Stop Paying to Edit Podcasts! These 25 Free Tools Do It All

Podcast editing doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re just starting your podcast or trying to keep production costs low, there are dozens of high-quality, free (or freemium) tools out there that can help you record, edit, clean, and publish your episodes. In this guide, we’re breaking down the 25 best free podcast editing tools available today — complete with features, pros, cons, and real user reviews.

---

What to Look For in Free Podcast Editing Software

Before diving into the list, here’s what you should consider:

• Multi-Track Editing: Helps you separate and control different voices, music, and effects.
• Noise Reduction & Audio Cleanup: Tools that remove hums, hisses, and background noise.
• Transcription: AI-powered tools that transcribe your episodes can double as editing interfaces.
• Export Options & Formats: Make sure your finished file can be published anywhere.
• Learning Curve: Some tools are beginner-friendly; others take more time to master.

Free tools often come with limitations (like watermarks, time caps, or fewer export options), but many are surprisingly robust for zero cost.

Click here for my favorite free podcast editor

---

The 25 Best Free Podcast Editing Tools (2025)

Below is a curated list of top tools based on real user reviews and feature depth:

1. Podcastle

• Pros: Web-based, beginner-friendly, supports audio/video, has transcription.
• Cons: Advanced editors may find limitations.
• Review: “A HUGE help in creating podcasts… customized backgrounds, transcripts, and clean exports!”

2. Riverside.fm

• Pros: Excellent for remote interviews, local recording quality.
• Cons: Free plan is capped on hours.

3. Descript

• Pros: Edit audio by editing text; includes transcription and screen recording.
• Cons: Limited hours on free tier.

4. Murf.ai

• Pros: Great for voiceovers, AI narration.
• Cons: Limited exports on free plan.

5. Audacity

• Pros: Open-source, multi-track, powerful.
• Cons: Old-school interface, takes time to learn.

6. Power Sound Editor

• Pros: Free, simple interface.
• Cons: Not as advanced as full DAWs.

7. WavePad

• Pros: Great for quick edits, beginner-friendly.
• Cons: Many features behind paywall.

8. Studio One (Prime)

• Pros: Pro-level editing, drag-and-drop interface.
• Cons: Some tools require upgrade.

9. GarageBand

• Pros: Built-in for Mac/iOS, user-friendly.
• Cons: Mac-only, lacks pro-level flexibility.

10. Auphonic

• Pros: Automatic leveling, audio cleanup, batch processing.
• Cons: 2-hour monthly limit on free plan.

11. Alitu

• Pros: Easy for beginners, podcast-focused.
• Cons: Trial-only, then paid.

12. Hindenburg Journalist (Trial)

• Pros: Built for spoken-word editing, intuitive.
• Cons: Free version is limited to trial.

13. Reaper (Trial)

• Pros: Full-featured DAW, great value.
• Cons: Steep learning curve.

14. Ocenaudio

• Pros: Real-time preview, clean UI.
• Cons: Fewer features than Audacity.

15. Soundtrap by Spotify

• Pros: Cloud-based, collaboration features.
• Cons: Free plan limits projects.

16. Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters)

• Pros: Built-in hosting, editing, distribution.
• Cons: Editing tools are basic.

17. Zencastr (Free Plan)

• Pros: Remote recording, browser-based.
• Cons: Limited recording hours.

18. Cleanvoice.ai

• Pros: Removes filler words and noise automatically.
• Cons: Usage limits on free plan.

19. Krisp

• Pros: AI background noise removal.
• Cons: Minutes are limited on free plan.

20. TwistedWave (Web)

• Pros: Simple browser-based editing.
• Cons: Limited session time for free users.

21. Audiotool

• Pros: Full-featured browser DAW.
• Cons: Can be overwhelming for beginners.

22. Soundation

• Pros: Online DAW with effects and loops.
• Cons: Paid plan required for exports.

23. Ardour (Linux Only Free)

• Pros: Pro-level, open-source.
• Cons: Paid on Mac/Windows.

24. Podbean (Free Plan)

• Pros: Hosting plus basic editing.
• Cons: Editing tools are limited.

25. Spreaker Studio

• Pros: Live broadcasting, easy to use.
• Cons: Lacks robust editing features.

---

Quick Comparison Table

Software	Free Plan?	Key Features	Best For	Limitations
Podcastle	Yes	Multi-track, AI, video	All levels	Advanced features gated
Audacity	Yes	Editing, noise cleanup	All levels	Dated UI
GarageBand	Mac-only	Audio plugins, loops	Beginners	Only for Mac users
Descript	Yes (limited)	Text-based editing	All levels	Limits on free usage
Alitu	Free trial	Auto-editing	Beginners	Paid after trial

---

Which Free Tool is Right for You?

• For Beginners: Podcastle, Audacity, GarageBand
• For Remote Interviews: Riverside.fm, Zencastr, Anchor
• For Advanced Editing: Reaper (trial), Ardour, Descript
• For Automated Editing: Auphonic, Alitu, Cleanvoice.ai

---

What Real Podcasters Are Saying

• “Descript lets me edit like I’m working in Google Docs — but for audio!”
• “Audacity still gets the job done in 2025. Reliable and free.”
• “Podcastle’s browser-based tools are a lifesaver.”

---

Maximize Free Tools Like a Pro

• Combine tools: Use Cleanvoice.ai for cleanup, then edit in Audacity.
• Save export settings: Keep your final audio in multiple formats.
• Plan your upgrade: Know when you’re outgrowing a free tier.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best free podcast editor for beginners?
Podcastle, Audacity, and GarageBand are top picks due to their ease of use and robust features without cost.

Can I edit a podcast for free on my phone?
Yes — tools like Anchor, WavePad, and TwistedWave have mobile or web versions that work well on smartphones.

Which free podcast editing tool works offline?
Audacity, GarageBand, and Reaper (during the trial) all work offline and are great for local editing.

Are there any truly free tools with no watermark or export limits?
Audacity, Podcastle, and GarageBand offer watermark-free editing and unlimited exports on their free versions.

Where can I learn about podcast microphones and gear?
Check out our Podcast Equipment Guide for trusted recommendations.

---

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to pay for great podcast editing software. These 25 tools — many of them 100% free — are packed with the features you need to sound professional. Start simple, test a few, and build a workflow that works for you.

👉 Want a printable comparison chart of all 25 tools? [Download our Free Toolkit PDF]

👉 Looking for podcast monetization tools? [Check out our full guide here]