Podcasts can entertain you, educate, and give you updates on topics that matter. Many people listen to them on their smartphones and tablets, or in the car through streaming services.
But in some situations, it may be more convenient to listen to a podcast through your web browser. Fortunately, there are numerous browser extensions to help you listen to podcasts without fuss. And we have seven of the best for you below.
1. SmarterPod
Currently available in beta, this browser extension lets you sign up to podcast feeds. That means you need never miss episodes of your favorite storytelling podcasts again. Dedicated buttons within the extension allow you to add content to a playlist.
You can also search for podcasts and subscribe to them with one click. Play, pause, or download material using the playback buttons. You can also sync content across computers.
2. Podcast Player Prime
This podcast-playing browser extension features an eye-catching interface that has several buttons with icons. If you download a podcast, it goes into your cache for later listening. There's a feature in the extension that allows for viewing your cache and deleting podcasts as desired.
Using it could help you keep track of ones you hear or reorder the contents of the cache. The latter option is a smart way to manage your podcast collection.
Also, a theme option lets you change the interface appearance. The refresh button forces updates for all podcasts and feeds. The icon looks like two curved arrows going in a circle.
When opening the extension in your browser, you'll see all of your podcast subscriptions. If you don't have subscriptions yet, add some by clicking the Plus button on the interface.
Besides searching for podcasts, you can see a chart of the top picks, which could help guide your listening choices.
3. PodStation Podcast Player
This is a podcast aggregator populated with content from iTunes and the Podcast Search Service. Add feeds or subscribe to podcasts with the Plus icon. After you do, the Plus symbol to the right of the title becomes a checkmark.
If you have browsers on multiple computers, this extension can sync content across all of them. The shared content between devices even recognizes the point where you stopped listening to an episode. This makes it easy to pick up where you left off, even on a different computer.
The playback controls associated with this extension are slightly more in-depth than others covered so far.
For example, you can slow down or increase the speed to fit your preferences. There's also a continuous play feature which jumps directly to the next episode in a list once the current one ends.
4. Podcast App
Despite its nondescriptive name, this extension offers a wealth of material. Check it out if you're on the hunt for new content. You can use it to find new podcasts from iTunes's worldwide list or see NPR's best collections of podcasts.
Not satisfied with those options? Podcast App also lets you look at the "What's Hot" playlist from PodcastOne. Use the links along the top of the extension's main window to switch between content providers.
Focus your search by browsing through categories ranging from entertainment to travel. After finding an interesting podcast option, click the red Play link to the right of the description.
Some podcasts have red Add links instead. Clicking one of those lets you subscribe to a feed and view new episodes as they arrive.
Also, you'll see genre categories and respective podcast titles underneath those headings on the left-hand side. If you're in the mood for a topical podcast, the material in the categories could steer your search.
Some of the podcast names say "Winner!" in red text to the right. That designation indicates an award-winning podcast. Looking for it could help you find some of the highest-quality content available.
5. Pocket Casts Voodoo
Pocket Casts is a premium podcast service with mobile apps. After signing up for an account, Pocket Casts syncs content across all devices.
You can start listening on a computer and continue doing so with your smartphone. It's also possible to manipulate the playback speed or change the size of the Now Playing screen.
The Pocket Casts Voodoo extension supplements the program's browser interface. It shows the content length and provides a Play button without requiring subscribing to a particular podcast. Also, you can control the podcast's playback with the media buttons on your keyboard, if applicable.
6. Stitcher
People often use Stitcher on their mobile devices, but the service offers browser plugins, too. The extensions and mobile apps work together and allow seamless listening across devices.
Enjoy on-demand listening from a catalog of over 20,000 shows. Use the extension's Toolbar to see what's playing and control playback, or use Stitcher's "Listen Later" feature to save podcasts you would like to listen to later.
Also, try the Smart Discovery feature. It tracks the content you hear and suggests similar options. You can create personalized stations of genres or mood-based content. Then, access them quickly on the left-hand side of the screen.
7. SoundCloud Player
Many broadcasters publish their compelling podcasts on SoundCloud. They know it's a familiar platform for people who stream content frequently. Are all or most of the podcasts you love on SoundCloud?
If so, the SoundCloud player is a must-have extension. That's especially true if you're accustomed to playing SoundCloud content through a browser tab. This app cuts down on tab clutter. It makes media accessible through an extension icon at the top of your browser.
When installing it, make sure to confirm the prompt that requests to let the extension access your SoundCloud account. Then, create playlists made from any content SoundCloud offers.
Because this extension offers material besides podcasts, it's an excellent solution for a diversified soundtrack. You can make a playlist containing a few of your favorite podcasts, then add nature sounds or the odd song between them for variety.
Heart icons to the right-hand side of each track let you show adoration for material. There are also Download buttons associated with the SoundCloud content in this extension. Use those to transfer audio directly to your computer's hard drive.
That option helps if you hear a podcast with particularly beneficial tips associated with life, work, or another topic. Pulling material from your browser and putting it on your hard drive can help you access it at a later date.
In addition to familiar playback buttons, the SoundCloud player offers Repeat and Shuffle functions. Those choices bring flexibility to your listening experiences.
This extension continues working after you close the browser, too. It's an ideal tool to rely on when working with another program on your computer. Letting the extension play in the background offers engaging audio content without unnecessary distractions.
Do You Use Browser Extensions for Podcasts?
These seven handy browser extensions make it really easy to listen to podcasts on your computer. So as long as you can find podcasts actually worth listening to you should never have to sit in silence ever again.
Did we miss any podcast-playing browser extensions off our list? Do you currently use any of our recommended browser extensions? Or do you listen to podcasts in an entirely different way?