Running out of time to study English but still want to improve? With podcasts to learn English, you can make progress even when you’re commuting, exercising, or doing chores. Below is a curated list of powerful shows, organized by level—from absolute beginners to fluent speakers.
Introduction
Do you find it tough to carve out time for English study? You’re not alone. That’s why English learning podcasts are a game‑changer: you can listen anytime, multitask, and learn passively. They offer flexibility, real pronunciation practice, and motivation. In this post, you’ll explore the best English podcasts for learning, grouped into beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories—so you know exactly where to start.
If you’re also polishing grammar, check out our guides like “understanding fast native speakers” or phrasal verbs with “get” on my blog for extra support.
Advantages of Podcasts for English Learners
Podcasts let you learn on the go. Whether you’re walking, commuting, or cooking, you can absorb natural English speech. This improves pronunciation, listening comprehension, and vocabulary—all while you live your life.
Few reasons why podcasts to learn English work so well:
- Real speakers, real accents, at a manageable pace
- Builds listening stamina and pronunciation confidence
- Covers diverse topics—daily routines, idioms, news, culture
- Totally flexible—no textbook needed, just hit play
For more listening hacks, check out this post on listening to fast speech.
🎧 Beginner Level English Podcasts (A1–A2)
The English We Speak (BBC Learning English)
Tiny, focussed episodes (3–4 mins) introducing everyday idioms and phrases. Spoken clearly by native speakers—it’s ideal for beginners to pick up natural expressions. You’ll recognize some idioms from my lesser‑known English idioms post.
Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BBC Learning English site
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Coffee Break English
Short (~15 min) slow-speaker episodes that teach grammar, vocabulary, and cultural tidbits. Ideal for those starting with A1–A2. Transcripts and clear explanations make learning simple.
Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Acast
podbean.comApple Podcasts
ESL Podcast (ESLPod)
One of the oldest language podcasts: each episode features a slow dialogue, vocabulary breakdown, and then a faster version. Great bridge for strong beginners.
Platforms: ESLPod website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Vikipedi
🎧 Intermediate Level English Podcasts (B1–B2)
Better @ English
Authentic, unscripted conversations between native speakers. It’s perfect when you’re ready to move beyond slow speech but want natural dialogue with support materials.
Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Spotify+4player.fm+4International English Test+4
News in Slow English
This delivers current affairs in deliberately slower speech with transcripts. You follow global stories while training your ear to new vocabulary.
Platforms: newsinslowenglish.com, major podcast apps
Guardianwhitepodcast.com
Thinking in English
Designed for people who want to “learn in English.” It covers topics like history, science, culture—and helps bridge listening with thinking fluently.
Platforms: Apple, Spotify, YouTube
player.fmFeedSpot for Podcasters
The Level Up English Podcast
Hosted by an ESL teacher, this show covers idioms, pronunciation tips, phrasal verbs, and learning strategies. Each episode includes a transcript and worksheet.
Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts
player.fm
🎧 Advanced Level English Podcasts (C1–C2)
Luke’s English Podcast
Award‑winning and rich in British idioms, culture, humor, and grammar deep‑dives. Luke Thompson has years of audio lessons and transcripts to explore. Ideal for advanced learners.
Platforms: teacherluke.co.uk, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
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All Ears English Podcast
An American‑style podcast focusing on conversational fluency, idioms, and real-life questions. Fun, practical, fast-paced English.
Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
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Effortless English Podcast (AJ Hoge)
Longer episodes (~45–60 min) focused on developing fluent speech and mindset. You’ll hear natural rhythm and stories designed to build automatic speaking ability.
Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
GoodpodsFeedSpot for Podcasters
âś… Conclusion
Learning English through podcasts is a powerful, flexible strategy that fits your real life. From small steps with Coffee Break English to deep proficiency with Luke’s English Podcast or All Ears English, this list gives you ten top-tier shows to pick based on your current level.
Choose one that matches your fluency, start listening regularly, and watch your comprehension and confidence grow.
Which podcast will you try first? Share in the comments—then press play and start learning!