Side by side
éist vs Podbay
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.
Free plan iPhoneMac
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.
Visit éist Free plan Web
Podbay combines a large podcast search with queues, playback history, chart information, and optional synchronization. It is free for listeners, while podcasters have analytics and a separately priced promotion option.
Visit PodbayThe facts
| éist | Podbay | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Mac | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Podcast promotion: $25, paid once |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | eist.cloud | podbay.fm |
| On podcast apps | #44 of 55 | #48 of 55 |
éist: 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
Podbay: what it does well
- Search across more than 70 million episodes
- Playback sync across devices
- Queue episodes automatically
- No account needed for most features
- Free podcaster analytics
What to know first
- Synchronization requires registration
- Browser-based platform only
- Promotion costs $25, paid once
- Catalog depends on Apple Podcasts