There is no such thing as an unbiased news source. Every outlet reflects institutional incentives, editorial judgment, and financial pressure. The goal is not neutrality, it is verifiable, evidence-based reporting with minimal narrative distortion.
This report identifies the most reliable and least biased news sources in 2026 by examining how they operate, not how they brand themselves. Criteria include source transparency, correction discipline, funding disclosure, editorial separation between news and opinion, and consistent reliance on primary documentation.
The news organizations listed below demonstrate consistent adherence to these standards. While none are neutral, they show a sustained commitment to factual accuracy, restraint in interpretation, and public accountability.
If access to any of these sources is restricted in your region, they can be reached using the PureVPN browser extension.
13 Most Unbiased News Sources & Channels in 2026
Perfect objectivity is unattainable, even within the most established newsrooms. However, a limited number of online news outlets consistently demonstrate disciplined reporting, transparent sourcing, and a measurable commitment to factual accuracy.
The sources listed below span centrist, left-leaning, and right-leaning perspectives. They are presented without ranking and selected based on reporting standards, not ideological alignment.
Centrist News Sources
1 – Associated Press
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 41.90 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Center
- Owner: U.S. newspaper and broadcast members as a not-for-profit cooperative
The Associated Press consistently appears on lists of low-bias news sources for a reason. Its reporting relies on neutral language, strict editorial standards, and a fact-first approach, including on politically sensitive topics.
AP journalists prioritize primary and authoritative sources, verify claims with evidence, and clearly distinguish confirmed information from speculation. This methodology makes AP a foundational source for breaking and developing news.
For global coverage, the Top Stories section aggregates major developments worldwide. Video reports and AP Radio broadcasts provide additional formats without altering the underlying reporting standards.
2 – Reuters
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 68.10 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Center
- Owner: Thomson Reuters Corporation
Reuters is widely regarded as a low-bias news source, a distinction that is immediately evident in its presentation. Headlines avoid sensationalism, and reporting is strictly fact-based, with an emphasis on clarity and context rather than narrative framing.
The outlet offers comprehensive coverage across politics, business, technology, lifestyle, and more. Readers can access past video reports via the Video section and view region-specific coverage tailored to their location.
3 – NPR
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 82.80 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Center
- Owner: Publicly funded non-profit organization
National Public Radio (NPR) is often cited as a low-bias news source, though some journalists have drawn criticism for left-leaning coverage. Overall, NPR maintains strong adherence to journalistic principles, particularly accountability.
The outlet routinely issues corrections and adjusts coverage in response to audience feedback. NPR offers a broad range of content, including politics, science, and race & culture, along with podcasts, shows, and a dedicated music section.
4 – BBC
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 518.20 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Center
- Owner: British public; funded by a television license fee from UK households
BBC delivers balanced reporting, making it a reliable source for low-bias news. Headlines remain neutral, and content is largely free from political influence.
Coverage spans health, business, technology, and entertainment & arts. The Reality Check section debunks misinformation circulating online, while Long Reads offers in-depth analysis on significant issues.
5 – PBS NewsHour
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 24 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Center
- Owner: Public Broadcasting Service, a non-profit public broadcaster
PBS NewsHour maintains a strong record of accuracy and minimal controversy. Its coverage presents multiple perspectives, and quotes from politicians or public figures are always contextualized.
In addition to daily reports, PBS NewsHour offers content across economy, politics, health, education, science, world, and arts. These standards make it one of the most neutral news sources available.
6 – Bloomberg
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 134.6 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Center
- Owner: Bloomberg L.P. (Privately held)
Bloomberg provides data-driven coverage of finance, economics, and politics. While primarily focused on business, its global bureaus produce well-researched articles with minimal ideological bias.
Transparency in sourcing and reliance on verified market data reinforce its centrist stance. Bloomberg Terminal and Bloomberg TV offer real-time reporting, making it one of the most reliable sources for neutral business and financial news.
Left-Wing News Sources
7 – CBS News
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 84.30 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Lean Left
- Owner: Paramount Global
Forty percent of CBS News’ audience is left leaning while 20% is right leaning, according to a 2014 Pew Research Study. Political conservatives often point out that CBS News leans towards the left, but the remainder of CBS News’ audience is centrist. This makes it more politically balanced than most other news sources.
Their journalists use neutral and balanced language when reporting controversial issues and include opinions and context from all sides of the debate. News content is divided into a number of categories like Health, Politics, Sports, Entertainment, and Technology.
7 – The Guardian
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 238 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Lean left
- Owner: Scott Trust Limited
The Guardian is a left-leaning publication and they have stated so in various articles over the years. Though its news stories favor the left, reporting is often based on facts that’s supported with proof or evidence. It has a generally good reputation for journalism, which is why many people in countries like the UK and US rely on the Guardian for their news.
8 – The New York Times
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 362.80 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Lean Left
- Owner: The New York Times Company
The New York Times is one of the most influential news sources in the US and worldwide. While its news coverage tends to be left leaning, NYT strives to maintain the highest standards of journalistic ethics and principles. That’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise that it has won 125 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other news outlet.
9 – CNN
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 569.70 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Left
- Owner: Warner Bros. Discovery
CNN has faced its fair share of controversies over the years, but it continues to be one of the most-watched news outlets in the US. Most of its news favors the left, but their journalists focus on providing reliable and credible reporting. A 2019 survey from Morning Consult and The Hollywood Report indicates that 53% of all adult Americans find CNN trustworthy.
10- NBC News
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 82.50 Million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Lean Left
- Owner: Comcast through NBCUniversal
NBC News’ story selection and word choices moderately favor the left. However, it’s considered to be a credible source of news by many Americans. In fact, the news outlet has even fired journalists for ethics violations.
Right-Wing News Sources
11 – Wall Street Journal Opinion
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 83.5 million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Lean Right
- Owner: News Corp through Dow Jones & Company
The Opinion section of the Wall Street Journal offers rigorous insights and critiques, focusing on politics, economics, and culture from a conservative perspective.
Known for its intellectual rigor, it advocates for free-market policies and minimal governmental interference, often aligning with conservative economic principles and providing a platform for various conservative commentators.
12 – Daily Mail
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 225 million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Right
- Owner: Daily Mail and General Trust
As a major player in the UK media landscape, the Daily Mail combines news coverage with a sensationalist approach, often emphasizing celebrity and entertainment stories alongside its conservative political commentary.
It is vocal in its opinions, frequently aligning with right-wing perspectives, and plays a significant role in shaping public opinion on political and social issues.
13 – Fox News
- Monthly Unique Visitors: 114 million
- AllSides Media Bias Rating: Right
- Owner: Fox Corporation
Fox News is one of the most key outlets for conservative news and commentary in the U.S. and offers a blend of news reporting and opinion content that consistently supports conservative positions.
The network is influential among conservative circles, often criticized for its partisan perspectives but praised by its viewers for upholding conservative values and viewpoints.
Top-Rated Unbiased News Stations and Agencies in the USA
If you are looking for an unbiased news station or the most factual news source in America, these organizations are consistently recognized for their commitment to most objective news.
- Associated Press (AP): Often cited as the best source for unbiased news, the AP is an independent, non-profit news cooperative. It provides accurate, independent, nonpartisan journalism to thousands of other unbiased news stations globally.
- Reuters: Widely considered the most unbiased news source, Reuters is known for fact-based coverage with no click-bait titles. It is a trusted non biased news source for business, politics, and world events.
- NPR (National Public Radio): As a nonpartisan news source funded by listeners, NPR is highly endorsed for its unbiased reporting and factual analysis of public policy and science.
- PBS NewsHour: Frequently ranked as the best neutral news source on television, its coverage focuses on both sides of an issue and avoids inaccuracies.
Left-Wing vs Right-Wing vs Centrist News Sources
Here’s a quick breakdown of how left-wing, right-wing, and centrist news sources differ in their approach to various issues.
| Aspect | Left-Wing | Right-Wing | Centrist |
| Political Alignment | Generally support progressive, liberal policies | Generally support conservative, traditional values | Seeks a balanced approach without strong political lean |
| Social Issues | Focus on social equality, support for minority and LGBTQ+ rights | Emphasize traditional values, may prioritize majority culture | Tries to provide a balanced view on social issues |
| Economic Policy | Favor social welfare programs, progressive taxation | Advocate for free-market policies, tax cuts for businesses | Reports on economic policies objectively |
| Environment | Strong emphasis on climate change action | Often prioritize economic growth, skeptical of climate regulations | Provides balanced coverage of environmental issues |
| Audience | Often appeals to younger, urban, and diverse audiences | Often appeals to older, rural, and more homogeneous audiences | Aims for a broad, diverse audience |
| Coverage Tone | Analytical, advocacy-based reporting | Assertive, often critical of progressive policies | Neutral, aims to avoid bias in reporting |
| Critiques | Sometimes criticized for being overly idealistic | Sometimes criticized for sensationalism or partisanship | Sometimes seen as too cautious or lacking in perspective |
Editorial Transparency Scorecard (2026)
| News Outlet | Correction Policy | Third-Party Fact-Checked? | Open About Funding? |
| Associated Press | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Reuters | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| NPR | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Fox News | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| The Guardian | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ProPublica | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Daily Mail | ⚠️ Inconsistent | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Bloomberg | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Criteria Used to Select the Top 10 Unbiased News Sources
To identify and rank the most unbiased news sources in 2026, we used a rigorous evaluation process based on credibility, neutrality, and transparency. These benchmarks helped us separate opinion-heavy platforms from the least biased news sources that prioritize accuracy and balance. Here’s how we assessed and ranked each outlet:
1. Audience Trust and Reputation
We focused on outlets with high trust ratings from independent organizations and user feedback, reflecting the public’s confidence in their impartiality and factual accuracy.
2. Reporting Consistency
Outlets that maintained objective reporting across various topics, such as politics and economics, were prioritized. Consistency in neutral language and fact-checking was key to ranking high.
3. Cross-Spectrum Coverage
We evaluated how well outlets presented multiple perspectives on controversial issues. Outlets offering balanced coverage from different political angles scored higher.
4. Editorial Independence
We ranked outlets based on freedom from external pressures (e.g., corporate or government influence). Subscription-based or nonprofit-funded models typically indicated higher editorial independence.
5. Fact-Checking and Accuracy
Outlets with a strong commitment to fact-checking and transparent correction policies received top rankings. Accuracy and independent verification were essential factors.
6. Audience Engagement and Transparency
We favored outlets that actively engage with their audience and maintain transparency about editorial decisions, funding models, and corrections.
What Tools Can You Use to Compare News Bias Across Channels?
To evaluate the unbiased news sources and their credibility, consider using these tools:
- Ground News: This platform aggregates stories from across the political spectrum and allows users to compare how different sources report on the same issue.
- NewsGuard: A tool that rates news sources for credibility and transparency, helping users identify trustworthy outlets.
- SmartNews: This news aggregator offers a bias meter that shows how balanced a given article is.
- Media Bias/Fact Check (MBFC): This platform offers detailed profiles of thousands of news sources, with bias ratings, factual reporting levels, and history of fake news or conspiracy content. Especially helpful for evaluating fringe or lesser-known websites.
Disclaimer: PureVPN doesn’t endorse or recommend any aforementioned news channels. This blog is strictly for informational purposes, and the inclusion of links doesn’t imply that PureVPN endorses any particular news site.
Reddit users from various communities share their thoughts on neutral news sources, highlighting where to get facts without bias or political spin. These real discussions offer honest recommendations, opinions, and debates, helping you explore platforms that prioritize truth over agenda.
Discover What Real People on Reddit Are Saying About Unbiased News Sources – Honest, Unfiltered Opinions From Everyday Users Across Different Communities
Comment
by u/bearded_charmander from discussion
in NoStupidQuestions
Where can I get (relatively) neutral news in the US?
by u/Revolutionary-Good22 in Millennials
Are there any news outlets that just give people the facts with no opinion based bias?
by u/SnooDoughnuts7256 in self
Are there any unbiased news sources, and if so what are they?
by u/lizzabiffy in AskReddit
Are there any unbiased news sources that are available on YouTube or other apps?
by u/DasMedic_ in NoStupidQuestions
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to traditional newspapers, whether online or printed, it can be tough to find companies without a right or left-leaning bias. However, the same can’t be said about special-interest publications and magazines as they usually provide accurate information and contextual analysis on a wide array of topics.
Unbiased journalism avoids inserting personal opinions, political leanings, or other subjective influences into news stories. Instead, it focuses on factual accuracy, balanced perspectives, and transparent reporting. The goal is to empower readers and viewers to form their own informed opinions based on reliable and impartial information.
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are some good examples of alternative news sources online. Many independent news creators post their content on these platforms, reaching large audiences. Even though some of them present accurate information and have good intentions, they’re usually biased and want people to hear their point of view.
Bias detection tools, such as Ground News, use AI to compare how different media outlets report the same event, highlighting potential biases and framing differences. These tools help users identify media slant, ensuring a more balanced and impartial view of the news.
Tools like Ground News, AllSides, and Ad Fontes Media’s Interactive Chart compare news sources for bias in real time. These platforms let users see how the same story is reported across the political spectrum and highlight differences in framing, language, and source credibility.
PBS NewsHour and BBC News are frequently cited as the most unbiased news channel options because they are public-funded and avoid commercial influence.
The Associated Press, NPR, and Reuters are considered the most politically neutral news sources for factual political reporting in the US.
For real-time updates, Reuters and The Associated Press are the most accurate news source options, as they provide firsthand reporting to many other unbiased news stations.
Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal are the best news sources unbiased in the financial sector, providing data-rich coverage of markets and economics.
Balanced news websites are media outlets that aim to provide impartial and fair reporting, presenting multiple perspectives on a story without favoring one political or ideological viewpoint. They focus on factual accuracy, transparency, and minimizing bias in their coverage.
PureVPN
February 9, 2026
3 days ago
I watch aljazeera in Canada and vietnam. I watch because they cover and report world wide and believe reporting is unbiased although some countries consider them biased towards Islamic ideals. Having lived and worked on 4 continents, I believe their reporting is accurate.
Apparently I’m doing the right thing in researching my news feed. I read and listen to many different sources. The ones you list as the most unbiased are my top go to’s. My only bad habit is MSNBC because I love to listen to Lawrence O’DONNELL. I say ‘listen’ because I don’t have a television. I listen to Podcasts, Sirius and YouTube of various programs. I also check out fox periodically to see what the right is getting fed.
The Epoch Times and Bill O’Reilly “No Spin News” are both well researched and unbiased.