20 Best Podcast Recording Software
The best podcast recording software. Become a podcaster.
Audio can inspire in different ways. More than any other medium, creators and artists rely on speech-based content to convey their messages and podcasts are an important part of this mix. Podcasts are one of the most vital instruments to drive audience engagement which has resulted in the rise of different types of podcast recording software.
The sole purpose of such podcast software is to make the podcasting journey easy for aspiring entertainers. This review covers 20 of the best podcast recording software programs for individuals from the entertainment, education, and business industries.
Podcast Recording Software – Overview
Many people have listened to a podcast at least once in their lives. And a growing number of them listen to a podcast frequently. Shifting trends in audio consumption such as these pave the way for the growth of podcasts soon. This is one reason why companies such as Spotify and Apple invest in podcasts and podcasting software.
There are plenty of advantages to using podcasts in your blogs, social media campaigns, or business marketing plans. Podcasts drive new audiences to your platform; there is less competition and greater intimacy.
To start your podcasting journey you don’t need state-of-the-art equipment. But as your skills improve and the audience gets larger it is worth considering the best podcast software and gear that can assure you quality outcomes and audience retention.
Luckily, the rise of podcast recording software has cut most of the technicalities, along with other equipment needs, out of the equation. At the very least, you will need a decent microphone and a powerful podcasting program with easy editing options to flourish.
Below is a list of some of the best podcast recording software available to create engaging, dynamic, and insightful podcasts for your audience. We also cover some of the technical requirements for creating a podcast after that.
Best Podcast Recording Software 2024 – Top Picks
Murf AI | Riverside | Buzzsprout | Podcastle |
---|---|---|---|
Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
from $13/month | from $15/month | from $12/month | from $11.99/course |
★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Visit Website | Read Details | Read Details | Read Details |
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure at the end of this post.
Note: This review provides a tour of the best podcast recording software. We cannot claim comprehensiveness as there are many other podcast software programs available.
1. Riverside
Founded by brothers Gideon and Nadav, Riverside is a convenient podcast software that allows podcasters, educators, and marketers to record podcasts from their browsers anywhere and anytime. If pixelated and choppy video quality due to poor internet is a regular struggle for you then Riverside offers a quick fix. Its local recording option for all participants means that recording will always be smooth and freeze-free.
Once you finish recording, the podcast recording software uploads them to the cloud which you can download within seconds. In case your computer crashes or reloads while in session, you have the comfort of knowing that your recordings are safe.
Another great feature of the Riverside podcast recording software is its ability to create separate audio and video tracks post-production. This gives users more control over the final product. Riverside also comes with an inbuilt “magic editor” that can save you a lot of time by getting your editing clicks ready within a matter of minutes.
You can easily set up the session background, adjust your logo, choose the speaker layout and export the final product. There are convenience features including audience links, schedules, transcriptions and invites that enable your podcasting sessions.
System: Web, Desktop, Mobile | Review: 4.7 ★★★★☆
Pricing: Free version. Standard $15/month billed annually. Pro $24/month.
2. Murf AI Podcast Software
Murf AI (visit website) is a voice-over AI podcast software that allows users to convert text into speech and share their thoughts with over 120 AI voices in more than 20 languages across various tones and emotions.
You simply upload your text, edit the script and choose from the various AI voices and genres for conversion. Users can also upload their own voice recordings and have them converted into an AI voice in professional studio quality.
It is a great podcast software for storytellers who like introducing various characters to their podcasts. With Murf’s multiple voice-over features, you can fine-tune the emotion, tone, and voice of each of your characters and keep your audience engaged.
Murf Podcasts offer users various customization features to add finesse. You can adjust the emphasis, pitch, and pronunciation of your voiceovers to make your sessions hyper-realistic. In addition, it allows you to blend sounds and music with your voiceovers.
Podcasters can choose from Murf AI’s reasonably priced plans. There is a free plan to try features and over 120 various voiceovers. Overall, Murf is among the best AI podcast recording software if you wish to turn text into speech and use existing blog content.
System: Web, Desktop, Mobile | Review: 4.9 ★★★★★
Pricing: Basic $13/month billed annually. Pro $26/month.
Info: Visit website. Pricing: View plans.
3. SquadCast
All of your sessions will be locally recorded and uploaded automatically to the cloud. To access the files, you can simply log into your account. At the editing stage, you can manage audio syncing with separate files for both audio and video. All files are secure with a backup copy as soon as you hit the record button to record without fearing interruptions.
Squadcast is an all-in-one cloud-based podcast recording studio for influencers, bloggers, and podcast hosts. It is an easy-to-edit podcast recording software that provides users with premium video and audio quality and comes with a hefty suite of recording features.
Team podcasters can avail of the podcast software’s backstage features that designate show producers and staff members as off-camera while allotting roles. Another important feature is the Green Room to adjust the appearance and the sound setup.
There is also a browser-based user interface for your audience who can join the show without downloading the podcast software, and post-production quality control. A final great feature of SquadCast is that it allows users to integrate other podcast editing software to help create the perfect-sounding podcasts for their audience.
System: Web, Desktop, Mobile | Review: 4.7 ★★★★☆
Pricing: Indie $20/month. Pro $40/month or $400/yearly.
4. Audacity
Maintained by Muse Group, Audacity is an open-source, cross-platform audio software for podcasters. This multi-track audio editor is suitable for several operating systems including, but not limited to, Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux.
Audacity offers a load of advanced features that podcasters can work with to improve their audio results. You can use the podcast software’s recording option to record live audio through a microphone or digitize recordings from other media.
Then there is the option to import, edit and combine sound files as well as export them in multiple file formats. In addition, Audacity supports high-quality resampling and dithering for sound quality of 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit. It also supports various plug-ins to add external effects and you can even write your own.
Editing comes with easy cut, copy and paste options along with a large range of keyboard options so you can effortlessly manipulate separate tracks and sections to your liking. Being free, Audacity is one of the best podcast recording software for beginners.
For: Desktop, Mobile, Web | Review: 4.7 ★★★★☆
Pricing: Free basic podcast recording software. Premium plan available.
5. Podcastle
Podcastle is a one-stop podcast recording software for podcasters, educators, individuals looking to generate audiobooks, and team members. With Podcastle you can create and edit lectures, arrange guest speaker talks, make tutorials, design presentations, and generate audience-engaging podcasts.
The software also offers automated transcripts of your lectures and voice recordings. Podcastle is a multitrack podcast recording software that offers podcasters a quality of up to 4K for their recording sessions regardless of poor connectivity. Its multi-track audio enhancing tool allows users to fix and upgrade sound quality with a few clicks.
You can record up to 10 remote participants using separate tracks with a 48kHz WAV quality limit. The podcasting software also offers the option to remove background noise, long pauses, and edit out filler words via an editor. Educators can use these tools to put their lectures into a podcast format and share them with their students for easy retention.
System: Web, Desktop, Mobile | Rating: 4.8 ★★★★★
Price: Free version. Storyteller $11.99/month billed annually. Pro $23.99/month.
Tip: Software can help to boost your online business and productivity. These can range from dictation software, typing software, and text-to-speech software to speed reading apps or the popular Dragon software suite. Browse our top lists.
6. Alitu Podcast Maker
Alitu claims to help users record, edit and publish their podcasts three times faster than any other podcasting software. Some of its greatest features include remote recording, visual builder, easy editing and auto transcribing.
Like most podcast recording software, Alitu offloads the weight of editing and publishing from the shoulders of the users by simplifying the process with the introduction of a few clicks. On average, it takes Alitu users around 15 minutes to create a podcast episode.
The software also comes with plenty of in-built features which makes it an excellent choice for solo podcasters. You can share the link to invite up to 10 guests for a glitch-free audio and video session. It cleans up all of the background distractions enabling a crisp audio. You don’t have to worry about other technicalities such as file conversions, bitrates, and export settings since all of these are automated.
Alitu’s visual builder is another smart tool that helps users easily trim their sessions, polish them with intros and outros and build episodes with reusable blocks. This best podcast recording software also offers multiple hosting integrations including Libsyn, Buzzsprout, and Captivate to generate podcasts on a larger scale.
System: Web, Desktop, Mobile | Rating: 4.7 ★★★★☆
Pricing: All-in-One Plan for $38/month or $380/year. Mobile Apps: Yes
7. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is another best podcast recording software known for its powerful tools and incredible customer support. One of the ways Buzzsprout stands out as an effective software for professionals is its real-time reporting feature.
This best podcast software keeps an eye on the number of downloads since the introduction of your sessions to the public. You can keep tabs on audience engagement by looking at the stats on your podcast consumption during various periods.
Since Buzzsprout is integrated with several public directories, you have the chance to get listed on some of the most widely accessed platforms including Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, and many more.
For many, the podcasting journey can be quite daunting. Buzzsprout offers plenty of resources, tutorials, courses, and support materials for fresh podcasters. In addition, the software comes with easy-to-use editors that take care of the technical end of things.
With Magic Mastering, you can clean up your audio files and optimize them. Buzzsprout will take care of your file type, bitrates, ID3 tags to match the industry’s best practices. To create more dynamic podcasts, you can add pre-roll and post-roll segments and add a podcast player to your website by integrating the latter with just a snippet of code.
Buzzsprout podcast recording software is most suited for established podcasters looking to maximize their reach by integrating with other leading podcast tools and setting up a behind-the-scenes team on this platform that allows for unlimited members.
For: Mobile, Web, Desktop | Review: 4.8 ★★★★★
Pricing: Free version. Premium plans from $12/month. Mobile Apps: Yes
8. Restream
Restream is a powerful live-streaming platform that can connect podcasters and streamers with their audience that spans over 30 different destinations. At the moment, the platform boasts a wide product portfolio featuring chat, analytics, and multi-streaming. It is designed for companies who wish to host demos and launch flash sales, influencers who wish to engage in Q&A sessions, webinar hosts, and live streamers.
Founded by Andrew Surzhynskyi and Alexander Khuda, Restream was originally created with a focus on the gaming community. Today, however, the audio workstation has evolved to help streamers from various other industries.
Restream Studio allows users to stream live podcasts on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms simultaneously. You can also adjust customized logos, backgrounds, and overlays for your podcasts. There is also a call-to-action feature that podcasters can add to their live streams.
Simply add multiple social channels to your Restream dashboard and this best streaming podcast software will take care of backup, tracking your bitrate, FPS and frame drops, all the while reaching out to faraway audiences.
For: Mobile, Web, Desktop | Review: 4.8 ★★★★★
Pricing: Free version. Standard $9/month billed annually. Pro $24/month.
9. Anchor Podcast Software
Anchor is a free podcast recording platform by Spotify. Aspiring podcasters can use this platform to give their fledgling careers a go with its easy-to-use features and editing tools.
Anchor’s convenient tools begin with flexible recording and uploading. Its recording tools capture the audio straight from your phone, tablet, or computer and sync them across other devices. Users can also import existing audio or video file for editing and publishing.
With the podcast software’s easy-to-visualize episode-building features, all you have to do is to record your audio, arrange your segments, add the relevant transitions and your podcasts are ready to publish.
Using Anchor as your podcasting platform allows you to add complete tracks from Spotify to your episode. Podcasters can also experiment by combining different music pieces with their conversations and explore the various possibilities to keep their audience engaged.
With Anchor, users can record with multiple co-hosts, arrange Q&As and live polls and keep tabs on the IAB 2.0-certified metrics provided by Anchor to better track their growth. Anchor is one of the best free podcast recording software to use for beginners and pros.
For: Mobile, Web, Desktop, MAC, PC | Review: 4.6 ★★★★☆
Price: Free podcast recording software | Mobile Apps: Yes
10. Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is a digital audio editing software that helps podcasters edit, mix, and record audio for a smooth and professional-sounding post-production quality. You can use it exclusively for $20.99/month (other plans available) or buy the workstation along with the entire set of extended apps including Premiere Pro for better video quality.
This comprehensive toolset contains multitrack recording, waveform, and spectral displays for creating, editing, and restoring audio content. Adobe Audition is a one-stop audio workstation for professional editors, podcasters, and influencers looking to accelerate video production workflows and generate engaging podcasts with cool audio effects.
Professional podcasters can avail Audition’s Essential Sound panel for high-quality audio sessions. For Newbies, the website offers a step-by-step tutorial that guides them through the entire audio toolkit enabling a seamless experience.
Some of Audition’s high-end features include over 12K free sound effects, audio mixing with the hardware along with plug-ins of your choice, sound adjustments, recording podcasts in a robust digital audio workstation, and noise reduction.
For: Web, Mobile, MAC, PC, Desktop | Review: 4.7 ★★★★☆
Pricing: Basic Plan $20.99/month. Other plans are available. Free trial.
11. Auphonic Podcast Software
Auphonic masters in high-quality post-production software for podcasters, broadcasters, radio shows, screencasts, etc. The AI podcast software uses artificial intelligence-based audio algorithms to fine-tune the quality of your podcasting sessions.
With their Intelligent Leveler, you can balance the sound levels between the speakers, music, and speech. There is no compressor knowledge required. Other features include loudness normalization to match the broadcast audio standards and a true peak limiter.
Auphonic’s audio restoration automatically cleans up the background noise filtering unwanted low frequencies. Its multitrack algorithms feature automatic ducking, noise gates, and cross-talk removal.
Upon uploading audio files, users can generate transcripts in 80+ languages. This best podcast software also takes the tech-based workload off podcasters via optimal encoding, metadata, and chapter marks so you can focus on the video and audio workflows.
For: Web, Mobile, MAC, PC | Review rating: 4.6 ★★★★☆
Pricing: Free version available. Plans start from $11/month.
12. BounceCast
BounceCast is an efficient podcast software editor for Mac OS and Windows that comes with a free version making it suitable for podcasters just starting out. You can easily record and trim your podcasts as well as convert them into any audio format.
This intelligent digital audio app can enhance and master your podcasts on both mobile and desktops. Using real-time data analysis, the podcast app is able to process the audio while adapting to every single recording. As a podcaster, you can record and edit all types of speech-based content or process pre-recoded files with professional-sounding results.
Some of BounceCast’s important features include smart enhancement, resonance, EQ control, and intelligent sound check. You can run a hand clap test to analyze the recording environment. The intelligent applications of subtractive equalization, transparent compression, peak limiting, de-essing, and audio level normalization ensure a professional and optimized audio session post-production for your podcasts and vlogs.
For: MAC, PC, Mobile, Web | Rating: 4.6 ★★★★☆
Pricing: Free basic podcast recording plan. Professional plan from $109.90.
Other Best Podcast Software
13. GarageBand
GarageBand is a complete digital audio workstation designed by Apple for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS devices. Once part of the iLife software suite, this fully equipped sound studio allows users to create music and podcasts from their devices. It is free and comes with a complete set of editable tools needed to fix any part of your songs or podcasts down to the volume levels, visual EQ, and reverb.
14. Logic Pro
Originally developed by German software C-Lab, LogicPro was eventually acquired by Apple and now serves as a digital studio workstation and MIDI sequencer software application for macOS. The software allows Podcasters and music makers to create fully immersive spatial audio mixes for entertainment and creative purposes. It is one of the most popular and best podcast software for Mac users.
15. Podbean
Podbean is a powerful AI podcast software editor that allows podcasters to create, promote and monetize their podcasts. You can generate podcasts from their recording app or use it for live-streaming. Podbean stands out in the industry for introducing a variety of monetization tools including Ads Marketplace and dynamic ad insertion technology.
16. Hindenburg Journalist
Hindenburg Journalist is a comprehensive audio editing software for podcasters, educators, and business professionals who wish to market via audio-based storytelling. It automates the technical and repetitive parts of creating podcasts and audiobooks. There are two dedicated audio-based solutions within Hindenburg: the Narrator Studio for audiobooks and Hindenburg Pro for podcasting and radio production.
17. Descript
Descript is an all-in-one video editing, audio recording, and AI podcasting software. Its podcast editor offers remote recording, collaboration, and audiograms. With their video editing software, you can add animations, titles, music, and more. Descript markets itself not only to professional podcasters but also enterprises, educators, researchers, marketers, and professionals from other walks of life.
18. Castos
Castos is a podcasting software platform that not only allows you to create incredible sessions but also equips you with tools to launch them and grow your audience. Castos’s powerful features are best suited for advanced creators who wish to successfully monetize their content. Its suite of features includes hosting, a custom website to share your podcasts, YouTube republishing, analytics, and professional launch services.
19. Wavve
Wavve is a convenient tool to create audiograms from your podcasts and increase your reach on social media. You can clip easy-to-consume, short-form videos to share on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and other platforms. Musicians, podcasters, and radio show hosts can conveniently repurpose their audio and shareable videos using this software.
20. Reaper
Reaper is a digital audio production app for podcasters, social media influencers, musicians, and anyone looking to create speech-based content. This best podcast recording software comes with complete automation recording, playback, and editing support for audio tracks with which you can synthesize, sample, compose, arrange, edit and mix your podcasts or songs.
Choosing the Best Podcast Recording Software
There are a few considerations to make while choosing the best podcast recording software for your podcasts. You must take into account the editing capabilities of your digital audio workstation, the level of technical support provided, and file storage.
Editing capabilities: There are plenty of digital podcasting workstations that come with in-built editing systems. Recording and editing are two different processes so if you like cutting out time and hassle, look for a workstation that allows you to both record and easily edit your sessions ideally with multi-track recording, multi-track editing, and other post-production features. Beginners may look for an editor with a low learning curve.
Technical Support: Podcast recording and editing your sessions can be a grueling and time-consuming process. For podcasters that are not as tech-savvy, the (AI) best podcast software editors should come with tech support, tutorials, and resources they can turn to when things don’t go as smoothly as planned.
File Storage: Make sure that your podcast recording software can store your recorded files locally. Ideally, you must look for a digital workstation that comes with a split-track recording function. These allow you to save a separate file for each of your participants so you can clean it up later and tweak adjustments.
Finally, you will have to take the price of podcast software into account. For podcasters that are on a budget or just starting out, there are some free yet decent options available. Remember, you can always upgrade to a more powerful tool once you get in the groove.
Tips for Best Podcast Software and Hardware
If there is one thing to know, it is that producing and recording high-quality podcasts need quality gear. And since a podcast is primarily audio-based, your audience will judge your podcast based on the quality of its sound.
Fortunately, you do not have to break the bank to get decent sound equipment. Invest in the minimum viable product you will need to get your podcasting sessions up and running and gradually take it up a notch from there.
The three most crucial elements of your podcasting equipment will be a microphone, a recording device such as a computer or even mobile, and podcast recording software.
Microphone: According to a study, viewers judge the quality of your content based on how good or bad your audio is as opposed to the visuals. A decent microphone is one of the best investments you can make to get started and create your first podcast.
There are plenty of good microphones that you can get for less than $100. You will, however, need to watch out for the kind of microphone that will be best suited to your podcasting format. Typically, microphones fall into the following categories.
- Condenser mics: These are highly sensitive mics that are great for isolated and more controlled podcasting sessions as they pick up a lot of background noise.
- Dynamic mics: These are better for podcasts that feature multiple hosts or guests since they are good at rejecting unwanted background noise.
- USB microphones: They plug directly into the USB port of your device making them very convenient to set up. They are less expensive compared to XLR mics.
- XLR mics: XLRs typically require an audio interface such as a mixer to connect with your device.
A Podcast Recording Device: The next thing you will need is a high-quality recording device. Today’s best podcast recording software allows you to record your sessions directly from mobile although computers will be the best choice.
This is because once your recording is saved as an audio file, it will be easy to edit it using a powerful editing tool on your computer. Just ensure that your podcast recording software is compatible with your operating system.
Podcasting Software: Finally, you’ll need podcast recording software to record, convert and edit your sessions. There are different types of podcast recording software, many of them free, to choose from. GarageBand and Audacity for example have free versions of their software perfect for podcasters on a budget or those who are just starting. Others only have paid plans but offer more powerful editing and recording tools.
Check the hardware requirements of your chosen podcast software editor including the RAM and storage to avoid operating problems later. In addition, you can include the following items in your podcasting gear as you upgrade.
- Mixer: These mix input signals (or sounds) and produce a combined output.
- Shock Mounts: They come with a standard twist-to-tighten mechanism and keep the mic from making unwanted movements as well as handle vibrations.
- Pop screens: These are noise-filtering screens used to reduce or eliminate popping sounds when podcasters use plosive while speaking into the mic.
- Stands and headphones: Desk-mounted microphone stands or headphone stands make recording easier. Headphones pick up lesser background noise and amplify the primary sound.
Best Podcast Recording Software 2024 – Review Verdict
Wrapping up our review of the best podcast recording software in 2024. Almost all of the tools featuring in this listicle come with a unique assortment of pros and cons. Some of these are more suited to solo or single-guest podcasters than multiple participants while with some, the price may be a deterring factor.
The best podcast software will be the one that is most compatible with your hardware, technical expertise, and financial situation. If you’re still wary, there’s always the option to start with free podcast software and get a feel for things before you decide to go all in.
Best Podcast Recording Software 2024
- Riverside
- SquadCast
- Murf AI Podcast
- Audacity
- Podcastle
- Alitu Podcast Maker
- Buzzsprout
- Restream
- Anchor Podcast Software
- Adobe Audition
- Auphonic
- BounceCast
More Podcast Recording Software
- Resound AI Podcast Software Editor
- Anchor Podcasting Software
- Adobe AI Podcast Editing Software
- Video Podcasts – Castos, Anchor, Podcastle
- Rev Podcasting Software Editor
- Podscribe AI Podcast Editing Software
- QuickTime Podcast Creation Software
- Spreaker Podcast Editing Software
- RINGR Podcast Recording Software
- Zencastr Podcast Editor
- Magellan AI Podcast Editor
- Otter AI Editor
- Zoom Streaming and Remote Interviews
- Skype Streaming and Remote Interviews
- Libsyn – Podcast Hosting Platform
Popular Podcast Platforms, Shows, and Podcasters
- BBC Sounds – 1
- Google Podcasts – 2
- Spotify Podcasts – 3
- The Economists Podcasts – 4
- Apple Podcasts – 5
- Bill Simmons Podcasts
- Joe Rogan Podcast
- Joe Budden Podcast
- Ben Shapiro Podcast
- True Crimes Podcasting Shows
- Office Ladies Podcast
What is the best podcast recording software in 2024, in your opinion? Which AI podcast software programs have you taken? What have you learned? Please let us know in the comments below, or contact us via email for questions.
Sources: How to start podcasting with software? – 1 | What are podcasts? –2 | What is X? – 3 | Podcast Distribution – What is RSS? – 4 | Podcast Clients – 5
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to some providers of podcast recording software programs online. courselounge may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. It does not add any extra costs. All reviews, opinions, descriptions and comparisons expressed here are our own.