10 Best Podcast Recording Software and Apps (Free and Paid)

Content and audio quality can make or break your podcast. Clearer voices will get people to listen for longer. To get this right, you need a sensitive microphone paired with excellent recording software.

There are many podcast recording software out there, and picking one can take up a lot of time. Therefore, to help you find the best software quickly, I’ve made a list of the top ones and discussed their features and prices in this post.

What makes a good podcast recording software

Before deciding on a tool, you need to learn about the essential features of podcast recording software. This will help you choose the right one for you.

Records high-quality audio: The chief feature a podcasting recording software should offer is high-quality recording. The first thing you should look at is all the features it offers to record better audio and the quality of files you can create. You should be able to record on either mobile and desktop (or both). It’s also beneficial if the tool can record virtually as you might not always meet guests in person.

Built-in editing tools: The software should let you edit the audio recordings. If there’s a mobile version for editing, that would be great too. It might be okay to pick software without editing features if you already have advanced audio editing software. However, you will need to look for software that directly integrates with the editing tool to make it easy to transfer files.

Ability to add sounds and music: The software should offer a library with sounds and music which can enhance your podcast. Integrations with third-party tools that provide music can also work.

Support: If it’s a paid tool, it should offer support via email, chat, or phone. Other helpful sources such as guides, wikis, and video tutorials will also help.

Easy distribution: Most software don’t offer distribution, but if they do, it’s a bonus. You will be able to submit your podcast to multiple platforms like Shopify, iTunes, and Stitcher with a few clicks. It’ll save a lot of time and boost your reach. Some software will let you send the podcast to a host.

10 best podcast recording software for

Here are the top podcast recording software you should check out.

1. BounceCast [Podcast recorder and editor with AI]

BounceCast is a podcast recording and audio processing software with AI. You can record your podcast on your mobile phone with the app or on the desktop.

This software has an intelligent sound check tool that helps you check if the recording is loud and clear. It will provide tips on how to improve your recording and even send warning messages to help correct the mic position and adjust the input level.

After you finish recording, BounceCast will analyze your audio. Then it automatically makes changes—such as getting rid of unwanted noises, for example—to enhance your audio. You can also use the built-in editing tools to make manual changes.

You can also import audio from other sources and edit it in the software. Acceptable formats include WAV, MP3, AIFF, FLAC, and Ogg-Vorbis formats. You can also export in the same formats.

Pricing: There’s a limited free version of the app and a paid version that costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year.

2. Podbean [Podcast hosting service with a recorder]

Podbean has an easy-to-use podcast recorder that allows you to record podcasts with your mobile device. Simply open the app and place your phone before you and the guest to record the audio.

It’s got built-in editing tools to help you replay recordings, trim, merge and split your audio. There’s a library with over 50 background tracks with different moods and styles. There are also sound and echo effects.

Podbean also lets you export and import audio. You can use it in combination with other editing tools.

Podcast recording is only one minor feature of Podbean as it is mainly known for its podcast hosting. It offers a generous free plan where you can upload up to five hours of audio and create a free podcast site.

Podbean also makes it easy to monetize your podcast with ads and premium content. There’s also a patron option that lets fans support you with recurring payments.

Pricing: It starts with a free plan. The Unlimited Audio, Unlimited Plus, and Business plans cost $14, $39, and $129 per month.

3. Podcastle [AI-powered, all-in-one platform for digital creators]

Podcastle is an AI-powered, all-in-one platform that helps media creators produce, edit, and distribute content anywhere.

This software allows high-quality recording and offers a wide range of useful features —  from Magic Dust, a miraculous noise cancelation tool, to a built-in audio editor.

You can use the platform to conduct remote interviews with up to 9 participants. The multitrack recording feature gives you a separate track for each of the participants simplifying the editing process even further.

You can also use their revoice tool and turn any text into audio as well as vice versa. With 14 ultra-realistic voice skins, you have a lot to choose from.

Pricing: Podcastle offers a free plan with limited features and usage. Its Storyteller plan starts at $11.99 and Pro plan starts at $23.99 when billed annually.

4. Spreaker [Podcast recording, editing, and distribution platform]

Spreaker is a powerful podcasting software. It has an audio studio that lets you record your podcast with a click of a button. Features like mic controls and auto-ducking ensure your audio is of the best quality. There’s also Skype recording that helps you virtually record your audio.

Spreaker also lets you run live podcasts during which you can record the audio and republish it later.

You can edit your audio in the app after you finish recording. You can trim recordings, import files, and older episodes and merge them into the new one.

You can distribute the final podcast version to multiple platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podchaser with one click. It also offers detailed analytics to help check how well the episode performs.

Pricing: It starts with a limited free plan. The On-Air Talent, Broadcaster, Anchorman, and Publisher plans cost $7, $20, $50, and $120 per month.

5. Hindenburg Journalist Pro [DAW for podcasters]

Hindenburg is a digital audio workstation (DAW) for podcasts and broadcast radio. Anyone who considers their podcast more than just a hobby should check it out.

To ensure you get the best quality audio, it records uncompressed sound. It’s straightforward to use, as you simply have to plug-in your microphone and begin recording. There’s software for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and iPad and you can record on both mobile devices and the desktop.

The desktop versions are ideal for remote recording with Skype, Facetime, and Google Hangouts. It records the host’s and the guests’ voices as separate tracks which makes it easy to edit later.

You can also edit the audio with it. It’s got various features like trimming, merging, leveling, fixing sound, and reducing noise.

The Journalist Pro is just one software from Hindenburg. There are other tools that suit different podcasters.

Pricing: You can buy Journalist Pro for a one-time fee of $375 or rent it for three to twelve months. There’s also a 30-day trial.

6. Reaper [Advanced and affordable recorder and editor]

Reaper is an audio recording and editing software that is popular among musicians. Podcasters use it too, as it is well suited for multitrack recording. This is ideal if you regularly have guests or use music and other sound effects in your podcasts.

You simply have to click a button to begin recording. After recording, editing is a piece of cake as multi-track editing makes it easy to edit the different components separately while saving time.

It’s a very affordable tool, but the main drawback is that it takes time to master all the features.

Pricing: The discounted license costs $60, with a 60-day free trial. If you’re a business and your revenue exceeds $20,000, you will need to get the commercial license for $225.

7. Audacity [Free recording and editing software]

If you’re just starting and want a free audio editor, you should check out Audacity. It is an open-source software that offers many advanced features that are only available on paid software.

You can record live audio with audacity through a mixer or microphone. The level meter feature monitors volume levels during, before, and after recording. You can also dub over existing tracks to create multi-track recordings.

After recording, you can find flaws in your audio and fix them. It makes it easy to remove hums, hisses, and other unwanted background noises. You can generate noise effects such as tones and instruments.

You can also import and export various files such as WAV, AIFF, MP3, AU, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis. It works on multiple software, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, there are no apps for mobile devices. If that’s an issue, you can look for a good Audacity alternative.

Pricing: Free.

8. Alitu [Recording and editing software for podcasters]

Alitu is a recording and editing software made exclusively for podcasters. It makes it easy to record your podcast with your desktop, whether you are doing it individually or with a guest. For remote recording, you can create and share a special URL with guests. It records your vocals and the guests’ vocals separately, making it easy to edit later.

If you prefer using another tool for recording, you can record the podcast with it and upload it to Alitu.

Alitu offers both automatic and manual editing features that make it easy to edit your audio. When the recording ends, Alitu will automatically reduce background noises and level the volume. This will ensure your speech sounds consistent throughout.

You can use the editing tool to manually edit the recording and eliminate periods of silence and unwanted noises.

You can publish your podcast directly to your host or download it.

Pricing: Alitu costs $32 per month, with a seven-day trial.

9. Apple Logic Pro [Advanced audio recorder and editor for Mac]

Apple Logic Pro is a popular music-making software for Apple users. But it is excellent for making podcasts too.

To record, you will need to launch Logic Pro’s Quick Sampler and connect your microphone. You can use another feature called Flex Time to manipulate the tempo and timing of your recording.

It’s a desktop application meant for Mac, but it offers Logic Remote for iPad and iPhone that can help improve your workflow.

To make the most out of this advanced software, you will need some knowledge of DAWs and audio engineering. So if you are looking for something simpler, this may not be for you. For Apple users, you can check out GarageBand instead. It’s also free.

Pricing: Logic Pro costs $199.99 with a 90-day free plan.

10. Anchor [Complete podcast platform from Spotify]

Anchor is a well-rounded podcasting platform from Spotify. The best part is that it’s free to use. You can record audio on your phone, tablet, or computer. You can also import audio or video. Your recordings and uploads sync across all devices.

Editing is a breeze as the software is intuitive. You can trim and split tracks, rename segments and add smart flags to tracks. This makes it easy to revisit and edit later. You can even add full music tracks from Spotify to your recordings.

Anchor also offers free hosting. You can host your podcast on it and distribute it to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Pocket Casts.

Anchor even makes it easy to monetize your podcasts with donations from listeners and ads through Anchor Sponsorships.

Pricing: Free.

Which podcast recording software suits you best?

There are dozens of options, and each tool will suit different individuals and companies. Before picking the software, you need to ask yourself what you’re looking for. Do you prefer something free or paid? Would you prefer software that can only record or one that does a lot more?

If you want something free and straightforward, Anchor and Audacity will do the trick. If you want a tool that’s more advanced and you have a reasonable budget, Adobe Audition is ideal. But if you want something in between that is advanced and affordable, you can check out BounceCast. It costs just $59 per year on AppSumo.

For discounts and deals on more tools that help you create and promote your podcasts, check out the AppSumo store. We have scores of offers you might like.