50 Best Radio Stations to Listen to Right Now
There’s no shortage of good radio stations to listen to these days. And with a virtually endless variety of content to explore, there is something for everyone. Whether you want to listen to the latest pop culture gossip, obscure indie hits, live sports, or just about anything else, you can find tons of great stations to suit your interests.
We’ve rounded up our favorite picks for the 50 best radio stations to check out now, covering just about every genre out there. Ranging from well-known stations to brand-new debuts, our list offers up plenty of options that are well worth a listen.
50 Best Radio Stations Broadcasting Today
Genre: Talk, underground, independent/alternative music
Refuge Worldwide is a Berlin-based station that started as a fundraising platform in 2021 and now shares underground music and culture alongside global social issues. The station aims to inspire activism and amplify important issues while providing an enjoyable music listening experience.
Genre: News/talk radio
NPR has earned its status as an institution of American radio, boasting more than a half-century of history as a widely-respected station. But don’t let its age fool you – NPR is anything but outdated. With a modern, innovative attitude, the station continues to stand the test of time while keeping listeners informed on current affairs, culture, and news.
Genre: Independent/underground music
Foundation FM is a woman-led radio station that has garnered attention for its exceptional selection of underground and alternative music. If you like discovering new-to-you tunes while supporting equal representation in radio broadcasting, this station is for you.
Genre: Independent/underground music
Broadcasting from the Soho region of London (as well as New York City), Soho Radio has an impressively eclectic series of shows and music. Tune in to shows from Metronomy’s Anna Prior, UNKLE’s James Lavelle, and other underground radio greats.
Genre: Music
No Signal is a UK station that had everyone talking with its unique 10v10 show format (in which each DJ/presenter went to “battle” with their choice of 10 songs). The station’s mission is centered on celebrating the black diaspora in a fun, creative way.
Genre: Global Music
Worldwide FM is headed by Gilles Peterson and Thris Tian and broadcasts from stations in Japan, Los Angeles, and even a boat in London. Its musical lineup covers a wide breadth of world music, so you can look forward to finding new and unexpected favorites any time you listen.
Genre: Underground/independent music
This New York University student radio station has been around for quite some time. It has a solid track record for professional-quality broadcasting and an exceptional mix of music. Explore a variety of alternative music styles, like anti-fascist power electronics, West African disco, and more.
Genre: Music and talk radio
As its name suggests, Dublin Digital Radio hails from Ireland. It is a volunteer-created and led station that presents itself as an alternative to traditional broadcasting stations, covering the political, cultural, and social news in Ireland and around the world.
Genre: Underground/Independent music
Coming to you from an NYC shipping container, The Lot Radio is a non-profit, independent radio station built up a dedicated following. Its live radio mixes can be viewed on YouTube and regularly feature well-known DJs such as Shanti Celest, Octa Octa, and Louis Vega.
Genre: News/talk radio
Launched in 2020, Times Radio is a News UK-owned radio station that largely focuses on a more serious, direct approach to news. For anyone still deciding whether to invest in the paid content provided by The Sunday Times and The Times, Times Radio is a totally-free option that still gives you access to the publisher’s first-rate journalism.
Genre: Talk radio, underground/independent music
Reform Radio is a one-of-a-kind platform that serves up first-rate shows from industry legends while simultaneously seeking to expand the opportunities available to young people interested in broadcasting. In addition to a great mix of shows, you can also listen to the station’s always-changing catalog of underground music.
Genre: Underground music
For music lovers that appreciate deep cuts and sub-sub genres, few internet radio stations can compare to NTS. Broadcasting from Manchester, Los Angeles, and London, NTS features well-known DJs, industry tastemakers, and other in-the-know pioneers of modern underground music.
Genre: Underground/independent music, youth culture
Reprezent Radio is where you can meet the newest generation of DJ and broadcasting talents, the bright young talents representing the next wave in the world of radio. The station consistently serves up an unparalleled selection of underground music, including many artists you might not hear from elsewhere.
Genre: Synthwave music
Nightride FM is made up of a curated group of stations that provides listeners with access to various subgenres of synthwave music. The unique interface showcases the playlist-based set-up, with different themes for each genre’s station – it is an immersive listening experience.
Genre: Alternatives music
Radio Paradise is an ad-free station led by two first-class hosts, with an expansive listener base and three different channels. Take your pick from the “Main Mix,” “Mellow Mix,” or the “World/Etc. Mix,” and enjoy the freedom to skip any songs that you don’t like.
Genre: Underground/independent dance music
Rinse FM might have started as a pirate radio station in London, but it’s since grown into a legitimate platform that listeners can’t stop raving about. This station is a catalyst for the growth of several independent music genres, including grime, garage, jungle, drum and bass, and footwork.
Genre: Underground/independent music
Created in response to the lack of representation of East Asian music artists, Hong Kong Community Radio highlights the region’s vibrant music and cultural scenes. Whereas most Western media focuses solely on the politics of East Asia, this station seeks to celebrate its multi-dimensional nature.
Genre: Underground/independent music
Broadcasting from an iconic sunset bar in Ibiza, Café Del Mar transports its listeners to the 1980s and 90s-era electronic dance music scene. It broadcasts Balearic beat music, also known as Ibiza house music, a fascinating offshoot of the house and trance music genres.
Genre: Underground/independent music
Seoul Community Radio broadcasts via a live webpage and on Twitch and Facebook, making it easy to access their fantastic content. In addition to their audio content, listeners can also delve into the visual aspects of the station’s video content to enrich the overall experience.
Genre: Local music/radio
Even though local radio in the UK has declined in recent years, Gen X Radio is proving that it is possible to bring it back. Led by former BBC presenter James Hazell, the UK-based station broadcasts an array of music without the constant repeats you’d expect from more traditional commercial radio stations.
Genre: Music
This station is quintessentially Brooklyn-esque, flawlessly depicting the rich music scene in the NYC borough. Brooklyn Radio plays a well-rounded mix that covers all musical bases, from house to hip-hop.
Genre: Underground/independent music
The dublab station debuted on the airwaves more than two decades ago, showing that amazing things can happen when talented creatives and DJs have total control. Originating in Los Angeles, the station now has a number of sister stations, including in Japan, Brazil, Germany, and Spain.Â
Genre: Underground/independent music
One part radio station, one part bar, and one part coffee shop, Melodic Distraction broadcasts a staggering 150+ shows every month. Located in the North West of England, it is largely dedicated to sharing the music and stories of the region via radio and its online magazine.Â
Genre: World music
When you are in the mood to discover new music, tune in to Radiooooo. Choose a country and a decade, and Radiooooo will offer songs to match. It’s a fascinating way to learn about the eras of global music and find unexpected favorite’s along the way.
Genre: Underground/independent dance music
Berlin has a famously exclusive underground music scene, one that can be incredibly difficult to gain access to – that is, until the arrival of the HÖR radio station. Listen to the best techno music of Berlin, no matter where in the world you are located.
Genre: Underground/independent music
Totally Wired Radio is a recently-launched station from Acid Jazz’s Eddie Piller. Self-described as a station dedicated to the “left-field and progressive music ignored by mainstream media,” the station is the perfect place for music lovers.Â
Genre: Music
Oroko Radio emphasizes the Accra community and the creatives and ideas hailing from the African Diaspora. It is unlike any other station and champions many of the most underrepresented artists in the world.
Genre: Underground/independent dance music
The relatively new Balamii radio station has already become an important component in the music ecosystem of South London, bringing attention to the region’s underground culture and music. Beyond its online broadcast, it has also made waves with events like Naked City.
Genre: Underground/independent music
Before the explosion of internet radio stations, BBC Radio 6 Music was a go-to source for UK listeners that wanted something different than mainstream music. Although it used to have a reputation for favoring rock and indie bands, the station has considerably expanded its lineup of presenters and music.Â
Genre: News/talk radio
Cheddar News is an American news network with a distinct focus on finance, covering stock trading in-depth – but its full library of original programming goes so much further. Browse programs that delve into topics that include culture, science, and history, and deepen your views of the world as it is today.
Genre: News/talk radio, independent/alternative music
If you are searching for a station that balances reliable information and independent music, look no further than X-RAY FM. Located in Portland, OR, the station offers an even mix of entertaining, informative talk radio and local music and culture.
Genre: Technology
In our digital age, cybercrime is an issue that nearly every one of us is sure to experience first-hand at some point. Cybercrime Radio dives into the most pressing threats facing the tech world now, offering practical strategies for protecting yourself online.
Genre: Technology/culture, alternative music
A champion of all things “geeky,” Geek Life Radio shares an enjoyable variety of content covering gaming, comics, and more. In addition to programming that celebrates the topics traditionally considered to be of the “nerd persuasion,” the station also shares a ton of alternative music.
Genre: News/talk radio
Odds are, you’re no stranger to CNN. As one of the best-known broadcasters in America, the station is a reliable source for global news coverage, interviews, and breaking headlines.
Genre: K-pop music
K-pop music has swept the globe with its unique sound, growing into a worldwide phenomenon few of us saw coming. Tune in to Kpopway Radio to get a front-row seat to the best k-pop music, including new hits and long-time classics – commercial-free and broadcast 24 hours a day.
Genre: Movie/TV soundtracks
There is no question that creating music for TV and film is an art form all its own, one that plays a vital role in shaping the viewers’ experience. Cinemix is a radio station for soundtracks, providing a skillfully curated variety of music from film and TV.
Genre: News/talk radio
KQED-FM is a San Francisco-based NPR member station that shares a little bit of everything: talk-based radio content centered on arts, politics, and science, as well as syndicated BBC World Service shows and podcasts like This American Life.
Genre: Kids’ entertainment
For the youngest listeners – or even adults who are kids at heart – Fun Kids is a radio station for children that consistently knocks it out of the park. Its engaging audio content is tailored for kids and might be the spark that ignites a lifelong love for radio.
Genre: Underground/independent music
Spiritland radio is inspired by vinyl-head culture, giving listeners an unmatched selection of favorites from DJs, collectors, and visionaries. The station also has a handful of audiophile bars in London and is outfitted with the best in bespoke sound systems.
Genre: Underground/independent music
KEXP is a Seattle radio station with a robust listener base, broadcasting an impeccable variety of alternative and independent music. One of its defining characteristics is its rotating live performance schedule, which includes well-known and up-and-coming musicians.
Genre: Underground/independent music
Although you might never have considered tuning in to Slovakian radio, Radio FM will surely change that. Intended as an alternative option to commercial/private stations, its shows extend across all genres, including heavy metal, jazz, hip hop, and many others.
Genre: Jazz
Dedicated to New Orleans and its musical heritage, WWOZ is a must-listen for anyone passionate about jazz. It regularly broadcasts live gigs from the legendary city, allowing listeners to experience music in the birthplace of jazz.
Genre: Underground/independent music
This station is broadcast from the University of Texas and showcases the history, music, and culture of the famously “weird” city of Austin.
Genre: Creative Culture
Shady Pines Radio was originally created during the COVID-19 pandemic and was established to connect the creatives of Portland, OR. In just a few short years, it has expanded to more than 75 different shows and is an important space for the region’s creative community.
Genre: Underground/independent music
Founded by the famous electronic music composer Robert Miles, Openlab FM has been broadcasting on FM and online since 2013. The unique station unites DJs, musicians, producers, visual artists, and even architects in its mission to journey into the future of music.
Genre: Talk radio/music
Primavera Sound Radio is the station of the iconic Barcelona music festival, hosting content that encompasses both its Spanish roots and its global audience.Â
Genre: Talk radio, underground/independent music
This Paris-based radio station covers a wide realm of culture and music, exposing listeners to a fascinating mix of content. From diving into the best movies of a particular year to inviting guests to share their favorite books, Tsugi Radio has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Genre: Underground/independent music
From 12 to 10 pm AEDT, this community station broadcasts the best of Australia’s underground music scene. It’s a non-profit effort based right in Sydney and an essential listen for anyone interested in independent artists.
Genre: Talk radio/music
Legacy 90.1 is a Manchester community radio station that spotlights African and Caribbean culture and heritage, elevating DJs, presenters, and musicians from underrepresented groups. In addition to its regular content, the station also takes on projects that cover critical topics in the region’s Caribbean and African communities.Â
Genre: News and music
Gaydio is one of the UK’s biggest and best LGBTP+ radio stations. It highlights the community news so often left uncovered by mainstream media and a plethora of fun, upbeat music.Â
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