# Downcast

> Podcast player

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id393858566](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id393858566)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id393858566`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Jamawkinaw Enterprises LLC
- **Category:** News
- **Rating:** 4.30 / 5 (2,666 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.11.33
- **Last updated:** 2025-01-26
- **First published:** 2010-10-01
- **Size:** 46 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-18
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/downcast/id393858566)
- **Website:** [https://downcast.fm](https://downcast.fm/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://support.downcast.fm/article/84WhiJ1BFT-privacy-policy](https://support.downcast.fm/article/84WhiJ1BFT-privacy-policy)

## Description

Downcast is a powerful, complete podcast player for Chrome that helps you search, subscribe, and download audio and video podcasts of any size. It supports manual subscriptions via URL, automatic downloads, background playback, OPML import/export, and smart playlists. You can browse older episodes, view show notes, and keep your library in sync across devices.

Playback is feature-rich: variable speeds up to 3x, chapters, streaming without downloading, and playback from external devices (AirPlay and Chromecast). It includes embedded episode images, gesture controls, a sleep timer, password-protected podcasts, and cross-device syncing for subscriptions and settings.

## Rankings

- #36,783 — Overall

## Review summary

Downcast shines for power users who want offline, locally stored podcasts and deep customization across devices. It offers granular controls over downloads, playlists, and playback, and has a long track record of reliability. However, it struggles with maintenance and stability issues (notably watch app support), several playback and queue bugs, and limited CarPlay/queue features. Overall, strong for offline control, but needs ongoing updates to fix playback reliability and workflow frustrations.

### Pros

- Offline, on-device downloads and local playback enabling listening without internet in remote areas.
- Deep customization with granular controls over podcasts, downloads, and playlists.
- Longstanding reliability with robust cross-device support across iPhone, iPad, iPod, watch, etc.
- Fast, easy setup and intuitive basic controls.

### Cons

- Watch app often broken and lacks timely updates.
- Bugs and reliability issues: deleted feeds reappearing after refresh; auto-refresh failures; episodes disappearing.
- Playback/queue limitations: cannot manage queue well; limited sorting; episodes not finishing; poor last-played position behavior.
- CarPlay integration is limited or awkward (no widget, hard to pick next).
- UI performance issues and outdated feel, especially after OS updates.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id393858566)