MARLVEL

Podcast App & Player - Castbox vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Podcast App & Player - Castbox's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Podcast App & Player - Castbox
This App
iCatcher! Podcast Player
Nemesis
Fred Talks
Contender
LSEG Podcasts
Contender
RNE Audio
Contender
蜻蜓FM「听小说新闻广播电台收音机」相声评书
Contender
iPlayer Lite- Video Plalyer
Peer
Conservative Talk
Peer
Fellas Loaded
Peer
Podimo: Podcasts & audiobooks
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperGuru Network LimitedJoeisanerd.comCastosCastosCorporacion RTVEShanghai MarkPhone Culture Media Co., Ltd.snap game teamSalem CommunicationsThe Fellas StudiosPodimo ApS
CategoryNewsNewsBusinessEntertainmentEntertainmentMusicVideo Players & EditorsEntertainmentEntertainmentEntertainment
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOSAndroidiOSAndroid, iOSiOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.9 / 54.7 / 50.0 / 50.0 / 54.9 / 54.7 / 53.1 / 51.9 / 55.0 / 54.9 / 5
Ratings Count196,2661,863005538,4927,905811,748
PriceFree$4.99FreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateJun 15, 2017Mar 15, 2011May 3, 2022May 11, 2023Jul 3, 2023Aug 4, 2012Feb 6, 2024Dec 11, 2010Mar 9, 2024Jun 22, 2022
Last UpdatedApr 21, 2026Nov 12, 2025Mar 24, 2026Mar 24, 2026Apr 13, 2026Mar 20, 2026Mar 17, 2026Jun 1, 2015Apr 1, 2026May 11, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentnegativeexcellent--positivenegative---positive
Score35/10085/100--85/10025/100---85/100
Praises
  • Extensive podcast library availability provides content not found on major competitor platforms
  • Simple and straightforward interface design facilitates easy organization of personal podcast libraries
  • Advanced gesture controls allow for efficient playback navigation and variable speed adjustments during long listening sessions
--
  • Breadth of live radio access
  • High quality audio content and diverse radio programming keep long-term listeners engaged daily
---
  • High-quality, handpicked content selection
Complaints
  • Intrusive full-screen advertisements block navigation and force accidental clicks on external scam links
  • Playback instability and audio interruptions occur frequently following the latest application updates
  • Application instability and freezing occur when switching between audio apps or during background tasks
--
  • Lack of personalized discovery
  • Persistent audio playback failures and connection drops disrupt the listening experience across recent builds
---
  • Subscription-only model creates entry friction
Requests
  • Manual control over the now playing queue to improve playlist management and episode ordering
  • Comprehensive user guide or interactive tour to explain granular settings and advanced control features
---
  • Removal of intrusive end-of-segment audio advertisements to improve the nighttime listening experience
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • 95-million-item catalog functions as a content-breadth moat
  • OPML migration tool lowers switching costs for high-intent users
  • Cross-platform sync increases daily session frequency
  • OPML import functions as a low-friction acquisition moat for migrating power users
  • Gesture-based navigation creates a high-comfort retention loop for daily listeners
  • Direct developer responsiveness fosters long-term community loyalty and retention
--
  • Territorial programming creates a unique regional distribution moat
  • Public service mandate ensures high-quality, ad-free journalism
  • Celebrity-led exclusive content library drives daily session frequency
  • Broad radio aggregation creates high switching costs for news listeners
---
  • Editorial curation team ensures high-quality content discovery
  • Exclusive creator partnerships create a unique content moat
  • Video-trailer discovery reduces user decision fatigue
Weaknesses
  • Intrusive full-screen ads block navigation
  • Playback instability following the latest update
  • Aggressive monetization prompts disrupt free-tier listening
  • Application instability during background tasks triggers negative sentiment
  • Inconsistent background refresh behavior forces manual intervention for downloads
  • Steep learning curve for playlist management limits casual user adoption
--
  • Manual curation model limits discovery velocity
  • Playback stability issues reported in recent builds
  • Persistent playback stuttering across recent builds
  • Aggressive ad-supported monetization limits free-tier utility
---
  • Subscription-only model creates high entry friction
  • Lack of live broadcast streams compared to public media rivals
  • Limited free-tier content for user acquisition
Pricingfreemiumfreemiumfreefreefreemiumsubscriptionfreemiumfreesubscriptionsubscription
MomentumMaintenanceSteady---Maintenance---Maintenance
Update Cadence5 versions, ~66d avg5 versions---1 versions---1 versions

Compare Podcast App & Player - Castbox head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Podcast App & Player - Castbox, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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