23 Best Podcast Recording Software in 2025: Free, Paid & Remote Tools

Starting a podcast doesn’t have to be complicated. Back in 2015, Zoom and a Blue Yeti mic got the job done for my first interviews. But after recording over 400 interviews – both as a host and a guest – I’ve seen what works best. 

The right software makes all the difference in sound quality, ease of use, and how professional your show looks and feels.

This guide breaks down the best podcast recording software available today. You’ll find:

• The top three recording software options (and which one’s best for you)
• The best free and paid options for solo and interview-style podcasts
• Tools that make remote recording smooth so your podcast guests sound just as good as you do
• A breakdown of key features, pricing, pros, and cons – no fluff, just what matters

A podcast is one of the best ways to build authority, grow your audience, and open new opportunities. With the right tools, getting started is easier than you think.

What Is Podcast Recording Software?

Podcast recording software is what makes your show sound professional without needing a fancy recording studio. It lets you record, edit, and sometimes even publish your episodes in one place.

There are two main types:

• Local recording software: Saves podcast audio straight to your device, allowing you to record the best sound quality. Perfect if you’re recording podcast episodes on your phone, solo, or with guests in the same room.
• Remote recording software: Records each speaker separately, even if they’re halfway across the world. That way, bad internet won’t ruin your audio while you record a podcast remotely.

Some tools do the basics, while others come with extras like automatic editing, transcripts, and even video recording. The best software to record for you depends on how you like to record and how much control you want over the final product.

How to Select the Right Podcast Recording Software

The best podcast recording software isn’t just about high-quality audio – it’s about making your life easier. Here’s what to look for:

• Ease of use: If it takes hours to figure out, it’s not worth it. Look for the best recording software that’s simple and intuitive.
• Audio quality: You want crisp, clear sound. Local recording and uncompressed audio formats can make a huge difference.
• Remote recording features: If you’re interviewing guests, separate audio tracks for each speaker help keep things clean.
• Editing tools: Some software has built-in editing, while others require separate software. Decide how much control you need.
• Video recording: If you want to share clips on social media or YouTube, video features are a plus.
• Price: Some tools are free, while others charge monthly. Make sure you’re paying for features you’ll actually use.

At the end of the day, the right software is the one that fits your workflow and helps you experience all the benefits of podcasting. If it makes recording and editing a hassle, it’s not the right fit – no matter how many fancy features it has.

3 Best Podcast Recording Software for Every Podcaster

There are plenty of options out there, but if you’re looking for the best of the best, here are the top three. These stand out for their reliability, ease of use, and recording quality.

1. Squadcast

Best for: Remote podcasting with high-quality audio and video.

SquadCast is a reliable platform for remote podcast recording, ensuring top-notch sound and automatic backups – perfect for when you’re interviewing guests across the globe.

• Price: Starts at $19/month
• Recording quality: High-quality audio and video, even with varying internet speeds.
• Local recording: Yes, records locally for each participant.

Pros: 

• High-quality audio and video
• Easy to use
• Automatic backups
• Ideal for interviews

Cons:

• Higher pricing than some alternatives
• Limited editing features

2. Descript

Best for: Podcast creators who want powerful editing tools that are easy to use.

Descript offers AI-powered transcription and editing, making it ideal for those who want seamless post-production. With over 400 interviews recorded, I can attest to how much time-saving features like this can add to your workflow.

• Price: Starts at $24/month (for the Hobbyist plan)
• Recording quality: High-quality audio suitable for professional podcasts.
• Local recording: Yes, records locally on your device.

Pros:

• AI-powered transcription with speaker identification
• Screen recording capabilities

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• Limited advanced recording features

3. Zoom

Best for: Simple, reliable recordings that most users will be familiar with.

Zoom is perfect for all types of podcasts looking for simplicity and reliability, especially for remote interviews. It’s the same tool I’ve used countless times for interviews, providing reliability and ease of use.

• Price: Free for basic use; Paid plans start at $13.33/year
• Recording quality: Audio quality can vary, but it’s solid with the right setup.
• Local recording: Yes, you can record locally.

Pros:

• Free option available
• Reliable and easy to use
• Great for group interviews

Cons:

• Audio quality can be inconsistent
• Lacks advanced editing features

15 Best Podcast Recording Software

Ready to get your podcast off the ground? The right recording software makes your podcasting journey smoother and choosing the perfect one for your needs doesn’t have to be complicated. 

With the right tools, you’ll be on your way to producing high-quality episodes that sound professional and connect with your audience. 

Here are 15 top podcast recording software options to help you hit the ground running.

1. Reaper

Best for: Advanced podcasters looking for full control over their audio production.

Reaper is a professional audio editing software that offers extensive customization and powerful features, making it a favorite among experienced podcasters.

• Price: $60 (for personal use); $225 (for commercial use)
• Recording quality: High-quality, professional audio recording.
• Local recording: Yes.

Pros:

• Advanced editing capabilities
• Customizable interface
• Supports VST plugins

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve
• No built-in podcast-specific tools

2. Zencastr

Best for: Remote podcast recording with a focus on high-quality sound.

Zencastr is designed for podcasters who need reliable remote recording with great sound quality, offering automatic post-production features.

• Price: 14-day free trial; Paid plans start at $20/month
• Recording quality: High-quality audio recordings with automatic post-production.
• Local recording: Yes, records audio locally for each participant.

Pros:

• Browser-based, no downloads needed
• Cloud backups

Cons:

• Limited video capabilities
• Free version has limited features

3. Adobe Audition

Best for: Professionals needing powerful editing tools and advanced audio control.

Adobe Audition offers a comprehensive suite of audio editing tools and is widely used by professionals for its high-quality output and editing flexibility.

• Price: $22.99/month
• Recording quality: Excellent multitrack recording.
• Local recording: Yes, supports local and multitrack recording.

Pros:

• Industry-standard editing tools
• Extensive audio effects
• Multitrack recording and mixing

Cons:

• Expensive subscription-based pricing
• Steep learning curve

4. Spotify for Creators

Best for: New podcasters who want a simple, free platform with built-in distribution.

Spotify for Creators (formerly known as Anchor) is a great entry-level recording tool that lets users record, edit, and distribute their podcasts all in one place for free.

• Price: Free
• Recording quality: Good-quality audio, depending on the equipment
• Local recording: Yes, records locally

Pros:

• Monetization options (ads, listener donations)
• Built-in distribution to major platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.)
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons:

• Limited advanced editing tools
• Ads placed in free versions

5. Cast

Best for: Podcasters who need an intuitive and powerful recording platform for both remote and in-person recordings.

Cast is a podcast recording software with a simple interface and robust features, making it ideal for creators looking for flexibility in their podcast production.

• Price: Starts at $10/month
• Recording quality: High-quality audio
• Local recording: Yes, supports local and remote recording

Pros:

• High-quality audio
• Easy-to-use interface
• Remote recording features

Cons:

• Lacks video recording options
• Limited support for audio editing

6. Auphonic

Best for: Podcasters who want automatic audio post-production and optimization.

Auphonic automatically levels audio, removes background noise, and optimizes sound quality, making it perfect for podcasters who want professional results with minimal effort.

• Price: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $13/month
• Recording quality: Optimized audio output
• Local recording: No (post-production tool)

Pros:

• Automatic audio leveling
• Noise reduction
• Easy to use for beginners

Cons:

• Limited free version
• Doesn’t support live recording

7. Hindenburg Journalist

Best for: Podcast creators who need professional-level automation without sacrificing ease of use.

Hindenburg Journalist provides an intuitive interface with powerful automation for editing and mixing, ideal for both beginners and experienced podcasters.

• Price: Starts at $12/month
• Recording quality: High-quality multitrack recording
• Local recording: Yes

Pros:

• Automatic audio leveling
• Easy-to-use interface
• Good for interviews and storytelling

Cons:

• Pricey for a basic version
• Lacks certain high-end features

8. Waveform Free

Best for: Audio engineers or advanced podcasters looking for full control over mixing and recording.

Waveform Free offers advanced recording features with high-level control, perfect for professionals wanting superior audio quality.

• Price: 30-day free trial; Paid plans start at $199 
• Recording quality: High-quality audio
• Local recording: Yes

Pros:

• Professional-grade editing tools
• Comprehensive mixing options
• Free version available

Cons:

• Requires a bit of a learning curve
• Some features are locked behind a paid version

9. Podbean

Best for: Podcasters who want an all-in-one platform for hosting, recording, and distributing their show.

Podbean offers both a recording interface and podcast hosting service, providing an easy way to create and publish podcasts in one place.

• Price: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $9/month
• Recording quality: High-quality audio
• Local recording: Yes

Pros:

• Built-in hosting and distribution
• User-friendly interface
• Monetization options available

Cons:

• Limited editing features
• Storage space can be restrictive on free version

10. TwistedWave

Best for: Mac users who need a simple, fast, and reliable recording platform.

TwistedWave is a straightforward, intuitive audio editor that’s great for Mac users looking for quick editing and high-quality sound production.

• Price: Starts at $79/year (for the online version)
• Recording quality: Excellent-quality audio
• Local recording: Yes

Pros:

• Fast and easy-to-use
• Great for basic editing needs
• Supports high-quality formats

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features

11. Soundtrap

Best for: Collaborative podcasting teams who need remote access and cloud-based recording.

Soundtrap is a web-based recording platform that allows multiple users to record, collaborate, and edit podcasts in real time from anywhere.

• Price: Starts at $11.99/month
• Recording quality: High-quality audio
• Local recording: No (cloud-based)

Pros:

• Cloud-based for easy collaboration
• Supports real-time editing
• Multiple users can record at once

Cons:

• Limited editing tools in the trial version
• Subscription required for full features

12. Alitu

Best for: Podcasters who want a simplified, automated editing process with minimal manual effort.

Alitu is an easy-to-use podcast production software designed to simplify the editing process by automating tasks like noise reduction, volume leveling, and adding music. It’s great for podcasters who want a polished final product without spending hours on editing.

• Price: Starts at $38/month
• Recording quality: High-quality audio output after processing
• Local recording: Yes, supports recording through the platform

Pros:

• Automated editing process for quick results
• Intuitive, user-friendly interface
• Cloud-based, so accessible from anywhere

Cons:

• Limited manual editing capabilities
• Doesn’t support video recording

13. RODE Connect

Best for: Podcasters using Rode microphones who want to record and mix multiple microphones on a single system.

RODE Connect is a free app specifically designed for users with RODE microphones, enabling them to easily record and mix multiple audio tracks.

• Price: Free
• Recording quality: High-quality audio
• Local recording: Yes

Pros:

• Simple setup with RODE microphones
• Multi-microphone mixing
• Free software

Cons:

• Limited to RODE hardware
• Basic editing features

14. Studio One

Best for: Advanced podcasters and audio professionals who want a powerful, customizable recording and editing software.

Studio One offers a professional-grade audio recording and editing experience, with a range of advanced tools that give podcasters complete control over their audio production. It’s perfect for those who need high-quality output and customization.

• Price: $199.99 for new users
• Recording quality: Excellent multitrack recording with high-quality sound
• Local recording: Yes, supports local recording with multitrack support

Pros:

• Advanced audio editing and mixing tools
• Highly customizable interface
• Excellent for multitrack recording and post-production

Cons:

• Expensive for the full version
• Steep learning curve for beginners

15. Wavepad

Best for: Beginner to intermediate podcasters who want a simple yet effective audio editor.

Wavepad is a free, easy-to-use audio editing software for podcast recording that balances ease of use with useful editing features.

• Price: Free version available; Paid plans start at $70 (one-time fee)
• Recording quality: Good-quality audio
• Local recording: Yes

Pros:

• Easy-to-learn interface
• Free version available
• Supports a wide range of formats

Cons:

• Limited features in free version
• Advanced tools require paid upgrade

Best Podcast Recording Software for Mac

Best for: Mac users looking for a simple, free recording tool with built-in editing features.

GarageBand offers a simple, high-quality recording experience for Mac users, making it perfect for beginners and casual podcasters.

• Price: Free (for Mac users)
• Recording quality: High-quality audio
• Local recording: Yes

Pros:

• Free for Mac users
• Easy-to-use interface
• Great built-in editing tools

Cons:

• Limited features compared to professional software
• Can be overwhelming for beginners

Best Podcast Recording Software for PC

Best for: PC users who want powerful, free, open-source recording software with advanced features.

Audacity is a powerful and free open-source recording software, perfect for PC users who need advanced features without the price tag.

• Price: Free
• Recording quality: Decent quality, depending on settings
• Local recording: Yes

Pros:

• Free to use
• Wide range of editing tools
• Great for beginners and advanced users

Cons:

• Clunky interface
• Limited support for high-quality audio files

Best Free Podcast Recording Software

Best for: Podcasters looking for a powerful, free tool for video recording, live streaming, and mixing.

OBS Studio is an open-source software that gives podcasters complete control over their production. With features like customizable scenes, transitions, and an intuitive audio mixer, OBS Studio provides everything you need for professional podcasting without the cost.

• Price: Free
• Recording quality: High-quality video and audio
• Local recording: Yes

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Customizable scenes and transitions
• Advanced audio mixer with noise filters
• Compatible with major streaming platforms

Cons:

• Can be complex for beginners
• Lacks built-in editing tools

Best Remote Podcast Recording Software

Best for: Podcasters looking for a no-fuss, reliable tool to record high-quality audio and video remotely, with everything stored safely in the cloud.

Boomcaster offers a seamless podcasting experience with high-definition audio and video recording, along with automatic cloud storage. It’s built for creators who want an all-in-one platform for remote recording and easy publishing.

• Price: Starts at $20/month
• Recording quality: Clear audio and video even with unstable internet connections
• Local recording: Yes, records audio and video locally for each participant

Pros:

• Crisp audio and video quality
• Intuitive interface for easy setup
• Cloud backups for added security

Cons:

• Monthly subscription required
• Basic editing features

Best Video Podcast Recording Software

Best for: Podcasters looking to create high-quality video podcasts with excellent video and audio sync.

Riverside.fm is a standout option for podcasters looking to produce high-quality video podcasts with ease, featuring excellent video and audio sync.

• Price: Free plan available; Starts at $19/month
• Recording quality: Excellent video and audio sync
• Local recording: Yes (recording is saved locally before upload)

Pros:

• High-quality video and audio
• Easy-to-use interface
• Cloud storage for easy access

Cons:

• Paid subscription required
• Requires stable internet connection for optimal performance

Choose Your Tool

With the best podcast recording software, it’s much more manageable to record a podcast, whether you’re just starting or finally upgrading your podcast equipment. 

The podcast software above are the ones I trust after years of experience recording interviews and podcasts, and I’m confident they’ll help you create a high-quality podcast with ease. Take the time to explore the options listed here and pick the one that works best for your podcasting goals.

Now, if you’re serious about getting your voice out there and want to be featured on top podcasts, why not take the next step?

Sign up for your free Talks profile today and get connected with the best podcast hosts and guests in every industry!