éist
What éist is
éist is a free, local-first podcast player for Apple platforms. It supports iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and CarPlay, with subscriptions available through search or RSS feeds and the option to add personal audio folders. Queues, playlists, bookmarks, and listening statistics organize playback. Subscriptions, playback position, bookmarks, and statistics stay on the device. Optional synchronization uses personal cloud storage, such as a Google Drive app-data folder, rather than a server operated to collect listening activity. For Google Drive sync, the app requests access only to its private appDataFolder. Playback can be controlled from CarPlay, Apple Watch, and the lock screen. The maker says it does not sell data or use it for advertising, and its policy says there is no third-party advertising or cross-app tracking. Apple may provide aggregate crash and usage information if users opt in. The App Store lists iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14 on Apple M1, and watchOS 10 requirements.
Who it suits
It suits Apple-device listeners who want podcast subscriptions, RSS feeds, local audio folders, and optional personal-cloud synchronization. It is particularly relevant to users who prefer on-device libraries and no third-party tracking.
What it does well
- Supports iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, and CarPlay
- Stores subscriptions and playback data on-device
- Adds RSS feeds and personal audio folders
- Optional sync uses personal cloud storage
- No third-party advertising or cross-app tracking
What to know first
- Requires iOS 17 or later on iPhone
- Mac support requires macOS 14 and Apple M1
- Apple may provide aggregate data if opted in
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Podcast subscriptions via search or RSS · Queues and playlists · Bookmarks and listening statistics · Optional cloud sync | Free |
| éist | App Store lists it as Free | Free |
As eist.cloud lists them, read 22 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
éist focuses on Apple-device podcast listening with local storage and optional cloud sync. Its privacy approach and CarPlay or Watch controls suit listeners who meet the stated operating-system requirements.
Facts from éist's own pages
- Apple devices
- The maker lists iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and CarPlay support. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
- Availability
- The App Store listing says the app requires iOS 17 or later on iPhone, iPadOS 17 or later on iPad, macOS 14 or later on an Apple M1 Mac, and watchOS 10 or later on Apple Watch. · apps.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- CarPlay and Watch
- The maker says users can listen and control playback from CarPlay, Apple Watch, and the lock screen. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
- Developer
- The App Store lists Michael Moran as the developer and seller. · apps.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Cross-device sync
- Yes · eist.cloud, 22 Sept 2026
- Feeds and audio
- Users can add their own audio folders and RSS feeds alongside followed podcasts. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · eist.cloud, 22 Sept 2026
- Google Drive access
- For Google Drive sync, the app requests access only to its private appDataFolder through the drive.appdata scope. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
- On-device library
- Subscriptions, playback position, bookmarks, and listening statistics are stored on the device. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says it does not run a server that collects listening activity, sell user data, or use it for advertising. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
- Private sync
- Optional sync uses personal cloud storage, and the maker gives a Google Drive app-data folder as an example. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- éist is a local-first podcast player for Apple platforms. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support is offered by email, and the maker asks bug reports to include the device model, iOS version, and a short description. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac and CarPlay · eist.cloud, 22 Sept 2026
- Tracking
- The privacy policy says the app has no third-party advertising or cross-app tracking; Apple may provide aggregate crash and usage information if the user opts in. · eist.cloud, 11 Oct 2026
Where éist stands on Freedom251
- Podcast apps#44 of 55