Google Podcast was ushered into the Google Graveyard on April 2, 2024. This is the podcast app that I used on my Android phone from the beginning. It was perfect…everything I needed in a simple, clean interface.
Unlike the iPhone, there is no default podcast app for Android phones. You have to find one through the Google Play store. Sounds easy enough, but there are HUNDREDS of options. Trying them all to find a suitable replacement is annoying.
Google suggested that I start using YouTube music as a replacement for Google Podcast. They even make it easy to export your subscriptions with a single click.
I tried YouTube Music for a couple of days, but it didn’t work for me. The YouTube Music app has way too many recommendations, buttons, filters, and suggestions for me. I just want my podcasts….that’s it.
I tried a bunch of different options:
- Spotify – If you have a subscription this is an okay option as long as you don’t mind mixing your music and podcasts. I don’t have a subscription, so the ads are annoying.
- Amazon Music – This is what my family uses for music streaming which clutters up my podcast experience.
- Cast Box – Simple, but the ads were annoying
- Podcast Addict – too many banners, buttons, and widgets for me.
- Pocket Cast – the free version has ads and constant reminders to upgrade. No thanks.
- Stitcher – this was one of my favorite options before the app was discontinued by SiriusXM in 2023.
After trying all of these options I was a little discouraged because I just couldn’t find a good alternative to Google Podcasts. And then I found AntennaPod.
Related post: How I edit my podcast with just a Chromebook (my 3 favorite editing audio tools)
The best podcast app for Android
After trying all of these recommendations I stumbled upon AntennaPod, an open podcast player maintained by a community of podcast fans. This is the podcast player I was looking for, built by people who love podcasts!
- Clean, simple organization
- No advertisements
- No premium version or upgrade notifications
- Import your subscriptions from Google Podcast
- Download episodes for offline listening
- Playback speed adjustments
- Android lock screen integration
- Lots of customization options (if you care)
AntennaPod is only available for Android devices and is free to download. I am now a happy AntennaPod user! I still miss Google Podcast, but I’m satisfied with this alternative.
Are you subscribed to my podcast?
If you’re reading this post, you must be a podcast listener! Why not add my podcast, The Chromebook Classroom, to your feed? Happy listening!
I, too, was very sad to see Stitcher go. I’ve been using Pocket Casts since then, but I’m intrigued by the open source ethos of AntennaPod. Thanks for the recommendation!