Downcast vs BelgaBox
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
BelgaBox
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Belgabox is a 'digital toolbox' for professional journalists. It provides them with a complete and richly documented multimedia news feed. Prepared by journalists for journalists and stuffed with practical tools like 'Coming Up', 'Agenda', 'Today in History', 'Pictures'... and more. This service is offered exclusively to registered professional journalists employed by the Belga media partners / stakeholders.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: BelgaBox at Free against Downcast's $2.99. BelgaBox also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4). Downcast's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months) and chart position (#2 vs unranked). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
BelgaBox is free to download; Downcast costs $2.99 up front. Downcast sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. BelgaBox asks for nothing beyond the download.
Downcast ships an update monthly, BelgaBox every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Downcast | BelgaBox |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.3 (2.7K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 70.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2.7K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | #2 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.7 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 45 MB | 10 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Jamawkinaw Enterprises LLC | Belga News Agency |
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
BelgaBox
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
BelgaBox
No in-app purchases
