The 10 Best News Podcasts You Should Listen to in 2026

The demand and need for convenience and immediacy in obtaining information have increased. According to the estimations of 2023, in the United States of America, over 80% of adults own a personal vehicle and spend at least 1 hour commuting to work. You might enjoy the convenience of a shorter daily commute, but chances are you enjoy your longer daily commute a lot less.

News podcasts offer the best alternative to written news. You can easily listen to a best news podcast in the time it takes to drive to work, and you end up getting a far better explanation of not only the “what” of current events, but also the “why” and “how” instead of reading multiple news articles. There are so many options to choose from that listeners can find news podcasts that specifically provide the type of news that they are interested in.

Our list in the following section will help you find podcasts quickly so you can get the news you want the way you want it in 2026.

What are the Best News Podcasts to listen it on 2026 with the help of Online Radio?

In 2026, The Daily, Up First, Global News Podcast, Today, Explained, The Intelligence from the Economist's, NPR News Now, The Journal., The News Agents, Apple News Today and The Indicator from Planet Money  are excellent choices for news podcasts.

In the time it takes to listen to a podcast that explains the news, you will learn of world events and breaking news. You can get all of this information about business, politics, technology along with current events.

1. The Daily

One of the leading news podcasts worldwide, The Daily, produced by The New York Times. The Daily dives deep into each episode’s singular story and includes sufficient background, expert analyses, and added element interviews. Quite the opposite of shows that skim over countless stories, The Daily dedicates entire episodes to one story that matters.

The Daily is a must for any fan of quality journalism.

2. Up First

 

If you’re too busy to devote more than ten to fifteen minutes of the day to news podcasts, put Up First on your list. Produced by NPR, Up First makes it easy to stay on top of the big stories of the day by shortening the coverage to the essentials. The episodes fit into any schedule, with coverage that is equally important.

3. Global News Podcast

While primarily a United States news podcast, Global News Podcasts from the BBC strives to provide coverage of news that is relevant on an international scale. This podcast is a great alternative for listeners who wish to broaden their news coverage beyond the United States. Also, Global News is one of the most popular news podcasts because it is well balanced and presented professionally.

4. Today, Explained

Vox’s addition to the news podcasts sphere is Today, Explained, which simplifies and summarizes news. This podcast tackles all the news that is difficult to cover and is equally important, from international relations to the conflict of new evolving technology. This is the go-to podcast for anything that will provide more context to a situation and not just a summary.

5. The Intelligence from the Economist's

The Intelligence from the Economist's delivers insightful analysis around the world and how it intersects with global politics and economics. It usually features expert analysis and opinions to help audiences appreciate the connection of global affairs. This podcast is perfect for the professional or the reader who leans towards the global.

6. NPR News Now

If you like getting straight to the point, NPR News Now is a great choice. Each episode is only a few minutes long and covers the biggest headlines from the U.S. and around the world. The podcast is updated several times a day, so you can stay informed without spending too much time listening. It's perfect for busy mornings, short breaks, or whenever you want a quick news update.

7. The Journal

The Journal. is another finance and business focused podcast, but this one is produced by The Wall Street Journal. This podcast is useful for everyone, because it tells the news in an easy to digest format, so you don’t have to work in finance to follow it. It is great at connecting world changes to business changes that you may notice in your daily life.

8. The News Agents

 

The News Agents is another podcast that features a lot of current coverage and expert analysis, but what sets it apart is the interviews that are included. It covers all of the important current affairs, but the informal tone is maintained throughout.

9. Apple News Today

Apple News Today is a daily podcast that explains one or two of the biggest news stories in a simple and engaging way. Instead of just reading the headlines, the hosts provide background, expert insights, and interviews to help listeners understand why a story matters. Whether it's politics, technology, business, or world events, the podcast makes complex topics easy to follow, making it a great option for anyone who wants to stay updated every day.

10. The Indicator from Planet Money

Sometimes the biggest economic stories can be explained in just ten minutes. That's exactly what The Indicator from Planet Money does. The podcast covers business, economics, markets, and global trends using real-life examples and simple explanations. It's short, informative, and easy to fit into a busy schedule.

How to Choose the Right News Podcast?

There are many different types of podcasts. Some people like short 10-minute podcasts for their daily update. Others like long podcasts that dive into the details of what is going on and give background information on the topics.

If you are into current global affairs, the Global News Podcast and the Intelligence are great podcasts. For business and finance, Marketplace and The Journal. are great options. If you are into technology, your best bet is the Techmeme Ride Home. The Daily and Up First are good options that give a solid mix of daily headlines. You make the final call on what podcasts to listen to.

Listen to News Podcasts Anytime with Radio FM

accessing podcasts is not very difficult.  With the Radio FM app, you can find over 200,000 podcasts and 50,000+ radio stations curated all in one app.

You can listen to daily news, business podcasts, technology talks, political breakdowns, and global news in one app. Rather than having to download multiple apps to get what you want, just download Radio FM to see what you want to hear!

Final Thoughts

As our news consumption evolves, podcasts exemplify how news can now easily fit into our schedule. If you only have ten minutes, news podcasts suitable for your morning commute exist, as do hour-long news podcasts for your travel. Podcasts like The Daily, Global News Podcast, Marketplace, and The Journal. provide excellent reporting, analysis, and insight and narrate the news and the world in their respective domains. Try these podcasts for the easiest news in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best news podcasts in 2026?

Some of the best news podcasts include The Daily, Up First, Global News Podcast, Reuters World News, Today, Explained, and The Journal.

Are news podcasts free to listen to?

Yes. Most news podcasts are free and available on podcast platforms and apps like Radio FM.

Which podcast gives daily news updates?

Up First, The Daily, and Reuters World News are among the best podcasts for daily news updates.

Can I listen to news podcasts on my phone?

Yes. News podcasts can be streamed or downloaded on smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices.

Where can I discover more news podcasts?

Platforms like Radio FM allow listeners to explore thousands of podcasts across news, business, technology, sports, and many other categories.