8 Best True Crime Podcasts in 2026 (Can't Stop Listening)
True crime is the most popular podcast genre in the world, and for good reason — a gripping investigation is impossible to stop listening to. Here are 8 of the best.
Waking up with a podcast on iOS
Podcast Alarm is a fully featured podcast player and alarm. You can set up queues of your favourite episodes and listen to them whenever you like. Why not subscribe to your favourite podcast and have the latest episode wake you up every weekday morning. There are lots of screenshots and videos in our "How to set a podcast as an alarm on iphone?" blog post.
1. Crime Junkie
Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, Crime Junkie is one of the biggest podcasts in the world with over 3 billion downloads. Every Monday, they cover a new case in a tight, well-researched 30–45 minute episode. The format is consistent and addictive — perfect for a weekly listen.
2. Casefile True Crime
An Australian podcast with an anonymous host, Casefile stands out for its meticulous research and respectful treatment of victims. It covers international cases that other podcasts miss, with episodes ranging from 30 minutes to multi-part deep dives.
3. My Favorite Murder
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark blend true crime with comedy in a way that shouldn't work but absolutely does. Their conversational style and genuine friendship make heavy topics more approachable. The show has spawned live tours, books, and an entire podcast network.
4. Morbid
Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley cover everything from well-known serial killers to obscure historical cases. Alaina's background as an autopsy technician adds a forensic edge you won't find elsewhere. Episodes mix deep research with genuine banter between the hosts.
5. Sword and Scale
Hosted by Mike Boudet, Sword and Scale uses real audio from 911 calls, courtroom recordings, and interviews to tell stories that are unsettling and hard to forget. It doesn't shy away from the darkest cases, so it's not for the faint-hearted.
6. True Crime Obsessed
Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle recap true crime documentaries with sharp commentary and genuine laughs. If you've just watched a Netflix doc and need someone to debrief with, this is your podcast. They balance humour with respect for the cases brilliantly.
7. Rotten Mango
Stephanie Soo covers international true crime cases that rarely get attention in English-language media. Her storytelling is gripping and she digs into the cultural context behind each case. One of the fastest-growing true crime podcasts for good reason.
8. Last Podcast On The Left
Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski tackle serial killers, cults, and the paranormal with deep research wrapped in dark comedy. Episodes are long, chaotic, and incredibly well-researched. If you want true crime that doesn't take itself too seriously, start here.
Wake up to a mystery
Set any of these podcasts as your morning alarm with Podcast Alarm. There's no better motivation to get out of bed than finding out what happens next in a gripping investigation.
Waking up with a podcast on iOS
Podcast Alarm is a fully featured podcast player and alarm. You can set up queues of your favourite episodes and listen to them whenever you like. Why not subscribe to your favourite podcast and have the latest episode wake you up every weekday morning. There are lots of screenshots and videos in our "How to set a podcast as an alarm on iphone?" blog post.
