Reviews for Google Podcasts
Login to ReviewFinley Johnson
Apr 04, 2026My new go-to for podcasts
I've been using Google Podcasts for a few months now and it's become my default app. The discovery feature surprised me with how accurate its recommendations are, and the auto-generated transcripts are a lifesaver for catching details I might miss. It's incredibly streamlined and just works seamlessly with my Google account and Assistant.
River White
Apr 03, 2026Great concept, frustrating execution
I love that Google Podcasts automatically transcribes episodes and integrates with my Google Assistant, which makes catching up on shows hands-free while cooking. However, the app frequently crashes when I try to download episodes for offline listening, and the discovery algorithm often suggests the same popular podcasts instead of finding hidden gems. It’s useful when it works, but too unreliable to be my go-to app.
Sarah Miller
Apr 03, 2026Flawed but functional, but not for long
I've been using Google Podcasts as my main podcast app for a few years now. The interface is clean, and the subscription and listening history sync across my Android phone and Google Home devices is seamless. The auto-generated transcripts for some shows are a brilliant feature that I really appreciated. However, I have two major issues. First, the app's performance can be inconsistent—sometimes downloads are slow, or the app will fail to update my subscriptions for no apparent reason. Secondly, and most critically, Google's decision to shut down the service and force a migration to YouTube Music is a deal-breaker. It makes the app feel like a sinking ship, and I wouldn't recommend anyone start using it now. The core function is good, but the execution and long-term support are lacking.
Anna Martin
Apr 03, 2026Perfectly simple podcast solution
As a daily podcast listener, I appreciate how Google Podcasts gets out of the way and just works. The Discover tab actually surfaces shows I enjoy, and having automatic transcripts is fantastic when I need to reference something or listen in a noisy environment. It syncs seamlessly with my Google account across devices, and asking my Assistant to play a specific episode feels like magic.
Dakota White
Apr 03, 2026Solid features, but needs polish
I appreciate the free access and smart features like auto-recommendations and transcripts, which are genuinely helpful for discovering new shows. However, the app feels a bit basic compared to competitors—playback controls are limited, and managing subscriptions isn't as intuitive as I'd like. It's great for casual listening but lacks the depth for power users.
Riley Moore
Apr 02, 2026Adequate but Unremarkable – Does the Basics, Then Stops
The best thing about Google Podcasts is its seamless integration with Google Assistant and the genuinely useful auto-transcripts. However, the app feels barebones and strangely disconnected; managing subscriptions is clunky, and discovery beyond Google's suggestions is poor. It's fine if you want a simple, free player, but it lacks the polish and features of dedicated competitors.
Casey Thomas
Mar 31, 2026A Free and Functional App, But Feels Incomplete
As a free app, it gets the basics right—discovery and playback are simple, and the automatic transcripts are a genuinely helpful accessibility feature. However, the interface feels a bit bare-bones compared to rivals, and the lack of robust playlist or cross-device sync features is frustrating. It's a decent choice if you're already in the Google ecosystem, but power users will likely find it lacking.
Riley Wilson
Mar 29, 2026Frustrating experience with a discontinued-feeling app
I've used Google Podcasts for a few months now, and the experience has been consistently disappointing. The app feels half-baked and neglected—episodes frequently fail to download reliably, playback controls are laggy, and the interface is confusing compared to other podcast apps. Worst of all, Google announced they're discontinuing it in 2024, so now I'm stuck migrating my subscriptions elsewhere.
Morgan Walker
Mar 29, 2026Simple, Free, and Gets the Job Done
As someone who listens to podcasts during my commute, Google Podcasts has been perfect for my needs. I love how it automatically suggests new shows based on what I'm already listening to, and the machine-generated transcripts are a lifesaver when I need to quickly reference a point. The deep Google Assistant integration means I can just use my voice to play episodes while I'm driving, which feels seamless and safe.
Olivia Chen
Mar 29, 2026Simple but with frustrating gaps
I've been using Google Podcasts for about a year. The search and discovery are great, and I love the free automatic transcripts for accessibility. However, the app feels basic—playlist creation is clunky, and the recent announcement of its shutdown makes it impossible to recommend for long-term use. It did the job, but always felt like an afterthought from Google.
Review Summary
Based on 57 reviews
Rating Distribution
Google Podcasts
Google Podcasts is a free podcast app developed by Google. It allows users to search, subscribe, manage, and listen to …
Back to Product