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Apple TV+ vs Pocketcasts

Apple TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Software

Original stories from the most creative minds

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Pocketcasts logo

Pocketcasts

Software

The powerful podcast player for serious listeners

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Pocketcasts has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple TV+ standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier; Pocketcasts two paid tiers above the free app: Plus and Patron, but no figures are shown in the fetchable page content
  • They diverge on capability: Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, Pocketcasts covers Podcast discovery.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple TV+ and Pocketcasts actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple TV+ and Pocketcasts differ
AttributeApple TV+Pocketcasts
Starting price$9.99/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIos, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, WebIos, Android, Web, Windows, Macos
Founded20192010

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple TV+

  • Apple Originals
  • 4K HDR
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Family sharing
  • Downloads
  • Apple devices
  • Smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles

Only in Pocketcasts

  • Podcast discovery
  • Variable speed playback
  • Silence trimming
  • Cross-device sync
  • Custom filters
  • Apple Watch
  • Wear OS
  • Sonos

Both cover

  • Ios support
  • Macos support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple TV+

  • Original content streamingnot Pocketcasts
  • Family entertainmentnot Pocketcasts

Pocketcasts

  • Podcast listeningnot Apple TV+
  • Audio content consumptionnot Apple TV+
  • Learning on the gonot Apple TV+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple TV+

  • Standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier

Pocketcasts

  • Two paid tiers above the free app: Plus and Patron, but no figures are shown in the fetchable page content

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple TV+

$9.99/month
  • Apple TV+$9.99/month
    • All originals
    • 4K HDR
    • 6 family members

Pocketcasts

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited podcasts
    • Cross-device sync
    • Playback effects
  • Plus$39.99/year
    • Desktop apps
    • Cloud storage 10GB
    • Extra themes

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple TV+ if

  • You need apple originals.
  • You work on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
  • You also want 4k hdr.

Choose Pocketcasts if

  • You need podcast discovery.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Web, Windows, Macos.
  • You also want variable speed playback.

Questions people ask

Is Apple TV+ or Pocketcasts better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple TV+ starts at $9.99/month and Pocketcasts at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple TV+ or Pocketcasts?
Pocketcasts has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple TV+ and Free for Pocketcasts.
Does Apple TV+ or Pocketcasts run on more platforms?
Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web. Pocketcasts runs on Ios, Android, Web, Windows, Macos.
Can I use Pocketcasts for free?
Yes. Pocketcasts has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple TV+ starts at $9.99/month.
What is Apple TV+ best used for?
Apple TV+ is most often used for original content streaming, family entertainment. Of those, original content streaming and family entertainment are not what Pocketcasts is typically brought in for.
What can Apple TV+ do that Pocketcasts cannot?
Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. Pocketcasts covers Podcast discovery, Variable speed playback, Silence trimming, Cross-device sync. Both handle Ios support, Macos support, Web support.

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