7 Best Podcast Software of 2023 (Record & Edit on Mac or PC)
Before you even begin to learn how to record a podcast, you need to know what podcast software is. This way, you can choose a reliable tool. The thing is, there are many podcast services out there that offer free and paid podcast recording software programs, and you can get confused.
So, what is the best podcast software that you can use? This issue is what I want to help you with today. I will provide you with seven of the best podcast software programs that I have used in the past, and then you can start learning how to start a podcast and promote it.
What is the Best Podcast Software?
Here is a quick list of the best podcast software you can use today:
- Audacity
- Adobe Audition
- GarageBand
- Anchor
- Alitu
- Hindenburg
- Podcastle A
1. Audacity
Best for people looking for the best podcast software that is free.
Unique Feature: Supports multitrack recording for two tracks.
Compatibility: Windows and macOS
Audacity is not made as a podcast recording software program but rather an all-around audio editing software tool. You can use it to record and then improve your audio recording with its powerful editing tools.
Audacity can function as a digital audio workstation that rivals Adobe Audition. I can say that it is the best free podcast software that you can use today.
Key Features of Audacity
- Effects – the editing software allows you to add fades, cut, paste, and delete segments. You can also convert and combine sounds as you wish. You can even duplicate audio if you want.
- Audio Improvement – after dragging the audio recording to the tool, you can make your audio sound better. The tool has editing tools where you can remove noise in the background, improve your bass and treble levels, and compress the sound levels.
- Recording – Audacity is not just an editing tool, but it is also a recording software program. All you need to do is click on the record button to start your podcast recording.
- Performance – one of the recording and editing features of the tool is that it can record at rates as high as 192kHz. It also supports 24-bit depth, which means you can use a powerful microphone with it to improve how you sound.
Pros of Audacity
- Free to use
- Lots of editing tools to improve audio recording
- Simple interface
- Can do batch processing
Cons of Audacity
- Does not accept MP4 files
- Cannot record more than two tracks
Pricing
Audacity is a free tool, and no subscription whatsoever is needed. As a free tool, however, it has limitations that you need to live with. Get it free here.
2. Adobe Audition
Best for people who want professional-grade podcast software.
Unique Feature: You can use it for audio restoration projects.
Compatibility: Windows and macOS
Adobe Audition is simply the best podcast software out there that gives you bang for your buck. It is not free, but like all Adobe products, it is for the professional who wants the best recording and editing tool.
With Adobe Audition, you can remove noise, combine tracks, remove echoes, separate tracks, and many more. Below are the best editing features of the program.
Key Features of Adobe Audition
- Audio Restoration – the tool has the capacity to fix broken or old audio, and you can make old audio files sound like a new audio recording. You can also get guidance from Adobe on how to use high-end editing practices like spectral frequency, diagnostics, and many more.
- Podcast Recording Software – Adobe recognizes the importance of the tool for podcasters, so it has specific modules for audio recording a podcast episode. Follow these steps to produce the best sound from the recording software.
- Loudness Meter – this feature allows you to analyze your sound mix so you can single out tracks that have errors. The tool has presets that you can use for specific audio requirements of different podcast hosts, such as Spotify.
- DeReverb – as the best podcast software of all programs, Adobe Audition has a tool where you can reduce or completely remove a reverb in your audio. Reverb is a short delay or an echo that can happen if you do not use acoustic panels.
- Noise Removal – one great aspect of the tool is it has the capacity to remove noise from your audio. Be it a hiss or a hum, you can take it off to make your audio sound more professional.
Pros of Adobe Audition
- Has great noise reduction capability
- You can use it for audio restoration
- There is a loudness meter
- It adheres to global audio broadcast standards
Cons of Adobe Audition
- Too expensive for beginners
- Does not have MIDI support
Pricing
- Monthly – costs $31.49 per month
- Yearly: Billed Monthly – $costs 20.99 per month
- Yearly: Billed Once – annual payment of $239.88
All plans give you the same editing features and editing tools. You get to save money if you pay annually or if you bulk it with other products of Adobe.
You can try Adobe Audition for free by signing up.
3. Garage Band
Best for people who operate in the Apple universe.
Unique Feature: Built for creating music, it has a library of instruments you can use to improve your podcast recording quality.
Compatibility: macOS
Garage Band was made for musicians for music production. However, that does not mean that you cannot use it as a podcast editing software program. Since you can record and mix sounds here, it is an excellent alternative to a digital audio workstation.
Key Features of Garage Band
- Recording and Editing – the tool allows you to use microphones and record your voice, not just instruments.
- Audio Files Upload– you can upload audio files and then edit them to make them sound better, improve the overall audio quality, or mix them with other tracks.
- Templates – the free podcast software has templates that you can choose from, which is great for beginners. It has options where you can choose what kind of music or podcast to record.
- Easy To Use – recording podcasts is easy because the user interface is friendly. All you need to do is click on the red dot, or the record icon, to start recording.
- Multitrack Recording – you can record and mix up to 255 tracks. This comes in handy if you have multiple tracks you want to use in your podcast or for music production. It works best for people who want to speak and have background music at the same time.
- Instruments – there are many instruments inside the tool. For example, if you want a drum sound, you can use digital drums to create your own beat and record that in the podcasting software.
Pros of Garage Band
- Has a lot of musical instruments to choose from
- Has editing tools for creative individuals
- Has real audio loops
- Simple to use
Cons of Garage Band
- Poor mastering tools
- Cannot play external MIDI instruments
Pricing
Garage Band is completely free, and you can download it here.
4. Anchor
Best for people who release podcasts on Spotify.
Unique Feature: Works directly with podcast launching on Spotify.
Compatibility: Browser-based app; works on both Windows and macOS
Anchor is the property of Spotify. As such, you can use it to record an audio file and as a podcasting software where you can launch your completed episode in the Spotify podcasting universe.
The beauty of the tool is that it has a built-in uploading system, along with recording and editing software tools. The one thing that makes it unique, however, is that it is attached to the podcast hosting platform Spotify.
Key Features of Anchor
- Unlimited Hosting – you can use the recording software and upload your audio files without limit. What it means is that you do not have to pay for a separate hosting plan.
- Distribution – the editing software allows you to distribute your podcast episodes on major networks, not only Spotify.
- Analytics – apart from the editing tools, this podcast software gives you insights about your podcast performance, but only if you launch the podcast on Spotify.
- Flexibility – this is the best podcast recording software for Spotify users because you can record from any device. It is browser-based, so it works on your phone, tablet, and computer.
Pros of Anchor
- The audio editing software is completely free to use
- Unlimited Hosting
- Works with other podcast apps or distribution networks
- Provides you with analytics
Cons of Anchor
- Maximum of two hours for a podcast episode
- File upload is limited to 250 MB
Pricing
Anchor is free to use, but you will still pay Spotify for its cut on your launched podcast episodes. You can sign up here.
5. Alitu
Best for people who also need podcast transcripts.
Unique Feature: The podcast recording software comes with a transcript too.
Compatibility: Web-based app
Alitu is the best podcast recording software for people who also want a transcript for their audio. It can convert audio files into text, which you can upload to your podcast so you can serve people who have a hearing impairment.
Key Features of Alitu
- Easy Set-Up – once you create an episode, the podcast recording software will ask you to fill in the details like the episode name, episode number, etc. This process makes it easy for you to organize your podcast episodes.
- Online – the podcast recording software is not an app that you need to install. It is web-based, which means you need to create an account, and then access the audio recording software on any device or anywhere you are.
- Uploads – if you already recorded your podcast on another tool, you could upload your audio file here and use the editing tools that the podcast software has to offer.
- Distribution – you can sync this recording software with your podcast hosts like Google, Apple, or Spotify.
Pros of Alitu
- Browser-based app; no need to install the program
- Accessible on any device
- Easy-to-use interface
- Full-featured podcast software
Cons of Alitu
- The editing tools have limitations
- The audio editing software is automated, so you have little control over it.
Pricing
- Monthly – costs $32 per month
- Yearly – costs $320 per year
You get the same features for the monthly and yearly plans. If you want, you can try the podcast recording software for free here.
6. Hindenburg
Best for journalists.
Unique Feature: The podcast recording software has automation for EQ levels.
Compatibility: macOS and Windows
Hindenburg is an ideal podcast recording software if you are a journalist or a storyteller. The framework of this editing software is built on the needs of people who tell a story.
If your podcast is something like an audiobook, the editing software offers a solution where you can import your book text, and then you can even view the text as you record your narration. I can say that it is not just for podcasters but also for people who do voiceovers from scripts.
Key Features of Hindenburg
- Easy to Use – the recording software is easy to use. It can help you in podcast production and audiobook production. It works great for people who do not want the hassle of hiring audio engineers.
- Audio Solutions – the recording software is great not only for podcasts but also for storytelling, which means that if your podcast is about storytelling, it is the best podcast recording software for you.
- Automation – the recording software automates the balance of EQ, levels, and also your delivery specs. It will help you save a lot of time. There is even a dedicated audiobook suite.
- Knowledgebase – sometimes, a podcast recording is overwhelming to use. This tool, however, provides support. You can access its database of tutorials and live webinars when you are editing podcasts and you are stuck.
Pros of Hindenburg
- offer voice profiler
- offer an automated process for cleaning audio files
- offer shortcut keys
- offer auto-leveling and voice profiler
Cons of Hindenburg
- Too expensive
Pricing
Hindenburg has several options that range from $200 to $$600. Hindenburg offers a free trial you can get here.
7. Podcastle AI
Best for people who also need text-to-speech podcast recording software.
Unique Feature: You can edit the audio by editing the text inside the recording and editing software.
Compatibility: Browser-based
Podcastle AI is a powerful tool, but the free account has severe limitations. Nevertheless, it is the podcast software that I recommend if you need a text-to-speech software program. It has an app for iOS, but it works on Google Chrome, primarily.
Key Features of Podcastle AI
- Multi-Track Recording – you can record remote interviews with another person, and this audio will be recorded separately from your microphone.
- Audio Transcription – if you need texts, the podcast software will provide them; no need to hire a transcriptionist to convert your audio to words.
- Text-to-Speech – you can upload a word or text file, and then the podcast software will read it. It has many voice skins to choose from; as such, you can also edit the audio by simply changing a word from the text.
- Magic Dust – the podcast software has the capacity to remove noise and echo from your original recording, making it sound more professional.
Pros of Podcastle AI
- Easy to use; nice interface
- Unlimited audio recording
- High limit on transcription hours
- Multitrack recording
- Up to 4K resolution on video podcasts
Cons of Podcastle AI
- Does not support all browsers
- Has a Podcastle watermark on the free plan
Pricing
- Free – free for life with unlimited audio file recording.
- Storyteller – costs $11.99 per month; the recording and editing software gives you unlimited access to the tools.
- Pro – costs $23.99 per month; you get up to 25 hours of audio and video transcription.
You can get the free podcast software here.
What is a Podcast Recording Software?
A podcast recording software program is one that has recording and editing capabilities. In short, it is like a tape recorder. Back in the past, people used a tape recorder to record a conversation. Today, we use a digital recorder to record our voices.
The thing is that a recording is not always good. Machines can hear ambient sounds, like the hum of a fan, and we do not like that. We want high audio quality and the capability to download audio files or audio recordings in various formats.
Typical digital recorders, like the one you have on your phone, cannot provide all the recording and editing that you need. It is why you need a program that can give you the tools that podcasting software can.
What are the Steps to Recording a Podcast?
The steps on how to record a podcast are pretty straightforward. We have an article about this that covers the topic in detail, but below is a quick summary.
First, you need tools. You need a computer, a microphone, and podcast recording software. Next, find a quiet room and start talking.
Once done, you must export the file to save it. Then, open the file again in the recording software then start editing. Here, you can remove and add sounds and also make your voice deeper or increase and decrease your pitch—it is all up to you.
After recording and editing, save the audio file, and then upload it to your podcast hosting provider or your podcast distributor like Spotify.
Podcast Software FAQs
1. What is the best free podcast software?
The best free ones are Audacity, Anchor, and Garage Band.
2. Is GarageBand good for podcasting?
Yes, it is good for podcasting because it is also a music editing tool. You can do many things to improve your audio quality and even add music tracks that you created.
3. What is the best app for recording podcasts?
The best app is Anchor because it works with Spotify.
Executive Summary
Here’s the best Podcast software to record and edit your show:
- Audacity – Best for people looking for the best podcast software that is free.
- Adobe Audition – Best for people who want professional-grade podcast software.
- Garage Band – Best for people who operate in the Apple universe.
- Anchor – Best for people who release podcasts on Spotify.
- Alitu – Best for people who also need podcast transcripts.
- Hindenburg – Best for journalists.
- Podcastle AI – Best for people who also need text-to-speech podcast recording software.
Once you have chosen the best podcast software, the next step is to select a podcast hosting platform. Then, organize your best podcast topics.
From here, you can observe how your audience reacts—you may need podcast transcription services later on. For now, keep recording and publishing, and then explore how much money you can make with a podcast.
