BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds

Music, Radio, Podcasts

353K ratings
709 reviews
Free
With Ads

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • July 2, 2018
  • July 13, 2026

Features

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About

Access the best of BBC audio content, including live radio, podcasts, and music. Stream or download your favorites, pause live broadcasts, and receive personalized recommendations. Continue listening across devices with optional autoplay features.

Stream live BBC Radio stations
Pause and rewind live radio
Download or stream podcasts and music
Continue listening across devices
Personalized recommendations
Subscribe to shows and mixes
Sleep Timer
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What users say

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What's New in BBC Sounds

2.56.0

July 13, 2026

Bug fixes and performance improvements

Events

Read more about Football Daily

Football Daily

Your daily World Cup 2026 podcast

Jun 29, 2026 Jul 19, 2026

Read more about Christmas Music

Christmas Music

Handpicked festive music for every occasion

Dec 11, 2024 Dec 26, 2024

Read more about History's Youngest Heroes

History's Youngest Heroes

Weekly podcast with Nicola Coughlan

Dec 11, 2024 Jan 11, 2025

User reviews

Just Full of Repeats

Why can’t listeners have a simple means to comment on the drama the BBC produces - surely as they pay for it they should be able to feedback on its quality, value for money and appropriateness! Each podcast could have a feedback function to register listeners approval etc! Are the BBC frighten they are producing stuff with little appeal to their listeners!
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Stop caching geolocation

If you open the app with a VPN running (location set outside uk), the app doesn't recheck your location for ages, meaning if you disable the VPN you can't listen to live sports. Even add an option in settings to clear the cache or recheck geolocation as its a massive pain.

Reliable but missing something

I like sounds, but I regularly listen to podcasts and the don’t automatically appear in my feed although they say they do. It doesn’t do anything with my likes it doesn’t make suggestions. The sound quality is good and it works pretty well

Loving it!

Never let Trump’s jealous crowd or naysayers in this country try to put you down - this is one of the best things in my life - access to incredible broadcasts of all description- from current affairs to Drama, Comedy and Music. Life would feel impoverished without the BBC in all its forms - I love all of it!
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Does what it says on the tin

Worth the licence fee

Developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

3 issues

Frequent crashes and loading errors

Bug

Playback issues when switching connections

Bug

Inconsistent episode availability

Bug

Requested Features

6 requests

Add volume controls

Feature

Improve episode queuing and autoplay

Feature

Introduce a sleep timer

Feature

Provide better podcast organization and search

Feature

Develop an Apple Watch app

Feature

Allow offline downloads

Feature

FAQ

What can I listen to on BBC Sounds?

BBC Sounds allows you to stream and download a vast array of BBC audio content. This includes live broadcasts from all BBC Radio stations, a wide selection of BBC podcasts, and curated music mixes. You can also browse past and future radio schedules.

Can I listen to content offline?

Yes, you can download your favorite podcasts, radio shows, and music to listen to on the go without an internet connection. This feature allows for offline playback of content you've saved.

Is BBC Sounds free to use?

Yes, BBC Sounds is a free application. It is provided by the BBC and does not require a subscription fee for access to its content. However, it does contain advertisements.

What devices is BBC Sounds compatible with?

The app is designed to be used across multiple devices, allowing you to seamlessly continue listening from where you left off. This includes support for Apple CarPlay, indicating compatibility with various mobile and in-car systems.

How does BBC Sounds personalize recommendations?

By allowing personalization, the app tracks your listening habits on BBC Sounds, including which programmes you listen to and for how long. It also notes when you bookmark or subscribe to content. This data is used to provide tailored recommendations for new audio you might enjoy.