smart TVs, and game consoles.
Pros:
- Massive podcast library: Spotify hosts nearly every podcast imaginable, including famous content such as “The Joe Rogan Experience” and others.
- Easy-to-use interface: The app is user-friendly and has a clean design, making it easy to navigate and find podcasts.
- Cross-platform syncing: You can switch between devices—your phone, tablet, or computer—without losing your place in an episode.
- Combines music and podcasts: Spotify lets you integrate both your podcast and music libraries, making it a one-stop solution for all your audio content. It’s friendly for users who don’t have much storage.
Cons:
If you’re using the free version of Spotify, your listening may be interrupted by ads, whether you’re streaming music or podcasts.
2. Pocket Casts
Pocket Casts is one of the best podcast apps if you want a bit more control over your listening. It offers a range of features for both casual listeners and premium users.

Supported devices: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, web browsers.
Pros:
- Advanced playback options: Allows you to adjust playback speed, trim silences, and boost volume for better clarity. These features can help shorten long episodes or improve the listening experience in noisy environments.
- Cross-device syncing: You can listen on one device and pick up right where you left off on another. It makes it convenient for people who switch between phones, tablets, or computers.
- Selected content: Offers high-quality podcast lists to help you discover new content based on your preferences. It can be particularly useful for those looking to expand their library.
- Offline listening: You can download episodes for offline listening, a key feature for commuters or anyone with limited internet access.
Cons:
No integration with Google Assistant. It may be not convenient for users enjoying Google Assistant.
3. Castbox
Castbox is another highly regarded podcast app, particularly known for its recommendation engine. It helps users discover new podcasts tailored to their listening habits.

Supported devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Alexa, smartwatches.
Pros:
- Podcast discovery: Castbox uses AI to recommend new podcasts based on your listening history. It makes it easier to find shows you’ll love.
- In-app community: The app has built-in features that let you interact with other listeners. You can post comments and join discussions about specific episodes.
- Cross-device syncing: Similar to Pocket Casts, Castbox lets you sync your listening across multiple devices. It ensures that your place in an episode is never lost.
- Offline listening: Like Google Podcasts, you can download episodes for offline listening.
Cons:
Some users find the interface too cluttered, compared to the simplicity of Google Podcasts.
4. Stitcher
Stitcher is a well-established app that offers a mix of free and premium content. It also includes exclusive podcasts not available on other platforms.

Supported devices: iOS, Android, Web, Alexa, and Sonos.
Pros:
- Massive contents: Stitcher offers wonderful shows such as “Comedy Bang Bang” and “How Did This Get Made?”
- Custom playlists: Stitcher allows you to create custom playlists. It’s easy to organize your favorite shows into specific categories or themes.
- Advanced playback controls: You can control playback speed, set sleep timers, and skip ahead in episodes.
- Offline listening: Like most podcast apps, Stitcher lets you download episodes to listen offline.
Cons:
Much of the exclusive content and advanced features are only available through Stitcher Premium.
5. Overcast
Overcast is an iOS-exclusive podcast app that offers a variety of advanced features without sacrificing ease of use. It’s especially popular among Apple users who want more control over their listening experience than Apple Podcasts provides.
Supported devices: iOS, web browsers, and Apple Watch.
Pros:
- Smart Speed: Automatically shortens episodes by skipping over silences, and helps you save time without losing any content.
- Simple and clean interface: The app’s interface is easy to navigate, and great for both beginner and experienced podcast listeners.
- Voice Boost: Levels out the audio, easier to hear quieter shows or episodes recorded in less-than-ideal conditions.
- Offline listening: As with other apps, you can download episodes for offline listening.
Cons:
iOS only: Overcast is not available for Android users, so it’s limited to those using Apple devices.
6. Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts is the default podcast app for iOS users. It’s built into every iPhone and iPad and is integrated with other Apple services.
Supported devices: all your iOS products: like Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Pros:
- Pre-installed: Apple Podcasts comes pre-installed on all iOS devices, one of the easiest options for Apple users to get started with right away.
- Large podcast library: Hosts a vast selection of shows, covering every genre imaginable.
- Offline listening: You can download episodes to listen offline, a key feature for mobile users.
- Integration with Apple ecosystem: The app works smoothly with Siri, Apple Watch, and other Apple services, a convenient choice for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Cons:
Apple-only: No available on the Android system.
5 Tips for Choosing Google Podcast Alternative
Here are five tips you need to know:
1. Try a few different apps. Most are free to download, so you can test them out.
2. Think about what features matter most to you. Do you want a simple player or lots of extra options?
3. Consider how you listen. Do you need offline listening? Cross-device syncing?
4. Look at the podcast library. Make sure your favorite shows are available.
5. Check if the app works on all your devices.
How to Unblock More Google Podcast Alternatives
If you’re looking for more Google Podcast alternatives but face restrictions due to geo-blocking or censorship in your region, a VPN can help you bypass these barriers. For example, LightningX VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and censorship, granting access to blocked websites and services.

Tips:
LightningX VPN supports unlimited access to global content with no bandwidth or speed limits. It provides 2000+ servers in more than 50 countries. What’s more, it also has strong encryption to protect your privacy and security.
LightningX VPN supports Android/iOS/macOS/Windows/tvOS/Android TV devices. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try it!
Conclusion
Losing Google Podcasts might feel upset, but it’s also a chance to try something new. This post introduces 6 great Google Podcast alternatives out there, each with its cool features. Remember, the most important thing is that you can keep listening to the shows you love. Take your time to find the podcast that feels right for you. Happy listening!