Side by side
Apple Podcasts vs Fountain
Both stand on podcast apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Apple Podcasts offers free listening alongside optional paid subscriptions, with downloads, transcripts, and broad device support. Listeners should check language availability for transcripts and the terms of any creator-priced subscription.
Visit Apple Podcasts
Choose Fountain if you want creator tools that can work with an existing feed, including indexed transcripts, clips, distribution and analytics. It also offers a free listener app on iOS and Android. Look elsewhere if you need livestreaming without Fountain hosting or require more seats than the listed Lite and Pro allowances.
Visit FountainThe facts
| Apple Podcasts | Fountain | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Lite (artists): $1 a month |
| Plans published | 2 | 9 |
| Maker | Apple Podcasts | Not published |
| Website | apple.com | fountain.fm |
| On podcast apps | #1 of 55 | #3 of 55 |
Apple Podcasts: what it does well
- Millions of shows are free.
- Episodes can be downloaded for offline playback.
- Syncs across devices and supports private feeds.
- Family Sharing covers up to five people.
- Creators receive other podcast revenue, including advertising.
What to know first
- Transcript support is limited to select languages.
- Premium subscriptions have creator-set prices.
- Cancellation must be at least one day before renewal to avoid renewal.
Fountain: what it does well
- Use archive search without moving an existing show.
- Connect MCP clients including Claude, ChatGPT and Cursor.
- Distribute shows to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube Music.
- Review social posts before publishing or scheduling them.
- Track downloads by episode, app, country and device.
What to know first
- Livestreams require hosting with Fountain.
- Lite provides one seat; Pro provides four.
- Transcripts and published posts each consume monthly credits.
Alternatives to Apple Podcasts Alternatives to Fountain The whole list