Best Hidden Gem Podcast Apps for Android

There are numerous popular podcast apps available for Android, such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and PocketCasts. However, there are also some lesser-known podcast apps that offer unique and interesting features. These underrated Android podcast apps are worth trying out if you're looking for a fresh and different podcast listening experience. Here are some of the best hidden gem podcast apps for Android that you may have never heard of before.

1. Podify

Podify is a podcast app that displays podcasts from Spotify. Unlike the Spotify app, which combines music and podcasts, Podify focuses exclusively on Spotify podcasts, providing a clutter-free listening experience. By logging in with your Spotify account, you can easily access and listen to the podcast episodes from the channels you follow on Spotify. However, please note that you cannot search or follow podcasts directly within Podify. Consider it as a companion app to enhance your Spotify podcast listening.

• Pros:

  • Listen to Spotify exclusive podcasts
  • Clean and minimal user interface
  • Bookmark and access podcasts easily

• Cons:

  • No direct search or follow feature
  • No discover feed
  • Lacks advanced features like Spotify connect and sleep timer

2. Moonbeam

Moonbeam offers a unique approach to podcast listening by focusing on small clips from various podcasts. The app curates custom playlists filled with clips on different topics like sleep, journey, parenting, nature, love, and more. The Discover feed presents these clips in a TikTok-style layout, allowing you to swipe up and listen to random clips from different podcasts. If you find a clip interesting, you can play the full episode and subscribe to the channel.

In the Library section, you'll find the traditional podcast features, including the channels you follow and their episodes. Moonbeam also provides usage statistics, such as the number of channels you follow, podcasts you've listened to, shows discovered, listening time, favorite genre, and more.

• Pros:

  • Custom playlists for clips on the homepage
  • TikTok-style discovery page for finding new podcasts
  • Usage statistics
  • Directly play full episodes from clips

• Cons:

  • User interface may be overwhelming for newcomers
  • Mini player pop-up can be distracting

3. Snipd

Snipd, similar to Moonbeam, focuses on small clips from popular podcast episodes. However, it differs by offering clips as a side feature while being a regular podcast app. The Discover tab in Snipd allows you to access clips from various podcasts. Additionally, Snipd includes a unique feature called “Snips,” which enables you to create your own clips from a podcast.

One standout feature of Snipd is its live transcription capability. The app automatically transcribes and displays text for podcasts in its player. It also generates chapters if the hosts discuss multiple topics in the podcast.

• Pros:

  • Live transcription
  • Chapters for easy navigation within a podcast
  • Clips in the discover feed
  • Ability to create your own clips

• Cons:

  • Clip creation button takes up a lot of space on the player
  • Sleep Timer feature is not available
  • Chapters may not be completely accurate

4. Cast Box

Cast Box is a feature-rich podcast app that caters to users who prefer extensive functionality. Along with the standard podcast app features, such as downloading episodes and a sleep timer, Cast Box offers an equalizer and volume boost for enhanced audio control. It also includes a comment section where users can engage in discussions about specific episodes. Furthermore, Cast Box allows you to record and create podcasts directly within the app.

However, the app does have a few downsides, such as visual ads throughout the interface, frequent notifications, and premium plans that come at a higher cost.

• Pros:

  • Equalizer and volume boost options
  • Comment and community section
  • Chromecast support
  • Ability to create and upload podcasts

• Cons:

  • Excessive ads
  • Numerous notifications
  • Expensive premium plans

5. Acast

Acast is a simple and straightforward podcast app that supports Chromecast, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an uncomplicated app with essential features. You can search for and follow channels, and their episodes will be readily available on the home page. Once you start playing an episode, you'll have access to various options, including downloading episodes, setting a sleep timer, adjusting playback speed, and casting to Chromecast.

The only drawback of Acast is that the search function can be slow, and the search page itself may feel somewhat clumsy to navigate.

• Pros:

  • Simple user interface
  • Chromecast support

• Cons:

  • Clumsy search page

6. Antenna Pod

Antenna Pod is a straightforward podcast player app with a clean and simple material design. It doesn't come with a plethora of features, but it offers advanced options for importing podcasts. You can subscribe to RSS feeds, add podcasts from local folders, search for podcasts on various services like gPodder, and import podcast lists in OPML format.

The only downside is the lack of a bottom bar, which can make navigation slightly confusing when relying solely on the hamburger menu.

• Pros:

  • Simple and clean user interface
  • Multiple options for importing podcasts

• Cons:

  • Unintuitive menu

7. Player FM

Player FM is the podcast app of choice for dark mode enthusiasts. Featuring a pitch-black background throughout the app (excluding the player), Player FM offers extensive customization options. You can manage swipe gestures, album size, style, fonts, themes, shortcuts, shake options, and more. The app also includes features like volume boosting, skipping silence between episodes, and reducing noise.

However, the “Now Playing” UI element is less customizable, lacks theming options, and contains an ad at the top. Nevertheless, using the mini-player for podcast listening enhances the overall experience.

• Pros:

  • Theming options
  • Highly customizable
  • Skips silence between episodes

• Cons:

  • Clumsy “Now Playing” screen with ads

8. Luminary

Luminary stands out by offering its own original content in addition to podcasts available on other platforms. The app provides a clean and straightforward podcast listening experience. One notable feature is the categories filter in the search, which effectively organizes related channels within their respective categories.

However, Luminary's originals are locked behind a subscription, which offers a 7-day free trial. Additionally, the app's premium plans are relatively more expensive, and the app was primarily developed with a focus on iOS.

• Pros:

  • Luminary originals
  • Easy-to-navigate user interface

• Cons:

  • Expensive premium plans
  • iOS-centric development

9. Podcast Republic

Podcast Republic offers a unique feature that allows you to create tags for your favorite podcast channels. This functionality is particularly beneficial if you follow channels in different categories, as it enables you to maintain multiple lists and manage your subscriptions efficiently. The app features a clean and user-friendly interface with options to create custom playlists, download episodes, and more. The car mode provides a layout optimized for easier control while driving.

One downside is that ads are placed at the bottom of every app page.

• Pros:

  • Use tags to separate and manage subscribed channels
  • Filter podcasts by categories
  • Car mode for driving convenience
  • Custom playlists
  • Check reviews of podcast channels
  • Take notes while listening to podcasts

• Cons:

  • Ads displayed at the bottom of every app page

Underrated Podcast Apps for Android

While the aforementioned podcast apps are worth exploring, there are several other options available on Android. However, many of these apps may bombard you with ads or lack essential features. If you're open to trying other podcast apps, consider exploring Podcast Addict, Podbeam, and Pocket Cast. These apps are more popular among users and offer a wider range of features compared to the hidden gems mentioned above.