15 Best True Crime Podcasts You Need to Listen To
From cold cases to courtroom dramas, these are the true crime podcasts that keep millions of listeners hooked. Transcripts available for all.
True crime is one of the most popular podcast genres, and for good reason — there is something irresistible about investigative storytelling that unravels mysteries, exposes injustice, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Whether you are a longtime fan or just getting into the genre, here are the 15 true crime podcasts that deserve a spot in your queue.
Every podcast on this list is available in the True Crime category on Swiftyscribe, where you can get full AI-powered transcripts for every episode.
1. Serial
The podcast that launched the true crime podcast revolution. Sarah Koenig's investigation into the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee captivated millions and set the template for longform narrative podcasting. Each season tackles a new story with the depth and nuance of the best investigative journalism.
Why transcribe it:Serial's dense investigative reporting is packed with details, names, and timeline references that are much easier to follow in text.
2. Crime Junkie
Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat deliver well-researched true crime stories in a conversational, engaging format. New episodes every Monday cover everything from missing persons cases to solved cold cases. It is consistently one of the top-charting podcasts for a reason.
3. My Favorite Murder
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark combine true crime storytelling with humor and honesty about anxiety, making the genre more approachable. The “murderino” community they have built is one of the most passionate in podcasting.
4. Casefile
An Australian true crime podcast known for its meticulous research, atmospheric narration, and respectful treatment of victims. The anonymous host covers cases from around the world, making it one of the most globally diverse crime podcasts available.
5. Dateline NBC
The podcast extension of the legendary TV show brings decades of investigative reporting to your ears. Long-running cases get the deep treatment they deserve, with exclusive interviews and courtroom audio.
6. Sword and Scale
Pushing the boundaries of the true crime genre with raw, unfiltered looks at the darkest aspects of humanity. The podcast uses actual court recordings, 911 calls, and interrogation tapes to tell stories that linger long after the episode ends.
7. Criminal
Phoebe Judge's calm, thoughtful narration turns each episode into a small masterpiece. Criminal does not just cover murders — it explores all kinds of rule-breaking, from art heists to identity theft, with a literary sensibility rare in the genre.
8. Someone Knows Something
A CBC podcast where host David Ridgen re-examines cold cases alongside the families affected. The investigative process is as gripping as the stories themselves, as Ridgen often uncovers new evidence and pushes cases forward.
9. Up and Vanished
Payne Lindsey investigates unsolved disappearances and cold cases, with the first season's investigation actually helping lead to an arrest in the Tara Grinstead case. A textbook example of how podcasts can influence real-world investigations.
10. Bear Brook
A limited series about four bodies found in barrels in a New Hampshire state park and the revolutionary DNA technology that cracked the case wide open. Bear Brook is widely considered one of the best true crime podcast series ever made.
11. In the Dark
Investigative reporter Madeleine Baran takes deep dives into cases that expose systemic failures in the justice system. Season 2's coverage of Curtis Flowers' case was instrumental in bringing national attention to prosecutorial misconduct.
12. Undisclosed
A team of lawyers examines wrongful convictions and questionable prosecutions, digging into court records and evidence that was overlooked or suppressed. Essential listening for anyone interested in criminal justice reform.
13. The Vanished
Focusing on missing persons cases that do not make national headlines, The Vanished gives a voice to families searching for answers. Host Marissa Jones works directly with families and law enforcement, often bringing new attention to overlooked cases.
14. True Crime Garage
Nic and the Captain break down cases over beers, combining thorough research with casual conversation. The relaxed format makes heavy subject matter more digestible without being disrespectful.
15. RedHanded
Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala bring a global perspective to true crime, covering cases from every continent with sharp analysis and dark humor. Their chemistry and research rigor have earned them one of the fastest-growing audiences in the genre.
Get Transcripts for All of These
True crime podcasts are dense with names, dates, locations, and evidence details. Having a transcript means you can search for a specific witness name, re-read a crucial timeline, or pull quotes without rewinding.
Download Swiftyscribe to get AI-powered transcripts for every episode from every podcast on this list — and millions more. Browse more shows in our True Crime category.