Podcast Software Roundup: Top Tools for Recording & Editing

Starting a podcast can be a great way for you to grow your business, gain an audience or simply share something that excites you. While launching a podcast doesn’t need to be hard, it does take a considerable amount of work. 

Sure, anyone can use a smartphone to record themselves and upload it to the internet. But why go to all the effort of researching your audience, sourcing guests, and scripting your show, only to have the recording and editing let you down?

Here is where having the right tools makes all the difference. The proper podcast software allows you to record and edit your show with quality and professionalism — even if you don’t have any formal training. Unfortunately, finding good podcasting software can be confusing, since there are so many options out there. 

That’s why in this article, we have rounded up some of the top podcast software for recording and editing. We’ll go through their features and how their pricing works, as well as some of the pros and cons so that you can make an informed choice for the best podcast software for your PC or Mac. Time to press record!

Audacity

Audacity an is open-source software for recording and editing your audio. As a tool, it can be a great option both for professionals and those just starting out on their podcast journey.

You can use this software on all kinds of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and GNU. As a digital audio workstation (DAW) itself, you can rely on it to serve multiple purposes without having to spend too much extra money on equipment.

This software is fairly lightweight, so almost any PC or Mac will run it with ease. With reliable quality, sync locking system, fading, silence and lots more features, Audacity can certainly make your podcasting life simpler.

Features

If we were to list every single one of Audacity’s features, we’d be here forever. Instead, we’ve selected the ones we like the most: 

• Accessibility: You can easily make changes to your selections and tracks through default shortcuts on the keyboard that can prove to be much quicker once you get the hang of them.

• Analysis: If you want to understand the frequencies better, you can make use of a spectrogram viewer while also opening up a Plot Spectrum window for more details.

• Export/Import: You can import the files on your device, combine them and edit them. Exporting them all at once or in various formats is also possible.

• Plugins: Audacity supports hundreds of plugins which add extra functionality, effects or audio analysis capabilities.

Pricing

Audacity is great for those who aren’t ready to make a big investment into podcasting. It's free, with no fees or charges, while still being able to access all the features and updates.

Pros

• Free to use

• Multiple features

• Multiple platforms and operating systems

• Various audio files supported

• Custom settings

While its free use makes Audacity a great choice for those who don't want to commit to software with expensive monthly plans, the complexity of the program can make it difficult to learn.

Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition offers a plethora of features with its subscription, suitable for both recording and editing. This software offers a range of effects that you can incorporate into your podcast sounds, while also minimizing the surrounding disturbances and noise that you might catch during the recording process.

With compression options and batch processing capabilities, this software can also make it much easier and quicker for you to make similar edits to multiple files at once. Pair that with thousands of features and an easy to learn interface and you get an amazing podcast editing software solution.

You can use Audition on both PC and Mac, although you will need to pay for it beyond the free trial period.

Features

You can find a full list of features on Audition’s website. For now, we’ll point out those we find most useful:

• Batch Processing: This can allow you to use and save certain effects on one batch of files and use the same ones on another batch.

• Essential Sound Panel: The Essential Sound panel allows you to customize your sound settings to obtain high-quality audio for your podcast.

• Sound Balance: By focusing on certain sounds, making the volume across microphones similar and minimizing background noises, you can achieve sound balance and clear audio.

• Spectral Analysis: Spectral analysis allows you to spot and remove certain aspects of the sound to maintain the desired output. This is usually a great way for you to bring out your voice in poor recordings.

• Presets: Some built-in default settings or presets can make it easier for you to quickly produce a workable recording.

Pricing

If you own a Creative Cloud subscription, you already have access to Adobe Audition. If not, you have the option of an annual plan, paid in monthly payments of $20.99 or a single installment of $239.88. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a monthly plan and pay $31.49 per month.

Pros

• Tutorials and learning guides

• Recording options for multiple audio tracks

• Repair and restoration options

• Multiple sound effects

• Quick and professional

It's hard to fault Audition, but its price tag doesn't make it the most budget-friendly option on the list.

Riverside

Riverside is an excellent podcast recording software that is simple and easy to use. It allows you to record both video and audio in reliable quality. You can then download, access and edit your files easily for post-production and uploading.

What makes Riverside one of the best options for recording podcasts remotely is that you can record multiple people at once. The video and audio files are continuously uploaded to the cloud for safekeeping and easy access. 

Apart from using it on your PC with multiple operating systems, you can use this software through its mobile app as well.

Features

Although some of Riverside’s features depend on which plan you’re on, here’s what you can expect with any subscription: 

• Customizable Settings: You can control and customize the settings and options during your call so that you can get the upper hand. Muting and invitations are also possible.

• Audio and Video: You can record both audio and video in high quality with separate tracks and files for either of them to make your editing process simpler.

• Cloud Storage: Once you hit record, your files and tracks will continuously be uploaded to the cloud so that you do not lose any content.

• Magic Editor: The Magic Editor can allow you to add backgrounds, change logos, opt for layout options and more through a few simple tweaks.

• Transcriptions: You can immediately transcribe your audio and video files into text to make them more accessible. Editing and highlighting these is also possible.

Pricing

Riverside gives users access to a free 60 minute trial for recording audio and video. After this you will have four pricing options:

1. Basic: 2 hours per month at $9 per month/$90 annually

2. Standard: 5 hours per month at $19 per month/$180 annually

3. Pro: 15 hours per month at $29 per month/$288 annually

4. Enterprise: Custom prices

Pros

• Separate audio and video tracks

• Simple to learn

• Multiple price options

• High-quality recordings

• Clips and screen sharing

While Riverside has plenty going for it, the Magic Editor is not as powerful as other, more complex programs.

GarageBand

If you are looking for podcast recording software for Mac, then look no further than GarageBand. It works well for both experienced and amateur podcasters, allowing them to make use of several audio tracks for their show.

Developed by Apple, this is a free kit that you can download. It’s one of the most powerful podcast software for Mac, while still being easy to learn and use. You also have the option of making your own music for your podcast through the sound library.

Features

• Sound Library: The sound library can allow you to choose and add beats, instruments, presets and more to your podcast at any point of the episode.

• Multiple Tracks: You can conveniently record and combine various audio tracks together to make use of them for a single podcast episode.

• Touch Bar: There are several features that you can use on the Touch Bar of your Mac for easier access and edits.

• Sound Effects: Plugins, compression options, EQ and other sound effects can be added to your audio track while editing.

• Precise Edits: You can clean up the sound quality and fix choppy rhythms through convenient options and buttons.

Pricing

GarageBand is free to download and use.

Pros

• Multiple sounds to add to your podcast

• Multiple effects to produce high-quality sound

• Combinations of multiple tracks

• Instantaneous voice control of speakers

• User friendly and accessible

The obvious drawback of GarageBand is that it's not available for Windows.

Descript

Descript is a great all-in-one tool for you to record and edit podcasts. The app is easy to use, even if you are just starting out and do not possess audio engineering expertise or professional experience as a podcaster.

Interestingly, this tool can allow you to make edits to your audio by simply making changes and tweaks to the transcribed text. Even if you make errors while recording, you can edit or remove text within the transcript file of the audio to produce the desired result in your audio.

As a result, you can create great quality audio tracks without having to master sound waves or audio editing.

Features

• Filler Word Removal: You can remove words like “um”, “like”, “you know” and frequent pauses and repetitions for cleaner results as well as shorter tracks.

• Overdub: You can correct errors by removing or adding words to the text or through an AI clone of your voice that can replace those words in the audio.

• Multitrack Recording: You can record numerous tracks and audio simultaneously and get separate files and transcriptions for each of them.

• Sequences: If you have similar tracks and files, you can combine them together using Sequences so that you can edit and add effects all at once.

• Sound Effects: You can access effects like volume control, background noise reduction, leveling, fades and custom settings for multiple tracks.

Pricing

Descript offers a free tier that gives you 3 hours of transcription per month and other editing features. If you need more, they have several paid subscriptions to choose from. 

1. Creator: 10 hours per month at $12 per editor per month

2. Pro: 30 hours per month at $30 per editor per month
   

3. Enterprise: Custom prices

Pros

• Multiple operating systems

• Multi-file exports

• Smooth transitions

• Batch editing to save time

• Wordbar for quick adjustments

A criticism of Descript is that it doesn't offer mic labeling.

Alitu

Alitu offers podcast recording, editing, and publishing without the “boring and technical parts.” Their automation options can take care of the harder stuff in the background, while you focus on making great content. 

It is quite simple to learn and navigate, making it a great choice for amateurs or beginners. It can automatically clean up your audio to produce a clear end result that you can then tweak and publish.

You can record yourself as well as several other people using this software, which can also work for online calls. Fillers, intros, and outros are all taken care of as well.

Features

• Intros and Outros: You can record and edit your intro and outro once, which Alitu will then automatically add to each episode of your podcast to save time.

• Filler Removal: By highlighting and selecting filler words, silences and repetitions, you can get rid of them and save the cleaner audio track.

• Drag and Drop: You can drag and drop the functions that you want to add, remove or save to provide convenient access and usage.

• Automatic Clean-Up: By detecting background noises and volume changes, the software can create a balance to clean up the audio and make it consistent.

• Quick Publishing: You can directly publish your podcast episode to the platform of your choice.

Pricing

You can access a free 7-day trial period, after which you will have to pay for the subscription at $32 per month or $320 per year.

Pros

• Automated and quick

• Simple to learn and use

• User-friendly interface

• Multiple operating systems and platforms

• Direct publishing onto hosting platform

In comparison to other options, Alitu outputs a relatively inferior audio quality.

Hindenburg Journalist

Hindenburg Journalist is a top-notch choice for experienced podcasters who prefer to work with multiple audio tracks. Hindenburg allows you to edit and combine these tracks together with volume consistency and adjustments, background noise reduction, automation, and more.

Hindenburg is compatible with both Windows and macOS. Their team provides tutorials, learning guides and webinars so that you can familiarize yourself with the software and its functions.

Features

• Auto Update: Each minute, the software will auto-update the saved files so that you do not lose any edits or tracks.

• Multiple Audio Files: You can record and edit multiple audio files of various types using this software.

• Direct Publishing: You can directly publish your podcast episode after editing to the hosting platform.

• Volume Consistency: The software can detect volume and sound inconsistencies so that you can even it out.

• Automation: Most of the technical work is carried out by the software, making it easier to produce clear audio files.

Pricing

Hindenburg offers different pricing options for individuals and businesses: 

1. Individuals can access their PRO version for only $12 per month, or purchase a lifetime license for Hindenburg Lite for $99.

2. Businesses can only purchase Hindenburg PRO, from $200 per year.

Pros

• Multiple audio files and tracks

• Automation for time efficiency

• Quick publishing

• High-quality recording

• Different kinds of audio files

The drawback of Hindenberg is that the Lite version isn't suitable for podcasts with guests in remote locations. 

Auphonic

Auphonic is another great choice for amateurs and beginners who are not yet familiar with advanced editing functionalities. By carrying out most of the editing for you through automation, Auphonic lets you save time and concentrate on your content.

The software can detect shifts and noises in the file that you upload onto the platform. It can then add some consistency and clarity to the track to produce clear and clean audio.

Auphonic also offers transcriptions in more than 80 languages, with easy and combined exports and publishing options for certain platforms.

Features

• Smart Leveling: Auphonic can automatically modify the audio levels for music, speech and speakers without you needing any kind of advanced knowledge.

• Audio Restoration: Gets rid of unwanted noise, fillers, inconsistencies and hums through its audio restoration feature.

• Speech Recognition: Automatic speech recognition allows you to access transcriptions in more than 80 languages.

• Multiple Tracks: You can import and edit multiple tracks at once while also adding various kinds of sound effects.

• Automatic Deployment: Once you are done, you can choose to export or publish your podcast episode or track to Dropbox, Google Drive, YouTube, SoundCloud and more.

Pricing

Auphonic is free for two hours per month, after which you will have to pay anywhere between $12 and $99 depending on how many hours you use. Their pricing tiers are as follows: 

1. $11 for up to 9 hours per month

2. $24 for up to 21 hours per month

3. $49 for up to 45 hours per month

4. $99 for up to 100 hours per month

5. Custom plans for those who need over 100 hours a month 

Pros

• Almost fully automated

• Clear and high quality

• Direct export and deployment

• Multiple track settings

• Quick functioning

On the downside, if you don’t know how many hours you need, the pricing model can be a little difficult to navigate. 

Time to Choose Your Podcast Software

The best podcast editing software isn't going to be the same for everyone. Considerations such as your technical knowledge, the length of your show and how often you release an episode, whether you interview guests remotely, and your budget are all going to factor into choosing the right software for you.

While we've rounded up 8 great options, here's our quick list of the top picks depending on your needs: 

• Best for beginners: Descript. If you have no editing experience at all and want to launch a podcast, then Descript is the way to go. Their editing software is simple and intuitive. 

• Best for professionals: Adobe Audition. If you’re a professional editor, then you probably know just how powerful Adobe software is. Yes, it’s expensive, but the integration with other programs makes it worth it. 

• Best budget option: Audacity. Despite being free and open-source, Audacity is quite powerful, yet simple enough that even beginners can use it. For those working with a tight budget, there’s no better choice. 

If you’d rather skip the hassle of finding the right software and learning how to use it, look into our professional podcast editing services. We can help you craft high-end podcasts that will stand out among the crowd.