Comparison

Downcast vs USA Headlines

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Downcast

Manage and listen to podcasts with a powerful, feature-rich player. Offers extensive download and playback options, including variable speed and CarPlay support. Syncs across devices via iCloud.

Highlights
  • Search, subscribe, and download podcasts
  • Manual subscription via URL
  • Automatic downloads and background downloading
  • Variable playback speed
  • AirPlay and Google Cast support
  • iCloud syncing for subscriptions and settings
  • Smart playlist creation
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

A powerful, complete, and easy to use podcast player that will help you manage and listen to podcasts the way you want to. Now with CarPlay support! "Downcast: Probably The Best Podcast Downloader for iPad and iPhone" - Wired Gadget Lab Subscription Features • Search, subscribe to and download audio and video podcasts of any size • Manually subscribe to podcasts via URL • Download podcasts automatically • Continue podcast downloads in the background* • Browse and download older podcast episodes • Auto-refresh podcast feeds • Settings for auto-download and episode retention • Import and export podcast feeds via OPML • Import supported audio/video media files • Support for password-protected podcasts • Create and edit "smart" playlists • View podcast details and episode show notes • Rename podcast titles iCloud Syncing with other iOS devices or Macs** • Podcast subscriptions • Playlists • Settings • Episode information Playback Features • Video and audio AirPlay support • .5x, 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 2x, 2.25x, 2.5x and 3x speed playback • Chapters support for enhanced podcasts • Stream episodes without downloading • Playback control from external devices • Bluetooth devices • Headphone remote controls • Devices connected via Lightning/dock connector • View embedded images in podcast episodes • Gesture support • Sleep timer • Google Cast™ Ready ----------------------------------------- For support, please search our support site at http://support.downcastapp.com or email us at support@downcastapp.com! For the latest information about Downcast, please follow @downcastapp on Twitter! * Per iOS restrictions ** iCloud syncing with Macs requires Downcast for Mac, which is a separate purchase from the Mac App Store

About

USA Headlines

Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Stay informed with the top headlines from major newspapers, perfectly combined in one clean, fast, and reliable reader. Now with audio playback, local news based on your location, customizable topics, and official White House announcements.Get a clear, organized overview of the day’s most important stories without jumping between apps or websites. Designed for simplicity and focus, it gives you a smooth, distraction-free reading and listening experience that works just as well on the go as it does at home.Download articles for offline reading and listening so you can catch up anywhere — on the train, on a flight, or anywhere with poor connectivity — without worrying about your data plan. Low data usage means you can stay updated efficiently even when you’re connected. Key features: Clean, ad-free experience — no pop-ups, banners, or intrusive ads Audio for news — listen to articles with clear text-to-speech or audio versions Local news based on your location — see what’s happening near you Topics — follow the subjects and categories that matter most to you White House announcements — get official updates in one place Offline downloads so you can read or listen anytime, anywhere Bookmarks to save your favorite stories for later Easy sharing of articles with friends and family Low data usage to protect your data plan Built with strong privacy and security standards Fast, stable, and simple to use every day All the headlines that matter, without the noise. Download, save, share, listen, and read the news the way you want.

Screenshots

Downcast4 screens
USA Headlines4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: USA Headlines at none against Downcast's 4. Downcast's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 24 months) and price ($2.99 vs $7.99). On ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Downcast costs $2.99 and USA Headlines $7.99 up front. Downcast sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. USA Headlines asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Downcast ships an update monthly, USA Headlines every 24 months. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Downcast versus USA Headlines: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDowncastUSA Headlines
Price$2.99 — better$7.99
Rating4.3 (2.7K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews70.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings2.7K — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 24 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#6 — better#110
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.7 — better27.0
Further details — not scored
Size45 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJamawkinaw Enterprises LLCJose Leal

Bugs and requests

Downcast

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Podcast downloads failing
  • Playback position not saved correctly
  • Podcast artwork and information mix-ups
  • Continuous play issues
  • Crashing on startup

Requested features

5 requests
  • Bookmark feature
  • Playback speed of 1.75x
  • Podcast triage/management tools
  • Improved CarPlay integration
  • Apple Watch app with volume control

USA Headlines

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Downcast

One-time4
  • Encouraging Tip$2.99
  • Motivating Tip$5.99
  • Galvanizing Tip$8.99
Show 1 more
  • Inspiring Tip$11.99
None

USA Headlines

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Downcast free?
Downcast costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is USA Headlines free?
USA Headlines costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Downcast or USA Headlines have ads?
Neither Downcast nor USA Headlines shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Downcast or USA Headlines?
Downcast ships an update monthly, and USA Headlines every 24 months. Most recently, Downcast was updated on November 10, 2026 and USA Headlines on November 11, 2026.
Which is more popular, Downcast or USA Headlines?
Downcast currently peaks at #6 in the App Store charts, and USA Headlines at #110. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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