Where To Listen To Podcasts: 11 Best Options Ranked & Reviewed

Podcasts have become an excellent source of news and entertainment since their rise to popularity in the early 2000s.

As of this writing, there are more than 71 million podcast episodes available across various platforms.

So, no matter what type of content you’re into, there’s a podcast available for you.

With an endless list of streaming platforms to choose from, you’ll be able to listen to podcasts anywhere, anytime.

But how do you listen to podcasts? And where’s the best place to find them?

Keep reading to learn all you need to know about finding and listening to podcasts.

How Do I Find Podcasts to Listen To?

Finding new podcasts is simple once you get the hang of it.

There are a few places you can search to find podcasts you enjoy.

Search engines, podcast hosting sites, and social media are a few of the best places.

1. Google Podcasts by Niche

The quickest way to find a podcast you’ll enjoy is to Google what you like.

Doing an internet search is particularly useful if you have a specific niche you’re interested in.

For example, you could search for news, film, urban legends, or local history podcasts and see thousands of results.

2. Check Podcast Hosting Sites

Podcast hosting sites are another easy place to find fun podcasts to listen to.

Spotify, Apple, and Amazon are some of the biggest names that offer podcasts through their platforms.

When you want to find something new to listen to, type in what you’re looking for or browse through the categories until you find something that catches your eye.

3. Ask Social Media

Social media is an excellent place to crowdsource podcast recommendations in your favorite niche.

With so many like-minded people online, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something you enjoy.

Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, and your regular feed are all accessible places to look for suggestions.

4. Use Podcast Discovery Tools

With so many types of podcasts to choose from, using a podcast discovery tool can help you find shows based on personal interests or needs.

Sites like Podchaser, Discover Pods, and PodSearch are excellent tools to help you find a podcast worth listening to.

Since discovery tools only select options in your niche, you’re bound to find something fun.

Where to Listen to Podcasts

Ask anyone who listens to podcasts, and you’ll find they have a preferred podcast platform.

Some, such as Spotify or Apple, are more well-known than others.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular platforms.

Which Podcast Platform is Best?

It’s hard to say what the “best” podcast platform is because what’s best for you might be useless for someone else.

We’ve compiled a list of the most popular to make it easier for you to find your favorite.

YouTube

You should check out YouTube’s podcasts if you like to listen and watch your podcasts or bounce between the two.

Many of your favorite podcasters on other platforms film their shows as they record, making it easy to put a face to the voice when you listen.

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is one of the best places to easily listen to the best podcasts available on all your devices.

The app comes pre-installed on all Apple devices, so it should be a natural choice if you’re a dedicated Apple user.

Although podcasts are free, you can opt to pay a subscription fee to get access to ad-free or premium shows.

Castbox

Castbox has an extensive list of podcast episodes to choose from.

You’ll be able to listen to and download episodes on Amazon, Google, Apple, and Android, making it a breeze to listen to your favorite shows.

Castbox is a free app, but you can subscribe for ad-free listening.

RSS.com

RSS.com is a podcast hosting and listening service that offers a broad selection of podcasts created by community members.

Although the selection isn’t as extensive as other platforms, it’s still a great place to find niche episodes.

Podbean

Podbean offers podcasts, live streams, radio, and audiobooks on its multi-system app.

You can access Podbean’s features via Apple, Google Play, and Amazon.

In addition, its customizable playlists make it easy to find and organize your favorite shows.

Spreaker

Spreaker is a lesser-known podcast app where you can listen to and download podcasts.

It develops curated lists for listeners organized into neat channels, making it easy to find what interests you.

Spotify

If you use Spotify to listen to music, you already have access to millions of podcast episodes.

You’ll find many genres to choose from and curated suggestions from other podcasters based on what you’ve listened to previously.

Overcast

Overcast is an iOS podcast host and listening app known for its ability to curate personalized selections for its listeners.

Like other apps, Overcast is free, but you can pay a yearly fee to get an ad-free experience.

Podcast Go

Podcast Go is available for Apple, Amazon, Google, and your desktop.

Its selection is smaller than most, with about 300,000 episodes to choose from.

However, it’s a great place to find new or lesser-known podcasters to pique your interest.

Audible

Amazon’s audiobook platform, Audible, is another popular option for podcast platforms.

You can download it free and access a broad selection of free podcasts.

Or, if you prefer more choices, you can pay for a membership.

Pocket Casts

Pocket Casts is a platform you can access on both Android and Apple devices.

It’s a free service, making it easy to access its massive database of shows.

In addition, if you sign up for Pocket Casts Plus, you’ll be able to listen from more places and access exclusive features.  

How Do I Get Podcasts on My Phone?

If you’re not sure how to listen to a podcast on your phone, there are two ways you can access your favorite episodes.

You can stream your shows using a dedicated app or a web browser, or download episodes directly to your device.

How to Stream Podcasts

Streaming podcasts is similar to downloading them.

The only difference is that you hit the “play” button instead of tapping the download icon.

How to Download Podcasts

You can download podcasts to your phone with just a few taps.

When you log into your favorite app, you’ll see a download option for each show.

For example, on Apple, it looks like a cloud with a down arrow.

Tap the icon, and your show will download to your device.

Where Can I Listen to Free Podcasts?

Most podcast platforms offer free plans that allow you to access all their shows at no cost.

However, you can typically pay a subscription fee to listen to your shows without ads.

Is Spotify Podcast Free?

Spotify’s podcasts are free to stream. However, you’ll need a paid plan if you want to download shows.

In addition, some podcasters offer subscriber-only content via individual subscriptions.

Is Google Podcast Free to Use?

Google Podcasts is free to download and use.

All you need is a Google account to sign up.

Then, you can start listening right away.

The Google Podcast app is available for Apple and Android.

Is the Apple Podcast App Free?

Apple Podcasts are also free for Apple users.

The app comes pre-installed on all Apple devices, but you can also listen on your Windows desktop or using an Alexa device.

Is iHeartRadio Podcast Free?

iHeartRadio is a free podcast service that provides many popular podcasts.

It’s free to use.

However, paid subscribers get access to more content and commercial-free episodes.

You’ll also be able to download episodes with a paid account.

Are Amazon Podcasts Free?

Amazon users can listen to its library of podcasts at no added cost.

However, Amazon Prime subscribers get access to unlimited podcasts and music with unlimited skips and the ability to download content.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you still curious about the best way to listen to your favorite podcasts?

Here are the answers to a few common questions.

Wrapping Up

Podcasts are an excellent way to catch up on the latest news, learn about your favorite hobby, or indulge in new interests.

Each of the podcast apps listed in this article offers plenty of options for you to pick from.

Still, if you’re looking for niche content, your best bet is to do a quick Google search or check out the big players, like Spotify or Apple.

Are you a big podcast fan? Drop a comment below to tell us where you like finding new shows.