Software · head to head
Overcast vs Discovery+
The short version
- Only Overcast has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Overcast iOS and Mac only, with no Android version or plans for one; Discovery+ standard plan starts at 5.99 USD per month but includes ads; an ad-free tier costs 9.99 USD per month
- They diverge on capability: Overcast covers Podcast app, Discovery+ covers Streaming.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Overcast and Discovery+ actually diverge.
| Attribute | Overcast | Discovery+ |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $4.99/month |
| Pricing model | Unknown | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS, watchOS | Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv |
| Founded | 2014 | 2020 |
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 Overcast
- Podcast app
- Smart Speed
- Voice Boost
- Sync
- Discovery
- Apple services
- Podcast services
- Privacy-focused
Only in Discovery+
- Streaming
- Unscripted content
- Reality TV
- Originals
- Downloads
- Smart TVs
- Streaming devices
- Account security
Both cover
- Ios support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Overcast
- Podcast listeningnot Discovery+
- Apple integrationnot Discovery+
Discovery+
- Unscripted streamingnot Overcast
- Reality TV watchingnot Overcast
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Overcast
- iOS and Mac only, with no Android version or plans for one
- No web version for accessing podcasts across browsers
- Dependent on Apple ecosystem, limiting accessibility for Windows and Android users
Discovery+
- Standard plan starts at 5.99 USD per month but includes ads; an ad-free tier costs 9.99 USD per month
Pricing, plan by plan
Overcast
Free- FreeFree
- Podcast playback
- Smart Speed
- Voice Boost
- Premium$9.95/year
- No ads
- Custom icons
- Upload personal audio
Discovery+
$4.99/month- Standard$4.99/month
- HD
- Ad-supported
- Premium$8.99/month
- 4K
- Ad-free
Which should you pick?
Choose Overcast if
- You need podcast app.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, macOS, watchOS.
- You also want smart speed.
Choose Discovery+ if
- You need streaming.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
- You also want unscripted content.
Questions people ask
- Is Overcast or Discovery+ better?
- Neither clearly leads. Overcast starts at Free and Discovery+ at $4.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Overcast or Discovery+?
- Overcast has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Overcast and $4.99/month for Discovery+.
- Does Overcast or Discovery+ run on more platforms?
- Overcast runs on iOS, macOS, watchOS. Discovery+ runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
- Can I use Overcast for free?
- Yes. Overcast has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Discovery+ starts at $4.99/month.
- What is Overcast best used for?
- Overcast is most often used for podcast listening, apple integration. Of those, podcast listening and apple integration are not what Discovery+ is typically brought in for.
- What can Overcast do that Discovery+ cannot?
- Overcast covers Podcast app, Smart Speed, Voice Boost, Sync. Discovery+ covers Streaming, Unscripted content, Reality TV, Originals. Both handle Ios support, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Overcast: Is Overcast free or paid?
Overcast is free with ad banners promoting podcasts. Premium subscription of $9.95 per year removes ads, enables custom icons, and allows uploading personal audio files.
SourceOvercast: What platforms does Overcast support?
Overcast is available on iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Mac with Apple M1 or later. It is not available on Android, Windows, or web.
SourceOvercast: What are Overcast's signature features?
Overcast features Smart Speed, which dynamically shortens silences in podcasts while maintaining natural sound, and Voice Boost, which normalizes audio levels across episodes.
SourceOvercast: Who develops Overcast?
Overcast is developed and maintained by Marco Arment, a software developer who previously created Instapaper and served as CTO of Tumblr.
Source