Compare software

Apple Podcasts vs PinePods: catalog facts
Apple Podcasts	PinePods
Best for: iPhone and Mac users who want a built-in podcast player	Best for: Households that want a shared, self-hosted podcast library
Free + paid options The app is free; some shows offer premium content that costs extra.	Free Free and open source.
macOS, iOS	Android, Web, Self-hosted
Supports video podcasts with Picture in Picture Enhance Dialogue playback option All 4 strengths for Apple Podcasts Supports video podcasts with Picture in Picture Enhance Dialogue playback option Syncs listening across Apple devices Editorial curation, channels and top charts	Multi-user podcast server gPodder-compatible sync API All 4 strengths for PinePods Multi-user podcast server gPodder-compatible sync API Web interface plus a mobile app Downloads episodes to your own server
Limited to Apple's platforms Closed source All 3 limitations for Apple Podcasts Limited to Apple's platforms Closed source Some premium content requires paid subscriptions	Requires running and maintaining a server Smaller project than mainstream podcast apps
Downloadable app	Self-hosted
Not open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Apple Podcasts apple.com/apple-podcasts apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029 Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for PinePods github.com/madeofpendletonwool/PinePods play.google.com/store/apps/details apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/com.gooseberrydevelopment.… Catalog checked September 24, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.