Unlike WhatsApp or Facebook, which are built around messaging and feeds, Podcini.X does one narrow job: it plays and organizes podcasts. Xilin Jia develops it as open-source software under GPL-3.0-only. Version 11.2.2.8 needs Android 8.0, costs nothing and shows no ads.
The problem: a podcast backlog with no order
A long subscription list tends to turn into an unsorted pile of episodes. Podcini.X tries to fix that with tools for deciding what to hear and when, rather than only playing whatever is newest.
You can subscribe by keyword search, a plain RSS URL or an OPML file. Episodes can be downloaded, streamed or queued, and playback speed is adjustable. Automation controls handle auto-downloading and auto-enqueuing, which the store text ties to saving battery and mobile data.
Queues, 12 play states and 5-level ratings
Each podcast's filtered and sorted episode list works as a natural playlist. On top of that, the app supports multiple queues, and each queue can be linked to any podcasts to group similar content.
Every podcast or episode can receive a rating on 5 levels. Episodes also carry one of 12 play states, such as play soon or play again. Personal notes can be attached to each podcast or episode, and sorting and filtering options help narrow the list.
You can also build synthetic podcasts that collect episodes from different sources. If you unsubscribe, important episodes can be kept in a synthetic feed, and the app records unsubscribed shows and warns you if you try to subscribe again by accident.
Sync, casting and Text-to-Speech: check before installing
Listening progress can sync through a NextCloud server. If you don't run one, that feature simply stays idle.
Plain RSS feeds without media are read aloud by a Text-to-Speech engine, so even text-only feeds can be played. Podcini.X is described as modern and feature-rich, without access to YouTube. The package is 67.2 MB, and its ID is ac.mdiq.podcini.X.
Podcini.X pros and cons
Pros
- Free, with no ads and no price, under the GPL-3.0-only licence
- Multiple queues, 12 play states and 5-level ratings for sorting a backlog
- Sync through NextCloud or over local Wi-Fi without a server
- Source code is public on GitHub
- Chromecast casting and Text-to-Speech for text-only feeds
Cons
- At 67.2 MB it is a sizable download for a podcast player
- Requires Android 8.0 or newer
- No YouTube access
- No Google Play rating or install figures are available
Is Podcini.X safe?
Podcini.X 11.2.2.8 is stored as the unmodified APK, with its checksum and signature details. After downloading, compare the file's SHA-256 with 6efe3f59fa27aaf4018234ad20da5f6b59fb7fff3648820301851169595bed2e to confirm it matches. Xilin Jia develops the app, its source code is public on GitHub under GPL-3.0-only, and it carries no ads.
How to install Podcini.X
- Download the APK with the button on this page and wait for it to finish.
- Compare the file with the SHA-256 checksum shown here if you want to confirm it arrived intact.
- Open the file on your phone and allow installs from this source when Android asks.
- Finish the install, then open Podcini.X from your app drawer.
