Best Podcast Editing Software for a Professional. Professionals should go with Hindenburg Journalist. It's designed specifically for podcasters and radio journalists and will give your audio professional sound. Although pricey, you can produce quality audio with ease. The Podcast Editing Software Option for Advanced Users. Podcast Editing is for Everyone. The best podcast editing software is accessible is because of the flexibility of the medium. Unlike video editing, an audio-only medium requires far fewer moving parts. 3D effects, cinematic camera angles, and other skill and tech barriers don’t exist in podcasts.
- Podcast Editing Software Windows
- Easy Podcast Editing Software
- Free Podcast Recording Software Windows
- Best Podcast Editing Software
- Best Podcasting Software
Setting up a Podcast can be a bit intimidating. There are different equipment, setups, and words involved. But other than hardware, at the core of a podcast setup is the recording and editing software. This is where all the pieces come together to form a cohesive story.
In this article, we will share with you the 8 best software for recording and editing a podcast. Both free and paid options will be covered. Enjoy.
Feel free to check out our other articles on podcasting like Best podcast formats 2020 or How to Name a Podcast.
Free Podcast Editing Software
Let’s begin with the free podcast software on this list. When it comes to podcasting, there are really two free options that are straightforward. Audacity (Windows, Linux, macOS) and GarageBand (macOS).
Audacity
Audacity is a completely free, open-source audio recording software. It is the go-to free option for Windows and Linux users.
The software allows you to connect and record several microphones through multitrack recording. It also offers a wide variety of editing tools ideal for dialog and music segments. No wonder then, that Audacity is so popular for podcasting.
Because Audacity is open-source software, the menus and user interface will be a bit rougher than other options on the list. It can be a bit difficult for beginners to start using the tools and navigate the menus. Having said that, Audacity is still a good place to begin if you start a podcast.
Cons:
- Rougher interface – difficult for beginners
Podcast Editing Software Windows
GarageBand
GarageBand is a free app available to all Mac users. GarageBand is a digital audio workstation that allows you to record and edit all kinds of sounds, similar to Audacity.
The most notable difference between GarageBand and Audacity is GarageBand’s easy-to-use interface. As with most things, Apple made sure this software had a simple, streamlined user experience. Garageband definitely has a smaller learning curve than Audacity.
Its biggest weakness is that this high-quality free software is only available Mac. Garage band also does not offer as many audio editing tools than Audacity, but still enough for creating a podcast.
Cons:
- Only available for macOS
- Not as many editing tools as Audacity
Paid Podcast Editing Software
If you are looking for more features and better workflow, you should consider a paid app. The options covered here range from web-based apps to professional audio editing software.
Zencastr
Zenscastr is a web-based app created for podcasting. It offers an easy-to-use interface, lossless WAV recording, multitrack recording, and a built-in VoIP, so there is no need to use Zoom or Skype.
There are several plans available to get started, ranging from a free hobbyist account plan to a paid professional plan. It should be noted that the free option lacks many of the features mentioned above.
Overall, the software works well with both Chrome and Firefox and is quite beginner-friendly. It has all the necessary tools you need for starting and running a podcast.
The main con with Zencastr is the relatively expensive monthly subscription plan. You are not getting any hosting and publishing tools that similar services offer. Even then, Zencastr offers an incredibly efficient workflow and makes setting up a podcast a lot easier.
Pros:
- Efficient workflow
- Easy to use interface
- Built-in VoIP – no need for Zoom or Skype
Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X is a powerful audio editing and recording software available to Mac users. It is primarily targeted for music production but works for podcasting as well.
The custom audio manipulation tools go well beyond what is needed for a simple podcast, yet the ones you will use work very well. The software is further enhanced by the many third-party effect plugins available for absolute customization.
Surprisingly, with its many complex features and tools, Logic Pro X still manages to offer a relatively easy-to-learn interface. This is not to say you will need some practice as a beginner, but it is not as hard to learn as other software on this list.
It is a bit unfortunate that Logic Pro X is only available for Mac as it is such powerful software.
Pros:
- Very powerful features and tools
- Surprisingly easy to learn
Cons:
- Only available for mac
- Not targeted for podcasters – You will only be using a small part of the software for podcasting.
Hindenburg Journalist
This is software made for journalists and podcasters without much technical experience. Hindenburg Journalist enables you to create a great-sounding podcast with a very beginner-friendly interface.
Because it’s made explicitly for the task, it offers all the necessary features for editing a podcast without the necessities of other software like Audacity or Logic Pro X.
Hindenburg Journalist records and edits audio in great quality. Its audio repairing tools are also great for really creating the highest quality content you can.
Hindenburg Journalist itself costs about $95, but that is only the entry-level software. Hindenburg Journalists Pro costs a whopping $375 for many features you want to have as a podcaster. The high price can be a turn-off for some.
Cons:
- High Price
Adobe Audition is another powerful audio editor on this list. It comes with all the necessities for podcast recording.
Adobes software always offers simple but effective layouts that are customizable to your needs. It is no different with Audition. The ability to switch between different interface layouts is a very nice touch and really makes the editing process flow better.
Where this software stand above the rest is its great audio editing and repair features. When it comes to repairing or denoising audio, Audition is the way to go.
The other pro with Audition is how it is integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud. If you are already using Adobes photo and video editing software for your podcasts, it could be wise to include Audition too since it is straightforward to share files and organize projects. At the same time, adobe’s expensive subscription models have been a turn-off for some.
Pros:
- Part of Adobe Creative Cloud
- Good audio repairing tools
Other Helpful Apps for Podcasters
In addition to the options above, there might be some other apps you can use as well.
Zoom
Zoom is really a great way to do interviews for podcasts as it has a built-in recorder that exports separate tracks for each person talking in the call. This is also why we haven’t even mentioned Skype on the list as the only way to record a video call is to pay for an addon software.
As Zoom is rising in popularity, it’s becoming the go-to option for podcasters as well.
Alitu
Alitu is a web-based podcast editor. While Alitu itself does not have recording capabilities, it does offer editing and hosting options for your podcast. This means you still have to have a third-party app to record the audio. It might be worth checking out.
In Conclusion
As podcasting has grown in popularity, so has the options when it comes to podcast software. There are really no excuses not to start a podcast today; all you need is the setup and a good story to get going.
You've had the thought. You know — the one that kicks in on your way to the store, during the daily traffic jam, or underneath your subconscious before you fall asleep each night: I should make a podcast.
One of podcasting's most endearing qualities is its accessibility. Not only can anyone make a podcast, but everyone should make a podcast. Yeah, I said it. Hot take around some circles.
Hitting the record button and talking into a microphone isn't exactly going to land you on NPR. Your supportive aunt Janet might throw you a listen, but most audiences today expect a higher level of quality than an unedited, forty-five minute piece of audio. Even Janet deserves it. She's such a loyal listener.
Editing a podcast means everything from cutting tape, to mixing tracks, to compressing audio. And the software you'll do it all inside is a digital audio workstation (DAW).
Your choice in editing software should first take a close look at your budget and goals — not your dreams of becoming the next Ira Glass.
Every DAW is different, and the purpose each one serves varies, sometimes wildly. But there's a right DAW out there for everyone. So let's get you that meet-cute moment and take a look at the top podcast editing software.
Best Podcast Editing Software
1. Pro Tools
Pro Tools is the Tesla Coupe DeVille of podcast editing software. While it won't make you sound like a public radio program, it's more than likely the software they're all using to package up audio stories.
Pro Tools is the industry standard for a reason. It has every possible tool imaginable for recording, editing, and mastering your audio. But with all those bells (and while we're at it, all those whistles, too) comes a heavy price tag.
If you're just starting out, resist the urge to dive head first into the proverbial podcast waters by using Pro Tools — unless you're ready for a steep learning curve. But once you've mastered the craft, you can use any DAW out there.
2. Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition comes with everything you need. And if there's something missing? You can tack on all the add-ons to your heart's content.
Easy Podcast Editing Software
But the real upside to Audition is the Adobe Suite — because, like Steve Jobs would say, it's all about the ecosystem.
If you're turning out podcasts, there's a good chance you're powering that personal unicycle and spinning your fair share of plates. Your role likely involves much more than just editing. Knowing that, Adobe can simplify your entire workflow.
Let's talk through this — you master your final episode, and have some standout clips you want to feature in social promotion. With Adobe, you can quickly grab those clips, send them into After Effects to design an audiogram for your social, and get ready to send it out into the world with Adobe Media Encoder.
Given the cost of Audition, it's likely the best option if you're already part of the larger Adobe Suite. If you're a hobbyist at heart (and financially), then Audition might be less of a priority.
3. Descript
The evolution of Descript is worth noting. What started off as transcription software, Descript has grown into a ‘no experience necessary' podcast editing software. And the entire experience is rooted in editing text — not audio.
You can record directly into Descript or add a recording in later. Descript will spin up a transcription, and you can edit the audio by editing the text. Don't like a certain sentence? Delete it from the transcription and the edit is made inside the audio track.
There's handfuls of other editing tools at your disposal. The unique editing workflow might rub more experienced producers the wrong way, but it's an easy way for beginners to start making a podcast.
Descript also recently announced the new AI-powered voice replication service Overdub. Fun fact: We use it at HubSpot and now have a robot version of Weird Work with host Sam Balter.
4. Audacity
Audacity is almost more of an ethos than editing software these days.
Yes, it has everything you need to start podcasting. Yes, that means tools that rival the ones you'd find in more expensive DAWs. Yes, it looks like it was designed during the waning days of 1998.
Free Podcast Recording Software Windows
But the best part of Audacity: It's completely free (and it's open source).
5. GarageBand
The Apple music app mainstay Garage Band is mostly known for its digital swath of instruments and music making capabilities. I mean, ‘band' is in the name. But GarageBand is also an underserved podcast editing software.
The convenience of GarageBand is simple: if you own a Mac, then you own GarageBand. If you can use it to make and edit music, you can use it to make and edit podcasts.
You can cut tape quickly, move sections of audio around, and layer in sound all in that classic Apple user-friendly experience.
GarageBand is a great option for folks who already own Apple products, are new to editing, and want to learn the basics of what podcast editing software has to offer.
Looking for some new podcasts to check out? Learn more about HubSpot's own podcasts here:
Best Podcast Editing Software
If you're interested in starting a podcast for your own business, take a look at some of the editing tools mentioned above — and then explore our additional podcast resources to learn how to create a compelling podcast, convert existing content into a podcast, or design a podcast for SEO benefits:
Best Podcasting Software
Ultimately, podcasting isn't going anywhere — and it continues to rise in popularity. In fact, nowadays, almost one quarter of all Americans listen to one podcast each week. Podcasts should be part of every brand's content strategy. I might be biased, but podcasts are the best way to increase brand awareness, engagement, and authority in your industry.