Downcast vs Network
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
Network
A minimalist podcast player designed for simplicity and efficiency. It offers automatic volume leveling, offline episode downloads, and smart storage management. Enjoy features like variable playback speeds, a sleep timer, and easy podcast importing.
- Sound Check for consistent volume
- Automatic offline episode downloads
- Smart storage management
- Variable playback and skip rates
- Sleep Timer
- OPML import and URL subscription
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A simple, clean and efficient podcast app. - Sound Check: Automatically ensures episodes play at a more consistent volume, boosting quieter podcasts. - Offline: Automatically downloads new episodes as they become available. (the app will wait for opportunities to download when connected over Wi-Fi, user initiated downloads within the app can use both cellular/Wi-Fi). - Storage: Automatically deletes episodes from the device when played. - Other Features: Stream older episodes without downloading (cellular/Wi-Fi). Import podcasts from OPML files. Subscribe to podcasts from URL's copied to the clipboard. Variable playback rates. Variable skip rates. Sleep Timer.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Network at none against Downcast's 4. Downcast's advantage is ratings volume (2.7K vs 11) and chart position (#1 vs #32). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence 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
Downcast costs $2.99 and Network $2.99 up front. Downcast sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Network asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for Downcast against 4.2 for Network. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Downcast has 2.7K ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 71% of Downcast's written reviews are positive against 72% of Network's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.
| Parameter | Downcast | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 (2.7K ratings) — better | 4.2 (11 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 70.8% of reviews | 72.1% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 2.7K — better | 11 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #1 — better | #32 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.7 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 45 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Jamawkinaw Enterprises LLC | Andrew Conlan |
Customer experience
Downcast
Network
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
Network
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Downcast
- Encouraging Tip$2.99
- Motivating Tip$5.99
- Galvanizing Tip$8.99
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- Inspiring Tip$11.99
Network
No in-app purchases
