Best Podcast Recording Software for Windows and Mac (Free & Paid)

In the fast-paced world of podcasting, having reliable and feature-rich recording software is crucial for broadcasters, whether they're just starting out or seasoned professionals. With a plethora of options available, choosing the best podcast recording software can be a daunting task. From cutting-edge instruments and music editing capabilities to indispensable noise reduction and audio leveling tools, the market offers a wide range of solutions to cater to every podcaster's needs.

Fortunately, both free and paid options are available, ensuring that regardless of budget constraints, podcasters can find suitable software. While free programs can effectively meet the basic requirements, their premium counterparts unlock a whole new level of automation and precision, allowing users to fine-tune their recordings effortlessly.

Explore the world of podcast recording software, where innovation meets accessibility, and uncover the top solutions that empower broadcasters to create exceptional audio content. In this comprehensive guide, we present the best podcast recording software options, equipped with cutting-edge features designed to elevate your podcasting experience to new heights. Discover the ideal software to streamline your workflow, enhance audio quality, and captivate your audience like never before.

What to Consider Before You Choose a Podcast Recording Software

Multiple podcast recording software can offer great options, but people will still prefer one or the other based on their needs. Here are some considerations to pick your fit.

• Solo or Multi Mic
• Music
• Automation
• Price

Below, we'll break down each in more detail.

Solo or Multi

Some audio workstations can only register one microphone's audio. If your podcast has interviews, you should check that your recording software can record multiple tracks.

Music

Programs like Garageband have built-in "digital" instruments. Others let you directly connect tools like MIDI pianos. Sometimes, programs will be more pricey because of their instrument pack features, but they may not have the clearest voice recordings. Consider which one is more important to your podcast.

Recording or Editing

Some podcast software lets you upload an MP3 and edit it to perfection. But, their built-in voice recording capabilities aren't as good. Make sure your program emphasizes that it can record clear, crisp audio.

Price

Paying a full price upfront can be more affordable than a monthly subscription for some programs. Consider that option if you plan to have a podcast for a long duration.

The Best Free Podcast Recording Software for Windows / Mac

Several standard streaming tools also double as audio recording software. Look below to see what programs you can take advantage of for your podcast.

Audacity

Audacity is a great free podcast recording software that works with microphones or computer audio. It has necessities like noise reduction and equalizer features available.

One downside to this free audio workstation is that it only does destructive podcast editing. So, it's unideal if you want to play with many effects, such as in a mixtape. You also might need plug-ins like the Nyquist Noise Gate to remove breathing sounds.

Still, Audacity is reliable for recording, free, and get the job done.

Supported OS:

• Windows
• macOS
• GNU/Linux

Pros:

• Aggregate multiple audios
• Community support
• Compact program size

Cons:

• Clunky UI
• Destructive editing

Zoom

Zoom isn't just good for online meetings. It's also an excellent free podcast recording software. You only need to hit a few buttons to record a zoom meeting, and it accommodates remote speakers.

When you download the audio, it automatically splits participants' audios for you. That gives you the flexibility to adjust every person's voice as needed.

Unfortunately, Zoom has to compress its audio for downloading. So, while it gets the job done, it doesn't have the clearest sound. It's a worthwhile option for remote podcast recording.

Supported OS:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• iOS

Pros:

• Simple set up
• Remote interviewing
• Good noise cancellation

Cons:

• No editing features
• Average sound quality

Ardour

Ardour markets itself as an affordable digital audio workstation for musicians. It offers a free/demo version that supports up to 10 minutes of audio. After that, it might periodically go silent during editing.

Although it's not completely free, you can pay a small per month subscription to avoid that problem. It'll also give you access to developer updates.

Ardour's strong suit is that it has MIDI input support. Musicians will find versatile tools for recording, mixing, and live performance management here.

Supported OS:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Pros:

• Connects to MIDI
• Non-destructive audio editing
• Versatile features

Cons:

• Difficult setup
• Big learning curve

Podcastle

Podcastle is an affordable all-in-one audio creation platform. It offers a free version that allows you to get a taste of their advanced tools and features such as noise and silence removal, AI-powered transcription and text-to-speech tools as well as an extensive music library.

You can record remote interviews and get a separate recording for each of your guests and further adjust each track as needed.

However, it has limited mobile functionality, so you'll have to head over to the web platform to make changes to your recordings.

Supported OS:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• iOS

Pros:

• Easy and intuitive UI
• Noise and silence removal
• Built-in transcription tool
• Remote interviewing

Cons:

• Mobile support is iOS only
• Editing on web only

Ocenaudio

Ocenaudio is one of the more user-friendly podcast recording software free on our list. At first glance, it looks like a simple, colorful audio editor. In action, it gives you handy features like customizable commands.

With VST support for plug-ins, this has become a popular digital podcast recording software. Plus, if you're working in linguistics, you can use its spectral analysis feature. However, you should know it doesn't support CD burning.

Supported OS:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Pros:

• Real-time effects previews
• Non-destructive editing
• Easy and colorful UX/UI

Cons:

• Irregular updates
• Few English tutorials

Garageband

Garageband is Apple's built-in digital audio workstation. It comes included in newer iPad and MacBook purchases.

One neat feature it has is built-in digital instruments. Since it integrates with iOS, you could record your podcast on your phone and edit it on your Macbook later.

Its multitrack recording seemed to be tricky for users, so you might need to watch tutorials. But it's worth a shot if you already have a Mac.

Supported OS:

• macOS
• iOS

Pros:

• Digital 'instruments'
• Easy splicing
• Voice effects

Cons:

• Tricky multitrack editing
• Not for advanced users

The Best Paid Software for Podcast Recording on Windows / Mac

Paid audio recording software can save you time and stress for making long podcast episodes. Consider one of these programs if you need special tools like voice effects.

Adobe Audition

If you already have Adobe Creative Suite, then you have access to Audition. To get it solo, it'll cost you per month.

This podcast recording software is one of the most advanced yet user-friendly programs out there. It's ideal if you use multiple microphones in your podcasts or mixing.

Audition's specialty is editing and producing audio. It doesn't come with music support tools like those for MIDI. It does come with advanced features like quick batch processing and an FX system.

Supported OS:

• Windows
• macOS

Pros:

• Repairs damaged audio
• Great for fine-tuning
• Presets and templates available

Cons:

• No music creation
• Learning curve

Spreaker Studio

A free account on Spreaker's website lets you host multiple podcast episodes. You get maximum storage of 5 audio hours before it asks you to upgrade.

Spreaker's built-in recording system makes your voice sound clear and professional. You have the option to live stream, too.

Once you've finished a project, Spreaker streamlines the process of posting it to hosting sites like Deezer. Plus, the paid version gives you an analytics dashboard and monetization tools.

Supported OS:

• Windows
• macOS
• iOS
• Android

Pros:

• Free hosting
• Intuitive design
• Cross-platform apps

Cons:

• Need to pay for advanced support
• Limited customer service

Hindenburg Journalist

Hindenburg Journalist is one of the best podcast recording software for storytelling. It automatically levels audio as you speak. So when you play it back, extra noises like air conditioning and breathing are already gone.

It has a unique ClipBoard feature that's useful if you need to combine many snippets. You can save several audios on the clipboard to edit in later.

These features make Hindenburg Journalist popular for radio broadcasters and podcasters. It's pricey but a worthy investment for serious recorders.

Supported OS:

• Windows
• macOS

Pros:

• Crystal clear voice processing
• Many tutorials available
• Auto-leveling function

Cons:

• Little support for music
• Expensive plans

Reaper

Reaper finds a balance between price and quality. Its basic package has tools for beat making, songwriting, and film scoring. If you don't want to buy it immediately, it has a 60-day trial period.

Another unique feature is how customizable it is. Its user interface is simple, but you can download skins to personalize your workspace.

Reaper's team responds to user requests fast, so you get frequent updates. Some people feel overwhelmed by how many features it has, but that's part of what makes it worth the view.

Supported OS:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Pros:

• Live streaming capabilities
• Lightweight, fast speed
• Multitrack recording

Cons:

• Few tutorials
• No mobile app

Alitu

Alitu's main strength is an automated DAW. After uploading or recording your audio, it'll offer features like noise and hum reduction for you automatically.

You can use its theme music builder to add branding to your podcast. However, it is browser only. While it can record your audio without internet access, you may want to do it under strong WIFI for better quality.

Alitu offers a monthly or yearly subscription. If you don't mind the browser-format, then this is worth a shot.

Supported OS:

• Fully web-based

Pros:

• Intro tutorials included
• Theme music maker
• Automated edits

Cons:

• Browser only
• Not customizable

The Best Podcast Recording Apps for iPhone and Android

Now podcast recording is not limited to a fancy studio with professional devices. You can make podcasts anywhere as long as you installed the best podcast recording app on your iPhone or Android phone. These applications work as excellently as the software above. And some even have set up creator-friendly communities for you to grow more audiences.

Anchor

Anchor, developed by Spotify, is devoted to providing users the easiest way to make podcasts. It gets popular among beginners and hobbyist podcasters for its one-stop shop for podcasting. In Anchor, you can record, edit, distribute, and monetize podcasts on iPhone and Android without a steep learning curve.

Besides general audio recording from the mic of your phone, you can import audio files from the built-in audio library. And it even allows you to co-record with up to 4 guests, which makes it the best app for interview podcasts.

And its intuitive editing platform helps many beginners to add background tracks, sound effects, and transitions without switching to professional software.

Supported OS:

• iOS
• iPadOS
• Android

Pros:

• Completely free on iPhone, iPad, and Android
• Compatible with most external microphones and devices
• Distribute podcasts to Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts with one tap

Cons:

• Only record podcasts in M4A format
• Not ideal for complex music and instruments podcasts

PodBean

PodBean is a famous podcast app on mobile devices built with a professional audio recorder. While recording the broadcast, you can add vivid effects and background music, tweak the tone, and adjust the volume in real-time.

And it comes with a simple post-production tool. When the recording is finished, you can merge, split, and trim the audio file in just a few taps.

To bring your story to the world instantly, you can connect your accounts on other social media platforms to this app. Then it'll share your podcast as soon as you finish the post-editing.

Supported OS:

• iOS
• iPadOS
• Android

Pros:

• Rich background music stock
• Engaging audio live streaming services
• Real-time report of your podcast performances

Cons:

• Annoying ads on unsubscribe version

SoundCloud

SoundCloud, one of the largest music and audio streaming platforms, has gathered many artists, musicians, writers, and sports celebrities, etc.

The free version of SoundCloud is mainly designed for listeners. If you are going to record and publish podcasts on this platform. You need to upgrade to SoundCloud Go which costs $5.99/month.

Since it's developed for sharing pre-made high-quality music, its native podcast recorder and editor are less versatile than its peers. It only allows you to record via the mic of your smartphone, shorten the recorded podcast, and add fade-in/-out effects to the recording.

Supported OS:

• iOS
• iPadOS
• Android

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive
• Create for indie musicians to promote their works

Cons:

• Limited post-editing features
• Can't record a podcast longer than 3 hours

Online Podcast Recorders

Some podcast tools operate solely online. Shaky WIFI doesn't have to deter you from recording on them, though. Here are a few honorable mentions for web-based audio recording software, and how to use them.

Zencastr

Zencastr can record your Skype and Google Hangout interviews with Zoom-like tools. Currently, you can download it on Google Chrome and Firefox.

The instructions are simple:

• Send your meeting link to your guest.
• Hit record.
• Hit Stop Recording when you've finished.
• Wait for the audio to completely process before closing the browser.

When the video is complete, you'll have two separate audio files.

Squadcast

Squadcast's strength is how crisp and clear its audio quality is when you compare it to Zoom and Skype. It also offers a fair price per month. To record a video, you have to:

• Go to your dashboard.
• Create a new session
• Send your guest the invite link/input their email
• Hit Record, then Stop when you're finished.
• Download your video as a WAV or MP3

If you want to save space on your computer, you can also choose to view the audio as a browser link.

Final Words

Ultimately, your podcast's content is more important than what audio software you use. Still, certain DAWs make the recording process much easier. Because of that, podcasting becomes more enjoyable. Make your choice based on what will make podcasting recording easiest for you and your needs.