earsay vs Apple Podcasts: Which Is Better?
Apple Podcasts is the default podcast app on iPhone, but it cannot skip ads automatically. earsay is a free alternative that uses on-device AI to detect and skip podcast ads in real-time. If you're tired of hearing the same ads repeatedly, earsay offers a better listening experience.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Apple Podcasts | earsay |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Ad Skipping | ✗ | ✓ |
| Voice Boost | ✗ | ✓ |
| Silence Skip | ✗ | ✓ |
| Sponsors Tab (Visual Ads) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Variable Playback Speed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline Downloads | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chapters Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transcripts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Timer | ✓ | ✓ |
| CarPlay Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| iCloud Sync | ✓ | ✗ |
| Pre-installed on iPhone | ✓ | ✗ |
| 100% On-Device Privacy | ✗ | ✓ |
Key Differences
Automatic Ad Skipping
Apple Podcasts has no way to skip ads automatically. You have to manually tap forward 15 or 30 seconds repeatedly. earsay detects ads using on-device AI and skips them instantly.
Voice Boost & Silence Skip
Apple Podcasts lacks voice enhancement and silence removal features. earsay includes Voice Boost to make speech clearer and Silence Skip to remove dead air, saving you time.
Sponsors Tab
With ad skipping enabled, earsay shows detected sponsor information in a visual Sponsors Tab. You can browse sponsors without listening to ads. Apple Podcasts has no equivalent feature.
Privacy
Apple Podcasts syncs your listening history to iCloud and may use data for recommendations. earsay processes everything on-device with no account required and no data collection.
Switch to earsay
The only podcast app that skips ads automatically. Free for iPhone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Apple Podcasts subscriptions to earsay?
Yes! Search for your podcasts in earsay and subscribe, or use OPML export if available. All podcasts in Apple Podcasts are also available in earsay.
Will I lose my listening progress?
You'll start fresh in earsay, but this is a one-time switch. earsay tracks your progress locally on your device.
Does earsay work with Apple CarPlay?
Yes, earsay fully supports CarPlay for safe listening while driving.
Is earsay as reliable as Apple Podcasts?
earsay is built by experienced iOS developers and uses standard podcast feeds. It's just as reliable as Apple Podcasts for finding and playing episodes.
Why doesn't Apple add ad skipping to Apple Podcasts?
Apple has relationships with podcast networks and advertisers. A third-party app like earsay can focus purely on listener experience without those constraints.