BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds

Music, Radio, Podcasts

353K ratings
782 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • July 2, 2018
  • August 26, 2026

Features

BBC Sounds screenshot #1 for iPhone
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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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+1

What's New in BBC Sounds

2.59.0

August 26, 2026

This release contains general bug fixes and 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

OLD SCHOOL RADIO LISTENER

I left a document on the international content on this app, but however they should bring up more stuff from the archive international surface so what people can listen to outside of the UK
Radio should not adjust the limited to the UK
What about for international audience? What want British living overseas? Experts.
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Love the old drama recordings

Love the old dramas, especially the horror, crime and books.

Forced Obsolescence

I came to use my dedicated listening device (an older iPhone) only to be told that this app now requires iOS 17. Should I just throw away a perfectly functioning phone because some executive needs another pay rise?

Without Equal

I listen to BBC Sounds for several hours each day: from The World Service to dramas, documentaries and comedy, and at night, fall asleep to the Shipping Forecast and your Sleep Tracks. I really could not imagine life without it.
I’ve lived abroad but have never found anything to rival the astonishing quality of journalism and writing.
I am constantly sharing links with family and friends, and do wish it was a little easier to navigate for new-comers, but am grateful daily, to be able to access this treasure trove of material. May it always exist, and maintain the levels of integrity and quality which we so desperately need.
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Loving it! Noiser productions are super along with lots of other content!

Have been having a blast walking through the past, from the Vikings and D-Day to walking in the shoes of those solving crime amongst others. And listening to those heavenly voices….. Mmmm. Just sublime and very much enjoying learning new things I didn’t know about times and situations I thought I did know well…. The Dictators series, War on Drugs, so many to listen to and enjoy! Thank you and don’t stop! Presenters such as Paul McGann, Ian Glenn, just wonderful to listen to…. Thank you!
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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.