Podcasts have quickly risen in popularity over the past number of years as “radio on demand” programs about various topics. And with all the advancements being made in technology, it should come as little surprise that there is no shortage of tech podcasts out there on the Internet.
So which ones are worth listening to, and why? Find out as we cover:
We’ll start by listing some of the qualities that you’ll want to look for in a podcast before you become a serial listener.
Making a podcast may become easier as technology improves, but making one that stands out remains far more complicated. A blend of different factors go into crafting a show that attracts enough followers (and sponsors) to keep going strong for years.
The best tech podcasts tend to have most or all of the following:
Technology podcasts come in all shapes and sizes. Some help you keep on top of the latest tech news. Others offer analysis and opinions on tech from specific perspectives, like software development or business management. And still others look to tell unique stories about humanity’s relationship with technology.
Here are 10 that have kept new listeners coming in – and fans coming back – year after year.
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube | Podbay.fm
Average frequency: 1 podcast/week
Host: Auren Hoffman
World of DaaS features SafeGraph CEO Auren Hoffman talking with a cast of forward-thinking business leaders who are finding new ways to build or utilize big data products. You’ll hear about the latest methods, standards, and use cases for working with massive quantities of data – from collection to analysis to visualization and beyond. This is one of the top tech podcasts for those looking to use new big data applications in their organization, or for entrepreneurs who want to start a business focused on providing data science as a service.
Recommended listening:
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | Google | iHeart | Stitcher | TuneIn | Castbox | RadioPublic
Average frequency: 1 podcast every 2 weeks
Host: Jack Rhysider
One of the best technology podcasts is, ironically, about a side of technology that not many see. Darknet Diaries host Jack Rhysider takes listeners on a journey through true stories in the often hidden – but still frighteningly relevant – ongoing war between computer hackers and cybersecurity experts. You’ll hear tales about data breaches, digital robberies, government cyber-operations, hacktivism, and all sorts of other shady things that happen on the dark side of the Internet.
Recommended listening:
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | Google | Podbay | Podchaser | Acast | Podbean | iHeart
Average frequency: 1 podcast/week
Hosts: Marco Arment, Casey Liss, John Siracusa
Three software developers (and long-time friends) attempted to make a podcast about cars. They ended up creating Accidental Tech Podcast instead. It’s one of the best tech podcasts for developers, and one of the most popular tech podcasts in general. The show discusses topics in computer programming, software development, and other tech trends. The hosts also throw in some pop culture discussion, as well as respond to listener questions and comments.
Marco, Casey, and John are also particularly knowledgeable about Apple products. So Accidental Tech Podcast is one of the best Apple tech podcasts as well.
Recommended listening:
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | Google | Acast | Player.fm | Podchaser | Podbay
Average frequency: 1 podcast/day
Hosts: Tom Merritt, Sarah Lane
Daily Tech News Show is often cited as the best daily tech news podcast. Tom Merritt and Sarah Lane, along with regular contributors and guests, offer independent discussion on the current top stories in tech. And they do it all in about half an hour, so you won’t be strapped for time listening to this podcast.
This is also one of the best tech podcasts for beginners, fitting the show’s motto of “helping each other understand.” The hosts and guests present tech news in an accessible style that’s as insightful as it is fun.
Recommended listening:
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | Google | Stitcher | Podbay | Podchaser | Acast
Average frequency: 1 podcast every 2 weeks
Hosts: Alex Goldman, Emmanuel Dzotsi
Despite being one of the best tech podcasts on Spotify, the focus of Reply All isn’t really on technology. The show is more about stories of people trying to find their way in the modern world, and how technology has helped (or hindered) them in unique and interesting ways. It’s a fusion of tech, popular culture, and human interest that has been a winning formula since 2014.
Recommended listening:
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | Google | iHeart | Stitcher | RadioPublic | TuneIn | Spreaker
Average frequency: 1 podcast/week
Host: Leo Laporte
Another of the best tech news podcasts, This Week in Tech, has a motto that says “your first podcast of the week is the last word in tech.” This long-running podcast, which started in 2005, is now the flagship show for a whole network of podcasts about tech. Hosted by Leo Laporte, it features a roundtable of journalists and tech experts who analyze and give opinions on all the latest news stories in technology.
There’s a lot of material to cover, and discussions can sometimes get deep or be broken up by anecdotes and bantering. For that reason, most shows are fairly lengthy – usually just over 2 hours.
Recommended listening:
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google | iHeart | RadioPublic | Deezer
Average frequency: 1 podcast every 2 weeks
Host: Sonal Chokshi
The a16z Podcast is produced by Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm operating out of California’s famed “Silicon Valley” technology hub. Despite its Silicon Valley roots, though, it doesn’t just have a lot to say about tech trends, innovations, and culture. It covers all of these things from a decidedly business-oriented angle, explaining how what happens in tech has a ripple effect on how companies in other industries are being built and run.
The a16z Podcast is, therefore, one of the best podcasts for tech entrepreneurs. But it’s still an interesting listen for anyone who’s curious about technology and how it shapes the future.
Recommended listening:
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | Google | Stitcher | Podbay
Average frequency: 1 podcast/week
Host: Guy Raz
Every business starts with an idea: a product to sell, a service to provide, or a need to fill. Guy Raz, the host of How I Built This, sits down with founders and leaders of some of the most famous companies around the globe to help them tell their stories. You’ll hear about the inspiration, struggle, and pivoting that it took to build world-famous brands – or steer them in radical new directions.
This is one of the best tech startup podcasts for entrepreneurs who have big ideas, but may need some guidance on how to put them into action.
Recommended listening:
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | Breaker | Castbox | Google | RadioPublic | Stitcher | TuneIn
Average frequency: 2 podcasts/week
Hosts: Kara Swisher, Scott Galloway
Pivot isn’t your average tech news podcast. Renowned technology journalist Kara Swisher teams up with Scott Galloway, a professor of marketing at New York University, to give hot takes on the latest news in technology, business, and politics. They definitely aren’t afraid to be bold, critical, or even controversial. Get ready for a pair who love to debate pressing issues in modern technology as much as they love exchanging barbs and witty banter.
Recommended listening:
Where to listen: Apple | Spotify | Google | TuneIn | Stitcher
Average frequency: 1 podcast every 1-2 weeks
Host: Manoush Zomorodi
Note to Self is a look at how technology is impacting our health, psychology, work, play, routines, and everything else that makes us human. You’ll hear discussions about the effects of online privacy issues on anxiety, how digital communications are reshaping our habits, and how relevant a person’s virtual identity is to who they are in the real world.
This podcast from New York Public Radio now only has new episodes on Luminary. However, its archival episodes are still popular and noteworthy for the subject matter they tackle.
Recommended listening:
Those are some of the best podcasts for technology available to listen to right now. If you’re into the data science niche, also check out our list of best data science podcasts.
