Podcasts are to radio as streaming services are to television, and we’re lucky to be living through a golden age of both. But you need help finding the best podcasts worthy of your ear because, while you can find a podcast about almost anything these days, with great choice comes great mediocrity. Our expertly curated list will entertain and educate you, whether you’re doing the dishes, working out, commuting, or lazing in the bath.
For more advice, check out our guides on how to listen to more podcasts and the best podcasts for kids. If you’re feeling entrepreneurial, read our recommendations on the gear you need to start a podcast.
Updated March 2026: I added several podcasts, including Flesh and Code, The Outlaw Ocean, What We Spend, Midnight Burger, and Fonejacker.
- Best Tech Podcasts
- Best Society Podcasts
- Best Culture Podcasts
- Best True-Crime Podcasts
- Best Science Podcasts
- Best Economics Podcasts
- Best Business Podcasts
- Best Celebrity Interview Podcasts
- Best Sports Podcasts
- Best Music Podcasts
- Best Movie Podcasts
- Best TV Podcasts
- Best Fiction Podcasts
- Best History Podcasts
- Best Food Podcasts
- Best Health and Wellness Podcasts
- Best Comedy Podcasts
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Podcast Subscriptions
There’s a world of free podcasts, but you can also snag various podcast subscriptions that provide different benefits, including ad-free listening, early episodes, and bonus content. Subscriptions can also get you access to virtual events and discounted merch, and let you support your favorite podcasters.
Audible Plus ($9 a month): With a growing catalog of exclusive podcasts, it’s worth considering Audible Plus. If you want to pick an audiobook each month, you need the Premium Plus subscription at $15 a month. This also now includes podcasts that were under the Wondery+ banner.
Tenderfoot TV Plus ($6 a month, $40 a year): This subscription gets you ad-free episodes and bonus content for Tenderfoot shows.
Pushkin Plus ($7 a month, $40 a year): There’s a decent selection of podcasts in different genres at Pushkin, and this subscription provides ad-free listening, bonus content, and support for any podcast app.
NPR Plus ($8 a month): This subscription gives you full access to around 25 NPR podcasts, exclusive shows, and shop discounts.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: wired.com
