The Best History Podcasts of 2026
The best history podcasts, ranked by global listener score. From ancient civilisations and medieval empires to World War II and modern political history — this is the definitive list of the top history shows for anyone who wants to understand the past.
8 history podcasts — the big names, ranked by WP Score
1Lore
Aaron Mahnke
2Omnibus
Omnibus
3Radio Diaries
Radio Diaries & Radiotopia
4The Rest Is History
Goalhanger
5Empire: World History
Goalhanger
6British Scandal
Audible
7The Ancients
History Hit
8After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
History Hit
Hidden gems
Great shows flying under the radar
Shadow World
BBC Radio 4
United States of Kennedy
iHeartPodcasts
Sleepy History
Short History of the Christian Church
WW2: Both Sides of The Wire
On This Day in Working Class History
Warfronts
Once Upon a Time at the Oscars
Once Upon a Time at the Oscars
Lights Out History
Matinee Minutiae
BioGraphics - True Biographies & History's Most Fascinating People
Battleground
Texas Rangers Radio
Who Did What
The Stupid History Minute
Sinking of the Titanic - most appalling ocean horror
Jay Henry Mowbray
The Moscow Murders and More
Cautionary Tales of History
History: Hits and Stories
Hardcore Stories
How we rank History podcasts
Every podcast on WhichPodcast is ranked using WP Score — our own proprietary algorithm that weighs audience reach, episode consistency, cross-platform presence, and listener engagement signals across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Unlike single-platform metrics, WP Score reflects a show's true footprint across the entire podcast landscape. The history podcasts above are the highest-scoring shows in this genre right now, updated regularly as new data comes in.
Want a more personal recommendation? Our podcast discovery quiz matches you to the right show based on your mood, how much time you have, and whether you want a household name or a hidden gem.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best history podcasts for beginners?
The best history podcasts for beginners are engaging, well-researched, and don't assume prior knowledge. The highest-ranked shows on this page are a great starting point — their popularity reflects how accessible and compelling they are for listeners of all backgrounds.
Are there history podcasts about specific time periods?
Yes — history podcasts cover every era, from ancient Mesopotamia and classical antiquity to the World Wars, Cold War, and modern history. Some shows take a broad sweep across all of history; others dedicate entire seasons to a single period or conflict.
Do history podcasts cite their sources?
The best history podcasts are transparent about their sources and distinguish between established historical consensus and contested interpretation. Many top hosts are professional historians or work closely with academics, and several publish episode notes with reading lists.
How long are history podcast episodes?
History podcast episodes vary widely — from 20-minute overviews to multi-hour deep dives. Some shows cover a single event per episode; others spend entire series on one subject. The Well Known / Hidden Gem toggle can help you find a format that suits your listening style.