Listening to podcasts is a great way to improve your English language skills. As you listen to English conversations and commentary from native and non-native speakers, you’ll be exposed to new accents, words, and phrases.
Not only that, but you’ll get to explore interesting topics and hear ideas from people all over the world.
Here we will go through some of the best podcasts to learn English, whether you are at beginner, intermediate, or advanced level. We also have some tips for getting the most out of the podcasts you listen to.
In this guide you can explore:
6 Best English-learning podcasts for every level
We’ll begin with some podcasts for English learners who want to progress from one level to the next. These all cover two or more levels so you can explore them to find the one that suits you best.
Podcasts are a great way to learn English for free but, as you will see, many charge a fee for you to access notes, extra episodes, or other features.
Podcasts in English
Level: Beginner to Upper-Intermediate
Listen on: Website
Description: Podcasts in English is exactly as the name suggests! On their website, you can access hundreds of free episodes recorded by the two British hosts. Certain episodes and bonus features are only accessible to paying members, but there is plenty of material available for free, including 100 business English podcasts.
Each episode is accompanied by a transcript, a worksheet, and vocabulary tasks with answers – so it’s a great way to explore more about each topic and test your knowledge of what was discussed.
English Learning for Curious Minds
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Website
Description: English Learning for Curious Minds from Leonardo English is available on all the main podcast platforms, so it should be easy to access, no matter which one you prefer. You can also access this English-learning podcast directly on their website.
Aimed at intermediate and advanced learners, this show takes a fascinating look at the past, present, and future of the world around us.
You can access all episodes for free, but they also have a premium membership that gives access to interactive transcripts, translations to other languages, and more in-depth vocabulary notes.
Business English Podcast
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
Description: This is arguably the best podcast for learning English in a business context. There are around 400 episodes covering all sorts of topics, from negotiations to interviews to online meetings. Each episode lasts for 20-25 minutes and features a short conversation relating to the topic. The presenter then highlights some important points to do with the words and phrases used.
This podcast features predominantly American English and is spoken slightly slower than normal speed.
On their website, you can browse episodes by topic and read a brief description of each one. Optional paid membership gives access to full transcripts, lesson activities, video modules, and additional lesson materials.
VOA Learning English Podcasts
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Listen on: Website | Apple Podcasts
Description: Voices of America (VOA) has an almost overwhelming selection of podcasts for anyone interested in learning American English. Some cover topics directly related to learning English, such as grammar, pronunciation, and American slang. Others cover more general topics such as health, science & technology, and US history.
You may need to explore a few of the podcasts available here to find one at a level that suits you, since they are not arranged by level on their website. They also have some great video lessons and other teaching resources for all levels, making it one of the best websites for learning English too.
Culips
Level: Upper Beginner to Advanced
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
Description: Culips produces an English language podcast with six different ongoing series in one feed. Although you cannot listen to them on the website, we recommend you start here to browse the different series and pick one to listen to.
‘Simplified Speech’ is great if you are more towards beginner level and find it easier to listen to slower conversations. ‘Chatterbox’, on the other hand, features conversations at normal speed that are suitable for advanced students.
Each podcast episode is accompanied by a learning guide, but you must pay a membership fee of $15/month to access these. Even without the extra materials, you’ll find this a helpful podcast to learn English vocabulary, including slang and idioms.
Speak English with ESLPod
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Listen on: Apple Podcasts ($14.99/month subscription – 12 episodes/month) | Website ($29/month subscription – unlimited episodes)
Description: Unlike most of the podcasts featured here, ESLPod is only available with a paid subscription. The two hosts both have PhDs in applied linguistics, so you know you’re getting top-quality material from them.
With their Unlimited English service, you pay $29/month to get unlimed access to over 1,800 podcast lessons with accompanying guides. Lessons are 20-30 minutes long and cover a wide range of topics relating to everyday conversation as well as American culture and history.
ESLPod is also available with a subscription on Apple Podcasts, where you receive 12 new episodes a month.
Best English podcasts for beginners
If you are just starting to learn English, podcasts can help you become more familiar with the spoken language. It’s important to listen to a podcast designed for your level so you don’t become overwhelmed with lots of new vocabulary at once.
Coffee Break English
Level: A1-A2 (Elementary)
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Website
Description: Coffee Break English is one of the few podcasts that caters just to those studying English at beginner and pre-intermediate level. Each episode is around 15 minutes long and includes a conversation between the hosts (who are native speakers) followed by a look at specific vocabulary and grammar points to learn.
Premium membership is available and gives you access to video lessons, bonus audio, and lesson notes. Rather than paying a monthly fee, it’s a one-off payment for each season of the podcast.
Best podcasts to learn English at intermediate level
Once you are comfortable with intermediate-level English, you may want to introduce some podcasts that are not specifically for English students, but are actually made for kids.
Kids’ podcasts are usually fun and informative and – more importantly – are spoken at a slightly slower pace with clear, standard language. All of these things make them some of the best podcasts for learning English at intermediate level if you want to learn without feeling like you are being taught!
LearnEnglish Podcast from British Council
Level: Intermediate
Listen on: Website
Description: Although British Council has a range of online English courses for all levels, their podcast series are designed for intermediate-level English speakers.
This is one of the best podcasts to help you learn British English, as it features guests from different parts of the UK. Each episode of this podcast covers a different topic relating to British culture and everyday life. You’ll learn about the grammar and vocabulary needed to discuss the subject confidently.
If you like what you hear on this podcast, consider taking English lessons from British Council too.
The English We Speak
Level: Intermediate
Listen on: Website
Description: These short podcasts from the BBC are a good way to learn English idioms and slang phrases, especially those used in British English. Each one introduces and explains a different phrase in 2-3 minutes.
6 Minute English
Level: Intermediate
Listen on: Website
Description: Another good podcast for English Learners from the BBC, 6 Minute English is a weekly podcast that examines interesting topics and news stories from around the world.
Better @ English
Level: Intermediate
Description: Podcast host Lori holds natural conversations with other native and non-native English speakers. Some of the most interesting episodes are those where she speaks to a British friend to discuss how American English differs from British English.
With each episode you’ll find a list of highlighted words, lesson notes, and links for further reading on the topic.
SEND7 (Simple English News Daily)
Level: Intermediate
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Website
Description: The format of this podcast is very simple: each episode features a summary of the day’s news, read very slowly and clearly for easier comprehension for ESL listeners. There is no additional teaching, but transcripts are available on the website.
The Past & The Curious
Level: Upper-Intermediate and above
Listen on: Website | SoundCloud | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Description: This kids’ podcast takes a fascinating look at unusual moments in history. The presenters speak clearly, and although some listeners may find it a little fast to follow, you can always slow the speed if listening on certain platforms.
The episodes are on the longer side, running for 30 minutes or more, but if you struggle to concentrate for this long, try stopping half way and coming back to listen to the rest of the episode when you are ready.
Aussie English Podcast
Level: Intermediate and above
Listen on: Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Description: Most podcasts for learning English use either British or American English, but here’s one for anyone who wants to improve their English for a visit to Australia.
On the Aussie English website you’ll find over a thousand episodes. Topics range from Australian slang and expressions to interviews and news from down under.
Best podcasts for advanced English learners
Once your English is at this level, you should be able to comfortably listen to general podcasts in English – those designed for native English speakers, not just English learners.
This said, there are still some English-learning podcasts aimed at advanced learners.
You can also listen to news or general interest podcasts to help you improve your English listening skills, pick up more advanced vocabulary, and become more fluent in English.
Luke’s English Podcast
Level: Advanced
Listen on: Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
Description: Luke is an experienced English teacher and stand-up comedian who has been producing this podcast for over 14 years. Aimed at advanced speakers, this one should help improve your English and make you laugh at the same time.
Luke also has an active YouTube channel and records some of the podcast episodes as videos, so you can choose to watch or listen.
Splendid Speaking
Level: Advanced
Listen on: Website | Apple Podcasts
Description: The number of podcasts from Splendid Speaking is quite small compared to some others on this list, but we have included it because it focuses purely on advanced speaking test preparation. If you happen to be in this situation, you’ll find some valuable help here.
All Ears English
Level: Advanced
Listen on: Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
Description: Focusing on “Connection not Perfection”, the All Ears English podcast has thousands of episodes for you to explore. The American hosts speak at a natural pace as they converse about different aspects of language learning. They also have a separate podcast dedicated to IELTS preparation, and another for learning business English.
If you are not at advanced level yet but you want to give it a try, the good news is that you can adjust the playback speed and read along with the transcript provided. Slowing the audio to half of normal speed will make it easier for you to follow along.
Stuff You Should Know
Level: Advanced
Listen on: Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart
Description: This educational and entertaining podcast has been around since 2008 – well before podcasts really took off! They now have over 1,500 episodes about almost any topic you can think of, from toast to typewriters.
The friendly banter between the hosts, Chuck and Josh, keeps the mood fun while you learn about something new – and improve your English, of course!
Overheard at National Geographic
Level: Advanced
Listen on: Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
Description: You probably know National Geographic from their TV channels, but maybe you didn’t know they also have a podcast. If you have an interest in history, science, and the natural world, the topics covered here are sure to keep you engaged. Transcripts are available on their website.
BBC Learning English Drama
Level: Upper-Intermediate to Advanced
Listen on: Website
Description: This podcast puts a literary twist on learning a new language. Listen to classic and modern stories being told week by week. Because of the trickier vocabulary and regional British accents you’ll hear, it is best suited to Advanced learners who want to improve their listening skills.
The Daily from The New York Times
Level: Advanced
Listen on: Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Description: Each episode lasts 20-30 minutes and takes an in-depth look at a topic from the US or around the world. There is no transcript, but you can check the episode page on their website for some further reading about the topic.
If you enjoy learning English with the news, check out our separate page with some more resources.
BBC Global News Podcast
Level: Advanced
Listen on: Website
Description: This podcast presents international news in a traditional newsroom format. Expect to hear a lot of Received Pronunciation (the accent most people consider typically British).
Newscast from the BBC
Level: Advanced
Listen on: Website
Description: If you prefer a more relaxed and conversational look at the news, try BBC Newscast. This follows a more classic podcast style, with one or two presenters and a series of interviews. Each episode covers several of the day’s top news items from the UK and around the world, and lasts about half an hour.
The Writer’s Voice
Level: Advanced
Listen on: Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Description: If you’re a fan of fiction, you may enjoy this podcast which features writers from The New Yorker reading their stories from the magazine.
Access to their website is limited unless you subscribe, but the podcasts are available for free on other platforms. Some are almost an hour long, and the vocabulary tends to be more advanced since you’re listening to literary works rather than everyday conversation.
How to use podcasts to improve your English
Listening to podcasts regularly can help you improve your English in a number of ways. Here are some tips for getting the most out of the time you spend learning English with podcasts.
1. Choose an appropriate level
If you pick a podcast that is too advanced for your level, you are likely to struggle with comprehension and feel overwhelmed. On the other hand, if you pick one that is too basic then you won’t benefit much from it.
Students who prefer to push themselves should find an English podcast with a transcript available, as it’s easier to follow faster discourse when you can read along.
2. Adjust the playback speed
On all of the major podcast platforms, you have the option to adjust your playback speed. This is very handy when you’re listening to podcasts to improve your English.
If you find the discussion too fast to follow, simply slow it down to 0.75 or even 0.5 times the normal speed. Once you have understood everything at this slower speed, try setting it back to normal and see if you can follow along more easily now.
3. Combine background listening with paying attention
One of the great things about podcasts is you can listen to them anywhere. If you want to multitask by listening to a podcast while going for a run or washing the dishes – go for it! Having them on in the background is a great way to immerse yourself in the language and become more familiar with how it is used.
However, we would also recommend that you make time to concentrate on each episode as well, especially if it includes an element of English teaching.
4. Make use of any notes or exercises
The best podcasts for learning English are usually accompanied by a transcript, lesson notes, some discussion questions, and perhaps even a quiz.
Going through these materials can really make a difference to how much you actually learn from English podcasts, and they should help you improve your English faster.
5. Keep a list of new words you hear
Always have a notepad or your phone handy to make a list of any new words you hear as you listen. Even if you can’t look them up then and there, you can refer back to your list when you have time and make an effort to use the new words you’ve discovered.
Conclusion
We hope this list of the best podcasts to learn English has given you some fresh inspiration. If you don’t love the first one you listen to, try a couple of others. Each presenter has their own style, and you’ll probably find you enjoy listening to some more than others.
