Streaming podcasts is great – except when you’re offline!
Whether it’s because your internet is down, or you’ve had a power outage, or you simply don’t want to rely on the data from your smartphone’s network.
That’s why it’s worth checking out podcast downloader apps.
That way you can download loads of interesting podcasts directly to your laptop, tablet or flash drive, to listen to at your convenience, whenever and wherever you happen to be.
It’s particularly handy when you’re driving in your car, and you don’t want to use your smartphone network to connect to the internet to stream the podcasts.
Just stick the audio onto a flash drive and plug it into your car’s system, and let your multitasking commence.
See also: Best Podcasting Listening Apps
It also comes in handy when you’re going for a run and want to keep yourself suitably entertained.
But first you need to ensure that you have the right apps to do it.
So to that end, this article is going to discuss some of the more popular apps for downloading podcasts and storing them as MP3 files.
By the time you get to the wrap up at the end of the article, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what’s out there and may even be in a position to choose one.
And without further ado, let’s get straight to it!
Best App For Downloading YouTube Podcasts To MP3
YoutubeMP3
You can use the web app YoutubeMP3 to convert the format of a YouTube video into an audio format, such as the MP3 format.
And then you will be able to download it and store it wherever you want.
All you have to do is copy and paste the URL, choose your preferred format, e.g. MP3.
Best App For Downloading Spotify Podcasts To MP3
TuneFab Spotify Music Converter
TuneFab is great for downloading and converting podcasts, songs, albums, audiobooks, and playlists from Spotify into popular audio formats such as MP3, M4A, FLAC, and WAV.
It has some great features, such as fast conversion, no loss of output quality, and ID3 tag preservation (e.g. album and artist names).
It works on both regular PCs and Macs, and once downloaded, just follow the installation instructions, and you’re good to go.
TuneFab has its own embedded Spotify web player, and to use the app to download podcasts, you will first have to sign in to your Spotify account within the TuneFab app.
Then, you simply search for the podcast episodes you want to download, and click on the “Add” icon on the podcast’s page.
Then be sure to select the format that you want, e.g. MP3, click “Convert”, and the app will both download and convert the file for you.
You can use the app for free for the first 30 days before subscribing.
Do I Even Need A Podcast MP3 Downloader?
If you don’t want yet another app taking up room on your hard drive, or a web browser extension slowing down your browsing, then you may be interested to know that there are other options open to you.
Google Podcast Downloader
Google Podcast is an excellent choice for those who want a straightforward and integrated podcast experience on their Android device without any frills or additional costs.
For example, Google Podcasts allows users to download their podcasts. All you have to do is head to “Downloads” and tap “Auto downloading”.
Then, you just turn on “Auto download” for new episodes.
Next, head over to “Your subscriptions” and turn on the podcasts you’ve decided to download.
Related: Google vs Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts Downloading
This YouTube video shows you how to download a podcast from Apple Podcasts in just a few simple steps.
Alternatively, you can also download podcasts from iTunes, by following this simple tutorial.
Spotify Podcast Downloading
So, it turns out that while on Spotify Premium you are allowed to download albums, playlists and podcasts, without the need to download any additional apps.
In fact, you are allowed to download as many as a whopping 10,000 audio files, and on up to 5 different devices.
All you have to do is go online on Spotify, select the episodes you want to listen to offline, and switch the download toggle on.
This is not possible on the free version of Spotify, however.
However, it’s important to note at this point that although Spotify requires podcast creators to send their files in MP3 format, this does not mean that listener’s podcast downloads are also in MP3 format.
The unfortunate drawback of using Spotify to download podcasts, is that the files do not get downloaded as MP3 files.
In fact, Spotify deliberately encodes audio files in OGG format in an attempt to prevent them being exported as MP3 files.
Best Podcast Downloader for Windows
- Podcast Addict: While originally for Android, there’s a version for Windows as well. It’s known for its vast features and customizations. If you already use Podcast Addict on an Android device, the Windows version might be a natural choice.
- iTunes: Apple’s media player and organizer also serves as a comprehensive podcast downloader and manager. It’s especially useful if you use other Apple devices, as it can keep your podcasts synchronized across devices.
- Spotify: Not just a music streaming service, Spotify has integrated podcast support, which allows users to stream and download podcasts for offline listening.
- Pocket Casts Desktop: If you use Pocket Casts on mobile, their desktop version will be a good fit for you. It’s not free, but the synchronization between devices can be worth the price for some.
- gPodder: A free, open-source podcast manager that offers a simple user interface and supports video and audio podcasts. It allows users to easily subscribe to, download, and organize their podcasts.
- Overcast: Although it’s primarily known as an iOS app, it’s accessible via a web player, which means you can technically use it on a Windows machine to listen to your favorite podcasts.
Best Podcast Downloader for Mac
- Apple Podcasts: Pre-installed on every Mac, Apple’s Podcasts app provides a vast selection of podcasts and features seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Downcast: Known for a wide range of features including smart playlists, automatic downloads, and iCloud syncing.
- gPodder: A straightforward, open-source podcast manager for downloading and organizing podcasts.
- Pocket Casts Desktop: Offers cloud syncing between devices, a feature-rich player, and a polished interface.
- Overcast: Primarily an iOS app, but Mac users can access via a web player for their listening needs.
- Spotify: A music streaming platform that’s incorporated podcast functionality, allowing both streaming and downloading for offline listening.
Best Podcast Downloader for Android
- Pocket Casts: A popular choice known for its sleek user interface, customizable playlists, cross-device syncing, and variable speed playback.
- Podcast Addict: Extremely feature-rich, Podcast Addict offers automatic updates, episode management, backup, OPML import/export, and more.
- AntennaPod: An open-source and ad-free podcast manager, AntennaPod provides a straightforward, uncluttered experience with features like automatic updates, speed adjustment, and chapter support.
- Castbox: This app offers a wide library of podcasts, in-app subscriptions, personalized recommendations, and an in-audio search feature.
- Google Podcasts: A free, straightforward app by Google, it offers cross-device syncing with the web version and straightforward podcast management.
- Overcast: While primarily known as an iOS app, Android users can access Overcast through its web version. The app features Smart Speed, Voice Boost, and great playlist options.
- Spotify: More than just a music app, Spotify has a rapidly growing library of podcasts and provides both streaming and downloading capabilities.
- Stitcher: Popular among podcast enthusiasts, Stitcher offers on-demand streaming and lets you download podcasts for offline listening. It also includes a premium, ad-free version with exclusive content.
- Podbean: As both a platform for hosting and listening, Podbean has a user-friendly app that offers podcast discovery, playback speed adjustments, and a sleep timer.
- Player FM: This app focuses on podcast discovery with a clean interface, offline listening, and custom playlists.
Podcast Files and Downloaders: A Focus on MP3
Understanding Podcast Files:
At the heart of any podcast episode you stream or download is an audio file, most commonly in the MP3 format. MP3 is a universal audio format known for its compatibility across devices and platforms and its ability to compress audio without a significant loss in quality.
Why MP3 Matters:
Given its widespread acceptance and use, MP3 becomes a vital format for podcasters and listeners alike. Podcasters typically distribute their content in MP3 because they know it will reach the widest audience. For listeners, MP3s offer flexibility. Once downloaded, an MP3 file can be transferred, played, or backed up across multiple devices.
Podcast Downloaders and MP3:
A podcast downloader’s primary function is to fetch these MP3 files from the podcast’s RSS feed and save them for offline use. While many podcast apps allow for downloading, they often encapsulate the MP3 within the app’s ecosystem, preventing users from directly accessing or sharing the raw file.
However, for those who want direct access to the MP3 files – be it for archiving, transferring to other devices, or any other purpose – dedicated podcast downloaders can be used. These are tools, often desktop applications or web services, that can grab the MP3 directly from a podcast’s feed or website.
Points to Consider When you Download Podcasts:
- Copyright: Even if you can download and access the raw MP3 of a podcast episode, it doesn’t mean you have rights to redistribute or use it commercially. Always respect copyright and the rights of content creators.
- Storage: MP3 files, especially for long podcast episodes, can take up a significant amount of space. Ensure you have adequate storage if you’re downloading many episodes.
- Quality Variance: Not all MP3s are created equal. The quality of an MP3 file can vary based on its bitrate. Higher bitrates generally mean better audio quality but also result in larger file sizes.
In conclusion, while streaming remains a popular choice for many, having direct access to podcast MP3 files provides flexibility and control over one’s listening experience. Whether using a podcast app or a dedicated downloader, always prioritize the respect for content creators and their rights.
Wrap Up
Numerous tools, including free options, allow you to download and convert podcasts to MP3. While many podcast platforms already offer direct downloads, the challenge often lies in converting these files to the universally accepted MP3 format. Thankfully, a variety of audio converter apps are available to address this need.
When choosing an app, consider your go-to podcasting platform. Legally, downloading podcasts for personal use is acceptable, but redistributing or profiting from them isn’t. Always respect content rights.
Podcast Downloaders and Converters Mentioned:
- YoutubeMP3: Convert YouTube videos to MP3.
- TuneFab Spotify Music Converter: Convert Spotify podcasts to MP3, M4A, FLAC, and WAV.
- Google Podcasts Downloader: Download podcasts directly on the Google Podcasts app.
- Apple Podcasts & iTunes: Download podcasts directly or using guides and tutorials.
- Spotify: Direct podcast downloading for premium users, though not in MP3 format.
- Podcast Addict (Windows & Android): Comprehensive podcast downloader and manager.
- iTunes (Windows): Media player and podcast manager.
- Pocket Casts (Windows, Mac & Android): Sync between devices and download podcasts.
- gPodder (Windows & Mac): Open-source podcast manager.
- Overcast (Windows, Mac & Android): Primarily iOS but accessible through web versions.
- Downcast (Mac): Features smart playlists, automatic downloads, and iCloud syncing.
- AntennaPod (Android): Open-source, ad-free podcast manager.
- Castbox (Android): Various features for podcast listening and downloading.
- Stitcher (Android): Download podcasts for offline listening with exclusive content.
- Podbean (Android): Hosting and listening platform.
- Player FM (Android): Focuses on podcast discovery with a clean interface.
- Easily start your own podcast today!
- There is a reason Podbean is used by 570,000+ Podcasters!
Armed with this list, you’ll have a wealth of choices tailored to your platform and needs, ensuring an uninterrupted podcast listening experience.
