Introduction

This surge in popularity comes down to how easily podcasts fit into busy schedules-allowing professionals to listen and learn on the go. These shows make it easy to learn about new tools, tips, and advice from industry experts, all in a flexible format that fits into a busy day.

This list of the top 20 software testing podcasts for 2024 highlights essential shows to help testers enhance their skills and keep up with industry developments.


Why Software Testing Professionals Should Listen to Podcasts

Podcasts are a valuable continuous learning source, providing sector-specific insights and practical knowledge. Here’s why they’re worth tuning into:

  • Convenience and accessibility: Podcasts offer flexible learning opportunities during commutes, workouts, or other daily activities.
  • Expert insights: Direct access to industry leaders’ thoughts and experiences.
  • Current trends: Real-time updates on emerging technologies and methodologies.
  • Community connection: Feeling connected to the global testing community.
  • Practical tips: Actionable advice from real-world scenarios.

Benefits of Staying Updated Through Software Testing Podcasts

1. Continuous Learning

  • Different software testing podcasts, including quality assurance podcasts and software engineering podcasts, highlight the new practices, tools, and techniques in software testing.
  • They include interviews and discussions with experts who have knowledge of new developments, trends, and technologies from which their audience can benefit.
  • For instance, the TestGuild Automation Podcast and The Testing Show regularly discuss advanced testing techniques and automation strategies.

2. Accessibility and Convenience

  • One of the key advantages of software development podcasts and tests feature podcasts is their accessibility.
  • Listeners can do other activities like driving, working out, or other chores as they learn.
  • This flexibility allows professionals to maximize their time without sacrificing learning opportunities.

3. Community Engagement

  • Many software testing podcasts and management tools podcasts foster a sense of community among testers.
  • These can help mitigate the sense of isolation testers may have while performing their jobs since the platform allows for the exchange of ideas, problems, and solutions.
  • Engaging with hosts and guests through social media or podcast forums can also lead to valuable networking opportunities within the software engineering community.

4. Diverse Perspectives

  • Podcasts often feature a variety of guests from different backgrounds within the software testing and quality assurance communities.
  • This diversity allows listeners to gain multiple viewpoints on issues and challenges in testing.

5. Practical Insights

  • Many software testing podcasts focus on real-world applications of testing concepts, providing practical tips that listeners can implement in their work.
  • This helps to eliminate the divide between theory and practical work, thus making the audience of the material more relevant.

6. Staying Updated with Industry Trends

  • The landscape of software testing, including tools, techniques, and best practices, is constantly evolving.
  • Regular episodes in software testing podcasts keep listeners informed about these changes, helping them stay competitive and updated with industry trends.

Best 20 Software Testing Podcasts to Follow

1. Test and Code

Test and Code

Test and Code is one of the most comprehensive software testing podcasts covering software engineering, development, testing, and Python programming. With an Apple rating of 4.7/5 and over 2.5K X followers, it’s a trusted resource in the testing community.

Key Highlights:

  • Language-agnostic topics
  • Python-specific implementation details
  • DevOps and TDD coverage
  • End-to-end testing insights
  • Continuous integration strategies
  • Testing frameworks coverage

Frequency: Monthly

Average Length: 27 minutes

Price: Free

2. AB Testing

AB Testing

AB Testing is hosted by Alan and Brent. This podcast focuses on modern testing, including Agile methodologies, data analysis, and leadership. With an impressive 4.8/5 Apple rating, it delivers consistent value to listeners.

Key Highlights:

  • Modern testing practices
  • Agile methodology discussions
  • Data-driven testing approaches
  • Leadership insights
  • Experimentation and product management insights

Frequency: Bi-monthly

Average Length: 47 minutes

Price: Free

3. The Testing Show

The Testing Show

The Testing Show is published by Qualitest. This monthly podcast has built a strong following, with 40K Facebook followers and 3.5K X followers. It provides concise yet comprehensive updates on software testing.

Key Highlights:

  • News and analysis
  • Industry updates
  • Expert interviews
  • Practical tips
  • Listener-driven topics

Frequency: Quarterly

Average Length: 36 minutes

Price: Free

4. Quality Sense Podcast

Quality Sense Podcast

Quality Sense Podcast is hosted by Federico Toledo. This highly rated podcast (5/5 on Apple) features interviews with industry leaders and tool creators, focusing on practical testing advice.

Key Highlights:

  • Expert interviews
  • Tool reviews
  • Methodology discussions
  • Best practices
  • Industry insights

Frequency: 7 episodes/year

Average Length: 33 minutes

Price: Free

5. Testing Podcast

Testing Podcast

Testing Podcast is a highly active podcast that focuses on software testing. It has three episodes per week and has over 600 X followers. The podcast provides consistent and frequent audio content on various testing topics.

Key Highlights:

  • Frequent updates
  • Diverse testing topics
  • In-depth analysis of test frameworks and techniques
  • Industry news coverage
  • Tool reviews

Frequency: 3 episodes/week

Average Length: 38 minutes

Price: Free

6. TestGuild Automation Podcast

TestGuild Automation Podcast

TestGuild Automation Podcast has been running since December 2013. Hosted by Joe Colantonio, it has built an impressive following (4.3K X followers, 1.9K Facebook followers) and maintains a 4.9/5 Apple rating.

Key Highlights:

  • Automation testing focus
  • Expert interviews
  • Tool demonstrations
  • Best practices
  • Industry trends analysis

Frequency: Bi-monthly

Price: Free

7. Testing In The Pub

Testing In The Pub

Testing In The Pub has been running since January 2014. This casual yet informative podcast delivers regular content about software testing and delivery in an approachable format.

Key Highlights:

  • Relaxed discussion format
  • Practical testing advice
  • Real-world examples
  • Community engagement
  • Software delivery insights

Frequency: Monthly

Average Length: 38 minutes

Price: Free

8. Why Didn’t You Test That?

Why Didn’t You Test That?

Why Didn’t You Test That? is hosted by Huw Price and Richard Jordan and focuses on software design and development in testing. With 1.6K X followers, it provides valuable insights into quality software delivery.

Key Highlights:

  • System understanding focus
  • Problem-solving approaches
  • Design considerations
  • Quality delivery strategies
  • Expert co-host dynamic

Frequency: Bi-monthly

Average Length: 41 minutes

Price: Free

9. PQA Panel Talks

PQA Panel Talks

PQA Panel Talks is a quarterly panel discussion featuring experts from the PQA team. With 1K X followers, this show focuses on diverse perspectives in software testing and quality assurance.

Key Highlights:

  • Panel format discussions
  • Multiple expert viewpoints
  • Quality assurance focus
  • Industry experience sharing
  • Practical applications

Frequency: Quarterly

Average Length: 35 minutes

Price: Free

10. Software Quality Today

Software Quality Today

Software Quality Today is hosted by Dori Gonzalez-Acevedo. This 5/5-rated podcast explores software testing and computer systems validation specifically for regulated industries.

Key Highlights:

  • Regulated industry focus
  • Validation processes
  • Compliance coverage
  • Quality assurance best practices
  • Industry-specific insights

Frequency: Annual

Average Length: 46 minutes

Price: Free

11. The Evil Tester Show

The Evil Tester Show

The Evil Tester Show, with 9.1K X followers and a 5/5 Apple rating, offers unique software testing perspectives from a development expert’s viewpoint.

Key Highlights:

  • Unique testing approaches
  • Technical insights
  • Development integration
  • Problem-solving strategies
  • Community engagement

Frequency: Regular releases

Price: Free

12. Software Testing Podcast by KiwiQA

Software Testing Podcast by KiwiQA

Software Testing Podcast by KiwiQA has been running since August 2018 with a 3.8/5 Apple rating. This podcast serves as a comprehensive forum for QA testing industry updates and insights.

Key Highlights:

  • Industry updates
  • Testing methodologies
  • Tool reviews
  • Best practices
  • Market trends

Price: Free

13. PerfBytes

PerfBytes

PerfBytes is the go-to podcast for performance engineering and testing enthusiasts. Known for its engaging hosts and informative discussions, PerfBytes covers topics ranging from performance monitoring to advanced load testing.

Key Highlights:

  • Performance testing and strategies
  • Load testing, stress testing, and capacity planning
  • Performance bottlenecks
  • Advice for improving system scalability
  • Industry experts and practitioners

Frequency: Monthly

Average Length: 50 minutes

Price: Free

14. Testing Peers

Testing Peers

Testing Peers is a unique podcast with a 4.9/5 rating focusing on the human side of software testing. Hosted by a group of experienced testers, it blends technical discussions with personal growth and insights into team dynamics.

Key Highlights:

  • Emotional intelligence and soft skills in testing
  • Practical advice for navigating career challenges in QA
  • Open discussions on testing struggles

Frequency: Bi-weekly

Average Length: 40 minutes

Price: Free

15. Software Engineering Daily with Lee Atchison

Software Engineering Daily with Lee Atchison

Software Engineering Daily with Lee Atchison is a comprehensive podcast exploring the entire software development lifecycle. Focusing on reliability, scalability, and cloud technologies, it’s a great resource for engineers interested in cutting-edge practices.

Key Highlights:

  • Software architecture and cloud strategies
  • CI/CD and automation insights
  • Observability and monitoring best practices
  • Real-world case studies of scaling software systems
  • DevOps and site reliability engineering discussions

Frequency: Weekly

Average Length: 30–40 minutes

Price: Free

16. RBCS Podcast

RBCS Podcast

RBCS Podcast, hosted by Rex Black, offers expert-level content for software testers and QA professionals. With a strong focus on professional development, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their testing skills and knowledge.

Key Highlights:

  • Comprehensive test design techniques
  • Certifications and career growth
  • QA best practices
  • Test design, management, and metrics
  • Thought leadership

Frequency: Monthly

Average Length: 20–30 minutes

Price: Free

17. The Guilty Tester

The Guilty Tester

The Guilty Tester was started in May 2018. Although it is not very active now, it still provides insights into common challenges and insecurities in the software testing community.

Key Highlights:

  • Relatable content
  • Community support
  • Professional growth
  • Testing challenges
  • Solution-oriented discussions

Price: Free

18. TestGuild Security Testing

TestGuild Security Testing

TestGuild Security Testing is a podcast focused exclusively on security testing. This podcast provides insights on security testing practices and common cyber security practices in software development.

Key Highlights:

  • Security testing methodologies
  • Vulnerability assessment techniques
  • Compliance and regulation coverage
  • Expert interviews on security trends
  • Tool evaluations and recommendations

Frequency: Monthly

Average Length: 45 minutes

Price: Free

19. Test Talks with Joe Colantonio

Test Talks with Joe Colantonio

Test Talks with Joe Colantonio is a veteran in the testing podcast space since 2014. It has more than 397K YouTube followers and offers comprehensive coverage of both manual and automated testing approaches.

Key Highlights:

  • Balanced coverage of testing methodologies
  • Industry expert interviews
  • Tool comparisons and reviews
  • Career development advice
  • Testing community insights

Frequency: Weekly

Average Length: 40 minutes

Price: Free

20. Stop Coding Automation Podcast

Stop Coding Automation Podcast

The Stop Coding Automation Podcast is a fresh and insightful resource for software testers and QA professionals seeking to excel in automation testing. Hosted by James Espie, it focuses on simplifying automation practices and helping testers approach their craft strategically.

Key Highlights:

  • Automation testing
  • Avoiding over-engineering in automation
  • Creating maintainable and scalable frameworks
  • Interviews with thought leaders and seasoned testers
  • Balancing manual and automated testing practices

Frequency: Monthly

Average Length: 30–40 minutes

Price: Free

Conclusion

In the past couple of years, podcasts have practically replaced books and other printed resources in the field of software testing. Whether you’re into automation, manual testing, or general quality assurance, there’s a podcast for you. Regularly listing to them helps you stay on top of industry trends, learn from experts, and grow in your testing career.

The table below compares some of the most popular and active podcasts discussed in this article. It highlights key features like focus areas, frequency, average length, social following, rating, and unique characteristics such as language-agnostic topics, data analysis, and industry-specific insights.

Podcast Table

As a best practice, it is recommended that you listen to a mix of podcasts based on your interests and learning needs. Different perspectives and approaches from each show add to your knowledge and make learning about software testing both useful and practical.