Maybe you’re just starting in podcasting. Maybe you’ve been doing it for a while. Either way, you’ve listened to a ton of content. You probably know that the right equipment can make a major difference in production quality. We’ve gathered up some of the best editing software available on the market, and broken it down so that you don’t have to.
Use our guide to learn everything you need about the best podcast editing software for your needs. Which is easy to use? Which are good options for music production and audio editing? Whatever type of project you produce, you can find what you need on our comprehensive list.
- Alitu
- 3,000+ Podcasters use Alitu
- All-In-One - Record, Edit and Publish
"Quick, easy and painless experience. 10 minutes to edit my podcast."
What Software Do You Use For Podcasts?
The great thing about podcasting is that production-wise, only one element is important: sound. You don’t have to worry about video quality or lighting. The software that you choose, therefore, is essential in ensuring your audience can consume your content easily.
Here are some of the best audio editing software that can record professional-sounding vocals for your podcast. They vary in price, quality, capabilities, and type of recording they support. Use our reviews to help you find the best podcast editing software for you.
1. Audacity – Free Podcast Editing Option
Audacity is the best option for new podcasters. The simple interface is easy to adjust to, meaning there is a good learning curve. As an audio workstation, you can play with elements and tune easily.
If you are recording songs as an integral element of the podcast, this might not be the best choice. It does not allow for instrument plug-ins, or MIDI, meaning all music would have to be recorded from another software and brought into the tool as its file.
Features:
- Works with a USB microphone or audio interface
- Main window with major controls
- Separate suite for advanced editing
- Remove background sound
Pros:
- Free
- Easy to use
- Supports USB microphone plug-ins
Cons:
- Doesn’t support MIDI
- Doesn’t support instrument plug-ins
The Verdict
Overall this software is the perfect choice for beginners or podcasters without musical necessities. It is free, meaning you can get your sea legs for editing, without the massive expense of professional editing software.
Audacity is the best podcast editing software for beginners and still holds up for those with a little editing experience.
2. GarageBand – The Best Podcast Editing Software Mac OS
This free podcasting tool is perfect for beginners. It has the advanced abilities of Audacity, with music compatibility. MIDI and plug-in instruments can be edited with this comprehensive tool.
Features:
- MIDI compatible
- Plug-in instrument compatible
Pros:
- Free
- Great for songs as well as spoken voice
Cons:
- Lacks some of the more advanced options available in more expensive systems
The Verdict
Overall, this free tool is a step up from other free tools in terms of versatility but offers many of the same capabilities. It has an easy interface for beginners, but more advanced options for trying new things and incorporating more sounds into your podcast.
3. Podbean
Like GarageBand, Podbean is a free editing tool. It does come with some unique capabilities though including unlimited storage and bandwidth, and more.
Features:
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth
- Business tools
Pros:
- Free
- Monetization help
Cons:
- No mixing abilities
The Verdict
- Easily start your own podcast today!
- There is a reason Podbean is used by 570,000+ Podcasters!
Podbean is great for anyone who wants to try out podcasting, without the pressure of investing in an expensive editing tool, what better way to start than with an exclusive podbean coupon discount code for our readers.
4. Logic Pro
Logic Pro is the step up from free that many intermediate digital audio editors choose when they want more advanced options and a stronger sound. It still has a great learning curve, like GarageBand, but its capabilities are expanded with MIDI-supported digital audio editing features for music and audio processing effects.
When it comes to editing, this software is a major step up from Audacity. It is more akin to professional software, without a steep price markup. This is the ideal choice for someone who wants to start seriously producing podcasts with a great sound, without having to buy professional software.
Features:
- Supports audio and MIDI
- Effects and tools for creating new effects
- Automation
- Scripting
- Custom layouts
- Modulation
Pros:
- Supports MIDI editing
- Easy to use
- Access to immediate updates
Cons:
- Not free software
- Lacking elements of professional software
The Verdict
At just $199.99, this editing software has one of the best prices for quality software that you’ll find. The great thing about it is that it supports creativity and versatility. Let’s say you want to record a theme song for your podcast. Unlike Audacity, Logic Pro supports MIDI, so that you can record and manipulate music easily.
5. Adobe Audition CC – Advanced Podcast Editing Software Option
This software is sleek, professional, and user-friendly. The unique thing about Adobe Audition CC is that you can both learn and grow with it. It has a simple interface perfect for beginners, and advanced features perfect for someone who wants to move toward professional podcasting.
If podcasting is more than a casual hobby, Adobe Audition CC is one of the best choices for editing.
Features:
- Noise-reduction
- Advanced EQ tools
- Customization
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Huge inventory of templates
Cons:
- Not free software
The Verdict
Adobe Audition CC is certainly not free software, but it manages to rival some of the more expensive professional podcasting tools without the steep price increase. This audio editing tool is advanced, with a massive inventory of smoothing features. Whether you’re recording in front of a live audience or a small room, this podcast editing software can capture, correct, and organize your sound.
Further reading:
6. Alitu
This standard tool is perfect for getting crisp, clean, finished work that sells. If you are working on a project and want to step up your production quality, Alitu is a great first step.
Features:
- Converting files
- Combining and spicing recordings
- Creating easy ads and segments
Pros:
- Versatile capabilities
- Easy user interface
Cons:
- Requires a monthly subscription fee
- 3,000+ Podcasters use Alitu
- All-In-One - Record, Edit and Publish
"Quick, easy and painless experience. 10 minutes to edit my podcast."
The Verdict
This tool is ideal for beginners who want to start strong. It is not a free tool, meaning casual hobby podcasts may not want to make the investment. If you are serious about good sound though, its a great way to start.
Try out Alitu with a 7-day free trial. It allows you the flexibility to find what you need and build strong sound for your podcast.
7. Pro Tools
Pro Tools is the leading podcast editing software when it comes to audio mixing. Contrary to the prior discussed audio tools, this is a professional tool. What this means is that it can take on multi-track recordings and multi-stem mixing. With Pro Tools, you can manipulate and synchronize your audio and create compelling soundscapes.
Features:
- Audio synchronization
- Audio manipulation
- Multi-Track Recordings
- Multi-Stem Mixing
Pros:
- Supports MIDI
- Advanced editing tools
Cons:
- More expensive than other brands
The Verdict:
With Pro Tools, podcasting becomes a sound-centric art. You can easily manipulate audio and generate new sounds. What you record can grow and develop with advanced editing tools.
8. Hindenberg Journalist Pro
Like Pro Tools, Hindenberg Journalist Pro is a professional-grade editing tool. It is well-rounded and inclusive. It’s got everything you need to produce a high-quality podcast. It can be difficult to add sound to a podcast, as many songs are rights reserved. With Hindenberg Journalist Pro, this isn’t a problem, because the software is MIDI compatible. This means you can edit, record, and create songs that are not rights reserved as well as audio for your podcast.
Features like Voice profiler can give you more power over your sound. It turns podcast audio into easily manipulated clay that you can mold into the polished final result you are hoping for.
Features:
- Automated levels
- Voice Profiler Pro
- Noise reduction
Pros:
- Professional-grade mixing
- Simple interface
Cons:
- May be complicated for beginners
- Easy to Learn Tools
- Hindenburg ProPodcasting Production
"Hindenburg automates my repetitive and boring tasks so I don't have to"
The Verdict:
For the best podcast possible, it is important to invest in quality editing tools. Hindenberg Journalist Pro is exactly that. For those that don’t mind investing a little financially for higher-quality audio and more customizable features, the Hindenberg Journalist Pro editor is ideal.
How Can I Edit My Podcast For Free?
There are tons of free software available for users. This is part of why podcasting is such an accessible field. Anyone can access functional audio editing software with professional features. This means that you don’t need a professional microphone to produce great sounding audio. Your podcast can get a serious audio facelift by using some of the free tools available online to edit, splice, and improve your sound.
Great choices for free recording and editing include Audacity and GarageBand. In our view, Audacity wins out against its competitors in terms of impressive capabilities and increased features.
Above the range of free software is a level of low-priced podcast editing software that gives users a step up in terms of quality and tools, without a major price increase. Beyond that, there is the tier of professional software that matches up to high-level podcasting.
Podcast Production Software Vs Audio Editing Software?
It is possible to create and run a podcast with any software, but there is still dedicated audio recording software. The booming podcast industry has long used equipment and software designed to compose music and audio files in particular. But podcasters have found that they use technology specifically designed for audio.
Is Audacity Good For Podcasts?
Audacity is a fine choice for beginners to recording and editing and has the added tools necessary to support more experienced podcast editors. While it doesn’t work well for music production, podcasters can easily learn how to use simple features to make instantly higher-quality audio. The software can help you splice and move clips, eliminate background noise like clicking or coughing, and build a professional-sounding podcast easily.
Recording a podcast without editing can sound fine, but with Audacity, you can give the audio a little tune-up and make it sound more crisp and audible. Also, spicing and manipulating clips to adjust volume, trim, cut, and move pieces around is easy and visibly represented on the seamless interface. It’s a great choice for beginners and a fine choice for those more experienced.
For anyone wanting to produce a professional podcast or to record music in any way, Audacity might not be the right option if you have the funds to invest in a higher-quality system.
Where Can I Edit Podcasts?
Unlike a few decades ago, you don’t need to buy studio time to record a podcast. The art is not reserved for those who have gotten a job in the field of journalism. Podcasting can take place anywhere, at any time. All you need is a phone or computer and you’re ready to produce a podcast.
Most of the best podcast editing software can be found online. They are downloadable onto a computer, and sometimes even a mobile device. Some phones can use an app that allows for mobile versions of these podcast editing tools. These apps hold everything you need, in a more simple interface. For simple edits, these tools can be great. For more advanced options, longer segments, or more intricate edits, it is best to use the web version on a computer.
Features to Look For in Podcast Editing Tools
For beginners, when you are choosing a podcast editor for your project, its important to focus on the features that will help you to easily manipulate your audio without needing extensive knowledge of editing techniques. For this reason, look for:
- A simple interface
- Simple tools with more advanced options for growth
- Inexpensive
If you are a more experienced podcast editor, hoping to record, edit, and produce higher-quality audio, opt for:
- HDMI supported tools
- Instrument plug-in supported tools
- Audio synchronization
- Audio manipulation
- Noise-reduction
- Good internal processing
With these effects, you can have more control over your sound and deliver crisp, strong audio that is effective for your listeners.
What Should Be Considered When Choosing a Podcast Editing Software?
When selecting an editing solution for your podcasts, you need to think firstly about your skillset. It’s better not to start by developing complex software. This would make things a little more complicated but would be detrimental to the entertainment industry. Avoid overpaying for features that your customer may just not need. Ideally, consider your expertise and what features you need to your podcast. Let me show you how to compare the best podcast editing software available.
➡️ What Specs Do I Need for Podcasting and Editing
Podcast Editing Software Vs Hiring A Podcast Editor?
There are actually two choices for modifying your podcast – you could learn yourself and you could hire a professional to do this. You can pay for the editing and production of the podcast episodes by a Podcast editor or professional in the space. You can find them on various job platforms like UpWork and filter by reviews for those who specialize in the audio editing of the audio.
It is more costly than a software but you do get feedback from real human experts, but if you are starting out this is not necessary and its best to stick to a software to automate the process.
Can You Use Editing Tools Without a Microphone?
While a professional microphone can make getting clearer audio easier, it is not necessary to get a great sound. With the right tools, you can record low-quality audio and turn it into high-quality audio with a few adjustments. It all depends on choosing the right tools and knowing how to use them effectively. Be sure that whatever software you pick is compatible with your recording equipment, whether it is a professional plug-in or a built-in laptop microphone.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are splicing clips for an informational interview show or creating original music for a comedy podcast, it is important to invest in the tools that fit your needs. Use our podcast equipment reviews to help you select the option that best fits your needs. We’ve broken down our top picks for the best podcast editing tools. After you look for the elements that suit your needs, read the answers to some commonly asked questions and find the information you need to help you make your decision.
