For listening to podcasts on iOS, I recommend Overcast—a thoughtfully designed app by a veteran Apple developer. It packs a range of features that save time and improve audio clarity, whether you’re a heavy listener or just getting started.
In case you’re curious what I subscribe to in Overcast, stay tuned—I’ll post my list soon.
Smart Speed
Smart Speed trims silences automatically, reducing playback time without making speech sound unnatural. After a few months of use, I’ve saved over 18 hours thanks to Smart Speed alone.
Turn Smart Speed off for:
- Music-focused podcasts (it can disrupt musical passages), and
- Some comedy shows (it can undermine timing)
Voice Boost
Voice Boost levels the audio, making quieter voices more audible and reducing the need to fiddle with volume in noisy environments.
Speed Multiplier
I typically listen at 1.5× speed; with Smart Speed, effective rates often hit 1.7–2×. It takes a little adjustment, but you’ll breeze through episodes faster—at the cost of feeling like everyone else talks in slow motion afterward.
Summary
Overcast is free to use, with an optional in-app subscription to remove ads. Beyond these highlights, it offers podcast recommendations, playlist management, and more—well worth exploring if you want to get more out of your listening time.