Best Podcast Editing Software for Podcasters of All Levels in 2025

Published June 20, 2025 | By Matt

Are you ready to make your podcast sound more professional, save time, and enjoy editing—even if you’ve never touched an audio tool before? You’re in the right place. In 2025, podcast editing has never been more accessible or powerful, and with so many options, picking the right software can make or break your workflow.

This guide will help you quickly find the perfect editing tool, no matter your experience level, platform, or podcasting goals. Whether you’re launching your first show or you’re a pro editor seeking the latest innovations, you’ll find answers here—plus real advice for shopping smart in 2025.

What Makes Podcast Editing Software “Best” in 2025?

Today’s best podcast editing software has evolved far beyond just cutting audio. Here’s what to look for this year:

Ease of use: Can you get started fast? Does it feel intuitive?
AI enhancements: Automatic removal of filler words, background noise, smart mastering, and even AI-powered voice cloning.
All-in-one workflow: Recording, editing, remote interviews, transcription, publishing, and sometimes even hosting, all in one place.
Platform flexibility: Desktop, browser, and mobile apps to fit your workflow—at home, in the studio, or on the go.
Pricing: Free tools are powerful, but pros may want advanced DAWs and all-in-one suites.
Community & support: Tutorials, active forums, and responsive support matter when you’re learning.

Tip: Choose software that fits your workflow and goals—not just a feature list. Most podcasters outgrow their first tool, so pick something easy to start and scalable to grow.

Quick Comparison Table

Software	Best For	Platforms	Price (2025)	Standout Features
Alitu	Beginners, time-strapped, all-in-one	Web	$38/mo	AI cleanup, text editing, hosting, transcription
Descript	All levels, text-based editing, video	Web/Win/Mac	Free/$12+/mo	Text edit, video, AI overdub, team collab
Audacity	Free & open source, DIY editing	Win/Mac/Linux	Free	Multitrack, plugins, batch processing
GarageBand	Free, Apple users, music/podcasts	Mac/iOS/iPad	Free	Easy multi-track, mobile, sound library
Hindenburg PRO	Pros, storytellers, journalists	Win/Mac/iPad	$12/mo/$399 one-time	Voice profiler, auto-level, broadcast loudness
Adobe Audition	Advanced, broadcast-quality audio	Win/Mac	$20.99/mo	Pro DAW, spectral editing, Adobe integration
Zencastr	Remote teams, all-in-one, monetization	Web	$20–$50/mo	Remote video, AI editing, hosting, ad tools
Podcastle	AI power, browser/mobile, video	Web/iOS	Free/$15+/mo	AI cleanup, voice skins, social video
Riverside.fm	Remote, video, clips	Web/iOS	Free/$19+/mo	Studio remote, Magic Clips, 4K video
Ferrite	Mobile, iOS editing	iOS/iPad	Free/$30 Pro	Multitrack, silence removal, touch controls

Best Podcast Editing Software by Category

1. Easiest & Most Beginner-Friendly Tools

Alitu

Why it’s great: It’s a web-based all-in-one editor that automates audio cleanup, removes filler words, levels volume, and even lets you edit your show by editing the transcript. You can record, edit, host, and publish episodes—all without technical headaches.
Perfect for: New podcasters, non-techies, time-strapped creators.
2025 update: Alitu’s AI “Magic” tools are now industry-leading, with new one-click EQ, background noise removal, and more advanced auto-edit features.

Descript

Why it’s great: Edit your podcast like a Google Doc—just delete text and your audio updates instantly. AI voice overdub lets you “fix” mistakes without re-recording. Team collaboration, video, and screen recording are built in.
Perfect for: Podcasters who want simple, modern editing and plan to repurpose content as video or social clips.
2025 update: “Underlord” AI assistant now suggests edits and automates cleanup, with more natural AI voice models.

GarageBand (Mac/iOS)

Why it’s great: Free, friendly, and familiar for Apple users. Easy to use for basic podcasts, with drag-and-drop tracks, built-in jingles, and presets.
Perfect for: Hobbyists, students, Apple fans.
2025 update: Seamless iPad/Mac workflow; more loops and music beds.

Spotify for Podcasters (Anchor)

Why it’s great: Free, app-based, super easy to record, edit, and publish from your phone or browser. Distribution and analytics are built in.
Perfect for: Anyone wanting to podcast from their phone, or publish fast to Spotify and more.
2025 update: Now supports video podcasts and interactive features on Spotify.

2. Best Free Podcast Editing Software

Audacity

Why it’s great: Free, open source, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Handles multi-track editing, batch processing, and supports plugins.
What’s new: Real-time effect preview, better UI, dark mode, and upcoming cloud save in Audacity 4.0.
Pros/cons: Steeper learning curve, “retro” look, but unbeatable for free.

GarageBand (Mac/iOS)

See above. Still the best free choice for Apple users.

Cakewalk by BandLab (Windows)

Why it’s great: A full-featured pro DAW, free for Windows. Unlimited tracks, mixing console, VST plugin support.
Who it’s for: Podcasters who want more control on a budget and are Windows-only.

Waveform Free & Ocenaudio (Honorable Mentions)

Quick, simple, and free—worth trying if Audacity feels too old-school.

3. Best Professional Editing & Production Software

Adobe Audition

Why it’s great: Broadcast-level multi-track editor used by radio, film, and pro podcasters. Advanced tools: spectral editing, batch processing, AI noise reduction, and seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
Who it’s for: Audio engineers, networks, high-end productions.
2025: Improved AI denoising and cloud collaboration tools.

Hindenburg PRO

Why it’s great: Built for spoken-word—auto-levels, one-click broadcast loudness, and AI voice profiling.
Who it’s for: Storytellers, journalists, podcasters who want speed and polish.
2025: PRO 2 version brings built-in transcription, smarter voice profiles, and an iPad app for editing anywhere.

Avid Pro Tools

Why it’s great: Studio-grade editing, mixing, and mastering. Used for film, music, and podcasts at the highest level.
Who it’s for: Pros and production teams. (Intro tier is now free, but best features require paid plans.)

Reaper

Why it’s great: Ultra-customizable, full-featured, and budget-friendly ($60 license). Fast, powerful, and runs on anything.
Who it’s for: Technical podcasters, indie pros, anyone who loves tweaking their setup.

4. Best All-in-One Podcast Platforms

Zencastr

Why it’s great: Record studio-quality audio and 4K video remotely with guests, edit in the browser with AI, and publish everywhere. Now includes hosting, analytics, and even an ad marketplace for monetization.
Who it’s for: Interviewers, teams, anyone who wants remote collaboration without tech headaches.
2025: New collaborative editing, better AI text editing, and analytics dashboards.

Podcastle

Why it’s great: Browser-based podcast studio with AI audio enhancement, text editing, video recording, and one-click hosting.
Who it’s for: Creators who want the newest AI tools and fast production.
2025: Advanced AI voice skins, auto video layout for remote shows, and integrated scheduling.

Descript

As above. (All-in-one creation suite, strong for video and teams.)

Spotify for Podcasters (Anchor)

As above. (Free, basic editing, distribution, video podcasts, analytics.)

Riverside.fm

Why it’s great: Top-quality remote recording, 4K video, text editing, and AI “Magic Clips” for social sharing.
Who it’s for: Pros, marketers, and anyone prioritizing remote guest quality.
2025: Enhanced mobile recording and direct-to-platform publishing.

5. Best Browser-Based & Mobile Podcast Editors

Ferrite (iOS/iPad)

Why it’s great: A pro-level multi-track audio editor for iOS. Fast, touch-friendly, and perfect for editing on the go.
2025: Supports Apple Pencil, improved silence removal, and batch export.

GarageBand iOS & Logic Pro iPad

Why it’s great: Edit podcasts (and music) right on your iPad or iPhone for free. Logic Pro iPad is a paid upgrade for pros who want everything.

Descript Web, Podcastle, Riverside Mobile

All let you record and edit from your browser or phone—no desktop required.

Deep Dive: 2025’s Newest Innovations

AI-powered editing: One-click removal of filler words, auto silence/gap removal, smart mastering, and AI voice cloning (Descript, Alitu, Podcastle).
Text-based editing: Edit your episode like a doc—delete or move text, audio updates in real time.
Cloud collaboration: Real-time team editing, shared projects, browser-based studios for remote teams (Zencastr, Descript, Podcastle).
Video podcasting: Integrated video recording and editing, auto social clips (Riverside, Podcastle, Descript).
Mobile-first tools: Full production power on iPad (Ferrite, Hindenburg PRO 2, Logic Pro iPad), easy transfer between devices.
One-click publishing: From the editing suite straight to Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and more, with no extra steps.

How to Choose: Buyer’s Guide for Every Podcaster

Beginners:

Start with Alitu, Descript, GarageBand, or Spotify for Podcasters.
Prioritize tools that automate cleanup and don’t overwhelm.

Intermediate/Advanced:

Consider upgrading to Hindenburg PRO, Adobe Audition, or Reaper as your editing gets more complex.
If you run a team or need advanced remote interviews, look at Zencastr, Riverside, or Podcastle for all-in-one workflows.

Video/Remote/Team workflows:

Prioritize tools that combine audio, video, and cloud collaboration (Riverside, Zencastr, Descript, Podcastle).
Look for social clip features to maximize reach.

On-the-go/mobile creators:

Try Ferrite, GarageBand iOS, or Podcastle/Riverside mobile apps.
Prioritize quick touch workflows, silence removal, and easy export.

Always test before you commit. Most tools offer free plans or trials. Try 2-3 to see what fits your style!

Podcast Editing Software FAQ (2025)

What’s the best free editor for Windows? Audacity (DIY power) or Cakewalk by BandLab (pro features).

Can I edit a podcast on my phone? Yes! Ferrite, GarageBand, Spotify for Podcasters, Podcastle, and Riverside all offer mobile solutions.

What if I want to do video podcasts too? Use Riverside, Podcastle, Descript, or Zencastr—they all support video recording, editing, and clips.

Can I really do everything in the browser now? Yes. The top platforms—Descript, Podcastle, Alitu, Zencastr—offer full creation, editing, and (often) publishing without any download.

What’s the easiest for a total beginner? Alitu (for hands-off, all-in-one) or Descript (for doc-style editing), plus GarageBand for Mac/iOS users.

Final Recommendations & Smart Shopping Tips

If you want the EASIEST experience: Start with Alitu or Descript.
If you need free & flexible: Try Audacity (Windows/Mac/Linux) or GarageBand (Apple).
If you want pro control: Upgrade to Hindenburg PRO, Adobe Audition, or Reaper.
If you crave all-in-one power: Zencastr, Podcastle, Descript, or Riverside.fm.
For mobile editing: Ferrite is the gold standard for iOS; GarageBand is great for simple shows.

Smart tip: Always try a free trial before you buy. What “feels right” in your hands will make you edit more and stress less.

Looking for more? Check out our guides to:

Ready to create your best episode yet? Start editing with confidence—and see how much easier podcasting can be in 2025!