Best Podcast Recording Software (Audio, Video & Screen Recording)

Published June 26, 2024 | By Matt

This comprehensive guide is here to help choose the best podcast recording software. We’ll cut through the jargon and match you with the perfect tools for your specific needs, whether you’re a beginner on a budget or a seasoned pro looking for advanced features.

Podcast Recording Software

Software	Best For	Pros	Cons
Adobe Audition	Serious podcasters	Powerful features, templates, pro effects	Learning curve
Audacity	Beginners, budget-minded	Free, versatile, Mac/PC compatible	Less intuitive, fewer features
GarageBand	Mac users, beginners	Free, easy to use, mobile app	Mac only, limited features
Hindenburg Journalist	Narrative/storytelling podcasters	Intuitive interface, specialized tools for audio storytelling	Fewer features than Audition
Podcastle	Podcasters who want an all-in-one solution	Built-in recording, editing, AI-powered tools, video podcasting	Limited compared to dedicated DAWs
Podbean	Beginners, podcasters who want simplicity	Easy to use, integrated hosting, basic editing tools	Limited features compared to dedicated DAWs
Buzzsprout	Beginners, podcasters who want simplicity	Easy to use, affordable hosting, basic stats	Limited editing features
Acast	Podcasters focused on growth	Large network, monetization features, distribution	Fewer features than other options

Best Podcast Editing & Recording Software: Our Top Picks

Click here for my favorite podcast recording software

Before diving into software options, it’s essential to consider your podcast format. Different formats require different tools:

The Interview Podcast: If you’re planning to chat with guests, you’ll need software that facilitates remote recording. Popular options include Skype, Zencastr, and Zoom (which also offers video recording). For editing, consider Adobe Audition, Audacity, or GarageBand.
The Solo Podcast: A solo show simplifies things, allowing you to record and edit within the same program. Our top recommendations for this are outlined below.
Other Formats: Q&A shows, on-the-go podcasts, and other formats may require specialized tools. We’ll touch on those as well.

Top Podcast Recording Software

Adobe Audition: This powerhouse is our top recommendation for serious podcasters. It boasts professional-grade features, customizable templates, and a vast array of effects. While it has a learning curve and requires a paid subscription, its flexibility and power make it worth the investment.
Audacity: This free, open-source software is a favorite among beginners and budget-conscious podcasters. It’s versatile and runs on both Mac and PC. While its interface might not be as intuitive as some paid options, it’s a solid choice for getting started.
GarageBand: This free software comes pre-installed on Macs and is perfect for beginners. It’s easy to use, offers decent editing features, and even has a mobile app for recording on the go. However, it’s limited compared to pro-level software and is only available on Apple devices.
Podbean: This user-friendly podcast hosting platform also offers built-in recording, editing, and analytics tools.
Podcastle: Sometimes referred to as Podcasle, this platform allows you to record both audio and video podcasts directly from your browser or mobile app. It’s technically a free podcast recording software platform, but it is limited to 3 hours on the free tier.

Other Notable Podcast Software Options

SquadCast: Excellent for remote interviews with high-quality audio and video recording.
Hindenburg Journalist: A professional-grade audio editor with a focus on storytelling and narrative podcasts.
Auphonic: An AI-powered audio post-production tool that can help you clean up and enhance your recordings.
Reaper: A powerful and customizable digital audio workstation that can be used for podcasting but has a steeper learning curve.
Logic Pro: Primarily a music production software, but it can also be used for podcasting if you need advanced audio editing capabilities.
Podbean: This user-friendly podcast hosting platform also offers built-in recording, editing, and analytics tools.
Buzzsprout, Acast, Libsyn, Spreaker, Spotify: These popular podcast hosting platforms offer varying degrees of recording and editing capabilities.

Best Mobile Podcast Recording Apps

GarageBand (mobile): Ideal for Mac users who want to record on the go.
Voice Memo App (iOS): A simple built-in option for quick recordings.
Spreaker Studio: A feature-rich app for recording and editing on your phone.
Podbean Recorder: Easy to use and ideal for beginners who want to record on the go.
Ringr: Offers high-quality audio recording for interviews and conversations.
Podcastle: Record both audio and video podcasts on your mobile device.

Best Podcast Software for Video

Software	Best For	Pros	Cons
OBS Studio	Podcasters who want flexibility and customization	Free, open-source, powerful features for recording and live streaming, screen capture	Steep learning curve, not designed specifically for podcasting
Zoom	Remote interviews and group recordings	Easy to use, reliable video and audio quality, cloud recording	Limited editing features, potential for audio/video issues with poor internet connection
Snagit	Podcasters who want to incorporate screen recordings or visuals	Easy-to-use screen capture, editing tools, good for creating tutorials	Not a full-featured audio editor, primarily focused on visuals
Riverside.fm	High-quality remote recordings	Local recording for better quality, separate audio and video tracks, easy to use	Paid plans for advanced features
SquadCast	Reliable remote recordings with backup	Cloud recording with backup, progressive uploads, good for interviews	Paid plans for advanced features
Zencastr	User-friendly remote recordings	Easy to use, good audio quality, post-production tools	Limited features compared to other options

OBS Studio: While powerful, it’s geared more towards live streaming and video production. It requires some technical know-how but is a free and versatile option.
Zoom: It’s great for remote interviews due to its ease of use, but for high-quality podcasting, you might want to explore dedicated recording solutions.
Snagit: Primarily a screen capture tool, it’s best used for adding visual elements or tutorials to your podcast, rather than as your primary recording software.
Riverside.fm, SquadCast, Zencastr: These are dedicated podcast recording platforms designed for remote interviews. They offer features like separate tracks, cloud backup, and easy-to-use interfaces. Full functionality might require paid subscriptions.

Why Screen Recording Doesn’t Have Sound

Click here for my favorite screen recording software with audio controls

Screen recordings might lack sound due to a few reasons:

Audio Source Not Selected: The software might not be configured to capture audio from the correct source (e.g., system sounds, microphone, or both). Double-check the settings to ensure the desired audio source is enabled and selected for recording.
System Audio Not Enabled: Some screen recording software requires you to specifically enable system audio recording to capture sounds playing on your computer. Look for this option in the software’s settings and make sure it’s turned on.
Microphone Not Working: If you’re trying to record your voice alongside the screen recording, ensure your microphone is connected, enabled, and set as the default input device in your system settings.
Audio Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible audio drivers can sometimes interfere with screen recording. Check for driver updates and install them if necessary.
Software Limitations: The software you’re using might have limitations regarding audio recording capabilities or compatibility with specific audio formats. Refer to the software’s documentation or support resources for troubleshooting.