What Overcast does
Overcast is a podcast player for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It shortens silences with Smart Speed, evens out volume with Voice Boost, and is written and run by one independent developer.
Overcast is a podcast app for Apple devices. You subscribe to shows or add single episodes, download them for offline listening, and organize what you want to hear next. It works with the open podcast world of public RSS feeds, so any show listed in Apple Podcasts also appears in Overcast, and downloads go directly to the podcaster's own servers.
Two audio features set it apart. Smart Speed shortens the silences in talk shows, so episodes finish sooner while the conversation still sounds natural. Voice Boost normalizes and boosts volume, so every show plays at the same loudness and quiet speakers stay audible in a noisy car.
Other features include custom playlists with smart filters and per-podcast priorities, optional notifications for new episodes, a sleep timer, search and recommendations for new shows, and CarPlay support. The Apple Watch app can play episodes on its own, including streaming over cellular.
Overcast is made by Marco Arment, and the website says it is just him, with no big company or investors behind it. The app has been self-funded for 12 years. According to its App Store listing, it has no third-party analytics, ad services, or tracking code.
Most features are free. The free version shows small visual ads that promote other podcasts. An annual Overcast Premium subscription adds bonus features and can hide those ads. The app runs on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch; there is no Android version.
Podcasters do not need to submit anything special. Adding a show to Apple Podcasts is enough for it to show up in Overcast, and the website has a separate page with information for podcasters.
Best for
iPhone and Apple Watch users who listen to many podcasts and want faster playback that still sounds natural, even volume, and a privacy-respecting player.
Not for
Android or Windows users, and people who want a platform with exclusive podcast content or video shows.
Questions and answers
Is Overcast free?
Yes. Most features are free and supported by small visual ads that promote podcasts. An annual subscription adds bonus features and can hide the ads.
What does Smart Speed do?
Smart Speed dynamically shortens silences in talk shows, so you save time while conversations still sound natural.
What does Voice Boost do?
Voice Boost boosts and normalizes volume so every show is loud, clear, and at the same level, which helps in noisy places such as cars.
Which devices does Overcast run on?
Overcast runs on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The Watch app supports standalone playback and cellular streaming.
How do podcasters get their show into Overcast?
Overcast uses public RSS feeds. If a podcast is in Apple Podcasts, it shows up in Overcast, and downloads go directly to the podcaster's servers.