Our verdict: gPodder is a no-nonsense podcast downloader for people who want their episodes as files on their own disk. It handles feeds, OPML and syncing to MP3 players without an account. It has no built-in player or podcast directory as polished as phone apps, and the interface is dated.
About gPodder
gPodder is a podcast client that has been in development since 2005. It subscribes to RSS feeds, downloads new episodes and opens them in the media player you already use. There is no account and no ads.
Subscriptions can be imported and exported as OPML, and the optional gpodder.net service can sync subscriptions between devices. gPodder can copy episodes to MP3 players that appear as a drive letter, create playlists on them and remove played episodes. Extensions add features such as audio and video conversion with FFmpeg.
What it does well
- Feed subscriptions. Subscribes to any podcast RSS feed and downloads new episodes automatically or on request.
- OPML import and export. Moves your subscription list to or from other podcast apps.
- Device sync. Copies episodes to MP3 players and can create playlists on them.
- gpodder.net sync. Optional service that keeps subscriptions in step across devices.
- Extensions. Add-ons for tasks such as converting audio or video with FFmpeg.
Who it is for
Good fit
Podcast listeners who want episodes saved as files, people with MP3 players, and anyone leaving a phone podcast app.
Look elsewhere
Listeners who want streaming, cross-device playback position sync out of the box, or a polished podcast discovery store.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No account or ads
- OPML import and export
- Sync to MP3 players
- Mature project since 2005
Cons
- Dated interface
- No built-in player; opens episodes in another app
- Some extensions need FFmpeg installed separately
How to install gPodder
Download the Windows installer from gpodder.github.io; a portable build is listed next to it. Import your old subscriptions as an OPML file or paste feed URLs. In the preferences, set how often gPodder checks for new episodes and when downloaded episodes are cleaned up. Some extensions need FFmpeg installed separately.
Questions about gPodder
Is gPodder free?
Yes. It is open source under the GNU GPL v3 with no paid edition.
Can gPodder move my subscriptions from another app?
Yes. Export an OPML file from your old podcast app and import it in gPodder.
