How to Download Podcasts on PC, iOS, Android

Try out Movavi Screen Recorder:

  • Records podcasts in a couple of clicks

  • High-quality audio output

  • Customizable recording options

Edited by Ben Jacklin
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Here, you’ll learn how to record your own podcast and will find a review of apps with a free podcast download option. Read on to find out how to download podcasts to a computer or mobile device. We’ll review a screen recorder for PC and podcast downloader apps.

Quick summary

Best for customizable listening experience, free podcast download on Android.

Best for getting the latest recom­mendations on trending shows on iOS.

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How to record podcasts on a computer

Best for: recording podcasts, capturing computer screen and sound

Movavi Screen Recorder

  • OS

    Windows, Mac

  • Price

    Free trial version, $59.95 for the full version

  • G2 rating

    4.5 out of 5 stars, 41 good reviews out of 44

Movavi Screen Recorder allows you to capture your computer screen and record system sounds or the sound from your microphone. You can use this app to record your own podcast. Movavi Screen Recorder also provides basic editing tools – you can cut out unnecessary segments from your recording. There are several export options, so you can choose the output format you need. The app is available for Windows and Mac.

Pros:

  • Schedule to record at any time to watch later

  • Share links to your videos or upload them directly to the cloud and social media

  • Save your recordings in any popular file format

  • Record all sound in high quality

  • Capture anything from your screen, customize footage and create videos on the go

  • Easy to set up and record from screen or webcam

Cons:

  • The full version gives you unlimited creativity

Step 1. Install Movavi Screen Recorder

Run the installation file and follow the onscreen instructions. To launch the recorder, double-click the icon on your desktop.

Step 2. Set the recording parameters

Click the Screen recording button on the program’s sidebar and select a capture area. Even though you don’t need a video recording, the program will capture the screen anyway. But you’ll be able to save the recording in an audio file format later.

Make sure the Microphone icon is activated. The System Audio recording should be disabled.

Record the audio to download the podcast to your computer

Step 3. Record your podcast

When everything is ready, hit REC to begin and then start speaking. Once you’ve recorded everything you need, click Stop.

Step 4. Save your podcast

After clicking Stop, the podcast will open in a preview window. Here, you can cut out unnecessary parts if needed. To save the podcast, click Export. In the new window, enter the file’s name and choose the folder you want to save it to. Then select MP3 from the list of formats. Finally, hit the Save button.

And that’s it! Now you know how to record a podcast with Movavi Screen Recorder.

Movavi Screen Recorder

The perfect way to record anything from your screen

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.

Best for getting the latest recommendations on trending shows

Apple Podcasts
Bestseller

Best for recording podcasts, capturing computer screen and sound

Movavi Screen Recorder

Best for free podcast download on Android, and an ad-free experience

Google Podcasts

Best for: recording video and audio with complete control over the production

OBS Studio

  • OS

    Windows, Mac, Linux

  • Price

    Free

  • G2 rating

    4.6 out of 5 stars, 110 reviews

With OBS Studio, you can easily create professional-grade live broadcasts and stunning video recordings. This powerful podcast download software gives you the tools you need to capture audio and video from multiple sources and mix them together seamlessly. Whether you’re streaming a game session or recording a tutorial, OBS Studio makes it easy to produce high-quality content that engages your audience.

Powerful and easy to use configuration options give you complete control over your production. Also, with its Studio Mode previewing feature, you can test out your scenes before going live. And thanks to hotkeys for nearly every action, you'll be able to work quickly and efficiently.

Download OBS Studio

Pros:

  • Open source and free to use

  • Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux

  • Highly customizable with a wide range of features

  • Can record from multiple sources simultaneously

Cons:

  • A bit complicated for beginners

  • Requires some technical knowledge to set up

Best for: recording desktop activity with annotations

TinyTake

  • OS

    Windows, Mac

  • Price

    Free version; paid plans start at $29.95 annually

  • G2 rating

    4.3 out of 5 stars, 17 reviews

TinyTake is a simple, free, and feature-rich screen recorder that enables you to capture a region, window, or entire screen with just a few clicks. You can record video, take screenshots of your desktop, or use your webcam to record videos of yourself. You can also annotate your recordings with text, arrows, and shapes. And if you need to collaborate with others, TinyTake makes it easy to share recordings and screenshots via email or social media.

You can also store your recordings in the cloud for future access or share a link to them instantly. Zoom in or out to get just the right shot, and assign custom short-cut keys for quick recording. TinyTake is proxy server friendly, so you can easily record presentations or webinars without having to worry about disconnections.

Download TinyTake

Pros:

  • Free to use (with paid plans for more features)

  • Available on Windows and Mac

  • Easy to use with a clean interface

  • Can annotate recordings with text, arrows, and shapes

Cons:

  • The free version is limited to five minutes of recording time

  • The cloud storage is limited to 2 GB

How to download a podcast to your computer with iTunes

If you’re using iTunes to listen to podcasts on your Mac or Windows PC, you can use the same app to save the audio and listen to it later. So, how do you download podcasts from iTunes? Follow these three easy steps.

Step 1. Install iTunes

Visit the link below to download and install the app.

Get iTunes

Step 2. Search for podcasts

Open the app and select Podcasts from the drop-down list in the top-left part of the interface. Then click Store. Go to the Search field and enter a word or phrase to find the podcast you need. Click Store in the window with search results and hit Enter. A list of podcasts will appear in the main program window.

Step 3. Download an episode

Find the episode you want to download and click Get next to it. The audio will be saved on your computer, so you’ll be able to play it offline anytime.

How to download podcasts to iPhone with Apple Podcasts

It’s simple to download podcasts to an iPhone if they’re on Apple Podcasts. The app is really straightforward and easy to use. It has an App Store rating close to a perfect one. So, here’s how to download podcasts using it.

Step 1. Download and launch the Podcasts app

To download podcasts on your iPhone or iPod, go to the App Store and open the Search tab. In the text box, enter “Apple Podcasts” and tap the Search button. Then, tap Get. When the app has been downloaded, tap Open.

Download Apple Podcasts

Step 2. Find the podcast

Go to the Search tab, enter the name of the podcast (or the topic) you’re looking for, and tap Search. Then, choose the desired podcast.

Step 3. Download the episode

Scroll a bit down and find the episode you need. To download the episode, tap the Dots icon next to it and choose Download Episode.

To find the downloaded episode, go to the Library tab and choose Downloaded episodes. If you want to listen to the episode using a Mac, you can also download the iTunes podcast.

How to download podcasts on Android with Google Podcasts

Just like its competitor, Google has its own podcast app – Google Podcasts. And the variety of shows available is compatible with what Apple has to offer. Here’s how to download podcasts on Android using the app.

Step 1. Download the Google Podcasts app and launch it

To get podcasts on Android devices, go to the Google Play app, enter “Google Podcasts” in the text box, and choose the app from the list. Tap Install and wait for the app to download. Then tap Open.

Download Google Podcasts

Step 2. Find the podcast

Tap the Explore button in the lower part of the screen, enter the name or the topic of the podcast, and tap Search on the keyboard. Find a podcast you like and tap to select it.

Step 3. Download an episode

Find the list of all available episodes and select the episode you wish to download. On the next screen, tap the Download icon below the episode title.

The downloaded episode is now on the main interface page in the Downloads section of the Library.

Best podcast downloaders

App

Best for

OS

Download

Recording podcasts, capturing computer screen and sound

Windows, Mac

Customizable listening experience, free podcast download on Android

Android

Getting the latest recom­mendations on trending shows on iOS

iOS

Best for: listening to podcasts on Mac and Windows, downloading podcasts to your computer

iTunes

There are several apps that can help you download podcasts to a PC or Mac. You can use podcast managers like Juice or gPodder. Another option is to download podcasts using iTunes. This app is available for both Mac and Windows. Follow the guide below to download podcasts with iTunes.

Get iTunes

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface

  • Free to use

  • Option to download new episodes automatically

  • Option to set the order in which episodes are played

Cons:

  • Lacks search filters

Best for: getting the latest recommendations on trending shows

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts can be used on all your Apple devices and is already available on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch in the App Store. It allows you to listen to all your favorite stories and episodes for free. You can save all your data and download podcasts whenever you want to listen offline. This gives you the freedom to listen to your latest podcast wherever you are, at any time.

Search for free podcasts while exploring a wide range of stories from politics to entertainment, sports, and more. You can stream over 1 million shows and be notified when new episodes are available.

Apple Podcasts editors make your browsing experience easier by sending you recommendations on the most exciting and popular shows, keeping you up to date with the latest trends. Categories and collections curated by the editors are constantly updated.

Download Apple Podcasts

Pros:

  • Download feature to Library saves on cellular data

  • Available on App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

  • All features free

  • Instant playback and downloadable for listening later

Cons:

  • Can’t share snippets of episodes with friends

  • Few options available on playback

  • Doesn’t have a password-protected feeds function

Best for: customizable listening experience, searching for favorite shows, free podcast download on Android, and an ad-free experience

Google Podcasts

  • OS

    Android

  • Price

    Free

  • Google Play rating

    4.6 out of 5 stars

  • Users

    700,000+ reviews, 500,000,000+ installs

With Google Podcasts, how to get podcasts on Android is no big deal! You can find all the podcasts you love, customize the way you listen to them, and listen to them no matter where you are. Managing your podcast listening experience has just become a whole lot easier with this app!

With millions of users installing this app, there’s no doubt this company knows what their users want when downloading the trendiest podcasts. This app allows you to subscribe and listen to your favorite podcasts for free.

You can queue up episodes, keep track of all your downloads, and stream for instant playback or keep listening offline later. This app will give you recommendations of podcasts to listen to, and you can use Google Search and Google Assistant to find your favorite podcasts.

Download Google Podcasts

Pros:

  • Trusted by millions of users

  • Can be used on multiple devices (computer and mobile)

  • Easy to use

  • Multifunctional and free features

  • Customizable listening experience

Cons:

  • Low-quality interface

  • No swiping features for ease of downloading

  • No facility to save podcasts on SD

Best for: listening and downloading exclusive podcasts

Spotify

  • OS

    Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

  • Price

    Free, with a Premium subscription of $12.99 per month

  • PC Magazine rating

    4.5 out of 5 stars

Spotify is one of the world’s most popular platforms to listen to music and podcasts. No wonder, since it has multiple extremely famous podcast series exclusive for their platform. Can you download podcasts from Spotify? Yes, if you’re using the official app, you can! With versions for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, you can save a podcast to your device and listen to it if you don’t have access to the Internet, e.g., on a long trip or flight.

Download Spotify

Pros:

  • Great variety of content

  • Supported by many devices, including PS4 and PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X, Apple TV, etc.

  • Podcasts and music – all in one app

  • Student discounts for the Premium subscription

Cons:

  • Ads in the free version

  • Only the paid subscription grants you the option to download content

Best for: downloading podcasts within a desktop media player

VLC Media Player

  • OS

    Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

  • Price

    Free

  • G2 rating

    4.7 out of 5 stars, 564 reviews

VLC Media Player is a free and open source media player that can play almost any audio or video file. You can use it to play local media files or stream online radio and TV stations.

VLC offers a number of features that make it a great choice for downloading podcasts. It supports a wide range of audio and video formats, so you can play almost any podcast episode. Plus, with its built-in media library, you can easily organize your episodes and keep track of what you've listened to. And if you're streaming over a slow connection, VLC can automatically adjust the playback quality to avoid buffering.

Download VLC Media Player

Pros:

  • Can play almost any audio or video file

  • Free and open source software

  • Can download podcasts directly from the URL

  • Available on multiple platforms

Cons:

  • UI can be confusing for beginners

  • It can be difficult to find the podcast if you don’t know its URL

Best for: organizing and playing your music collection

MusicBee

  • OS

    Windows

  • Price

    Free

  • CNET rating

    4.5 out of 5 stars, 66 reviews

MusicBee is a desktop media player that does more than just play your music files. It can also organize them into easy-to-navigate libraries, and provides features like playback speed control, gapless playback, cross-fading, and more. It also supports a wide range of audio formats, including lossless files.

MusicBee also has a number of features that make it ideal for podcasts. You can easily add new episodes to your library, and organize them into playlists. Plus, MusicBee can automatically download episode artwork and show notes.

Download MusicBee

Pros:

  • Supports a wide range of audio formats

  • A variety of playback features

  • Customizable plugins

Cons:

  • Only available on Windows

  • The interface can be overwhelming for beginners

Best for: connecting on Bluetooth devices, customizable storage feature, and paid ads-free experience

Stitcher

  • OS

    Android, iOS

  • Price

    Free version; Premium version for $4.99/month


  • Overall rating

    3.7 out of 5 stars

  • Users

    60,000+ reviews, 5,000,000+ installs

With over 5 million users, Stitcher is a popular podcast app for downloading your latest and most favorite shows. Plus, it’s free and easy to use. Downloadable features allow you to pick up from where you left, so you never miss what’s happening.

Storing features allow you to custom group your downloads, a nifty feature when looking for a particular show. Other customizable download settings will enable you to search episodes and filter, so you see what you want without the hassle. Fine-tuned playback controls let you listen at your speed, too.

Stitcher also recommends the trendiest shows, helping you manage your time while ensuring you’re updated on the latest podcasts. Install this app to your Apple or Android device from either App Store or Google Play. While it’s a free podcast downloader, you can purchase Premium for ad-free listening.

Download Stitcher

Pros:

  • Multifunctional features for most devices

  • Queue up and rearrange episodes to personal preference

  • Connect on Bluetooth devices

  • Functional on web player

  • Ad-free experience on Premium

Cons:

  • Annoying ads on free mode

Best for: wide range of podcasts with over 95 million available content

Castbox

  • OS

    Android, iOS

  • Price

    Free

  • Google Play rating

    4.7 out of 5 stars, 230,000+ reviews, 10,000,000+ installs

Castbox app allows you to download podcasts to Android and iOS devices, all for free. You can listen to over 95 million content whether you’re using your Android or Apple iPhone. What’s more, it’s supported by Amazon so use it on your Alexa device.

If you want to listen while wearing your Apple Watch, turn on “Show App on Apple Watch,” and you can hear your podcasts while on the go. Castbox even supports vehicles if you have Apple’s CarPlay or Google Android Auto.

Whenever you’re at your desk, listen to your favorite podcast on your web player while you’re working. With over 10 million users turning to Castbox for easy-to-use podcast listening, you can be sure this app will work for your podcast downloads.

Download Castbox

Pros:

  • Functional on a wide range of devices

  • AI recommendation engine for trending shows

  • Free streaming and download

  • Easy to navigate interface

Cons:

  • Ads interruption in free mode

Best for: iPhone, iPads, and Apple Watch users, cheap ad-free experience option, and personalized recommendations

Overcast

  • OS

    iOS

  • Price

    Free with ads (you can disable ads for $10/year)

  • App Store rating

    4.7 out of 5 stars

  • Users

    25,000+ reviews

The Overcast app is designed only for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users. It’s a free app and simple to use. Its SmartSpeed feature means you never have to battle with annoying silences in talk shows. You can boost and normalize conversations with its Voice Boost feature, making it easy to listen whether you’re in the car or using the subway.

The free mode does include ads, but you can download Overcast for $10 a year and listen with no interruptions from ads for a nominal fee. You can download and listen anytime, anywhere, even offline. It allows you to search and browse podcasts, plus it gives you personalized recommendations. You can create custom playlists and receive notifications of the latest episodes.

This self-funded, award-winning app with world-class privacy is an excellent option for listening to podcasts without compromising functionality.

Download Overcast

Pros:

  • Sleep timer to automatically stop playlists

  • Supports Apple CarPlay

  • Simple and intuitive interface

  • Customizable and user-friendly

Cons:

  • Only available for Apple devices

Best for: customizable features, smart speakers supported by Sono and Alexa, and tuning in on favorite topics in an episode

Pocket Casts

  • OS

    Android, iOS

  • Price

    Free with in-app purchases

  • Google Play rating

    4.3 out of 5 stars

  • Users

    69,000+ reviews, 1,000,000+ installs

Downloadable, for free, on both Google Play and App Store, this app allows you to listen to podcasts on most devices. The interface is clean and intuitive, while the discover page features all the latest shows and curated lists.

Pick up where you left, any time, and with powerful filters, you can customize your top casts giving you the exact episodes you want to listen to. The Episode feature simplifies finding that one particular topic you’re interested in. Another great feature is the automatic playback queue from all your favorite shows.

Pocket Casts app also supports smart speakers for Sonos and Alexa. Podcasts and playbacks can be synced across all your devices, making listening easy wherever you go. Auto Archiving makes it easy to store your downloads, and you can manage your playback speed.

Download Pocket Casts

Pros:

  • Easy to listen to and manage downloads

  • Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

  • Volume boost without background interference

  • Optional notifications for new episodes

Cons:

  • Needs more advanced search features

  • Fewer playlists available on Up Next

  • No setting to schedule times

  • Not available for web players on free mode

Best for: downloading podcasts directly to your mobile device

Downcast

Downcast is a great option if you want to download podcasts directly to your iPhone or iPad. With Downcast, you can easily subscribe to your favorite podcasts and have new episodes downloaded automatically. You can also adjust playback speed, choose whether to stream or save episodes, and more.

Downcast also offers a number of features for power users, such as the ability to set up smart playlists and customize episode naming conventions. And if you have an Apple Watch, you can use Downcast to control playback and view show notes on your wrist.

Download Downcast

Pros:

  • Can download podcasts directly to your mobile device

  • CarPlay support

  • Customizable playback options

Cons:

  • No Windows or Android apps

  • Doesn’t have search options by network name

Free podcast download from the source

Getting a free podcast download from the source is simple. Most podcast apps follow similar steps to downloading a podcast, using tabs for searching and finding trending shows and episodes. Search bars are also used to filter through different podcasts.

Using the tab button, you can subscribe to a podcast which saves you from downloading each episode. Depending on the app you’re using, you would tap either on the + symbol or another checkmark next to the selected podcast.

You’ll receive notifications whenever a new episode is available for download. You can do this by clicking on Download or Play displayed next to the episode’s title. Some podcast apps automatically download episodes when the settings are turned on for this feature.

How to choose a podcast downloader

As you can see, there are multiple apps you can use to download podcasts from any website. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the most suitable app for your needs.

Podcasts. Some podcasts are available only on certain platforms. So make sure the app in question has your favorite podcast on the list.

Interface. You don’t want to spend time trying to master the app, so make sure it’s easy for you to navigate the interface.

Price. Find out how much the service costs or whether it’s free to use.

Functions. Pay attention to what features the app provides. Apart from listening to podcasts and downloading them, you can enjoy other functions like AI recommendations, notifications for new episodes, automatic downloads of new episodes, or automatic deletion of played episodes.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you choose a podcast audio downloader. All of them have different features, so feel free to check out the software from this article to pick the one that suits you best.

Movavi Screen Recorder

The perfect way to record anything from your screen

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I download podcasts for free?

There is a wide range of podcast apps available for downloading your favorite shows and episodes. You can use either App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android, depending on the device you are using. These apps allow you to download and manage your podcasts automatically.

Are podcasts free?

All podcasts are free as long as you have access to the internet. These free audio programs can be downloaded to your preferred device using one of the many podcast apps available. Most apps are free with the option of paid packages for an ad-free experience.

How do I download a podcast to my iPhone?

To download a podcast on your iPhone, open Podcasts on your device. Use the Browse tab to find your shows and episodes. You can also use the Search tab. Tap the shows you like and click Subscribe.

Move it to your Library. Here, select the podcast or Available Episodes you want to download by clicking on the Plus symbol. When this symbol changes to a Cloud symbol, press and hold. Choose Download Episode from the pop-up menu and wait for the podcast to download to your device.

What is the best podcast downloader?

Here are some great programs to download podcasts:

  • Movavi Screen Recorder

  • Castbox

  • TinyTake

  • VLC

  • OBS Studio

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