Softwr

Software · head to head

Stitcher vs Overcast

S

Stitcher

Software

Premium podcast subscription service

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Overcast logo

Overcast

Software

The best podcast app for iPhone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

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

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Stitcher and Overcast actually diverge.

Attributes where Stitcher and Overcast differ
AttributeStitcherOvercast
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-speakersiOS, macOS, watchOS
Founded20072014

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
  • Offline listening
  • Recommendations
  • Smart speakers
  • Car systems
  • Account security

Only in Overcast

  • Podcast app
  • Smart Speed
  • Voice Boost
  • Sync
  • Discovery
  • Apple services
  • Podcast services
  • Privacy-focused

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

Stitcher

  • Podcast listening
  • Audio entertainmentnot Overcast

Overcast

  • Podcast listening
  • Apple integrationnot 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

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Stitcher

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

Overcast

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

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 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

Questions people ask

Is Stitcher or Overcast better?
Neither clearly leads. Stitcher starts at Free and Overcast at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Stitcher or Overcast?
Stitcher starts at Free and Overcast at Free.
Does Stitcher or Overcast run on more platforms?
Stitcher runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-speakers. Overcast runs on iOS, macOS, watchOS.
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 Overcast is typically brought in for.
What can Stitcher do that Overcast cannot?
Stitcher covers Podcast streaming, Original content, Ad-free, Offline listening. Overcast covers Podcast app, Smart Speed, Voice Boost, Sync. Both handle 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
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
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
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Stitcher

More on Overcast

Keep looking

Other head to heads