BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds

Music, Radio, Podcasts

353K ratings
809 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • July 2, 2018
  • September 21, 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

2.61.0

September 21, 2026

This release contains general bug fixes and improvements.

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User reviews

Can’t play programmes a second time

Apart from that, it’s fine, but if you listened to something 10 years ago, it locks the cursor position at the end of the episode and refuses to let you play the episode again. I had hoped that this would have been fixed by the time iOS 27 came out but no. The BBC Help page is don’t have any way of report so it just has to be a bad review.
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IOS 27 Apple Car Play issues

This is a great app that I use most days in the car but since the IOS 27 update I’ve gone from a full screen of what’s being listened to being displayed to 5 tiny icons across the screen none of which respond when touched. I have to go to the phone screen now to control what is happening, which I can’t do when driving. If it’s a series I’ve downloaded then it often doesn’t continue to the next episode. I imagine it’s a simple fix for the app people..
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Awesome

Amazing radio!!!

Technical bugs

Songs being ruined by having to uninstall and reinstall. Tech help next to useless

So so

Great content, shame about usability and when the signal is low, no indication of its buffering, failing, given up etc. Nor the most user friendly experience.

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.