Podcasts are a popular medium worldwide. New podcasts are created every day on a variety of subjects. With the number of resources available today, it’s never been easier — or cheaper — to launch a podcast.
There are many ways to record, edit, and post podcasts, so choosing the right software can be overwhelming. That’s why we selected the 11 best podcast recording software and reviewed each one for you. We also included other useful tools podcasters should know about.
How to choose podcasting software
When looking for a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), consider the following features: podcasting software with decent editing capabilities, the level of technical support you need, and the ability to save files locally. You should also take your price range into account, as not all the best audio editing software is free.
Editing features
Recording your podcast and editing your podcast are two separate processes, sometimes requiring both recording software and an editor. But some recording software comes with editing capabilities to make the process more seamless. If you’re a podcaster who prefers an all-in-one solution, then look for podcasting software with editing features.
Technical support
How tech-savvy are you? If troubleshooting software problems is not in your wheelhouse, then look for a DAW that has adequate technical support and help documentation. The software should include resources you can turn to when things go wrong.
File storage
You’ll need somewhere to save your audio files for your podcast, including your raw recordings and edited versions. A basic podcast recording software should be able to save your recording files locally on your computer. If you record multiple people for your podcast, you should also look for a split-track recording function on your DAW. Split-track recording allows you to save a separate audio file of each podcast participant, so you can clean them up and make the audio quality of your podcast consistent, no matter who’s speaking.
Price
If you’re on a budget, then you’ll have to factor the price of the software into your decision. There are some great tools you can get for free, but as with most software, if you want the highest quality, it will cost you the most money.
11 best podcast recording software
1. Restream
Restream’s live streaming studio software can be used to broadcast live podcasts or record video podcast episodes. With features like custom branding, inviting remote guests, record-only, uploading and streaming premade videos, and multi-seat accounts, you can create a professional and engaging podcast. As a video recording and broadcasting software, Restream lets you create a podcast and distribute it across all your social media channels.
Features
- Record without going live
- Save recordings in the cloud with up to 100 GB of storage
- Hi-res 48kHz audio with echo cancellation, noise suppression and stereo sound
- Split-track recording
- Broadcast live podcasts to multiple platforms at the same time
- Upload and stream pre-recorded videos
- Assign roles to team members with one Restream account
- Multi-channel live chat
Compatibility: Browser-based
Pros
- Web-based streaming and recording software
- Works for live and recorded podcasts
- Extensive help documentation and tutorials
Cons
- Requires internet connection to use
- No podcast hosting or distribution to podcast platforms
Pricing
- Basic: Free
- Standard: $16 per month
- Professional: $41 per month
- Premium: $83 per month
- Business: $249 per month
2. Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is one of the most popular professional-grade podcast recording and editing software out there. It’s packed with features to make your podcast easy to edit and sound great. That kind of quality doesn’t come without a high price tag, however, and Adobe Audition’s $20.99/month can be more than you want to pay if you’re just starting out.
Features
- Essential Sound panel for professional-quality audio
- Comes with built-in presets to help new podcasters get started
- Single and multitrack recording
- Noise reduction capabilities and advanced compression
- Batch processing lets you apply effects to one file and save those settings so you can apply them to another batch of files
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Pros
- Adobe is an established brand, so you can find many tutorials online
- Features geared toward podcasting
- Professional audio features
Cons
- Expensive
- Steep learning curve
Pricing
- Adobe Audition for desktop: $20.99 per month
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription with Audition included: $54.99 per month
3. GarageBand
GarageBand is Apple’s free DAW for iOS and macOS devices. It’s aimed more at musicians than podcasters, but you can grab an external mic and convert your iPhone or iPad into podcasting software that records and edits. It also syncs across your Apple devices, so you can work on your podcast recording whenever you want and wherever you are.
Features
- Works with the Logic Remote app to create a second screen
- iCloud backup
- Effects like visual equalization and compression to increase the quality of your recording
Compatibility: macOS, iOS
Pros
- Portable podcast recording and editing tool
- Free
- Clean user interface
Cons
- Mac only
- No split-track recording for multiple podcast participants
- Lacks advanced features
Pricing
- Free
4. Logic Pro
Logic Pro is a powerful music production and audio editing software. It’s geared more toward music engineers than podcasters, so the sheer number of features may be overwhelming. If you are looking for a high-quality tool that works seamlessly, and you happen to be a music producer as well as a podcaster, then Logic Pro is a good choice for you. It’s a step up from GarageBand, and GarageBand files will load in Logic Pro.
Compatibility: macOS
Features
- Logic Remote app for iOS
- Supports 24-bit/192kHZ audio recording
- Robust music editing tools if your podcast has music
- Library of ready-to-use plug-ins and sounds
Pros
- Professional quality audio recording and editing
- App turns iOS devices into a second screen
- Works with GarageBand files
- One-time fee of $200, no monthly subscription required
Cons
- Pricey
- Mac only
- Most features are geared toward music production, not podcasting
Pricing
- One-time purchase: $199.99
5. Auphonic
Auphonic is podcast editing software for people who don’t like to edit. You can upload your recordings (Auphonic doesn’t record), and the software will analyze and enhance them with level audio and noise reduction. It also provides a transcription of your recording. Auphonic has a free version that lets you upload up to two hours of audio per month. For nine hours of audio, you have to pay $11 per month.
Features
- Transcribes in over 80 languages
- Exports to YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive and SoundCloud
- Automatic audio ducking and noise gate and cross-talk removal
- Adds metadata and chapter marks to podcasts and audio files
- Desktop and mobile apps
Compatibility: Web-based, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Pros
- Speech recognition audio transcription
- Affordable
- Exports to common cloud storage systems
Cons
- No recording
- Not all features available in the desktop version
- Still need a DAW for some edits
Pricing
- Auphonic XS — 2 hours of audio per month: Free
- Auphonic S — 9 hours of audio per month: $11
- Auphonic M — 21 hours of audio per month: $24
- Auphonic L — 45 hours of audio per month: $49
- Auphonic XL — 100 hours of audio per month: $99
- Auphonic More — 100+ hours of audio per month: Contact Auphonic
6. Audacity
Audacity is the free, accessible, open-source audio recording and editing software that many podcasters start with. It’s got all the basic features you’ll need to edit your tracks and clean up your recording. When you’re done editing, you can export into multiple file formats as well. New podcasters love Audacity for its versatility, as it can run on any operating system. Being open source means it’s more likely to be safe to use, as anyone can go in and check the code. However it also means that help documentation is less centralized and more community-based.
Features
- Saveable EQ and fading
- Runs on any operating system
- Choose between 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit recordings
- Library of audio effects
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux
Pros
- Good recording and editing features for free
- Supports most commonly used file formats
- Widely used, so there are many online tutorials
- Open source
Cons
- UI is outdated
- No multitrack recording
Pricing
- Free
7. Podbean
Podbean is known for podcast hosting but it also has recording and editing features. With the mobile app, you can use your phone as a voice recorder and then edit and export the audio. When cleaning up your audio with Podbean you can choose from more than 50 background music tracks and sound effects. It’s a good software for beginners or those who don’t want to invest in expensive podcasting equipment.
Features
- Split and merge audio clips
- Recording, editing, and hosting capabilities
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth (with a paid plan)
- Monetization for podcasters
- Custom podcast website
Compatibility: Web-based; iOS; Android
Pros
- User-friendly mobile app
- Create a podcast with just a mobile phone and computer
- Podcast analytics
- Free plan available
Cons
- Live chat support only available with highest-tier plan
Pricing
- Basic: Free
- Unlimited Audio: $9 per month
- Unlimited Plus: $29 per month
- Network: $79 per month
8. Hindenburg Journalist
Hindenburg Journalist has a range of audio recording products geared toward different use cases. The main software and Field Recorder app are geared toward radio broadcasters and podcasters who have multiple clips and interviews to piece together. This software delivers high production value — with a $99 price tag to match. With a multitrack audio editor and several features to control the sound quality, Hindenburg’s software is a podcaster’s dream. It’s also a good place to store audio clips so you can come back to them and use them later. If you’re interested in producing an audiobook, you can use Hindenburg’s Narrator software to do voiceover editing.
Features
- Automatically sets levels based on loudness
- Upload finished podcast directly to SoundCloud or Libsyn
- Save audio clips for later with the clipboard
- Hindenburg Field Recorder app for mobile recording (iOS only)
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Pros
- Support for many types of audio files
- Designed for podcasters and journalists
- High production value
Cons
- $95 is the lowest price point
- You can only get full features in the Pro version
- Built-in Skype recording feature increases the price to $375
Pricing
- Hindenburg Pro: $12 per month
- Hindenburg Lite: $99 one-time purchase
- Hindenburg Upgrade: $5 per month (50% off for the first year)
- Hindenburg Field Recorder iOS app: $22.99 one-time purchase
- Hindenburg Narrator: $499 one-time purchase; $12.50 per month
9. Reaper
Reaper is the DAW with the most features for the lowest price. The digital audio production application allows you to record, edit, process, and mix audio and MIDI tracks. This software is known as the “lightweight” option because you can install and run it from a USB, meaning you don’t have to install the application on your computer’s hard drive.
Features
- 64-bit internal audio processing
- Supports third-party plug-ins and extensions (for added sound effects)
- Customizable skin and layout
- Audio and MIDI routing with multichannel support
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux
Pros
- 60-day free trial and discounted license fee only $60
- Fast startup
- Customizable UI/UX
Cons
- Somewhat clunky plug-in integration
- No mobile app
- Fewer online tutorials/help resources than other popular DAWs
Pricing
- Discounted license: $60 one-time purchase
- Commercial license: $225 one-time purchase
- 60-day free trial
10. Alitu
Alitu was designed specifically for beginning podcasters. Its primary functions are recording and editing podcasts, and users don’t need much technical knowledge to get started. With an editing process that’s almost fully automated, the $28 per month may seem worth it to beginners. Although Alitu makes editing podcasts a breeze, the audio quality isn’t up to the same standards as other software on the list.
Features
- Automatic audio cleanup
- Drag-and-drop editing tools
- Upload audio files of any type
- Publish straight to podcast hosting provider
Compatibility: Web-based
Pros
- Web-based application for use anywhere
- Very easy learning curve
- Includes recording, editing and hosting
Cons
- Web-based means it’s less effective for longer recordings
- Audio quality is lower than other beginning-level DAWs
- No mobile app
Pricing
- $38 per month
11. Anchor
Anchor isn’t a podcast recording software or DAW but rather a podcast-making app. What’s the difference? Anchor is dedicated solely to podcasts. It’s also a podcast hosting platform, so you can record, edit and publish your podcast all within the same app, from anywhere. Anchor’s new Record With Friends tool also lets you record calls for your podcast with up to five guests. Anchor is a good choice for hobby podcasters who want an all-in-one tool, but businesses trying to launch a podcast for their brands may struggle with its limited capabilities.
Features
- Pushes uploaded podcasts directly to Spotify and Apple Podcasts
- Monetization options on the Anchor platform
- Free unlimited hosting
- Analytics from Spotify
Compatibility: Android, iOS, Web-based
Pros
- Free for all features
- Easy to learn
- Unlimited podcast hosting
- All-in-one tool
Cons
- Automatic upload to Apple Podcasts puts it under Anchor’s account, so you have to upload manually anyway
- 250 MB file size upload limit
Pricing
- Free
Other useful tools for podcasters
A DAW isn’t the only non-hardware tool you’ll need to make a podcast. You’ll also need a platform to host your audio files and tools for remote interviews, transcription, scheduling guests and promotion. The following resources will make creating your podcast much easier:
- Facebook Live: Live streaming one of your broadcasting sessions is a great way for your fans to connect with you. They can listen as you record and see how the “magic” happens. If you want to multistream your podcast recording session, use Restream to go live on multiple platforms at once, instead of just on Facebook Live.
- Zoom: Zoom is one of the most common video conferencing applications available today, so your guests will likely have experience using it. You can record your call in Zoom and upload the file to your podcast editing software.
- Descript: Descript is a smart transcription tool that transcribes your podcast into text, removing odd sounds, silences, and narration errors. You can publish your transcript alongside your podcast on your website or use it to create other content.
- Play: Play is a natural text-to-speech AI generator, which allows you to create voiceovers of your articles, blogs, or written content. You can select from over 260 AI voices, do as many revisions as you need, and retain the full commercial and broadcast rights over the voiceover you create.
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout is one of the best podcast hosting platforms for businesses. It’s not free, but the pricing is reasonable, and the interface is easy to use. You also get access to analytics, and there are helpful forums and Facebook groups dedicated to Buzzsprout to help you navigate the platform if you’re new.
- Calendly: Calendly is an appointment scheduler that works across platforms, so you and your podcast guests can schedule times to record without having to integrate calendars. Paid versions of Calendly also let you add it to your website and collect payments.
- Blubrry: Blubrry is a podcast hosting platform with robust statistics. It provides accurate insights on your listeners, where they are, and which platforms they’re using. Blubrry also gives you a free WordPress website when you sign up for their platform.
- Castos: With the Castos WordPress plugin, you can upload podcast audio files to your WordPress site and manage your podcast from within the WordPress dashboard. Castos creates RSS feeds that Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher can read and provides you with useful listener analytics.
Wrap up
Launching a new podcast or overhauling an existing one can be an exciting process, but choosing the right podcast recording software can also be stressful. Not every software is perfect for every podcaster, so make sure you choose one that has the features you need. If you go with one of the 11 on our list, you’re already off to a good start.
