There are quite a few different audio editing programs that will work to edit podcasts, but we're just going to focus on the best podcast recording and editing programs in 2021. That just means they're either easier to use or focus more on spoken audio editing versus music production.
There are three editors that we analyse for podcasting in this podcast episode ranging from free all the way to pay monthly.
- Alitu automates the boring stuff: like balancing your audio, reducing background noise, and converting your files. Editing your podcast will take half the time with easy-to-use tools made.
- It's mainly designed to manipulate audio data - which is convenient as that's exactly what we need to do when editing a podcast! It has all the audio tools you'll need: level meters, multi-track recordings, sample rates up to 384KHz and 32-bit depth, true export in lossless formats like AIFF and FLAC, unlimited undo, change pitch and tempo.
Free Audio Editing Software Options for Podcasters
Audacity
Audacity is a great and popular free option when you're just starting a podcast and want to be able to make basic edits. It can be a little complicated to learn but I may be saying that as I'm already used to one workflow in another audio editor and I needed to go through a re-learning process when I use Audacity.
There are not many official tutorials online for Audacity which can make it harder to master initially. Good news is that it is cross-platform compatible and works on Mac, PC and even Linux. I have also created a number of tutorials for beginners here.
Audacity does everything you need to podcast including having compression presets and basic noise reduction. There is also a basic layout on the screen and you can 'multitrack' so to speak which means mixing two different tracks of audio together. It may take longer to do certain processes that you can automate in other software.
GarageBand
This, again, is free but you've got to have a Mac! I love the pretty layout and it even comes with templates designed for podcasters by Apple. If anyone knows how a podcast should sound and the required workflow and track layout it certainly should be Apple.
GarageBand, without doubt is the most beautiful of all the audio editors I've seen. It feels like you are moving a living work of art around on the screen instead of just plain old pixelated waveforms.
The sound effects and musical loops included can be used in a podcast free of charge and without copyright worries. You should be careful though as your podcast won't sound unique – many of the loops will sound familiar and be heard on other podcasts!
GarageBand falls over a little on the granular detail and editing and processes such as noise reduction. I have a set of tutorials for Garage Band here.
Best Paid Audio Editing Software for Podcasters
Adobe Audition
There is no hiding it – I am a huge Adobe Audition fan – I can honestly say that I've not used a better piece of audio editing software.
You pay monthly for a single app subscription or (this is my preferred plan) pay for the full Creative Cloud package. This will give you access to other fantastic software such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Premiere Pro to name a few.
Adobe Audition has world class noise reduction features. As podcasters we sometimes get noise in the mix that can easily be fixed in Audition. It's easy to edit in tiny detail and the multitrack is super user friendly when you want to mix multiple files and reduce the volume of, for example, a music bed.
Adobe Audition may seem overwhelming at first but, as podcasters, we really use only a few features the most and it also has an excellent MP3 encoder! Yes, the quality at which you save your MP3 file is important. Once again my YouTube channel will come in handy with many regular tutorials appearing weekly.
(2018 update) Presets For Adobe Audition
Because Adobe Audition is increasingly gaining on popularity with podcasters I have been asked to share my workflow when editing podcasts here at Music Radio Creative. How to free space on macbook pro startup disk. This is how Pro Podcast Presets came to be. Now used by thousands podcasters in their workflow, saving you both time and money!
What audio editor do you use for podcasting?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Selecting the best podcast recording software requires a bit of research. From local and remote recording abilities, you may need various features in addition to audio capture. This article identifies and reviews a top list of the best podcast recorders. Before you are ready to build your account, you'd better check out our recommendations. So that you can save a lot of time to search and test each tool as well as have the perfect set up to capture quality audio on your first try.
Part 1: Top 4 Paid Podcast Recording Software
Top 1: Vidmore Screen Recorder
When seeking for the best podcast recording software, you may concentrate on several factors, like editing capacity, audio quality, support team and more. Vidmore Screen Recorder can meet all your need. Plus, it does not require technical skills.
- Record podcast with background music easily.
- Support a wide range of audio formats, like MP3, WAV, etc.
- Include extensive bonus tools and custom options.
Free Audio Editing Software For Podcasts
How to Record Podcast on PC without Quality Loss
Step 1: Set up the best podcast recorder
Best Podcast Editing Software
The best podcast recording software has two versions, one for PC and the other for Mac. Install the right one to your computer and launch it. Choose Audio Recorder to enter the main interface. If you want to change custom options, go to the Preferences dialog by hitting the Gear icon.
Step 2: Record a podcast episode
There are two sections in the main interface, System Sound and Microphone. To record a podcast episode with background music, turn on both of them. If you just want to record your narration or interview through microphone, disable System Sound while enable Microphone. Adjust the volume until you are satisfied. Click the REC button, play the background music and start podcast recording.
Step 3: Edit and publish podcast
When podcast recording is done, hit the Stop button to enter the preview window. Pre-listen to the recording, and cut the unwanted parts with the Clip tool. Finally, click the Save button to save it locally. To upload the episode to social media, click Recording history, hit the Share icon, and choose the target channel.
Top 2: Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is a professional podcast recording program available to Windows and Mac. It offers a full suite of features, from podcast recording to editing. It costs $20.99 per month. If you need the cloud storage, you have to pay for Adobe Creative Cloud.
Pros
- Record podcast to audio track directly.
- Strong noise reduction.
- Edit multiple audio tracks at the same time.
- Include useful visualization tools.
Cons
- It lacks MIDI support.
- There is no free version.
Top 3: Hindenburg Journalist
Hindenburg Journalist is a multitrack audio editor designed for podcasters, journalists and more. The standard version costs from $95 and the pro version costs $375. Unlike audio editor, the design and features are tailored spoken-word productions.
Pros
- Offer a free trial.
- Integrate a concise interface.
- Edit podcast episode after recording.
- Available to PC and Mac.
Cons
- The podcast recording software is a bit expensive.
- The advanced features are only available in pro version.
Top 4: Logic X Pro
Logic X Pro is a digital audio workstation and podcast recording software. It was developed and released by Apple for macOS platform. It costs $199.99 and you can upgrade for free if you already have a previous version.
Pros
- Create sophisticated multitrack simply.
- Include a lot of effects, like live loops.
- Support MIDI.
- Offer an excellent mixer.
Cons
- It is not compatible with PC.
- It is overwhelmed for beginners to configure the different windows.
Part 2: Top 4 Free Podcast Recorders
Top 1: Vidmore Free Online Audio Recorder
Sometimes, it is not convenient to install podcast recording software to your computer. In such case, Free Online Audio Recorder is a good choice. It is not only free of charge, but also enough to make a podcast episode online without length limit.
How to Record a Podcast Online for Free
Step 1: Open your browser and visit https://www.vidmore.com/free-online-audio-recorder/ when you intend to record a podcast episode. Click Launch Free Recorder to download the launcher.
Step 2: The System Audio option is used to record sound from your system, and the Microphone can capture your voice via built-in or external microphone. Turn on or off each of them based on your situation.
Step 3: Press the REC button to initiate podcast recording immediately. Click the Stop button when it finished. Then download the podcast episode or share it directly.
Top 2: Audacity
Audacity is an open-source podcast recording software for Windows and Mac, so everyone can use it for free. In addition to edit audio tracks, you can also record podcast episodes directly.
Pros
- Powerful, open-source, and free to use.
- Include full set of audio editing options.
- Support multitrack and batch processing.
Cons
- It only supports destructive editing.
- The multitrack support is exceedingly basic.
If you find Audacity is not recording, you can check out this guide to solve this problem: Top 3 Ways to Fix Audacity Not Recording on Mac and PC.
Top 3: GarageBand
GarageBand is another podcast recording software launched by Apple for macOS. However, it is free of charge and only able to meet your basic need on podcast recording. In addition to podcast, it is also useful for coaching and training.
Pros
- Easy to record and mix podcast.
- Built in Apple's sound and loop library.
- Support third-party plugins.
- Free to use.
Cons
- It lacks mixing console view.
Top 4: QuickTime
QuickTime is the built-in media player on macOS, so you can get it without payment, registration or installation. It has a podcast recording feature as well. Though it is a bit simple, it is a good starting point for beginners. By the way, you can also use QuickTime to record screen effortlessly.
Pros
- Record podcast along with background music for free.
- Support built-in and external microphone.
- Let you decide the audio quality.
Cons
- There is no audio editing ability.
- The output formats are limited.
Part 3: FAQs of Podcast Recorder Software
What is the best platform to deliver podcast?
The best podcast hosting platforms include:
1.BuzzSprout
2.Simplecast
3.Anchor
4.Blubrry
5.SoundCloud
What format should I save for podcast episodes?
There are a lot of audio file formats available to distributing podcasts. MP3 is the most commonly used in the industry. This format is supported by nearly every podcast hosting platform and most media players. However, you still use the recommended format from your hosting platform.
Does Windows 10 have a podcast recorder?
There is a built-in Voice Recorder app on Windows 10. It is a quick and convenient solution to record podcasts, interviews, lectures and more. However, it does not offer any editing features or audio mixer.
ConclusionThis article has identified and reviewed top 8 best podcast recording software for Windows and Mac. They all have some unique benefits and advantages. Vidmore Screen Recorder, for example, is able to produce the best audio quality while recording narration along with background music. For people who have limited budget, Vidmore Free Online Audio Recorder is a good choice. If you have more questions, please leave a message below this post.