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PinePods vs Apple Podcasts: catalog facts
PinePods	Apple Podcasts
Best for: Households that want a shared, self-hosted podcast library	Best for: iPhone and Mac users who want a built-in podcast player
Free Free and open source.	Free + paid options The app is free; some shows offer premium content that costs extra.
Android, Web, Self-hosted	macOS, iOS
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	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
Requires running and maintaining a server Smaller project than mainstream podcast apps	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
Self-hosted	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 PinePods github.com/madeofpendletonwool/PinePods play.google.com/store/apps/details apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/com.gooseberrydevelopment.… Catalog checked September 24, 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.