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Google Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Google Podcasts is a free podcast app developed by Google. It allows users to search, subscribe, manage, and listen to podcasts on Android and iOS mobile devices. Key features include automatic subscriptions based on interests, machine-generated transcripts, and integration with
Google Podcasts screenshot

Google Podcasts: Free podcast app with search, subscription & listening capabilities for Android & iOSs

Search, subscribe, manage and listen to podcasts on-the-go with Google Podcasts, a free app developed by Google, offering automatic subscriptions based on interests, machine-generated transcripts and integration with Google Assistant.

What is Google Podcasts?

Google Podcasts is a free mobile app and online podcast service developed and operated by Google. It was launched in June 2018 as an aggregation service that allows users to search, subscribe, manage, and listen to podcasts across Android, iOS, and the web.

Some key features of Google Podcasts include:

  • Search - Users can search for podcasts by name, topic, host name, etc. Powerful algorithms help surface podcast suggestions based on interests and listening history.
  • Subscriptions - Users can subscribe to any podcast and new episodes are automatically downloaded on their device when available. An Up next queue makes it easy to access new episodes.
  • Organization - Podcasts can be organized into priority categories so favorite shows are easier to access. Automatic or custom categories help with organization.
  • Audio Playback - Provides a standard media playback interface allowing easy access to play/pause, speed controls, timers and audio navigation.
  • Offline downloads - Users can download favorite podcast episodes to listen when offline like on a plane or in areas with low connectivity.
  • Auto-generated transcripts (English only) - Uses Google speech technology to provide searchable and readable transcripts for podcast episodes.
  • Integration - Works across Android, iOS, the Google Assistant and automotive operating systems for seamless access on mobile devices, smart speakers and Android Auto.

While more limited than dedicated podcast platforms, Google Podcasts focuses on simplicity and key functionality making it easy for users search, access and listen to podcasts across devices.

Google Podcasts Features

Features

  1. Search for podcasts
  2. Subscribe and manage podcast subscriptions
  3. Automatic recommendations based on interests
  4. Stream and download podcast episodes
  5. Background audio playback
  6. Notifications for new episodes
  7. Sleep timer
  8. Playback speed controls
  9. Automatic transcripts
  10. Google Assistant integration

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Free

Simple and easy to use interface

Powerful search and discovery

Personalized recommendations

Automatic transcripts

Works across Android and iOS

Integration with Google Assistant

Cons

Limited options for customization

No desktop app

Transcripts can be inaccurate

Lacks some advanced podcast app features like playlists

Reviews & Ratings

Login to Review
3.7

57 reviews

Rating Breakdown
Ease of Use
4.1
Features
3.3
Value for Money
4.9
Customer Support
2.2
Overall Experience
3.6
Recent Reviews
reese_walker32
Reese Walker
Jun 02, 2026
A Sleek and Smart Podcast Companion

As a daily podcast listener, Google Podcasts has become my go-to app. Its clean, minimalist interface makes it incredibly easy to search for new shows and manage my subscriptions. I especially love the auto-generated transcripts, which are a lifesaver when …

sageweb354
Sage Harris
May 22, 2026
Shut down notice makes it impossible to recommend

Google announced they're shutting down Podcasts in 2024 and migrating everyone to YouTube Music. The app still works, but there's no point investing time organizing your library or learning features that will disappear. It feels abandoned, with no meaningful updates, …

finleycloud859
Finley Moore
May 18, 2026
Sleek and Simple Podcast Companion

Google Podcasts has become my go-to for daily listening. Its clean, minimalist interface makes browsing and subscribing a breeze, and the personalized recommendations are surprisingly spot-on. Having automatic transcripts available is a fantastic bonus for catching details or listening in …

annacloud865
Anna Jackson
May 18, 2026
Promising but Missing Basics

The automatic recommendations based on my interests are surprisingly good, and I love having transcripts for some episodes – it's a game-changer for accessibility. However, the app feels barebones compared to competitors; creating playlists is clunky, and I've had episodes …

awalker810
Alex Walker
May 18, 2026
Perfectly Simple for My Daily Commute

I use Google Podcasts every day to catch up on news and learn something new on my way to work. The clean interface makes it super easy to find and subscribe to shows, and I love how it syncs my …

Rating Distribution
5
21
4
9
3
21
2
6
1
0

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