How to Listen to Podcasts on Windows 10

Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system takes great strides to copy the success of Apple’s iTunes and iTunes Store. Microsoft has finally consolidated its disparate stores and media services into one app and one space for Windows 10 users. Buying an album, renting a movie, and trying out an app are all things you can do via the Windows Store. Strangely enough, Microsoft stays aloof when it comes to podcasts on Windows 10.

The company has an app made specifically for Windows Phone years ago. Theoretically, it should only update this app and list the podcasts in the Windows Store. It is not yet clear why he did not do this. Fortunately, there are ways to circumvent this minor problem. Web apps and downloads available in the Windows Store make listening to podcasts on Windows 10 very, very easy.

Here’s how to listen to podcasts on Windows 10, whether it’s your laptop, tablet, desktop, or Windows 2-in-1.

apps

Listening to podcasts in Windows 10 starts with apps and programs. Microsoft does not yet have its own native podcast app; this means you have to resort to third-party alternatives available in the Windows Store and on the web. When looking for a podcast experience, pay attention to cloud syncing of your progress for shows you’ve already started, and a way to listen away from your Windows 10 device.

TuneIn

TuneIn perhaps best known for offering the best internet radio experience available anywhere. The company has apps available on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows. The Windows Store app has not yet been specifically updated for the free Windows 10 upgrade, but there is already podcast streaming support.

Download TuneIn Free app from Windows Store. Here you can listen to a series of curated podcasts, all streamed from the web. TuneIn has companion apps on most devices and the web, so you can effortlessly take your podcast selection with you.

iHeartRadio

new iHeartRadio The app gets podcast and podcast synchronization with its official update on Windows 10. iHeartRadio has made a name for itself with its extensive access to traditional radio stations in the United States.

iTunes

Until Microsoft gets together, the best way to play podcasts on Windows 10 in general remains Apple’s iTunes and the iTunes Store. iTunes has compiled podcast lists with the option to download podcasts locally for when you’re not near an internet connection. iTunes also supports both video and audio podcasts; many other apps certainly don’t do a good job. You will need to download iTunes from Apple’s website here. If you’re already an iPhone or iPad user, iTunes is the best choice for listening to podcasts on Windows 10, as your selection will sync back to your device.

There are a limited number of other podcast apps in the Windows Store. Podcasts! And SlapDash is among them. None of the podcast apps in the Windows Store are particularly well made. So, if you’re not happy with TuneIn, I suggest you skip the Windows Store altogether for that.

network applications

iTunes isn’t perfect for every situation. Listening to podcasts using iTunes on Windows 10 can consume valuable battery life. iTunes is also not fully optimized for touch Windows 10. If you’re always connected to the internet with your Windows 10 device, it’s a good idea to try some of the web apps available on your device through the Microsoft Edge browser. In Windows 10 you can pin web apps to your Start Screen/Start Menu.

sewer

sewer is one of the leading providers of online podcasts. Like iTunes, the company curates podcasts, giving users a better idea of ​​which shows they’ll like. It also connects with the social network Facebook to share your listening habits with other people. Users can also create their own playlists filled with audio podcasts.

The Stitcher app is available for free on the web and has companion apps on iPhone and Android.

Pocket Casts

Pocket Casts It is the gold standard of podcasting apps. iPhone and Android apps are supported, and developer Shifty Jelly recently released Podcasts Casts for Windows Phone. Unfortunately, there is no native app from the company that lets you listen to podcasts on Windows 10, but there is a web app.

The web version of Pocket Casts offers cloud syncing with other companies’ apps and video support, which is rare these days. Be warned, Pocket Casts for the web isn’t cheap at $9, but it’s well worth the entry price. Pocket Casts is the best option for iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone users because there are helpful apps already available on these platforms. Note that these apps are separately purchased items from the web version of Pocket Casts.

Good luck listening to podcasts on Windows 10. Hopefully, Microsoft’s new OS upgrade and Windows Store will have some new options for podcast lovers in the not too distant future. The free Windows 10 upgrade is available to anyone running Windows 7 or Windows 8.