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Software · head to head

Stitcher vs Castbox

S

Stitcher

Software

Premium podcast subscription service

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Castbox logo

Castbox

Software

Podcast & radio app for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Stitcher service discontinued August 29, 2023; Castbox app frequently crashes, requiring users to reload it to continue listening
  • They diverge on capability: Stitcher covers Podcast streaming, Castbox covers Podcast app.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Stitcher and Castbox actually diverge.

Attributes where Stitcher and Castbox differ
AttributeStitcherCastbox
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-speakersiOS, Android, Web, Radio, Audiobooks
Founded20072016

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Stitcher

  • Podcast streaming
  • Original content
  • Ad-free
  • Recommendations
  • Smart speakers
  • Car systems
  • Content controls

Only in Castbox

  • Podcast app
  • Radio
  • Discovery
  • Sync
  • Smart devices
  • Podcast services
  • Privacy controls

Both cover

  • Offline listening
  • Account security
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support
  • Smart-speakers support

What people use each for

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

Stitcher

  • Podcast listening
  • Audio entertainmentnot Castbox

Castbox

  • Podcast listening
  • Radio streamingnot Stitcher

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.

Stitcher

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

Castbox

  • App frequently crashes, requiring users to reload it to continue listening
  • Approximately half of saved podcasts do not automatically refresh or send notifications for new episodes
  • Free version displays unskippable minute-long ads that sometimes play as blank screens
  • Interface is described as cluttered with excessive focus on mainstream podcast recommendations
  • Tracking requirements for certain features like background playback limit privacy

Pricing, plan by plan

Stitcher

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

Castbox

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 50+ million podcasts
    • On-demand radio
    • Audiobooks
  • Premium$null/custom
    • Ad-free listening
    • Advanced features
    • Contact for pricing

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Castbox if

  • You need podcast app.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Radio, Audiobooks.
  • You also want radio.
Castbox review

Questions people ask

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

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Castbox: Is Castbox free and does it have paid tiers?

Castbox offers a free version with ads and limited features. A premium subscription is available but details on pricing were not disclosed on the main site. Free tier includes access to 50+ million podcasts, radio programs, and audiobooks.

Source
Castbox: What languages and regions does Castbox support?

Castbox supports content in 70 languages from 175 countries, making it one of the most internationally accessible podcast platforms.

Source
Castbox: Can I search for specific content across all episodes with Castbox?

Yes, Castbox pioneered an in-audio search feature using natural language processing that lets listeners search for keywords and topics across more than 50 million episodes.

Source
Castbox: What tools does Castbox offer for podcasters?

Castbox provides a Creator Studio with robust analytics for creators to measure subscribers, streams, and downloads. However, creators requiring comprehensive editing and production tools may find Castbox limited compared to specialized production software.

Source
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Related pages

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