Podcasts are digital audio files that are available for anyone to stream or download for free or for a fee. Podcasts are a popular medium of sharing content today, and many business owners, thought leaders, media personalities, and regular Joes are starting their own podcasts on various subjects.
However, regardless of how entertaining or informative your podcast is, it is highly unlikely that it will garner a great audience if it is of bad quality. Hence, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced podcaster, you need the right software to help you record, edit, and publish your show.
This blog post will discuss different podcast software options available on the market today. We’ll cover everything from simple recording tools to more advanced editing suites. So whether you’re just starting out or looking for an upgrade, read on for the best podcast software options out there.
What is a Podcast Software and What Should You Consider When Choosing a Tool?
A podcast software is a tool that you can use to record, edit, and publish your podcasts. While some tools offer all the features you need to record and publish your podcast from start to finish, others offer more specialized features and require use with other podcast software.
When choosing a podcast software, it is important to consider the features offered. Some of the most important elements to look out for include recording capabilities, editing tools, publishing options, and support for RSS feeds.
Recording capabilities allow you to record your episodes directly into the software. Editing tools let you trim and cut your episodes, add music and sound effects, and correct any audio problems.
Publishing options let you publish your episodes on your website or distribute them through other channels, such as Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. RSS feeds allow people to subscribe to your podcast and receive updates when new episodes are released.
Asides from the features of the software considered above, when choosing a tool, you also need to consider:
Compatibility
You need to make sure that the software you choose is compatible with your computer. For example, if you have a Mac, you will need to find software that is designed for Macs.
Price
The cost of the software will vary depending on the features offered and the brand. Some software are free, while others can cost hundreds of dollars.
Ease of Use
The software you choose should be easy to use and understand. It should have a user-friendly interface that is simple to navigate.
Reviews of the Best Podcast Software
Adobe Audition
Overall Best Podcast Software
Adobe Audition is a comprehensive and powerful audio editor available as a part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud plans. It is very suitable for professional podcast creators and audio content curators. Audition can be used to mix and remix audio clips, design sound effects, and create and edit podcasts that can be hosted across different platforms. The tool has special features that give you a radio/television broadcast standard. You can work efficiently with Adobe Audition by creating multiple podcasts at a time using different microphones.
Features
Uniform Volume – You can control and match the volume of all speakers to keep it at a consistent level.
De Noise and De Reverb – An easy way to remove background noise and reverb in audio clips.
Spectral Display – The tool includes a spectral display for performing a range of activities, such as mixing, remixing, and editing audio content.
Pros
- Sound removal and noise reduction
- Wide range of audio effects
- Strong audio restoration
- Quality sound
Cons
- Might not be the easiest tool to learn
- No MIDI implementation
- Not the cheapest tool available, and once you stop paying, you lose all access.
Pricing
- Free Trial for seven days
- Single App (Adobe Audition) – $24 per month
- It is also available as a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
Audacity
Best Podcast Software Available for Free
Audacity is an open source, easy-to-use audio editor that is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and others. Audacity grants users total control over their audio content. The tool is built by a team of volunteers who make it available for free.
Features
Keyboard Shortcuts – Keyboard shortcuts that make it a flexible, easy-to-use tool.
Import and Export File – Audacity allows the import and export of multiple audio files in numerous formats.
Multiple Plug-ins – It supports LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST, and Audio Unit Effect.
Pros
- Free and efficient
- Easy to use
- Edit in multiple formats
- Can be used on virtually any device
- Community support
Cons
- The software constantly lags
- Limited editing features
- Graphical User Interface (GUI) is not the best looking
Pricing
- Free
Anchor by Spotify
Best All-in-One Podcast Software
Anchor by Spotify is the tool for anyone looking to get started as a podcaster. Anchor is one of the most commonly used podcast software as it is a free, open-source platform and is compatible with most podcast publishing platforms.
Features
Library of Sound Effects – The tool has a wide range of audio effects to choose from.
Recording Control – You can record in different bit sizes, e.g., 16bits, 32bits.
Monetization – You can monetize your content on Anchor, although the platform takes a cut of your earnings.
Pros
- Free
- Unlimited episode range
- Monetization, even though everything from recording to hosting is free.
- Easy account creation and set-up
- Co-hosting with friends around the world
- Easy Editing
- Analytics to track performance
Cons
- No user support as it is an open-source platform
- Lags
- Outdated UI
- Monetization features limited
Pricing
- Free
Hindenburg Journalist
Best Podcast Software for Interviews
Hindenburg is a Digital Audio Workstation designed with journalists and broadcasters in mind, making it perfect for podcasters. How? Hindenburg brings broadcast standards into podcasting, making creating high-quality podcasts very easy, especially with multiple speakers.
Features
Auto-Leveler – The tool automatically adjusts your audio levels after recording, eliminating all unnecessary sounds.
Clipboard – It has a clipboard feature that allows users to store audio for future use.
Multitrack Recording – You can record multiple people using different mics or record remotely using a platform like Skype
Pros
- A one-time payment gives you access for life
- Fairly easy to grasp
- Great for piecing multiple clips and interviews together
- Very speech specific
Cons
- It is an expensive tool for the features offered, although it offers a life license
- Limited features on the basic version
Pricing
- Free Trial
- Hindenburg Journalist – $95 one-time payment
- Hindenburg Journalist Pro – $375 one-time payment
Garageband
Best Podcast Software for Mac Users
While this tool is mainly focused on music production, it can be useful for podcasters, especially those just starting out. However, GarageBand is only compatible with macOS and. iOS devices. The tool is free and relatively easy to use, and you can get different plug-ins to optimize functionality.
Features
MacOs and iOS compatibility – The tool is compatible with Mac and iOS devices.
Smart Control – Smart control lets you tweak speakers’ voices in real-time.
Add Track – You can easily add audio tracks to your podcast using just your iPhone or other iOS devices.
Pros
- Free
- User-friendly interface
- Pre-recorded loops and synths to create background music and jingles
- You can tweak the sound and adjust volume easily
Cons
- Not a specialized podcast tool
- Only compatible with MacOs
- It cannot record remotely
Pricing
- Free
RSS.com
Best Podcast Software for Monetization
If you are looking for a way to make money through your passion for podcasting, then RSS.com is your best bet. In addition to being a good platform for creating and editing your podcast, RSS.com is also very distribution focused and offers seamless integration with social media.
Features
Analytics – The tool’s powerful analytics allows you to know how well your podcast is fairing, its reach, downloads, and audience.
Monetization – You get the opportunity to generate revenue from your content through dynamic ads and donations.
Dashboard Tools – You get control over everything in your podcast from a convenient, all-in-one dashboard.
Pros
- Easy distribution
- Donation button
- Analytics of location of audience
- Sponsorship through dynamic ads
- Unlimited storage
- Episode scheduling
- Social media integration
Cons
- Limited features on the free plan
- No WordPress plug-ins
- No mobile app available
Pricing
- Free Trial
- All-in-one podcasting – $8.35 per month if billed yearly
- Students/NGOs – $4.99 per month
- Podcast Networks – Custom
Riverside fm
Best Podcast Software for Remote Recording
No matter where you are in the world, you can play host to as many as seven guests who join your podcast. Riverside is an Saas audio editing online platform that defies background noises and internet lags to produce high-quality podcasts.
Features
Magic Editor – Riverside’s magic editor pieces separate audio and even video clips from everyone in a conversation, as each conversation is locally recorded.
Podcast Transcription – The platform offers very accurate transcription features and seamless video transition.
Clip Creator – The Riverside clip creator allows you to create short content out of your podcast.
Video Feature – Riverside also offers amazing video quality that you can use to monetize your podcast on YouTube.
Pros
- Automatic transcription
- High-quality video
- Editing control with separate tracks for each speaker
- Flexible tool
- Live streaming
Cons
- Limited editing features
- Error-prone
- No notifications to users when video or audio is interrupted. You only find out once the recording is done.
Pricing
- Free Trial
- Standard – $15
- Pro – $24
- Teams – Custom pricing
Frequently Asked Questions on Podcast Softwares
There are a number of different podcast software options available, but some of the most popular ones include Anchor, Audacity and Garageband for mac users. While each of these programs has its own advantages and disadvantages, they all offer basic features for free. These programs are a good place to start if you’re just starting out.
Podcast software can provide a number of benefits, including the ability to easily create, edit, publish, and manage your own podcasts, as well as to access a wide range of content from other podcasters.
The process for getting started with podcast software varies depending on the program you choose, but in general, you will need to create an account and then create and add your podcast content.
Some common mistakes people make when using podcast software include not properly researching the tool they choose, which leads to not optimizing the available features on the software or choosing an incompatible tool.
There is no one way to answer this question, as the best tool would be based on your personal needs. However, there are many quality tools on the market, each with its own unique strengths, such as Adobe Audition, Hindenburg Journalist, Garageband, and many others.
Generally, podcast software or Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) come equipped with solid editing capabilities. Hence, you do not need separate editing tools. However, not all tools produce the same audio quality. Tools such as Adobe Audition and Hindenburg Journalist are good options.
Starting a podcast is fairly straightforward. The basic things you need include a microphone, a computer or mobile phone, and a Digital Audio Workstation (Podcast Software).
There are many ways to make money from your podcast. Popular options include sponsorships and advertisements. Platforms like Anchor FM, and RSS.com allow you to monetize your content. Other methods of making money from a podcast include putting your content on Youtube, selling repurposed content, speaking engagements, etc.
There are many ways to host a podcast. Some popular options include Libsyn, Podbean, and Buzzsprout.
How Do I Create a Successful Podcast?
Creating a successful podcast starts with creating a high-quality podcast using the best recording and editing tools. You should also push your podcast on social media and stay consistent. And make sure your content actually does what it promises.
Final Thoughts
Podcasting can be a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world, and using the right podcast software can make the process much easier. These programs offer a variety of features, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
Podcasters have various software options to choose from when creating their podcasts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, if you have a MacOs device, you might want to go for GarageBand, Audacity, and other MacOs compatible tools.
Similarly, if you have an international reach and would be doing a lot of remote recording, then Riverside should be at the top of your considerations. And if your aim is to make some cash while doing something you love, then tools like Anchor and RSS.com should be your top considerations. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful podcast.
