25 Best Radio Stations In The US

Broadcasting on both AM and FM, Radio K out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a college radio station and one of the oldest radio stations in the state, first starting in 1912. They play a wide variety of old and new music, many of which are local and unknown bands.

If you’re more into alternative music, this Los Angeles based radio station will give it to you. Part of the iHeart Radio network, not only does it play alternative, but it has their daily talk show called “The Woody Show.”

Broadcasting out of Washington D.C. and owned by Howard University, this station won the NAB Crystal Radio Award for excellence in community service. Jazz fans love the station, and it even has its own “Original Quiet Storm” nightly station that plays relaxing music.

Fresh out of Emerson College in Boston, this radio station is commercial free and supported by listeners. It’s student-run with the guidance of professional staff and has been critically acclaimed for its programming. They play an eclectic set of music from R&B to Indie Rock.

A non-commercial radio service of the University of Pennsylvania, this station serves a wide part of the Pennsylvania area and focuses on connecting new artists and audiences together. They produce a solid mix of programming, including a morning show, blues show, and a show called “Sleepy Hollow” which is full of quiet sounds.

A radio station out of Hofstra University, they specifically shine with news reports, winning several awards from press organizations. They also play a wide variety of music, from jazz to classical to hip-hop.

The only primarily internet radio station on this list, Radio Free Brooklyn is a young station but showcases some unique programming. Their hosts have complete freedom to organize their shows, so you’ll find a wide variety of music and topics discussed.

Started in 1973 and broadcasting out of the Ozarks, this radio station had a long-fought battle to stay student-run at the University of Arkansas. The battle was won in 2000, and since then they’ve gone from being mostly talk radio to blasting a wide variety of music, from golden oldies to rap.

Also part of the iHeart Radio network, this Nashville based station considers itself the #1 station for new Country music. It features the Bobby Bones talk show and also does a Country Top 30 list. Country fans would be remiss if they didn’t check this one out.

Called LA’s new home for Hip Hop, this radio station will please fans eager to hear non-stop R&B and Hip Hop. It also features the talk show “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” and is part of the iHeart Radio network.

Broadcasting out of Madison, Wisconsin, this station is non-commercial and listener supported. It plays a variety of music from jazz to world to bluegrass and metal. There’s probably not a style of music it doesn’t play.

In terms of numbers, popularity, and revenue, this New York variety station is one of the best in the United States. Also part of the iHeart Radio network, they play the best new music and feature “The Bob & Christine Morning Show.”

Broadcasting out of Colorado Springs, this Colorado College station is also connected to NPR. Along with the standard NPR shows, it also plays unique programming, like the “KRCC Air Check” show on the first Saturday of the month and their Reggae show.

Sports radio fans will love this station. With a slew of popular sports programming along with podcasts and blogs, it’ll be pretty easy to keep up to date on the latest sports talk and news.

As the #1 station for rock and roll in Bangor, Maine, they also have something else to brag about – they’re owned by famed novelist Stephen King. You can listen to all the greatest rock jams while keeping up with Stephen King news.

Best known for producing the show This American Life, fans of talk radio will love this station. They play Car Talk, All Things Considered, and Prairie Home Companion, among many other popular shows.

If you have more of a classical ear, this station plays classical music 24/7 out of Hyannis, MA. Of course, you can listen to the finest selections live from the internet or their smartphone app.

Broadcasting out of Portland, OR, this station, also known as XRAY FM, has a blend of talk and music programming and is on a mission to promote the best and most distinctive of Portland. Their music is hand-selected by curators and DJs, creating a diverse and eclectic variety that everyone can get behind.

If you’re looking for positive and encouraging music, Air1 is a Christian music station with syndications in select areas, online streaming, and the ability to listen through their smartphone app. Aside from Praise, they play a variety of sounds, including pop, rock, and R&B.

Coming out of the Big Easy, this station is presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Inc. and plays some of the best jazz, blues, and rock that’ll keep you grooving through Mardi Gras and the rest of the year.

A listener-supported station out of Seattle, they strive to enrich lives through the discovery of music. They play a wide variety of music but focus on lots of unknown and independent music. Along with their station, they produce podcasts and have their own YouTube channel.

Based out of New Jersey, this freeform and listener-supported station is currently one of the longest running in the United States. From bizarre rock and roll to cooking instructions, the station plays all kinds of music and programming. Rolling Stone magazine called it “The best radio station in the country.”

Starting out as a syndicated radio channel out of the University of San Francisco, this station eventually sold their frequency and became an online-only station. KUSF is notable, however, for being the first radio station to play punk rock and helped acts like The B-52s and Metallica gain exposure when they were first starting out.

As one of the most well-known and popular radio stations out Chicago, they play Top 40 hits and reach millions of listeners. They’re part of the iHeart Radio network and feature the show “Fred + Angi Mornings.”

Broadcasting out of Minnesota and part of Minnesota Public Radio, The Current is a member-supported station that plays local and national music. Known for their eclectic taste and penchant for picking up-and-coming artists, they’re both a beloved part of the Minneapolis-St.Paul community and the world at large with a broad base of listeners and members. People wanting to hear something new will likely find it here.