28 Best Spanish Podcasts for Language Learners in 2024
If you are looking to improve or kick-start your Spanish listening skills then Spanish podcasts are the solution you need.
From total beginners to advanced speakers, podcasts can be some of the best resources available to enhance learning.
I’m James, from Learn Spanish With James. In this guide, I’ll show you 30 of the best Spanish podcasts available right now, including free and paid options.
All of these podcasts have been selected by me and they cater to varying levels of proficiency.
Below, I have listed the best podcasts, as well as how each podcast can help you master real Spanish.
These will be useful to you, whether you’re expanding your vocabulary, perfecting your pronunciation, or you’re an advanced Spanish student seeking authentic immersion into real Spanish-speaking culture.
Do you host a Spanish podcast not mentioned on this list? I’d love to hear about it.
1. Coffee Break Spanish
Synopsis: Coffee Break Spanish offers bite-sized language lessons perfect for learners on the go.
Hosted by experienced language teachers, this podcast covers essential grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights to help you progress steadily in your Spanish learning journey.
Mark and the team provide specific grammar series, culture series, and bitesize lessons relating to the nuances of the language.
This is a great option based not only on the quality of the production and lesson structure, but also based on the volume of free materials available.
For this reason, I give it 5/5 stars.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 5/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to upper intermediate learners.
- Format: Audio lessons with accompanying materials.
- Accents: European Spanish, also referred to as Castilian Spanish.
2. News in Slow Spanish
Synopsis: As the name suggests, News in Slow Spanish delivers current events and news stories at a slower pace.
This makes it ideal for learners who want to improve their listening comprehension skills while staying informed about world affairs.
The concept of learning a language this way is excellent and effective.
However, the amount of free material available is limited, so you’ll need to pay to access the large amount of listening content available.
Breakdown:
- Price: Subscription-based with free trial.
- Rating: 4.8/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: News commentary with transcripts.
- Accents: Various, including Latin American and European.
3. Fluent Spanish Express Podcast
Synopsis: The Fluent Spanish Express Podcast focuses on helping learners achieve fluency through immersive listening experiences.
With engaging topics and clear explanations, it’s a valuable resource for those striving to speak the language with confidence.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Conversational episodes.
- Accents: Varied Spanish speakers, including Latin American and European.
4. Notes in Spanish
Synopsis: Notes in Spanish provides authentic conversations between native speakers, covering everyday topics and cultural insights.
This podcast offers a blend of beginner, intermediate, and advanced content to cater to learners at different stages.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with optional donation.
- Rating: 4.6/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to advanced learners.
- Format: Conversational episodes with transcripts.
- Accents: European Spanish, also referred to as Castilian Spanish.
5. StoryLearning Spanish Podcast
Synopsis: StoryLearning Spanish combines storytelling with language learning, offering captivating narratives that engage listeners while reinforcing vocabulary and grammar concepts.
Each episode is designed to enhance comprehension and retention via the successfully proven StoryLearning method, which is employed in the various StoryLearning courses created by polyglot Olly Richards.
You’ll need to pay to access most of the content available.
Breakdown:
- Price: Subscription-based with free trial.
- Rating: 4.9/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Story-driven episodes with transcripts.
- Accents: Various, including Latin American and European.
6. SpanishPod101
Synopsis: SpanishPod101 provides comprehensive lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural topics.
With a vast library of audio and video content, as well as personalized learning tools, it’s suitable for learners of all levels.
The rating below is solely based on my personal preference. I find the format a little childlike, but for some learners this is perfect and exactly what they’re looking for.
Breakdown:
- Price: Subscription-based with free trial.
- Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to advanced learners.
- Format: Audio and video lessons with accompanying materials.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
7. Español Automatico
Synopsis: Español Automatico focuses on teaching Spanish through natural immersion techniques, encouraging learners to absorb the language effortlessly.
Hosted by a native Spanish speaker, it emphasizes practical communication skills for real-life situations.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 4.6/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Conversational episodes.
- Accents: European Spanish.
8. Spanish Obsessed
Synopsis: Spanish Obsessed offers engaging conversations between native speakers, covering a wide range of topics from travel and culture to everyday life.
With clear explanations and interactive exercises, it’s a valuable resource for learners seeking authentic language practice.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Conversational episodes with transcripts.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
9. Duolingo Spanish Podcast
Synopsis: The Duolingo Spanish Podcast features true stories presented in both Spanish and English.
With captivating narratives and educational insights, it offers a unique blend of entertainment and language learning.
Nobody needs an introduction to Duolingo and, like any large brand, this resource is used as a gateway to encourage app sign ups.
Nevertheless, it’s a great resource for beginners and it’s free.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.8/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginners.
- Format: Story-driven episodes with transcripts.
- Accents: Various, including Latin American and European.
10. SpanishLand School Podcast
Synopsis: Spanishland School Podcast offers practical lessons focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Hosted by a Colombian Spanish teacher, it provides clear explanations and actionable tips for improving language skills.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 4.6/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to intermediate learners.
- Format: Educational episodes with exercises.
- Accents: Colombian Spanish.
11. Unlimited Spanish
Synopsis: Unlimited Spanish features structured lessons designed to enhance fluency and comprehension.
With a focus on practical language use, it covers essential grammar points and vocabulary topics in a clear and accessible manner.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Educational episodes with exercises.
- Accents: European Spanish.
12. Spanish with Vicente
Synopsis: Spanish with Vicente offers dynamic lessons that incorporate cultural insights and real-world scenarios.
Hosted by a native Spanish speaker, it provides valuable resources for learners seeking to enhance their language skills.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Conversational episodes with transcripts.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
13. Español con Juan
Synopsis: Español con Juan delivers practical language lessons with a focus on conversational fluency.
Hosted by a Spanish teacher, it covers grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions to help learners communicate effectively in Spanish.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 4.6/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Conversational episodes with exercises.
- Accents: European Spanish.
14. SpanishPodcast.net
Synopsis: SpanishPodcast.net offers a diverse range of lessons tailored to different proficiency levels.
From basic vocabulary to advanced grammar, it provides comprehensive resources to support learners at every stage of their language journey.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to advanced learners.
- Format: Audio lessons with transcripts.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
15. Español en 300
Synopsis: Español en 300 features short, intensive lessons designed to boost language skills quickly.
With a focus on essential vocabulary and phrases, it’s an ideal resource for learners looking to make rapid progress in Spanish.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to intermediate learners.
- Format: Bite-sized episodes with exercises.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
16. Español en Vivo
Synopsis: Español en Vivo provides live conversations and interactive exercises to simulate real-life language immersion.
With opportunities for active participation, it offers a dynamic learning experience for learners of all levels.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 4.6/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Live sessions and recorded episodes.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
17. Lightspeed Spanish
Synopsis: Lightspeed Spanish offers structured lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation in a clear and concise manner.
With a focus on practical communication skills, it’s a valuable resource for learners seeking to listen to Spanish audio to become more confident at speaking fluently.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Educational episodes with exercises.
- Accents: European Spanish.
18. SpanishPodcasters
Synopsis: SpanishPodcasters features interviews with native speakers from different Spanish-speaking countries, providing valuable insights into language usage and cultural nuances.
It’s a great resource for learners looking to broaden their understanding of Spanish.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Interview-style episodes with transcripts.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
19. Spanish Language Coach
Synopsis: Spanish Language Coach offers personalized coaching and guidance to help learners achieve their language goals.
With tailored lessons and feedback, it provides a supportive environment for mastering Spanish effectively.
Breakdown:
- Price: Subscription-based with free trial.
- Rating: 4.8/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Personalized lessons and coaching sessions.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
20. SpanishPod
Synopsis: SpanishPod features engaging lessons presented by experienced teachers, covering grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills.
With a focus on practical language use, it’s an excellent resource for learners seeking to speak the Spanish language confidently in everyday situations.
Breakdown:
- Price: Subscription-based with free trial.
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Audio and video lessons with exercises.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
21. Español Interactivo
Synopsis: Español Interactivo offers interactive lessons and exercises designed to enhance language skills through active participation.
With a focus on practical communication, it provides valuable opportunities for learners to practice speaking, listening, and writing in Spanish.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 4.6/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Interactive lessons with quizzes and activities.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
22. SpanishPod101
Synopsis: SpanishPod101 provides comprehensive lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural topics.
With a vast library of audio and video content, as well as personalized learning tools, it’s suitable for learners of all levels.
Breakdown:
- Price: Subscription-based with free trial.
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to advanced learners.
- Format: Audio and video lessons with accompanying materials.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
23. Español para todos
Synopsis: Español para todos offers structured lessons that cater to learners at different proficiency levels.
There is a focus on practical language use, and it covers essential grammar points, vocabulary topics, as well as cultural insights to help learners communicate effectively in Spanish.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to advanced learners.
- Format: Educational episodes with exercises.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
24. Spanish with Pedro
Synopsis: Spanish with Pedro provides clear and concise lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Hosted by an experienced language teacher, it offers valuable resources for learners seeking to improve their Spanish language skills.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.6/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to intermediate learners.
- Format: Educational episodes with exercises.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
25. Speak Spanish with Maria Fernandez
Synopsis: Speak Spanish with Maria Fernandez offers practical lessons focusing on conversational fluency and real-world communication skills.
With engaging topics and interactive exercises, it’s a valuable resource for intermediate Spanish learners to advanced students on their way to Spanish fluency.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free with premium options available.
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Conversational episodes with exercises.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
26. Spanish Gurus
Synopsis: Spanish Gurus provides personalized lessons and tutoring services tailored to individual learning needs.
This podcast comprises experienced teachers and flexible scheduling options, as well as offering a supportive environment for learners to improve their Spanish language skills.
Breakdown:
- Price: Subscription-based with free trial.
- Rating: 4.8/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to advanced learners.
- Format: Personalized lessons and tutoring sessions.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
27. SpanishPodcast.org
Synopsis: SpanishPodcast.org offers a wide range of lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural topics.
There is a focus on practical language use, with access to valuable resources for learners seeking to communicate effectively in Spanish.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.6/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Beginner to advanced learners.
- Format: Audio lessons with transcripts.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
28. Español en Marcha
Synopsis: Español en Marcha features lively lessons and conversations that cover a range of topics, from everyday life to cultural insights.
The podcast provides clear explanations and interactive exercises, which makes it a great resource for learners seeking to improve their Spanish language skills.
Breakdown:
- Price: Free.
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
- Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Format: Conversational episodes with exercises.
- Accents: Varied, including Latin American and European.
How to Learn Spanish with Podcasts
Podcasts can be a remarkably efficient method to learn Spanish.
But, much like Spanish YouTube channels, they provide more than just opportunities to practice listening skills.
For instance, using transcripts can significantly improve your listening and pronunciation skills. You can read along with the audio, look up new words or phrases, and expand your vocabulary.
Shadowing is another proficient technique you can use. This involves listening to native Spanish speakers and repeating what they say in real time.
The goal is to imitate their pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and accent, which can really help improve your fluency and understanding of conversational Spanish.
Remember, to enhance your language learning journey, follow these strategies:
- Select podcasts that match your level
- Listen to them often
- Take notes
- Practice active listening through repetition and shadowing
These strategies, combined with the rich content and cultural insights provided by a Spanish podcast, can greatly enhance your language-learning journey and deepen your understanding of Spanish culture.
Choosing the Right Dialect: Which Spanish Are You Learning?
As you begin your journey of learning Spanish, it’s vital to decide on the dialect you wish to master.
The main variations in the Spanish language are between European Spanish and Latin American Spanish.
European Spanish
European Spanish tends to be more formal, and there are variations in the pronunciation of certain letters, such as Z and C, and the usage of the third-person plural pronoun.
Learning Spanish from a native speaker can help you understand these nuances more effectively.
Spanish-speaking Countries in Latin America
In Latin America, the Spanish dialect changes quite a bit across different countries. Each region, from various countries such as:
- Bolivia
- The Caribbean
- Central America
- Chile
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Paraguay
- Argentina
has its own unique features. Choosing the right Latin American accent is about understanding your learning goals and the cultural context you’re most interested in.
Other Ways to Learn Spanish Alongside Podcasts
While podcasts serve as a superb learning resource, combining them with other language learning tools can exponentially boost your progress and help you to learn Spanish quickly. Some language-learning apps that you can use alongside podcasts are:
- Rocket Spanish (a repetition based online course)
- Pimsleur (an app with a focus on spaced-repetition and listening)
- Babbel (another app with a focus on spaced-repetition and listening)
- Duolingo (this one needs no introduction)
- Rosetta Stone (similar to Babbel but with more comprehensive reading exercise)
These apps offer structured lessons, interactive exercises, free transcripts and handy features like speech recognition to help you practice pronunciation with native speakers.
You can find a full list of the best Spanish courses on the Learn Spanish With James site.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
The benefits of learning Spanish through podcasts are:
- Improving your understanding of spoken Spanish
- Expanding your vocabulary
- Working on your pronunciation
- Immersing yourself in real language and culture
Podcasts can be a powerful tool in your language learning toolkit.
Just remember to choose podcasts that fit your goals and level, and don’t forget to incorporate other language learning resources for a well-rounded experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions by Spanish learners about listening comprehension practice and the top Spanish podcasts.
Where can I find Spanish language podcasts?
You can find great Spanish podcasts on platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and various websites. Some recommended podcasts for advanced learners include Radio Ambulante and En Defensa Propia.
What is the best podcast to learn Spanish for beginners?
For beginners, “Coffee Break Spanish” and “Duolingo Podcast” are great options.
The first focuses on grammar and interesting topics related to life in Spain, while the second features native Spanish coupled with English narration.
Can a podcast help me learn Spanish?
Yes, a podcast can definitely help you learn Spanish, as there has been a surge in Spanish podcasts for language learners in recent years.
Whether you go for Spanish news podcasts or Spanish grammar podcasts, such listening practice can be an excellent tool to supplement your Spanish studies.
How do I choose the right Spanish learning podcast for me?
To choose the right Spanish learning podcast for you, consider your learning goals and your current level of proficiency.
Do a placement test to determine whether you are an intermediate or an advanced Spanish learner, for instance, and then try some of the many free Spanish podcasts available for intermediate and advanced learners respectively.
How can I get the most out of learning Spanish with podcasts?
You can get the most out of learning Spanish with podcasts by using transcripts to improve listening and pronunciation skills and by using the shadowing technique to practice speaking in real time.
This will not only help you improve your Spanish listening skills but also pick up patterns and chunks of language to help you speak Spanish fluently in no time!
Best Spanish Podcasts for Language Learners
Podcasts can play a significant role in the language learning journey of Spanish learners.
By choosing the right podcasts for your level, using effective strategies like transcripts and shadowing, and complementing your podcast listening with other language learning resources, you can make significant strides in mastering Spanish.
Dive into the Spanish speaking world with the best Spanish podcasts listed here and discover the joy of learning a new language.
Online Spanish Courses & Grammar Courses
Spanish verb conjugation can be tricky, but with the right resources, you can master all verb forms easily.
For a full list of Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Courses, check out this full list of online Spanish courses.
I put this list together myself, and it comprises a mixture of courses that offer Spanish grammar practice for all levels, conversational practice, listening and writing exercises in Spanish, free Spanish courses, and a whole lot more.
In addition to online Spanish courses, on this site you will find a wide range of Spanish apps, Spanish YouTube channels, and both online and physical Spanish language schools.
About James – Or Should that be Santiago?
My name is James. I am a Brit with a love for the Spanish language. I have lived in Spain, Argentina, and Costa Rica, and I have been teaching Spanish for over a decade. This site will show you how to master the elements of Spanish grammar that often dishearten learners. I hope you enjoy the site and find it useful.
If you are interested in taking your Spanish to the next level, check out the Courses section for a full list of the Spanish courses I suggest. All reviews are based on my personal opinions.