Podcasts have become one of the most popular ways to learn, find inspiration and be entertained. As one of the most trusted platforms, Apple Podcasts offers a vast library of shows covering every imaginable topic. However, the main drawback is that users can only listen offline within the app — there is no option to export episodes as MP3 files for permanent storage or playback on other devices.
This limitation has driven many users to seek an Apple Podcast downloader. In this guide, we'll explain why you need an apple podcast downloader, which tools can help you download Apple Podcasts to MP3, and provide step-by-step instructions, and also explores the Apple Podcasts top charts.
Despite its popularity, Apple Podcasts has some key drawbacks:
Given podcast enthusiasts' flexible demands for offline access and MP3 formats, having the right tools is crucial. The table below compares the most popular Apple Podcast downloading tools to help you choose the best solution for your needs.
| Feature / Tool | NoteBurner Apple Podcast Downloader (Desktop) | NoteBurner Free Podcast Downloader (Desktop) | iTunes (Windows) | PodcastToMP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Required | Yes | Yes | Yes (Windows only) |
No |
| Supported Formats | MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF | MP3, MP4 | MP3 | MP3 |
| Audio Quality | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Batch / Playlist Download | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Metadata & ID3 Tags | Preserves full ID3 tags | Preserves important metadata | Retains Apple metadata | No |
| Pricing | Paid (free trial available) | Free | Free | Free |
Here’s a step-by-step guide for each tool:
If you want a stable, lossless, and hassle-free solution, NoteBurner Apple Podcast Downloader is your best choice. Unlike online tools or iTunes, it supports multiple formats and lets you directly turn any episode from Apple Podcasts to MP3, AAC, WAV, or FLAC while keeping ID3 tags intact.
Step 1First, add your favourite podcasts to your "Apple library" using iTunes or the Apple Podcasts app.
Step 2 Launch NoteBurner Apple Podcast Downloader.
Step 3 Click the "Settings" button to select the convert option, and remember to select the "MP3" output format.
Step 4 Click the "Add" button to load your entire Apple Music library. Click "Podcasts" in the left panel, select the episode you want to download, then click "OK"
.
Step 5 Click the "Convert" button to start converting your Apple podcast to MP3.
NoteBurner Free Podcast Downloader offers 10,000+ popular podcasts across a wide range of genres, completely free to use. It allows you to convert any podcast episode into MP3 or MP4 format, and supports downloading an entire series or just individual episodes you like.
Step 1Download and install NoteBurner Free Podcast Downloader. Click the link below to download directly.
Step 2Open the program and click the "Podcasts" section in the left sidebar. You can browse by category or use the search bar to find the podcast you want to listen to and download.
Step 3Click on the podcast to enter its detail page, where you will see two download options:
If you have a Windows computer, iTunes is still the official tool for managing Apple Podcasts. It enables you to search for, subscribe to, and download podcast episodes for convenient offline listening. Although it may not offer the same level of flexibility as third-party tools, it is perfectly adequate for users who simply want to save a few episodes. If you have a Mac computer, you can check out this guide to learn how to manage and download podcasts using Apple’s native tools.
Step 1Launch iTunes on desktop. Select "Podcasts" in the top menu, then click on "Store". Select or search (top-right search box) for your favorite podcast. Click the "Subscribe" and "Get" buttons. Your podcast episodes will download soon.
Step 2Return to the "Library", click "Podcasts", then right-click the episode or tap the three dots of the episode and select "Show in Windows Explorer". You'll then see the downloaded MP3 files for your podcast.
PodcastToMP3 is a web-based tool for downloading podcasts. It allows you to download your favorite Apple Podcasts as MP3 files. If you're only interested in a specific episode, it's especially convenient.
Step 1Go to PodcastToMP3 Index site and search for the podcasts by name.
Step 2Click to the details page, scroll down to find the episode you like, and click the "Download" button in the bottom-right corner of that episode.
Apple Podcasts brings together millions of shows covering every topic imaginable—from news and comedy to education and business. To help you discover what's trending now, I’ve compiled a list of the current Top 10 Apple Podcasts. Whether you’re new to podcasts or a long-time fan, this list will keep you updated with the most popular conversations worldwide.
No, downloading episodes in MP3 format requires manual operation. If you want to listen to new episodes promptly, you have to repeat this process each time new content is released.
This may be because certain shows are prohibited from being downloaded due to copyright restrictions, creator settings or regional limitations.
Yes. The Apple Podcasts top charts vary by region. It is updated frequently based on popularity and listener activity.
