Among the many ways to describe the internet, perhaps the most appropriate would be that it is a revolution. It’s a new form of gathering and sharing information, no matter what type of data you want.
In a way, that’s what podcasts are.
Aside from talking to interesting people, learning various things, and sharing information with the world, podcasting is also a great way to earn money wherever you are. If you are trying to start a professional career in podcasting, you want the best podcast recording software for the job.
Don’t worry; we’ve got that covered. Check out our list below to jumpstart your journey.
Best Podcast Recording Software
| Podcast Recording Software | Free | Paid | Mac | Windows |
| Riverside.fm | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Restream | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audacity | ✓ | ✗ | OS X 10.7 Lion or higher | ✓ |
| Adobe Audition | 7-Day Trial | ✓ | OS X 10.11 or higher | ✓ |
| Hindenburg Journalist | 30-Day Trial | ✓ | OS 10.10 or higher | ✓ |
| GarageBand | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Anchor | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Logic Pro | 90-Day Trial | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Squadcast | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auphonic | ✓(2 hours per month) | ✓ | OS 10.6 or higher | Windows 7 or higher |
| Reaper | 60-Day Trial | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| QuickTime | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zencastr | ✓ | ✓ | OS 10.10 or higher | Windows 8.1 or higher |
1. Riverside.fm
Let’s start off this list with a superstar. Riverside.fm is a recording and editing software that seems to be made specifically for podcasting and sharing content.
One of the first advantages of this podcast recording software program is that it allows you to connect with up to seven guests simultaneously. If you’re talking with friends or a group of people in your podcast, Riverside.fm has no trouble assisting you on that.
In fact, it is one of the best webinar software platforms there is, so you can count on it to handle multiple guests. Moreover, it has built-in editing software called Magic Editor. Through this feature, you can enhance the audio files and even cut clips from the recording so that you can easily share it on social media.
Riverside.fm also allows you to separate the audio recording and video clips, making them more manageable and editable. Do you want to know what the best part is? Its local recording feature allows you to save 4K video resolutions and 48kHz audio files. The high video resolution arguably makes this the best video podcast recording software, if not overall.
Riverside.fm is a paid program, with the lowest plan starting at $15/month, a considerably low price if you are a professional podcaster. On the other hand, those who are just starting out can also use Riverside.fm for free.
Pros:
- High-quality recording for both video and audio
- Can accommodate a maximum of seven guests
- Separate video and audio tracks
- Has a built-in editor
- Can turn long-form discussions into shareable content
Con:
- Basic editor only, even with the highest-paid plan
2. Restream
Restream is one of the most popular podcast hosting platforms out there. With its interesting set of features, it currently allows users to record, edit, and even promote their content through the software.
Restream offers two options for podcasters. Firstly, they can simultaneously conduct their podcast sessions and stream them to different platforms, such as YouTube, arguably one of the best ways to make money online nowadays.
Aside from that, Restream users can record audio and video through the software without sharing it with other people. This allows you to edit your content before publishing.
Restream provides high-resolution 48kHz audio files and full HD video recording. This podcast recording software also lets you opt for split-track recording to maintain the quality and purity of the audio. These recordings can be saved in Restream’s cloud storage, but only up to 10GB.
Restream offers a free plan, which allows up to six participants. However, the streaming duration will be limited. The cheapest paid plan is about $16/month and includes multistreaming, over 10 participants, and up to six hours of streaming duration.
Pros:
- Recording, editing, and content promotion tools
- Can live stream or record without going live
- High-resolution audio files
- Split-track recording
- Includes cloud storage
Con:
- Web-based, no offline recording
3. Audacity
Looking for the best free podcast recording software? Audacity is widely known as a free audio editor and recorder, especially in music production. The project started in 1999 but was officially released in May of 2000.
Being this old, the interface tends to look rather outdated. It is also an advantage, as you’d find hundreds, if not thousands, of video tutorials on the internet. Ergo, working your way around Audacity and discovering all its features might be challenging.
Nonetheless, Audacity is still alive and kicking after 22 years, which is a testament to its reliability. In fact, even universities use this software for online teaching and learning.
Audacity lets you record live audio, which is the heart of every podcast. Moreover, it is equipped with noise cancellation, cutting tools, and equalization features to help you produce quality audio. It can also accommodate different file formats of audio recordings, and you can save files locally without spending a single centavo.
The only problem is that if your podcast episodes include video recording, Audacity is not your best choice because this isn’t part of its features. It’s more for audio recording sessions and elaborate editing.
Pros:
- Free podcast recording software
- Compatible with almost all devices (both Windows and Mac)
- Superb audio recording and editing
- Accommodates all file formats
Cons:
- Old interface
- Steep learning curve
- Local audio recording only, no remote recording
- No video editing and recording
4. Adobe Audition
You know how popular Adobe is when it comes to photo editing. So, don’t be surprised when you find out they also applied their expertise to an audio editing software program.
Adobe Audition accommodates podcast recording and offers a variety of audio editing tools. If you are already familiar with the editing process of audio files, this would be a great tool for you. On the other hand, there are also multiple templates to improve your podcast sound.
Aside from recording a separate track of a participant’s audio, it also allows you to add sound effects to each recording. Most of the sound effects and music included in the package are royalty-free, so no additional charges will be incurred for you.
Moreover, Adobe Audition is part of the Adobe Suite. Ergo, if you use Premiere Pro to edit the videos of your podcast episode, integrating Adobe Audition will be a breeze.
While it is a good podcast recording software, you should know that it does not include a feature for remote audio recording. Adobe offers this paid product at a price of $20.99/month. Nonetheless, you can also try it out first for free for up to seven days. No free version is out, though.
Pros:
- Advanced audio recording and editing capabilities
- Great choice for Premiere Pro users
- Includes multiple recording templates
Cons:
- No video recording and editing
- No remote recording capabilities
- Has a bit of a learning curve
- More expensive than other podcast recording software options
5. Hindenburg Journalist
Born out of the frustration of various radio broadcasters, Hindenburg Journalist was a vision turned into reality. It was created by a radio journalist and a software engineer back in the late 2000s during a community project for African radio. They wanted an affordable recording software that knows what audio storytellers really want and need.
Hindenburg Journalist allows multitrack recording for both local and remote interviews. However, you might have to integrate it with Skype to use the latter option. This might be a problem because Skype’s audio quality is heavily dependent on the speed and reliability of your internet connection.
Nonetheless, Hindenburg Journalist proves its worth in editing podcasts through its deep arsenal of tools and accessories. Aside from background noise reduction, this software program lets you use its audio trimming capabilities.
Hindenburg Journalist is a paid podcast editing software currently priced at $99 for the Basic package, which is a one-time purchase. The Pro package is priced at $399, also a one-off option. While there’s no free version, Hindenburg offers a 30-day free trial.
Pros:
- Plug-and-play software
- Allows remote recording through Skype
- Multitrack recording
- Advanced editing features
Cons:
- No free version
- Participant’s audio quality relies on internet speed (for remote interviews)
- No video editing and recording
6. GarageBand
Arguably the most popular free software program for music production, GarageBand joins our list of the best recording software for podcasts. It is a product of Apple, which, among many things, is known for high-quality audio and video recording.
GarageBand includes a wide array of recording and editing tools and is relatively easy to use, perfect for beginners producing podcasts. It lets you edit your audio file by adding numerous sound effects from its extensive library. Audio compression and equalization are also relatively easy.
Moreover, GarageBand is completely compatible with mobile devices. As one of the best free podcast recording software, it even allows you to use plugins if you want to improve your raw recordings. However, one downside to this is that since it’s an Apple product, it is only available on iOS phones and Mac computers.
Pros:
- Great for Apple podcasts
- Comprehensive interface
- Extensive sound library
- Advanced editing tools
Cons:
- Only available on Apple products
- Can only record sounds in the same room (no remote recording)
- Audio editing and recording only (no video)
7. Anchor
Anchor is Spotify’s podcast hosting platform. This means you can use the podcast software to stream your episode live on Spotify. You can also live stream the episode to Facebook and other social media platforms. Just make sure you know how to boost your post so that you can attract your target audience to your podcast quickly.
Nonetheless, you’ll like that Anchor is equipped with recording capabilities, allowing you to review and edit the audio file before publishing it.
Moreover, since mobile apps are slowly becoming the trend with podcast recording because of smartphones’ portability, Anchor offers that as well. Through the app, you can conduct remote interviews with guests. You can even add some additional recordings by uploading them to Anchor.
However, one downside is that it lacks editing tools. While the podcast software program allows you to mark parts of the recording you wish to edit, the only editing features it includes are creating segments and adding transitions.
Additionally, Anchor is web-based, so you can’t record and edit audio files offline. For video recording, you might need another software. Even so, for something that’s absolutely free, it is not too bad, especially for those who have just started their journey in podcast recording.
Pros:
- Riverside and Spotify integration
- Convenient recording process
- Mobile-friendly
- Can accommodate up to five guests
Cons:
- Does not create separate tracks for guests
- No video recording
- Basic audio editing tools
- No offline recording
8. Logic Pro
Apple podcasts using GarageBand to record episodes should know about Logic Pro. This is the upgrade you are looking for if you find GarageBand’s audio recording and editing features lacking.
While it is designed mainly for music production, Logic Pro is equipped with various tools that make it a reliable podcast software program. You can install the Dolby Atmos plugin and integrate it with Logic Pro.
If you’re unaware, Dolby Atmos is known for its extensive library of sound effects and its audio enhancement capabilities. Its surround-sound format makes it a popular and superior option for sound production, so much so that even movies like Star Trek use this technology.
That said, Logic Pro is still very much capable on its own, proven by its high-quality recording, noise reduction, and audio equalization or compression. You can also control these recordings through the Logic Remote app, which you can download on your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple products.
Just like GarageBand, Logic Pro is only available on Mac. It also does not have a feature for recording videos. Logic Pro is a paid software currently priced at $199.99. While the initial price may seem too expensive, it’s a more affordable option in the long run compared to the $20 monthly subscriptions offered by most software programs.
Pros:
- High-quality recording, supporting up to 192kHz
- Logic Remote app for remote audio control
- Dolby Atmos integration
Cons:
- Only available on Apple products
- No remote recording
- No feature for recording video
9. Squadcast
Squadcast is a recording software made specifically for podcasting. It is relatively new to the game, but it is packed with amazing features that make it a great addition to your recording setup.
The goal of Squadcast is to create the most convenient podcast hosting platform. Guests can join the podcast remotely by clicking on a link provided by the podcast host.
It offers both high-quality audio and video, with the former at 48kHz and the latter at full 1080HD. The audio recordings come in WAV files and in separate tracks to make sure they are as clean as they can be.
It’s worth noting that Squadcast is solely a podcast recording software, which means you can’t stream the episode live just yet. Moreover, there are no mobile apps where Squadcast is fully compatible. However, it’s in development, considering the Safari version is already in beta testing.
The only problem we see is that it is considerably more expensive than most podcast recording software. Squadcast is a paid podcast software with the cheapest plan priced at $10/month. This is only for audio recording and includes a two-hour time limit. If you want to include videos in your podcasts, they offer a plan for $40/month, which has a five-hour time limit.
Additionally, Squadcast does not have editing tools, which means you need a separate digital audio workstation if you want to enhance your episodes.
Pros:
- Convenient podcast guesting
- High-quality audio and video
- Creates separate tracks in WAV files
Cons:
- Web-based, no offline recording
- No editing tools
- More expensive than other podcast recording and editing software
10. Auphonic
If you’re only trying to enhance the sounds of your podcast recording, you need to know about Auphonic. This audio editing software program’s main function is to remove background noise, equalize the audio, and add filters to the sound.
You can do all of these by going online and uploading your audio files to the site. Auphonic will then introduce you to various editing templates and process them once you’re ready. However, one downside is that it does not allow you to record your podcast sessions on the desktop version.
Instead, Auphonic has a mobile version called Auphonic Edit, available on both iPhones and Androids. The mobile app lets you record and edit audio, and it’s relatively easy to use. The audio resolution is around 48kHz.
Auphonic offers free use of the editing software for up to two hours each month. If you are going to use it for a longer duration, they also offer paid plans. The cheapest one is priced at $11/month, which lets you edit up to nine hours of audio. If you want an unlimited plan, you can contact them and ask about the Auphonic More plan.
Pros:
- Easy integration with content-sharing platforms
- High-quality recording
- Automatic editor is a convenient method for enhancing audio
Cons:
- No recorder on the desktop version
- Does not support video editing and recording
- Limited editing tools
11. Reaper
When it comes to editing controls and affordability, Reaper is a worthy contender for the best podcast recording and editing software. Despite being an old program, having been around since 2006, it is just as good as most of the latest software out there, if not better.
The first notable characteristic of this software is its multitrack recording capabilities. Basically, it allows you to create separate tracks simultaneously, making it easier to edit and clean each of them.
In terms of editing, Reaper is not just about cutting segments and trimming audio files. There are numerous editing templates and even more filters and effects included in the package. Plus, having established its brand name in the world of audio production, more than 200 plugins are compatible with Reaper.
While it is incapable of recording video, it does include a feature that lets you upload your video to the software. Reaper will then allow you to edit your video, albeit basic edits only.
The only downside is that, because it is quite old, it has a bit of a learning curve. Nonetheless, Reaper is aware of that, which is why they offer a free guide to help you understand the interface quicker.
Reaper is a paid product priced at $60. Keep in mind that this is a one-time payment. On the other hand, if you need a commercial license, the price rises to $225. You can also avail of their free trial, which lasts for 60 days.
Pros:
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and even Linux
- Over 200 plugins available
- Multitrack recording
- Heavily customizable
- Includes editing templates
- Comes with a basic video editor
Cons:
- No video recorder
- Steep learning curve, especially for beginners
- Interface is a bit outdated
12. QuickTime
QuickTime is a recording software program that comes free when you purchase a Mac computer. It also includes a mid-range editor both for videos and audio.
If you’re going to combine multiple tracks, Quicktime makes it easier for you through its drag-and-drop feature. After recording and editing the files through the software, it lets you extract them, save them to your computer, and upload them to a content-sharing platform.
So, if you are using a Mac computer and want the best podcast recording software free, QuickTime is the all-around tool you need.
Pros:
- Free podcast recording software for Mac computers
- Simple interface
- All-around editing and recording software
Cons:
- No extensive editing
- Not available on Windows
- More heavily focused on video editing rather than audio
13. Zencastr
If you often conduct remote interviews and are looking for the best video podcast recording software, Zencastr is a great choice.
It requests permission to access a guest’s local microphone and record it as a separate track. Because of this, the quality of the audio is not compromised by fluctuations in your or your guest’s internet connection.
The audio files are in MP3 or WAV files, depending on the version you’re using. Meanwhile, the video captures are in 1080p full HD. However, the video recording feature is relatively new and is still in beta testing. This means there might be some bugs and glitches you’d encounter along the way.
Additionally, Zencastr does not include a screen sharing feature, so you might need another software for screencasting. That said, Zencastr is web-based, which means there would be no issues with compatibility; you can access it as long as you have an internet connection.
Zencastr offers a free version. However, the audio files are saved in MP3 format. Additionally, the beta version of the video recorder will be on trial mode only. On the other hand, the paid plan is priced at $14/month. This gains you access to a wide array of audio tools.
Moreover, the paid plan saves the audio files in WAV format. The best part is that it allows you to include various effects using its soundboard while in the middle of recording.
Pros:
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
- High-quality remote recording (both for video and audio)
- Allows at least four guests
- Live sound editing
- Cloud storage integration (Dropbox and Google Drive)
Cons:
- Additional cost for post-production features
- Recording videos is still in beta-testing
Podcast Recording Software FAQs
1. What’s the best podcast recording software?
It depends on what you are actually looking for. If you want a recording software for video and audio, Riverside.fm is a reliable tool. What if you want to edit your podcast recordings as well? In that case, Zencastr is a great option for remote recording, while GarageBand is great for local recording.
2. What’s the difference between MP3 and WAV audio files?
MP3 files are compressed versions of the audio, which means the quality is compromised to save space. On the other hand, WAV files are lossless and uncompressed, making them better options for podcast recording and editing. The downside is that they take up a huge amount of storage space.
3. How to get the best podcast recording software free?
If you purchase a Mac computer, you instantly get access to some of the best podcast recording software without charge. On the other hand, if you are using a Windows computer, it’d probably be better if you record and edit videos and audio using separate free software programs.
4. What does it mean when a software program records multitrack audio?
This means you get separate tracks for each audio source instead of having all of them in one single file. When recording multitrack, you get access to the audio file of each of your guests, making it easier to clean and edit all of them individually.
5. Is there a podcasting software program that lets you publish the episode while you conduct it?
Yes! Podcast hosting platforms, such as Restream and Anchor, provide you with the option to simultaneously record and stream your episodes. This means your episodes would be as raw as it is, published on the internet with no editing whatsoever.
However, you want to make sure you have high-quality recording tools, as you can’t enhance your video and audio mid-record.
6. What tools do you need to start a podcast?
The most important things you need to start a podcast would be a microphone/s, one or several pairs of headphones, a computer, the best podcast recording software, and maybe an editing tool.
Moreover, some of the best software for podcast recording already include editing tools, so you may want to look into that as well.
Best Recording Software for Podcasts
People browse the internet for entertainment, while others use it to gather information. In today’s world, podcasts provide us with both of these. It is a wonderful tool to learn about people’s lives, their wisdom, and everything else about the world.
If you believe you have what it takes to give this to countless people around the globe, make sure you’re properly equipped for the job. Check out all of the recording software for podcast we’ve listed above and find one that best suits your needs.
We’ll be waiting for your first podcast episode!
