Pocket Casts Makes Web and Desktop Apps Free to Support Open Podcasting

The Automattic-owned platform challenges closed ecosystems like Spotify by offering free access to its web and desktop apps, emphasizing user-first values and open standards.

Pocket Casts has removed subscription requirements for its web, Mac, and Windows desktop apps, making them free to access for all users.
The platform aims to preserve podcasting's open, decentralized nature, which it argues is being eroded by major platforms like Spotify through proprietary systems and algorithm-driven content.
Users can now stream podcasts without an account, while creating a free account enables syncing across devices, queue management, and saved preferences.
Pocket Casts Plus, a paid tier costing $4 per month, continues to offer premium features like folders, smart shuffle, wearable support, and additional customization options.
This move aligns with Pocket Casts' broader mission to promote open podcasting and counteract the increasing dominance of closed ecosystems in the podcasting space.