If you want to run a podcast, it’s important to have a reliable audio recording and editing program for you or another member of your team.
Without some type of podcast recording software, you won’t be able to record audio files and edit spoken-audio clips.
This review will share information about the best audio recording and editing software designed for podcast use. And, we’ll share some bonus information about choosing a microphone.
With that said, there are many recording/editing platforms that are more commonly used for music production, but still work fine for podcasts. We’ll cover some of those programs too. While they may be intended for other uses, they work just as well as software made specifically for podcasts. In fact, some podcasters like to add music elements to their content.
So yeah, starting out or looking to take your podcasting to the next level but not sure of which podcast recording software best fits your needs. Don’t worried we reviewed the best 11 so you don’t have to and had some of our readers and top podcasters share their thoughts.
What Software Do I Need to Record a Podcast?
Reliable software is the foundation of a thoughtful podcast. To record a podcast, you need to download one of the many recording/editing platforms you’ll read about in this review.
The software we mention in this review allows you to record audio, convert audio clips into audio files, group audio together, embed sound effects, and more.
Best Podcast Recording Software for Beginners
1) PodBean
PodBean is a user-friendly tool that streamlines podcast hosting. Using detailed analytic tracking, PodBean can help you host and manage your established podcast. What this means is that when people listen to episodes of your podcast, they are streaming or downloading the content through PodBean.
Then, you can use PodBean to quickly integrate your podcast into streaming platforms like iTunes or Google Play.
Although you get access to more features with a premium plan, Podbean (see also our comparison of Castos and Podbean) offers users with free accounts a lot of accessibility. Using the free hosting plan, you can make a stunning site for your podcast. Use styling options like:
- Header display
- Background image
- Theme color palette
- Font colors
- Link colors
- Font sizing
- Episode count
- Video/audio player color
These simple features are enough to build a complete online presence. Start with a free account and upgrade as you get accustomed to all of its features!
- Easily start your own podcast today!
- There is a reason Podbean is used by 570,000+ Podcasters!
Best Podcast Software for Mac OS Users
2) GarageBand – Free DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
GarageBand is classified as a digital audio workstation (see also ‘Best DAW For Podcasting‘). GarageBand is an excellent option for beginners because it comes with Mac products.
It uses a professional and flexible interface that makes recording easy. GarageBand also comes with a built-in sound and loop library from Apple.
This program gives you access to a wide range of mixing and mastering features designed to provide the best podcast recording software experience on a Mac.
It’s a solid platform for seasoned podcasters too. Using the integrated toolkit, you can:
- Create separate music tracks
- Insert intros and outros
- Create ad spots
- Record podcasts
3) Logic Pro
Logic Pro is an industry-leading music production and audio editing program. It is equipped with an arsenal of useful features, set in a UI similar to GarageBand.
This means that if you’re a Mac user, you won’t have any issue switching to Logic Pro. Best of all, you can even open your GarageBand files inside of Logic.
Logic is known for its high-performance. Nonetheless, the program is easy to get started with because everything that you need is displayed on one screen.
Logic gives you the option to enable advanced tools and quickly hide the full feature suite. This way, you can keep your workspace from getting cluttered and create a personalized user experience.
You can get several kinds of basic tracks including audio (for live instrument recording), MIDI (for MIDI data recording from a keyboard), electronic drums, or another input device.
You can purchase Logic Pro for a one-time fee of $200. There are no subscription-based fees and your access never expires.
Best Podcast Software for Windows Users
4) Audacity
Audacity is a powerful cross-platform audio editing software that is available for free. It is one of the most popular choices for podcasters because of its practical features.
Some users say that using the program is challenging at first, but that after some practice, it is easy to navigate.
Audacity has many features. Here are some of the basics:
- Sync-Lock
- Truncate Silence
- Silence
- Silence Finder
- Saveable EQ
- Fading
Audacity isn’t just good for music. It’s one of the preferred programs for podcast users. The cross-platform audio editing features are designed for that purpose.
With this software, you can record in 16-bit or 24-bit audio. It has the ability to smoothly convert and combine whatever sounds that you drag in, no matter what the sample rate or format is. Features like preset EQ curves (AM Radio, 100Hz Rumble, Telephone) can be accessed with only a click.
Audacity (see also ‘Audacity vs GarageBand For Podcasting‘) is constantly updating the recording software so the program delivers the optimum performance.
5) Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is another intuitive platform that is part of the Adobe suite. If you already have a subscription to Creative Cloud, you have access to it.
Audition is designed for podcast recording and editing. It features many advanced tools for noise-reduction, advanced compression, EQ, and more.
One useful feature is called ‘batch processing.’ This convenient feature lets you apply several effects to a single file and apply those same effects to a group of other files.
You can record on multiple tracks with separate microphones. This gives you some added control and flexibility.
The program allows you to set gain levels for each person’s voice and assign individual EQs and processing treatments during post-production.
For podcasters, Adobe Audition is an excellent choice. There are so many youtube tutorials by skilled creators that can help you start learning the basic functions of the software.
Further reading:
6) Hindenburg Journalist
Hindenburg offers many different audio editing programs. Journalist is the company’s entry-level option.
This program was made with podcasters and radio broadcasters in mind. The program helps users achieve a higher production value, regardless of how many clips you plan to piece together.
It uses automated levels, intuitive volume controls, EQ, and a clipboard feature for keeping notes. Journalist can also be integrated with some podcast hosting providers.
Hindenburg Journalist is a good choice for a podcast recording software because of its intuitive interface. It automatically detects your microphone and lists it as an input option.
Best Podcast Recording Software Remote Interviews
7) Zencastr
Zencaster is a contemporary web-based platform designed for podcast production. Using the suite of professional features, you can smoothly record guests online without compromising on quality.
The user-friendly interface means that learning how to use Zencastr will be a breeze. And, there’s a free version of the software you can try out before switching to a paid plan.
The software lets you save local copies of each piece of recorded audio. Then, this audio can be compiled to prevent interference from Wi-Fi issues.
Zencastr (see also ‘Cleanfeed VS Zencastr‘) facilitates clear communication. Programs like Skype reduce the quality of a recording because one person sounds like they are speaking from an active Skype call.
8) Riverside fm – Remote Audio Recording Platform
Riverside is a web and app-based remote recording platform that allows you to easily record high-quality audio and video podcasts. It offers several advantages, including up to 4K video resolution, uncompressed audio files, separate tracks for each participant, and easy post-production editing.
Riverside is browser-based, eliminating the need for downloads or installations, and it automatically uploads everyone’s audio and video during recording for quick file access. The platform provides crisp, artifact-free recordings and is used by notable creators like Kerry Washington, Michelle Obama, and Guy Raz.
It offers a user-friendly experience, making it simple to produce studio-quality podcasts.
9) Alitu
Alitu is an intuitive podcast recording software best for people who want a guided user experience. Alitu makes podcasting easy because it allows you to add intros and outros and publish to hosting platforms like PodBear, Blubrry, and more.
Use Alitu to automate the conversion and clean-up of audio files, adding music, id3 tag creation, and publishing to your host.
With the custom-editing tool on Alitu, you can fix silences or mistakes. The software can be used to create your own theme music, make ad segments, and more.
Software for Recording Calls
10) Skype
It is possible to record a podcast on Skype. It’s a popular option for people who are intimidated by the learning curve of other software with more features.
Skype is a great choice because most people are already registered with Skype. Hosting a podcast will be simple because you can connect to collaborators via a Skype call.
11) Zoom.us
Zoom is a tool that many people love because of how easy to use it is. Zoom is a video-conferencing tool that allows a host to set up a video conferencing room and invite people to join via a link.
Some people use Zoom instead of Skype because you don’t have to be registered to use the software.
Zoom records any calls you take automatically and then sends you a video and audio file at the end of your team meeting. You can even set up the program to record meetings through different channels. This allows you to process the person you interviewed separately during the editing process.
12) Squadcast
Squadcast (see also ‘Zencastr Vs. SquadCast‘) is a free alternative to Skype that allows you to achieve higher-quality results. It records both sides of a conversation locally so you don’t ever lose any important recordings.
Your recordings can be downloaded immediately after you hang up a call. Additionally, Squadcast offers mobile and cross-browser support.
What Should be Considered When Choosing a Podcast Recording Software?
When you launch or run a podcast, it’s important that you look at a variety of factors including format, guests, and so forth. In addition, your technology and software you use shouldn’t be ignored or underestimated. Podcast software can make lasting changes to your podcast recordings. It’s important to understand what your podcast is up against as far as the competition in the space. Do they have an excellent music production team working on nice intros, or do the record live audio. Maybe the audio quality is not the best, so here you can improve and make your own podcast with a little more professional quality audio by choosing the right recording software from the start.
Recording quality
You should first look at recording quality of your podcast software. You need clear audio for recording professional podcasts (including video) or audio. Please choose a computer spec and software with at least 44.4 KB audio resolution, but try 48 kHz to get the optimum results you can. When putting together a video podcast, we recommend 720p or 4K for excellent quality. A good way to check is by using recording software. With such an application, you can record anything directly from your device to guarantee that you can use it without losing your recording quality.
Editing features
So you need software to record your podcasts with high quality audio, it’s important to find audio editing software to match. This can be especially useful for beginners but generally helps improve productivity by avoiding performing separate tasks over and over. When you want to do advanced editing, it is better to choose a recording program which can provide separate video and audio tracks to increase editing flexibility with advanced features as your podcast grows.
Other Tips for Recording a Podcast
Recording a podcast includes many processes and skills. You must be prepared to take in lots of new information about technology or recording setup like microphones and computer programs. You also have to write and perform like a pro. Here are some bonus tips to make your show stand out.
Choosing the Right Microphone
If you already have the best podcast recording software, but you are lacking in quality when recording podcasts, maybe you have to upgrade your microphone. So you may not have a recording studio but doesn’t mean you cant have a high quality recording without background noise. But, which microphone is best for you?
- Good digital audio comes from a high-quality microphone. New podcasters should stick to a basic model with simple features. Built-in microphones are a good choice for people who prefer a shorter learning curve. To podcast online with your built-in microphone, you won’t have to attach an external device.
- USB microphones are a slightly elevated alternative to built-in microphones. They are easy to use and they connect directly to your device.
- Dynamic microphones are designed to achieve voice recordings that are as focused as possible. These microphones discard background noises for maximum clarity.
- Condenser microphones are the industry standard. If you are serious about podcasting or you are already an established professional, consider investing in a condenser microphone.
Overcoming Podcasting Fears
Many people are hesitant to try podcasting because they have concerns about the sound of their voice or the quality of their public speaking.
The truth is, most people share these concerns and you’re not alone. Podcasting is easy to get into and it has the potential to be a lucrative business for you.
The majority of people have listened to a podcast. They are extremely popular during commutes by car, train, or subway. People are less likely to be critical of your voice and more particular about the equipment you use, which is why it’s important to invest in professional software before you ever go live.
Writing Content and Planning Episodes
Podcasts are valued because they give people the ability to absorb information while completing other tasks. To overcome your fears, remember that your podcast will be enjoyed and appreciated by many.
Just make sure that you carefully plan and structure your content. Starting a podcast without any sort of script or guidelines for yourself will prove to be difficult.
Podcasts are great because you can create any style of content. You just have to make sure that you are producing consistent episodes that follow the same basic structure.
Keep your episodes short. People tend to listen to podcasts for at least 20 minutes, but that number can seem a bit intimidating for some people. Try starting with 10-minute episodes so you can get comfortable recording your voice and familiarize yourself with your new audio recording and editing software.
Over time, you’ll notice that you can sound natural and conversational while you’re being recorded. Like with any profession, you earn confidence in your abilities once you have practiced for a long time.
What is the Best Podcast Recording Software for Free?
Podcasting for free is easy nowadays. There are so many podcast recording software and programs on the market. These hosting tools and audio editor tools help you get the best results when producing content.
Based on a number of factors, the best podcast recording software for free is Audacity (see also our comparison of Audacity and Camtasia). It is a popular option for beginners who still need some guidance and for seasoned podcasters who want to make the most of a free program.
With a diverse range of features, Audacity takes the win because of sync-Lock, truncate silence, savable EQ, fading, and more.
We hope you found this thorough guide of the best podcast software available now. With the right equipment, recording and maintaining a regular podcast is much easier.
Feel free to check out some of our other guides about podcast hosting platforms and recording/editing software.
