You might already know this, but we’re huge fans of NPR, podcasts, and other on-demand news and tech shows. As such, we’re constantly on the lookout for ways to keep up to date with shows and programs from stations out of New York, Chicago, and more.  Over the years we’ve grown from simply loving Terry Gross and Fresh Air to anxiously awaiting new episodes of Freakonomics, This American Life, StoryCorps, and RadioLab.

Below you will find five apps for listening to NPR and other similar programming from your Android device.  While we recognize that there are more apps available (NPR official app), we happen to like these particular titles well enough to share them with you. We can also appreciate that you’ve got your favorite apps to listen to on-demand shows and programs so to that end we ask that you share with us in the comments!

This week’s topic: Android apps for NPR fans

Radiolab

• Developer: New York Public Radio
• Cost: $2.99 (Google Play)

Listen to new episodes each week as well as your favorite shows dating all the way back to the beginning.  Have one you really love and want to share?  Put it on Facebook or Twitter, or send an email to your friends letting them know what they are missing.  Keep up with the blogs and show updates whenever the notion strikes you or enable the push notifications and stay on top op news, new episodes and Radiolab events. Just for fun, you can make your own audio effects, or texts and photos based on requests from Jad and Robert.

WNYC

• Developer: New York Public Radio
• Cost: FREE (Google Play)

Not tied to any singular show, this one offers live streams from shows such as Radiolab, Morning Edition, and All Things Considered. Grab news articles and podcasts across a variety of topics and programs, including On the Media, Freakonomics Radio, Fresh Air, and This American Life.  Additional details include an event calendar, show alarm clock, schedule of upcoming episodes, and more.  Like you would expect, there’s an option to donate or support to keep things rolling along.

Stitcher Radio

• Developer: Stitcher, Inc.
• Cost: FREE (Google Play) | Amazon Appstore

Perhaps one of our favorite Android apps ever, Stitcher lets users listen to more than 10,000 radio shows, podcasts, and live stations. No matter what you’re into, there’s something to listen to.  All your favorite NPR stuff is there, but so are shows from Tedtalks, SModcast, Slate, MSNBC, and thousands of others. Additional details include breaking news, a custom election center, user-generated favorites, and a smart station that learns your habits. Bonus points for a seamless web experience and SONOS integration!

WBEZ

• Developer: Chicago Public Media
• Cost: FREE (Google Play)

Centered around the Chicago-based radio station, this app gives users quick and easy access to shows like Morning Edition,  All Things Considered, Marketplace, and This American Life. Although not as good-looking as other apps in this space, it’s an intuitive way to listen to streams or check out news from the blog. Like other crowd-funded stations and services, there’s a shortcut to donate.

Public Radio International

• Developer: Public Radio International
• Cost: FREE (Google Play) | Amazon Appstore

Listen to shows on demand and stay up on your dose of Michael Feldman’s Whad’Ya Know?, The Tavis Smiley Show, or broadcasts from the BBC and other players. Create a custom playlist and hit up everything you want to listen to, share your shows and news with others, and pull up a live show anytime you want.  Although it has been nearly a year since its last update, the app looks better than most radio stations but could use a bit of Android 4.0 aesthetics.

Your Turn

What apps are you using to check out NPR and its related shows?  Is it one of the above or something we overlooked?  Leave a comment below with your picks!