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Best Tech Podcasts for News, Developers, Entrepreneurs, and More

December 16, 2021
by
Annelise Dutcher

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:

  • What makes a great technology podcast?
  • Top 10 tech podcasts for news, analysis, and storytelling

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.

What makes a great technology podcast?

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:

  • Consistent (and unique) theme: The best podcasts are based around a particular idea, and they stick to it as much as possible. This is especially effective if they discuss niche subjects that few other podcasts address. They know what their audiences want, and they don’t stray overly far from it.
  • Regular schedule: Audiences like it when podcasts are predictable with respect to when new episodes will be available, similar to TV and radio programs before them. Top podcasts adhere as strictly as they can to standardized publishing schedules, whether that’s daily, semi-weekly, weekly, or bi-weekly. Many will publish on a particular day (or days) of the week, and some may even publish at a specific time.
  • Well-structured: The best podcasts have an explicit agenda that they follow with every show, clearly delineating when each topic will be discussed. This helps to keep both participants and the audience on track while minimizing interruptions and avoiding having the show run excessively long.
  • Informed: Hosts and guests on a podcast should come across like they know and have researched what they’re talking about. They can back up their information and opinions by referencing news stories and other credible sources.
  • Authentic: The greatest podcasts have participants – especially the host(s) – who strive to form relationships not only with each other, but also with the audience. They build a culture of honesty and intimacy around a program. This not only helps them play off each other, but more importantly, it also lets them establish trust with the audience. It lets them invite listeners into the world they’ve created as if they’re truly a part of it.
  • Good production values: Many of the most popular podcasts make sure to invest enough in recording equipment, production software, and even acoustic spaces. Even the most intriguing content or amicable host can be difficult to listen to if the audio has too much background noise, extreme/inconsistent volumes, or other problems.

Top 10 tech podcasts for news, analysis, and storytelling

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.

1. World of DaaS

The ‘World of DaaS’ podcast logo

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:

2. Darknet Diaries

The ‘Darknet Diaries’ podcast logo

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:

3. Accidental Tech Podcast

The ‘Accidental Tech Podcast’ logo

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:

4. Daily Tech News Show

Logo for the ‘Daily Tech News Show’ podcast

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:

5. Reply All

Logo for the ‘Reply All’ podcast

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:

6. This Week in Tech

The ‘This Week in Tech’ podcast logo

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:

7. The a16z Podcast

Logo for ‘The a16z Podcast’

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:

8. How I Built This

The ‘How I Built This’ podcast logo

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:

9. Pivot

Logo for the ‘Pivot’ podcast

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:

10. Note to Self

Logo for the ‘Note to Self’ podcast

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.

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Questions? Get in touch with our team of data experts.