# BBC Sounds — Music, Radio, Podcasts

> BBC Sounds: Stream and download BBC radio, podcasts, and music. (iPhone/iPad app by BBC Media Applications Technologies Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bbc-sounds/id1380676511 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [BBC Media Applications Technologies Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/377382258)
- Category: Music, News
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.69/5 from 352,617 App Store ratings · 782 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 113 MB
- Languages: American English, Welsh
- Released: 2018-07-02
- Data updated: 2026-09-02
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bbc-sounds/id1380676511/reviews.md

## What is BBC Sounds?

Listen to the best of BBC audio with BBC Sounds. Stream and download your favourite BBC podcasts, radio stations and music all in one place. 

Features include:
‐ Listen live to all BBC Radio stations
‐ Pause and rewind live radio as well as browse past and future station schedules
‐ Download or stream your podcasts, radio shows and music on the go
‐ Continue listening from where you left off on any device
‐ Autoplay multiple episodes of series or podcasts or all your downloads (optional)
‐ Subscribe to BBC podcasts, music mixes and shows
‐ See the latest episodes from your favourite programmes and podcasts in one handy list
‐ Get personalised recommendations to discover new audio you’ll love 
‐ Send music tracks you like to Apple Music and Spotify
‐ Browse by speech and music categories
‐ Sleep Timer

When using the Apple CarPlay enabled version of the BBC Sounds app, it is your responsibility to always follow safe driving practices (i.e. don’t be distracted and focus on the road at all times). Comply with all relevant laws, traffic regulations and road signs. 

To give you the best experience, this app tracks what you’ve listened to on BBC Sounds and how long you’ve listened to programmes for.  It also tracks when you add something to Bookmarks or Subscriptions. By “Allow Personalisation”, you will get personalized recommendations. More information can be found here https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc/account/about-your-personalisation-settings/.

The BBC uses cookies and similar technologies to understand how audiences interact with our services, content (such as podcasts and radio) and marketing messages. The categories of personal data processed by our data processors include the following:
•        IP address to determine which UK city/region you are in, or which country/continent you are in if outside of the UK 
•        Activity data, such as time when you first used this app and programmes you listened to and interacted with
•        Your device information, such as device type and OS version

For more information about how and why we use information about you, please visit the BBC Sounds App Privacy Notice. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/help/questions/about-bbc-sounds-and-our-policies/sounds-app-privacy-notice

To read the BBC’s Privacy Policy go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/privacy/ 

If you install this app you accept the BBC Terms of Use at http://www.bbc.co.uk/terms/

The app is published by BBC Media AT (BBC Media Applications Technologies Limited) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation).
Full details of BBC Media AT are available on the Companies House website at: http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/07100235 BBC © 2022

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking: http://www.bbc.co.uk/help/web/links/

## Key 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

## What do users think of BBC Sounds?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Best app ever
- 🔒 No advertisements
- 👍 Wide variety of content
- 👍 High-quality programming
- 👍 Excellent music and podcast selection
- 👍 Convenient access to BBC radio
- 👍 Helpful for expats to stay connected

**Cons**

- 🐛 Inconsistent content availability across regions
- 🐛 Buggy playback and syncing issues
- 🔍 Cluttered and unintuitive interface
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate and find content
- 🔍 Lack of customization options
- 🔍 Frustrating content management

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and loading errors
- Playback issues when switching connections
- Inconsistent episode availability

**Most requested features**

- Add volume controls
- Improve episode queuing and autoplay
- Introduce a sleep timer
- Provide better podcast organization and search
- Develop an Apple Watch app
- Allow offline downloads

## Recent user reviews (10 of 782)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bbc-sounds/id1380676511/reviews.md

### 4/5 — OLD SCHOOL RADIO LISTENER

*2026-08-31, version 2.59.0*

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.

### 4/5 — Love the old drama recordings

*2026-08-30, version 2.59.0*

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

### 1/5 — Forced Obsolescence

*2026-08-30, version 2.22.0*

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?

### 5/5 — Without Equal

*2026-08-29, version 2.59.0*

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.

### 5/5 — Loving it! Noiser productions are super along with lots of other content!

*2026-08-27, version 2.59.0*

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!

### 5/5 — Excellent App, Excellent Content

*2026-08-27, version 2.59.0*

BBC Sounds is brilliantly designed, and contains lots of great content. Would recommend.

### 2/5 — Really quite poor

*2026-08-27, version 2.59.0*

This app feels like it has been designed, developed and implemented by committee. I’m really surprised the BBC allowed such a clunky customer journey to be allowed to be public. 

The general listening to radio is fine and straightforward. 
But when it comes to the ’tacked on’ podcast element, shocking. 
There is no way to subscribe and auto download each new episode; so you have to go into each episode to download. 
No option to auto delete once listened to - so again, manually delete each episode. 
No settings to order the series or episodes so that you will see new ones first - seems to be designed to take a simple number order sequencing, which they clearly haven’t thought about as Series numbers are not the primary sequence, the episode numbers seem to be. 

As I work in the field, I understand what has happened here; a senior someone has shouted ‘the BBC needs a podcast app’ and they’ve cobbled this together to satisfy the brief. 
Whoever the clueless senior manager was that pushed this through, clearly had no idea what they were talking about, and clearly doesn’t use apps and/or podcasts. They should be fired. 

If it’s not that, then you allowed a team of ten year olds to build this, because that’s how bad the functionality is. I would be ashamed to put my name to this.

### 5/5 — Easy to use and access to so much!

*2026-08-26, version 2.58.1*

Love using the BBC Sounds app to access live sounds, past radio programmes, restart programmes I have missed as well as a fantastic library of podcasts!  It’s easy to use and offers access to a limitless source of sounds!

### 5/5 — BBC Sounds

*2026-08-25, version 2.58.1*

This BBC Sounds App is very good listening.

### 4/5 — Mindful Mix

*2026-08-24, version 2.58.1*

Easy on the ears. Perfect as background accompaniment to digital tasks

## Frequently asked questions about BBC Sounds

### 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.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.59.0 — 2026-08-26

This release contains general bug fixes and improvements.

### 2.58.1 — 2026-08-10

This release contains general bug fixes and improvements.

### 2.57.0 — 2026-07-28

This release contains general bug fixes and improvements.

### 2.56.0 — 2026-07-13

Bug fixes and performance improvements

### 2.55.1 — 2026-07-06

We've fixed an issue where playback could restart from the beginning after pausing. Thank you for your feedback.

## Apps similar to BBC Sounds

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Spotify: Music and Podcasts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spotify-music-and-podcasts/id324684580) | 4.8 (41,767,988) | Free | Music |
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| [Simple Radio - FM AM Stations](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-radio-fm-am-stations/id891132290) | 4.7 (527,476) | Free | Music |
| [iHeart: Radio, Music, Podcasts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iheart-radio-music-podcasts/id290638154) | 4.8 (639,275) | Free | Music |
| [Anghami: Play Music & Podcasts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anghami-play-music-and-podcasts/id545395155) | 4.7 (204,450) | Free | Music |

## More apps by BBC Media Applications Technologies Limited

- [BBC News - UK & World Stories](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bbc-news-uk-and-world-stories/id377382255)
- [BBC Sport - News & Live Scores](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bbc-sport-news-and-live-scores/id377388936)
- [BBC iPlayer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bbc-iplayer/id416580485)
- [Новости Би-би-си](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id504278066)
- [BBC Mundo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bbc-mundo/id515255747)
- [بي بي سي عربي](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id558497376)

All apps by BBC Media Applications Technologies Limited: https://appshunter.io/developer/377382258

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*