Podcasting is something that multiple Americans tune into everyday for their entertainment and educational purposes as well – with most of them listening to different podcasts while cooking, bathing or just eating.
From true crime, comedy, business to health, celebrity interviews and history – there is a podcast created for every interest. If you are searching for the best podcasts of 2026 in the US, this is the right guide.
From the most popular podcasts in 2026 to the best true crime podcasts in the US – these latest spotify’s top podcasts of 2026 deserve a spot on your playlist.
Why are podcasts more popular now than ever before?
People have started listening to podcasts way more regularly than before – partly because of accessibility and convenience and partly because the storylines of some of these podcasts are mind-blowing.
These are some of the best podcasts of 2026 in the US which keep you hooked throughout.
Most popular podcasts of 2026
Along with being the best podcast of 2026 in the US, these are also the most popular podcasts of 2026 in multiple other countries too:
The Joe Rogan Experience
The Joe Rogan Experience is almost always ranked at the top by various editors, podcasters and critics. It is easily the most popular podcast of 2026 along with being highly acclaimed because of its unscripted, long-form format of conversations.
From athletes to celebrities, from scientists to comedians and entrepreneurs – people from all backgrounds have come on this podcast and spoken their heart out
Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy is hosted by Alex Cooper and is one of the best podcasts of 2026 in the US because she has evolved this from a relationship-focused podcast to a life-focused one.
It has quickly become one of the biggest celebrity interview platforms in all of America where each episode features someone else.
A wonderfully heartwarming conversation can be heard anytime you play this – along with banter, humour and criticism.
Crime Junkie
As the name suggests, this is one of the best true crime podcasts in the US and is known to be best podcasts of 2026 in the US.
It is hosted by two friends – Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat where they explore and dive deep into different criminal cases with professional storytelling. They are respectful, empathetic, analytical and extremely interesting to listen to.
If you are a true crime lover – you cannot miss this podcast.
SmartLess
Hosted by some of our favourite actors – Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, SmartLess is one of those podcasts that makes you feel right at home. They blend celebrity interviews with their individualised humour styles and conversations that are wholesome. And funny.
The chemistry and comedic timing of the hosts makes this a wonderful listen while cooking, bathing, doing chores or in an airplane, making it one of the best podcasts of 2026 in the US.
This Past Weekend with Theo Von
Theo Von’s unique storytelling and his candid interviews have easily gotten this to Spotify’s top podcasts of 2026 list – because of the wonderful combination of comedy and thoughtfulness.
This podcast started in 2016 and has quickly become one of the most popular podcasts of 2026 across different platforms.
Huberman Lab
Perfect for academicians and those with an interest in neuroscience, this podcast is hosted by Andrew Huberman, one of the most well-read neuroscientists who likes to make complicated topics easy to understand.
He focuses on sleep, nutrition, stress, memory and brain health – all topics that directly affect each one of us. This is why it is one of the best podcasts of 2026 in the US when it comes to health and science.
Serial
If you are into mass media and journalism – this might be the best option for you. Even multiple years after its debut – Serial continues to stay on top as one of the most popular podcasts of 2026.
It focuses on compelling storytelling and inspiring true stories which will send shivers down your spine. The realism portrayed in this is also why it is one of the best true crime podcasts in the US.
Stuff you should know
A very educational podcast, it is hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant – both of whom started this to turn everyday topics interesting, exciting and fun to listen to.
They cover topics such as:
- History
- Science
- Technology
- Culture
- Psychology
- Everyday mysteries as well
Dateline NBC
For those fans who love investigative journalism – Dateline NBC is one of the best podcasts of 2026 in the US because it focuses on true crime stories being told after doing in-depth research.
The storytelling in this is expressed in a detail-oriented and analytic way – making the person feel like they are there in real life too.
Good hang with Amy Poehler
Good hang has quickly become one of the best podcasts of 2026 in the US while also being the most popular podcast of 2026.
Featuring very relaxed conversations with celebrities and high-profile people, Amy has earned a lot of love, praise and fan following.
Best podcasts by Genre
True crime:
- Crime junkie
- Serial
- Dateline NBC
- Criminal
- Morbid
Comedy:
- SmartLess
- This Past Weekend
- Good Hang
Business
- How I built this
- The diary of a CEO
- Planet money
Health and wellness
- Huberman Lab
- The Mel Robbins Podcast
History
- Hardcore History
- History extra
