Spotify as a Podcast App: Full Review
Spotify has become one of the most popular ways to listen to podcasts, largely because millions of people already use it for music. But how does it stack up as a dedicated podcast app?
Overview
Spotify combines music and podcasts in a single app. For casual listeners who don't want to manage multiple apps, this is a genuine advantage. The recommendation engine is strong, and the free tier includes full podcast access.
Key Features
- Combined library — music, podcasts, and audiobooks in one place
- Strong recommendations — the algorithm surfaces relevant shows based on listening history
- Video podcasts — growing support for video content from select creators
- Free tier — all podcasts are free, even without Premium
- Lyrics-style transcripts — follow along with auto-generated transcripts
What's Good
The discovery experience is Spotify's strongest suit. If you're looking for new shows, the personalised recommendations and curated playlists are excellent. The app also handles the basics well — subscribing, downloading, and managing your queue is straightforward.
What Could Be Better
Power users will find the playback controls limited compared to apps like Overcast or Pocket Casts. There's no chapter support, per-show speed settings are basic, and the app occasionally pushes music recommendations into your podcast feed.
Some creators have exclusive deals with Spotify, which means certain shows are only available here — a point of frustration for listeners who prefer other apps.
Who It's For
Spotify is best for listeners who already use it for music and want a simple, all-in-one solution. If you listen to 5-10 podcasts casually, it does the job well. If you're a power listener managing 30+ subscriptions, you'll likely want more granular controls.
Verdict
Good for: casual listeners, music + podcast combo, discovery. Not ideal for: power users, chapter navigation, granular controls.