The 24 Best Online Radio Stations of 2024

2024 has been a turbulent year, but radio remains a beacon of light in keeping us up to date, informed and entertained.

We’ve rounded up 24 of the best online radio stations of 2024, including some favourite staff picks from across the Broadcast.co team. Let's get into it, shall we?

The 24 Best Online Radio Stations of 2024

24. Vintage FM

Exclusively playing songs that are 40+ years old and that were originally released on vinyl, Vintage FM is a one-stop shop for all the golden oldies.

It broadcasts 24-7 from Australia with weekdays being a general mix of genres. Tune in on the weekends, however, and you’ll get more special formats like only one-hit-wonders or solely number-one hits. Their website even has a very handy previously-played list in case there are songs you’re unfamiliar with.

23. Oroko Radio

Broadcasting from both Accra, Ghana and Berlin, Germany, Oroko Radio showcases a glimpse of the vast variety of music from Africa and its diaspora. By promoting a variety of music styles, DJ sets, interviews, and cultural discussions, Oroko Radio creates a vibrant community that promotes cultural exchange and inclusivity.

Its dedication to elevating African artists and fostering creative collaboration makes it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to explore the continent’s vast and varied music scenes.

22. Inhailer Radio

Inhailer Radio is what we love to see at Radio.co. The Ohio-based indie station was inspired by the late, much-loved WYNU which ceased operating in 2017. Inhailer Radio continues many of the traditions and formats of WYNU, including week-long countdowns of rock hits, alongside promoting the upcoming artists of Cincinnati.

Jamie, Broadcast.co’s Head of Marketing, tunes in to Inhailer Radio for his indie rock fix and to help keep him focussed with a little-one at home:

Inhailer Radio covers the usual hits in the spotlight, but also weaves in fresh tracks from some pretty underrated artists. Ideal for me to mask the noises of a very active and talkative toddler (when I’m working obviously, I’m not a monster).

21. X-RAY FM

Fancy getting your ear to the ground on Portland’s best musicians? X-RAY FM offers just that, bringing listeners the “best and most distinctive” music on offer, from the esteemed musical city.

X-RAY FM doesn’t just promote Portland’s musicians, but its shows are curated by members of the community from journalists to comedians to elected officials. While it’s got a local-focus, listeners from far and wide can enjoy what’s on offer.

20. Radiooooo

Can music discovery get any more fun than what Radiooooo has on offer? The interactive website lets listeners explore the sounds per country, per decade and even into the future, keeping it a firm favourite of 2024.

19. Radio Bilingue

Serving Latino and Indigenous audiences in the United States, Radio Bilingüe offers bilingual news and talk shows focusing on issues relevant to Latin American communities. Its coverage includes immigration, worker rights, health, and education.

18. BBC Radio 2

BBC Radio 2 is home to some of the UK’s most-loved and recognisable radio presenters, including Zoe Ball, Johnnie Walker and Scott Mills. For many listeners, sometimes you outgrow your favourite radio station and move onto pastures new i.e. BBC Radio 2. That’s what happened to Radio.co CEO and founder, James Mulvany and his listening habits:

After listening to Radio 1 for years I’ve now decided I’m at the age where I actually don’t particularly like it any more! So Radio 2 has been more of a frequent listen - particularly in the evenings when in the kitchen.

For the millennial crowd and older, you can’t go wrong with BBC Radio 2.

17. Monocle Radio

While there are plenty of decent radio stations born out of publications in recent years, Monocle Radio has got a decade of broadcasting experience under its belt.

Operated by Monocle magazine, Monocle Radio offers in-depth discussions on global affairs, culture, business, and design. Its international focus and coverage of less mainstream stories make it popular among those interested in nuanced global perspectives.

16. Ambient Flo

We’re fans of radio stations that combine two mixes for the listeners pleasure, so Ambient Flo deserves a mention on this list. Founded and ran by the producer and DJ, Auntie Flo, Ambient Flo has a ambient mix player and a birdsong player, allowing listeners to blend the two for ultimate relaxation.

15. Somer Valley FM

For our Head of Solutions Pete, you can’t beat a great local radio station. So for his pick, he’s gone for Somer Valley FM:

I listen to the local station which I’m a director of, Somer Valley FM. Partly because I like the music played and partly because I like hearing local voices. Sometimes hearing a farmer on the radio is a good laugh.

14. Totally Wired Radio

Formed by the Acid Jazz boss, Eddie Piller, in 2019, Totally Wired Radio is all about giving airtime to 'left-field and progressive music ignored by mainstream media'. The station has a global reach and outlook, with presenters broadcasting remotely from the likes of South Korea, Peru, Germany, Israel, USA, Scotland, Italy, France, Germany and New Zealand.

13. Tsugi Radio

Tsugi Radio is the online radio station from Tsugi magazine, a respected French publication focused on electronic music and digital culture. It broadcasts a carefully curated selection of tracks, DJ sets, and live sessions, spotlighting both emerging and established artists.

The station is known for its eclectic and cutting-edge playlist, often featuring genres like techno, house, ambient, and experimental sounds. Highlights include Perds Pas Ma Page where musicians and guests discuss their favourite books. And Année Lumière, where each episode explores the cinema of a particular year.

12. KCRW

KCRW is a fine example of how some online radio stations blend talk and music-based shows into a seamless and enjoyable experience that feels very clearly on-brand. Based in Santa Monica, California, KCRW offers a rich mix of indie, electronic, jazz, and world music.

Alongside insightful programs and podcasts covering everything from current affairs to food and the arts. Listeners can tune into shows like Morning Becomes Eclectic and be introduced to new, emerging artists and hear deep cuts that are hard to find elsewhere, giving it a reputation as a tastemaker in the music world.

11. Nightride FM

With the website’s nostalgic, 80s-style interface and synthwave-only music policy, Nightride FM is a classic example of online radio done right. That is with originality, flair and championing a particular niche. No wonder then, it’s Phil Dean’s (Customer Experience Lead at Radio.co) top choice:

I love Nightride FM because it introduces me to some incredible new Synthwave music/artists that I can't find on any streaming platforms.

10. Cinemix

If you were a fan of Classic FM’s 2024 summer feature, Movie Music Hall of Fame, then we’ve got a treat for you. Cinemix is the station dedicated entirely to film and TV soundtracks. With a strong-focus on new releases, the France-based station is where you can hear the future-classics from the cinematic world.

9. OpenLab

One of the most forward-thinking radio stations in the online space, OpenLab's stream is entirely people-picked playlists, each fitting in with the vibe of morning, afternoon and evening.

The selections are more rewarding and pleasantly surprising than any algorithm-generated selections from music-streaming platforms. As such, OpenLab's stream is a go-to for listeners wanting the music spontaneity of radio but without any chatter.

But OpenLab is more than its music, the station is as equally committed to platforming innovative art. Here's station manager, Quentin Chambers, discussing the station's involvement in Web3 when NFTs were all the rage:

8. Rinse FM

Once limited to the broadcasting reach of its pirate antennas, Rinse FM is now fully legit and available online for listeners across the world. Having celebrated its 30th birthday this year, the station continues to be the forward-thinking mecca of underground music.

7. BBC Radio 6Music

BBC Radio 6 Music continues to be one of most popular UK stations and for good reason, as it brings an eclectic but accessible music to its British audience. It’s the fresh tunes that’s kept our Content Strategist, Lucy Rowe, engaged:

“Some big life events this year have left me feeling a bit musically out the loop. Thankfully, the daily new music fix on BBC 6music has really plugged in the gap. It’s on around the same time I make dinner and has been such great company in the kitchen.”

6. NTS

There are few names more synonymous with online radio than NTS. Founded by Femi Adeyemi in London in 2011, broadcasting online was the deliberate choice for Femi as he had global aspirations for the station. These aspirations have now been realised, as the NTS chat room attests to listeners from across the globe. As well as broadcasting from over 80 cities. With its varied DJ roster and a sea of shows to dive into, there is something for anyone who's looking for a break from mainstream music.

5. Do!! You!!! Radio

Speaking on NTS, Charlie Bones was the host of their flagship breakfast show for over 10 years, and undoubtedly played a big part in the station's success. But in 2022 Bones parted ways with the station, and crowdfunded the set up of his own: Do!! You!!! Radio. Happily, Do!! You!!! Radio now has a healthy presence on the online radio scene and it has realised Bones' ambition as being an antidote to the music on mainstream radio.

A crucial distinction though, is that the station doesn’t take itself as seriously as other independent music radio stations. Its general policy is to forgo any chin-stroking music chat to talk about anything and everything else. Sharing and discovering music is embedded within the Do!! You!!! culture, and on the simple yet attractive interface, listeners can find track IDs along with listen links.

4. The Lot Radio

2024 has seen New York radio station, The Lot Radio, hold tightly onto its place within the cultural zeitgeist and remain a must-stop destination for many musicians and artists having moments in the sun. Think that Overmono, Fred Again and Lil Yachty show, or when Archangel brought out Charli XCX.

Broadcasting from an old-shipping container, into what seems to be an abandoned parking lot, The Lot Radio proves you don’t need a fancy studio to become a success. Rather, just killer content.

3. Slaydio

We’re a bit biased with this one, but we have to include our in-house radio station, Slaydio, on this list. Slaydio is ad-free and jam-packed with the feel good tunes, so much so it’s what our Marketing Manager, Cheska Hardie’s tunes in to to get the weekend started:

Slaydio is my go-to radio station for a Friday afternoon. The eclectic mix of music and sassy sweepers help make the hours go quicker and get me pumped for the weekend!

2. dublab

If you were ever unsure of online radio’s contribution to the important contemporary music, you don’t need to look much further that dublab. The LA-based radio station provided an early platform for now much-loved artists at the start of their careers, including Flying Lotus, Animal Collective and Julia Holter.

While hosting legends like Van Dyke Parks, Linda Perhacs, Egyptian Lover, and Lee “Scratch” Perry. One of the original (and best) online radio stations, dublab played and still plays a vital role in nurturing many musical scenes, like the LA Beat Scene for example.

1. David Byrne Radio

When delving into the world of radio stations started by famous musicians, our content strategist was pretty happy to find a station from The Talking Heads frontman. On only one listen David Byrne Radio became one of her favourite stations. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it turns out David Byrne the curator is just as skilled as David Byrne the musician and performer.

Rather than be at the helm as radio host, Byrne curates each music-only show as a playlist around a particular theme. This might be a fairly wide genre, like the 50 years of Tango show or something more specific like Stompin’ Brass for a New Year.

To Wrap Up

These are our picks for the best radio stations of 2024. What have we missed? The team here are always after new station recommendations to tune in to, so feel free to share your favourite station with us over on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok or LinkedIn.