How to Listen to Podcasts on Any Device: The Complete Guide

Podcasts have taken the world by storm, offering a diverse range of content that spans various topics, genres, and formats.

Whether you're looking for news updates, gripping true-crime stories, thought-provoking interviews, or just some lighthearted banter, there's a podcast out there for everyone.

But in today's fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle, it's essential to have access to your favorite podcasts across different devices and platforms ensuring you never miss an episode.

That's why we've put together this guide to help you navigate the podcast landscape and listen to your favorite shows from virtually anywhere.

We'll explore some of the most popular podcast listening apps and platforms, as well as provide step-by-step instructions for listening to podcasts on multiple devices, from desktops and laptops to smartphones tablets, smart speakers and in-car apps.

Let's get started!

What Are the Most Popular Podcast Listening Apps?

To kick things off, let's look at some of the most popular podcast listening apps. These apps make it a breeze to find and listen to your favorite shows, ensuring you have a seamless experience every time you tune in.

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is the go-to app for iPhone users. It comes preinstalled on all iOS devices, and it's super easy to use.

With one of the largest libraries of podcasts and a user-friendly interface, you'll have no trouble finding shows you love plus discovering new ones.

Plus, you can create custom playlists, subscribe to shows, and receive notifications when new episodes are available.

Spotify

You probably know Spotify primarily as a music streaming service, but did you know it's also great for podcasts?

With its clean interface and excellent podcast library, it's a great option for both music and podcast lovers.

Spotify is available on multiple devices, including smartphones, computers, and smart speakers. They even offer curated podcast playlists and recommendations based on your listening habits.

Google Podcasts

Google Podcasts is another solid choice, with its sleek design and easy-to-use features, it's a great way to discover and listen to podcasts on any device.

You can easily subscribe to shows, download episodes for offline listening, and get personalized recommendations based on your interests.

Overcast

Overcast is an excellent podcast app for iOS users who are looking for a few more bells and whistles.

With advanced features like Voice Boost, which equalizes the volume of voices for more comfortable listening, and Smart Speed, which shortens silences to save time without distorting the audio, you can customize your listening experience.

Overcast also offers playlist creation, recommendations, and the ability to import and export your subscriptions.

Pocket Casts

Available for both iOS and Android, Pocket Casts offers a great podcast listening experience with its clean design and powerful features.

You can create custom playlists, use filters to sort your episodes, and adjust playback speed to suit your preferences.

Pocket Casts also offers cross-platform syncing, so you can switch between devices without losing your place in the episode.

How to Listen to Podcasts Using a Computer

Don't have a smartphone or prefer listening on a bigger screen? No problem. Here's how to listen to podcasts on your computer.

Apple Podcasts

Apple Desktops and Laptops

• Open the Podcasts app on your computer (it comes preinstalled)
  
• Browse through featured podcasts or use the search bar to find specific shows
• Click on a podcast to view its episodes and hit the "Play" button to start listening

PC Desktops and Laptops

• Download the iTunes Store for PC computers using this link and launch it on your computer once installed
  
• Choose Podcasts from the pop-up menu at the top left, then click Store
• Type a podcast name in the search field in the top-right corner to find your favorite show
  
• Once the show's episodes appear on the main panel, click the Get button next to your chosen episode to download it. Alternatively, you can click Subscribe
  

Spotify

• Download the Spotify app for your computer, or use the Spotify web player
• Sign in or create a free account
• Click on the "Podcasts" section in the left sidebar
• Browse through categories, playlists, or use the search bar to find specific shows
• Click on a podcast to view its episodes and hit the "Play" button to start listening

Stitcher

• Download the Stitcher desktop app for Mac or PC
• Sign up or log in to your Stitcher account
• Use the search bar to find specific shows or browse through categories and featured podcasts
• Click on a podcast to view its episodes and hit the "Play" button to start listening

Podbean

• Visit Podbean on your browser
  
• Use the search bar to find specific shows or browse through categories and featured podcasts
• Click on a show to view its episodes and hit the "Play" button to start listening

How to Listen to Podcasts Using a Smartphone

Smartphones are probably the most common way to listen to podcasts. Here's how to use your phone to enjoy your favorite shows:

Apple Podcasts

• Open the preinstalled Apple Podcasts app on your iOS device
• Use the search bar to find specific shows or browse through categories and featured podcasts
• Click on a podcast to view its episodes and hit the "Play" button to start listening

Spotify

• Download the Spotify app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
• Sign in or create a free Spotify account
• Click on the "Podcasts" section in the bottom navigation bar
• Browse through categories, playlists, or use the search bar to find specific shows
• Click on a podcast to view its episodes and hit the "Play" button to start listening

Google Podcasts

• Download the Google Podcasts app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
  
• Open it and use the search bar to find specific shows or browse through categories and featured podcasts
• Click on a show to view its episodes and hit the "Play" button to start listening

Pocket Casts

• Download the Pocket Casts app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
• Sign in or create a Pocket Casts account
• Use the search bar to find specific shows or browse through categories and featured podcasts
• Click on a show to view its episodes and hit the "Play" button to start listening

How to Listen to Podcasts Using a Tablet

Listening to podcasts on a tablet is pretty similar to using a smartphone. Just download your preferred app, like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Pocket Casts, and start enjoying podcasts on your tablet's larger screen.

How to Listen to Podcasts Using a Smart Speaker

Smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, can also play podcasts.

To get started, just ask your smart speaker to play a specific podcast. For example, say "Hey Google, play Conan O'Brien needs a friend" and presto. Easy peasy!

The only downside is that you can't select a specific episode because the smart speaker will always play the latest episode in the podcast.

Having said that, can always instruct the speaker to play the previous episode or the next one when there are episodes ahead in the queue.

How to Listen to Podcasts Using Apple TV or Google Chromecast

Want to enjoy podcasts on an even bigger screen? Apple TV and Google Chromecast can help.

On Apple TV, download the Apple Podcasts app from the App Store. For Google Chromecast, you can cast your favorite podcast app from your smartphone or tablet onto your TV.

Just look for the cast icon in your preferred podcast app and follow the prompts.

How to Listen to Podcasts In Your Car

Listening to podcasts during your daily commute can make the drive a lot more enjoyable. Here are some ways to listen to podcasts in your car:

• Bluetooth: Pair your smartphone with your car's audio system and stream podcasts using your favorite app
• CarPlay (for iPhone users): Connect your iPhone to a CarPlay-compatible car, and use the Apple Podcasts app on your car's display
• Android Auto (for Android users): Connect your Android device to an Android Auto-compatible car and use Google Podcasts or your preferred app on your car's display
• Aux input: If your car has an aux input, connect your smartphone's headphone jack using an aux cable, and play podcasts through your car's audio system

Wrapping Things Up

With so many listening options available, it's never been easier to find and enjoy podcasts on any device, anytime, anywhere.

Whether you're at home, in the car, working out, or taking a leisurely walk, there's always a podcast waiting to keep you company and enrich your day with endless hours of entertainment, education, and inspiration.

So, go on and dive into the world of podcasts!