English Radio
Listening guide
One radio app for news, music and stations from different countries
If you regularly move between broadcasters, a radio aggregator gives you a shared place to find their stations. English Radio brings English-language news, music, talk and children’s radio into an iPhone and Android app. Start with the stations you already enjoy, then try a different country or format without looking for another broadcaster’s app.
Reviewed 9 November 2026 · SMARTRAY STUDIO
Do I need a separate app for every radio station?
For a selection of live stations, you can use a radio aggregator such as English Radio. For example, look for BBC World Service for international reporting, WBUR 90.9 FM for Boston public radio, or ABC Jazz when you want music. You choose a station; the broadcaster chooses what goes out on its live schedule.
An aggregator and an official broadcaster app serve different purposes. A broadcaster’s own service may provide its complete programme archive, account features or exclusive content. Finding a live station in ER does not mean its entire on-demand catalogue is included.
Which kind of listening do you want?
- Catch up with the world
- Choose a news station and listen to the next bulletin. Use our news guide to compare international, US and Australian coverage.
- Let someone else choose the music
- Pick a genre station such as ABC Jazz or Classic FM instead of building a playlist.
- Hear longer conversations
- Try BBC Radio 4 or ABC Radio National NSW for interviews, ideas and factual programmes.
- Find something for a family journey
- Compare stories and songs in the children’s radio guide before choosing a station together.
How is live radio different from a playlist or podcast?
A live stream joins the programme already in progress. It can be useful when you want a presenter, a changing mix of stories or a music selection you did not make yourself. A podcast episode or on-demand programme starts from a specific recording and is a better fit when you must hear a particular item from the beginning.
If you arrive halfway through an interview, follow the rest or wait for the next segment. Do not assume a live item can be rewound or downloaded. Check the programme’s official page when you need an archive or transcript.
Can I listen to stations from another country?
International radio can help you stay connected to a place or compare how different broadcasters cover a story. Search for an exact station name rather than only a country. Live schedules follow the broadcaster’s time zone, and access can depend on the station, programme rights and your location. An aggregator does not remove those restrictions.
For BBC listening abroad, consult the BBC’s current access guidance linked below. Official BBC availability and availability inside a third-party app are separate questions.
How do I start in English Radio?
- Install English Radio for your phone using the links below.
- Open the Radio tab and search for a station name, or browse a category such as news, music or children.
- Start one station, then return to the directory when you want a different broadcaster or type of content.
This website helps you choose what to hear; playback is in the app. Live streaming needs an internet connection. If one particular broadcaster is all you need, its official app is also worth considering.