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Doughnut vs Apple Podcasts: catalog facts
Doughnut	Apple Podcasts
Best for: Mac users who want a native podcast library with local or shared storage	Best for: iPhone and Mac users who want a built-in podcast player
Free Free and open source under GPL-3.0.	Free + paid options The app is free; some shows offer premium content that costs extra.
macOS	macOS, iOS
Native macOS app written in Swift Can keep its podcast library on an internal or network shared drive All 3 strengths for Doughnut Native macOS app written in Swift Can keep its podcast library on an internal or network shared drive Supports episode favourites and podcasts without feeds	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
macOS only	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
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Not open source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
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 Doughnut github.com/dyerc/Doughnut Catalog checked October 8, 2026	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

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