Whatever your experience level there is podcast recording software that will help you create interesting content that sounds professional. There are many software solutions that will help you record audio, that offer editing features, and that some will also record video. We review the top podcast software solutions to help you make the right decision for your business.
10 Best Podcast Recording Software 2023
What is Podcast Recording Software?
Podcast production has turned into a big business over the past five years. From vanity projects in the beginning to huge, money-making endeavors that are an alternative to traditional or satellite radio, podcasts are a way for businesses and individuals to offer their expertise on a subject or simply entertain listeners. The best podcast recording apps include capabilities for not only voice, but music and video, and will allow for live interviews and even remote broadcasts.
Just like your podcast, the kind of podcast software you choose for audio recording and editing is a personal choice and there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. The best choice for your business will depend on the type of remote recording quality wanted, the kind of space available to you, and any past experience you may have with broadcasting, interviewing, and content development.
What Do You Need to Start Recording Podcasts?
You do not need a full audio recording and editing studio to begin podcast recording. Most computers come with a free audio editor and some with very basic video editing tools. This is generally enough equipment to begin to record live audio. However, as the business grows you will want to invest in podcast recording software with more advanced features. These will include not only audio editing tools but multitrack recording and editing tools, enhanced audio quality to reduce background noise, music production, remote interviews, audio and midi tracks, sound effects, and video tracks. While some fans only want to listen, a growing number of enthusiasts are looking for podcasts with both audio and video recording. We review these options so you can choose the best podcast software for your business.
Adobe Audition
- Multiple Adobe integrations
- Professional Sound
- Variety of recording and editing tools
GarageBand
- Best for beginners
- Mac and iOS integrations
- Free podcast recording software
Audacity
- Robust free option
- Simple to learn and operate
- Stellar audio quality
Anchor
- Simple for beginners
- Browser based instead of system based
- Spotify integration and links
Hindenburg Journalist Pro
- Best for audio recordings
- Editing options
Logic Pro
- Multitrack recording
- Simple integrations
- Logic Remote app
RINGR
- Enhanced audio capabilities
- $7.99 per month starting cost
- Free trial
Reaper
- Enhanced audio capabilities
- $7.99 per month starting cost
- Free trial
Auphonic
- Web based
- Best for post production
- File clean up
Buzzsprout
- Intuitive interface
- Included video features
- Publishes to most platforms
Top 10 Best Podcast Recording Softwares January 2023
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is a top rated software system for both amateur and professional recordings. The platform allows users to create precision editing cuts, separate audio file saves, and multi-tracking sessions. This platform can quickly become expensive with a single app subscription costing $20.99 per month.
- Multiple Adobe integrations
- Professional Sound
- Variety of recording and editing tools
- A lot of options
- No music specific tools
Adobe offers a lot for the price, but for beginners, this platform may be out of reach.
GarageBand
Most Mac users are familiar with Garageband which comes free with Mac computers and tablets. This free podcast software includes music integrations, automated editing tools, and a variety of features to add to your standard recording.
- Best for beginners
- Mac and iOS integrations
- Free podcast recording software
For a free option, Garageband offers a host of tools that will help make any podcast sound professionally produced. The integrated audio recording features include the ability to reduce background noise, separate audio files, and some light video editing tools.
Audacity
Audacity has been around as an open source platform to record podcasts and other audio for more than twenty years. It has a robust free option that is updated regularly and is adequate to both record and edit podcasts. However, as an aging system, it is not the prettiest and can be difficult to navigate, and there are some stability issues.
- Robust free option
- Simple to learn and operate
- Stellar audio quality
- Navigation difficulties
- Freeware version has stability issues
While Audacity has a lot to offer from its free option, there can be a lack of stability within the platform which some users find annoying. This can include an inability to save an edit or even upload a finished product.
Anchor
Anchor had a lot to offer those beginners that want to record a podcast. The platform is browser based and accessible and is simple to navigate. However, it has limited offerings for both editing and recording.
- Simple for beginners
- Browser based instead of system based
- Spotify integration and links
- Limited features
- Limited editing options
Using Anchor is simple for beginners, however, if you don’t have great external equipment you may be disappointed in the final product. This is because there are limitations in Anchors editing capabilities – there are limited abilities to cut hissing and other noises.
Hindenburg Journalist Pro
If you’re focused on a talking-heavy podcast, Hindenburg can be a good option. However, there are several limitations to this software. It is best for podcastors that only include speech and not music or other sounds as they record a podcast.
- Best for audio recordings
- Editing options
Hindenburg is the best option for those wanting to produce an “old school” podcast, similar in tone and voice to something from public radio. This software is best for podcasts that are speaking or interview only and do not need a lot of sound effects, music beds, or other production effects.
Logic Pro
The biggest con for Logic Pro is the price. This software integrates seamlessly with several other audio software products, its files can be opened with different software, and it has a robust suite of recording options. There is a one time cost of $200 to use the software, which is not expensive, but with so many free or fremium versions, the cost may be outside the budget for many users.
- Music and audio recording
- Simple integrations
- Logic Remote app
Logic Pro has a robust suite of editing and recording tools that include the ability to edit not only speech, but music and other effects. That makes this one of the most versatile products on the market.
RINGR
RINGR’s platform includes some enhanced editing abilities that will set your podcast apart. Whether editing voice conversations over a telephone line or in person, the software will make your audio sound amazing.
- Enhanced audio capabilities
- $7.99 per month starting cost
- Free trial
RINGR is of the most economical podcasting options available outside of free or fremium models. At only $7.99 per month as a starting price, the software include some of the best recording software for enhanced audio files.
Reaper
Similar to Essential Sound Panel, Reaper offers several top notch collaborative tools for audio production. However, Reaper is a relatively small piece of software and is therefore limited in some of the more advanced features you’ll find in a system like Adobe Audition or Garageband.
- Collaborative tools
- 60 day free trial
- Cross platform capabilities
- Limited editing and recording option
The price point for Reaper is one of the best, with a one-off licensure of $60 and a60 day free trial. The system will work across device platforms, making it one of the most versatile for operating systems and collaborative efforts. However, it doesn’t have all of the features or options of the bigger platforms.
Auphonic
Auphonic is one of the best fremium options available for podcasters but for a fremium option, it is limited to only 2 hours per month. However, there are upfront fees and the system offers great audio cleanup so that the finished product sounds professional.
- Web based
- Best for post production
- File clean up
- Payment required for some features
- Limited free monthly access
Auphonic offers great post-production features, but is best used only in post production because of its limited abilities.
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout has a lot going for it including the ability to publish to most of the best known platforms, included video capabilities, and a robust editing suite.
- Intuitive interface
- Included video features
- Publishes to most platforms including Apple podcasts, Spotify, etc.
- Post production limitations
- Unclean editing product
Several users complain about “burping” in the final product, this means an audio cut will sound different from platform to platform, and may cut off mid-sentence. Use with caution.
How Much Does a Podcast Recording Software Cost?
There are several platforms offers free podcast software, however the free version is usually quite limited in what can be produced. For professional sounding video and audio podcasts, costs begin at $10 per month for basic audio production, and $15 per month for podcast hosting. This doesn’t include your time, any costs associated with hiring editors or initial equipment costs like a good microphone.
How to Choose the Best Podcast Recording Software?
When you’re just starting out free podcast recording software can be a good choice, however, there are limited options with these. When choosing the right podcast recording software consider:
Price
While you can begin podcasting using equipment that comes with your computer or mobile device, the basic setup for professional podcast recording includes a good microphone, audio recording software, editing software, and some video elements. This can cost at least $100 in set-up costs. From this basic podcast software, audio production will cost at least $10 per month, and hosting will cost $15 per month.
Compatibility
Most podcast recording software can be used on multiple types of devices, however, you will want to ensure you buy the right version. Recording software for Mac and iOS users will differ slightly from recording and editing software for Windows or Android users.
Ease of Use
Some beginner software is simple to begin using, but more professional podcast recording software will have a learning curve. Be prepared to practice, experiment with audio and video settings, the inclusion of sounds, and the overall sound quality of your recording.
High-Quality Audio Recording
For professional sounding podcasts, high quality recording equipment is mandatory. High quality audio recordings will lessen background noise while enhancing the overall audio tracks. Audio tools will allow you to separate tracks from a single audio file, add music under the main voice and audio tracks, and may include some remote recording capabilities.
Editing Tools Integrated
Recording audio is the simple part of production. The editing process sets beginner podcasters apart from experienced, professional content creators. Most podcast recording software will include integrations with hosting providers to improve sound quality.
Ability to Add Sounds and Music
As you become more experienced at production, you’ll want to personalize your podcast. This will include adding sounds, music, and other background sounds to your podcast. However, you want these additions to be intentional, which is where internal noise reduction tools are handy.
Customer Supports
Most podcasting tools include customer support through live phone calls, online chat, text, or email.
Customer Reviews
The best podcast software will include both positive and negative customer reviews. This is because there are all types of skill levels in podcasting; you’ll want to read both the best positive reviews and the worst negative reviews as they will help you determine which solution is the best for you.
Steps to Start podcast recording?
There are six main steps in beginning a podcast.
- First, understand how a podcast works, including the basics of recording and editing. Second, once you are confident in how to record and edit the podcast, you’ll want to decide on the theme and format. What subjects will the podcast cover? Will it include interviews, multiple hosts, question-and-answer sessions? Will it be purely informational and teachable or will there be a purely entertainment angle?
- Third, create a podcast brand. Once you’ve decided on the theme and format, you must begin to identify your podcast brand. Do you plan to teach listeners how to do something? Will you cover news type items or a specific topic like sports?
- Fourth, choose your equipment. Understand the recording and editing capabilities you will need to produce a professional product.
- Fifth, begin to create your content. Create an episode outline and perhaps write down a few key talking points for your episodes.
- Sixth, use your podcast recording and editing software to put together the first episode and upload it to the hosting site.
Read more: Best Podcast Hosting Sites & Platforms 2023
Final Thoughts
Podcasts are growing in popularity, both for purely entertaining content and for more newsworthy and educational content. To stand out, you need to create a professional product; this is done with professional recording software. Podcast software doesn’t have to be expensive, but even a free podcast must be produced professionally so that audio files can be understood and not distorted. Podcast editing features should include noise reduction, the ability to cut out certain words or sounds, and the ability to add in music layers, sounds, and other interesting features. As your podcast grows in popularity, you may want to consider including video features, too. Whatever your goal, podcasting software can help you create a professional product that listeners will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a podcast?
A podcast is an audio recording, that will sometimes also include a video streaming option, of a specific topic. Some choose only audio podcasts, but others create video podcasts. Most are available through podcast hosting platforms like Apple podcasts or Spotify, but some may be hosted on a company website using free podcast hosting services.
Who should start a podcast?
Anyone can begin recording their own podcast; the key to a popular podcast is to pick subject matter that is appealing to a lot of people. Many choose sports, celebrity news, but there are podcasts on business and marketing topics, too.
How many podcast episodes should there be?
This will depend on the type of recording, knowledge of the subject matter, and audience response. Most podcasts begin with between six and ten episodes and if there is enough interest, will continue on.
How much does a podcast cost?
Podcasts can be quite expensive, but many are free to start using only equipment you have on hand and free podcast software. All you need to begin this content creation is a microphone, audio editing software, and an internet connection. As the podcast grows, you may want to invest in better equipment, perhaps professional production studios or a digital audio workstation, a paid podcast hosting platform, and more expensive podcasting software.