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Entertainment · head to head

Overcast vs Stitcher

Overcast logo

Overcast

Entertainment

The best podcast app for iPhone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

Stitcher

Entertainment

Premium podcast subscription service

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Overcast iOS and Mac only, with no Android version or plans for one; Stitcher service discontinued August 29, 2023
  • They diverge on capability: Overcast covers Podcast app, Stitcher covers Podcast streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Overcast and Stitcher actually diverge.

Attributes where Overcast and Stitcher differ
AttributeOvercastStitcher
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsiOS, macOS, watchOSWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers
Founded20142007

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Entertainment).

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 Stitcher

  • Podcast streaming
  • Original content
  • Ad-free
  • Offline listening
  • Recommendations
  • Smart speakers
  • Car systems
  • 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 listening
  • Apple integrationnot Stitcher

Stitcher

  • Podcast listening
  • Audio entertainmentnot Overcast

Both are used for podcast listening, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

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

Stitcher

  • Service discontinued August 29, 2023
  • No longer available for download or use

Pricing, plan by plan

Overcast

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Podcast playback
    • Smart Speed
    • Voice Boost
  • Premium$9.95/year
    • No ads
    • Custom icons
    • Upload personal audio

Stitcher

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Free podcasts
    • Ad-supported
  • Stitcher Premium$4.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Exclusives

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.
Overcast review

Choose Stitcher if

  • You need podcast streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
  • You also want original content.
Stitcher review

Questions people ask

Is Overcast or Stitcher better?
Neither clearly leads. Overcast starts at Free and Stitcher at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Overcast or Stitcher?
Overcast starts at Free and Stitcher at Free.
Does Overcast or Stitcher run on more platforms?
Overcast runs on iOS, macOS, watchOS. Stitcher runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers.
Can I use Overcast for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Overcast best used for?
Overcast is most often used for podcast listening, apple integration. Of those, apple integration is not what Stitcher is typically brought in for.
What can Overcast do that Stitcher cannot?
Overcast covers Podcast app, Smart Speed, Voice Boost, Sync. Stitcher covers Podcast streaming, Original content, Ad-free, Offline listening. 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.

Source
Stitcher: Is Stitcher still available?

No. Stitcher shut down on August 29, 2023. SiriusXM, which acquired Stitcher in 2020, discontinued the app to consolidate podcasts into its flagship SiriusXM subscription. Users can listen to podcasts via the SiriusXM app instead.

Source
Overcast: 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.

Source
Overcast: 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.

Source
Overcast: 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
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