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Best Podcast Software: Reviews, Ratings, Benefits & Prices

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Best Overall

Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition Software

Runner-Up

Audacity

Audacity Recording Software

Best for Mac

Garage Band

GarageBand Recording Software

Podcasting has quickly become one of the most popular forms of streaming entertainment available. Every year, the number of podcast listeners continues to climb, and the number of podcasts available increases right along with it.

Podcasts usually consist of a cast of people all talking about a specific topic.There’s a podcast for almost every topic imaginable and they are always available to listen to. So, people can listen to them on demand while they’re working out, driving, working, or pretty much anything else.

Their popularity is surging and is showing no signs of slowing down, and the list of software used for podcasting is growing as well.

Our Reviews Of The Best Podcast Software

#1

Garage Band

BEST FOR MAC


GarageBand Recording Software


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GarageBand is widely known software for its capabilities with music, but it also does have the ability for podcasters.

People can record multiple tracks and edit them along the way, all on this one software.

After recording and editing, it is extremely easy to export your work to all of your social media platforms or share it to whatever site you want at any time.

BENEFITS

  • Free
  • Allows you to record and edit
  • Many instruments to choose from
  • Can plug in your own microphone and instruments to get the sound you want

DRAWBACKS

  • Only available on Mac and for iOS users

EXTRA FEATURES

  • A library of pre-existing music available for people to use at any time for free

BUYING ADVICE

GarageBand is a great choice if you have a Mac/iOS device, and it’s even better now that the product is free and included with new Apple products.

There are several platforms on which a person can use this software for recording.

The music feature allows you to get creative with the style of your podcast. You really have the freedom to explore and the ability to edit everything all within the same software.

This appears to be the clear choice for anyone with Apple products.

Technical specifications

  • Type: Both recording and editing
  • Size: 1.7 GB
  • Cloud: Yes
  • Requirements: Mac/iOS device
  • Price: Free

#2

Adobe Audition

BEST OVERALL

Adobe Audition Software

CHECK LATEST PRICE >>

Adobe Audition comes packed with different features for editing and recording. Additionally, there are several different options for a user to make podcasts with this software.

Audition allows for very detailed editing to produce the best sound possible for your podcast and comes with a library of pre-installed audio tracks that you can add to your podcast.

BENEFITS

  • Work in waveform or multitrack layers
  • Podcast templates to choose from
  • Recording and editing capabilities
  • Available on Windows and Mac

DRAWBACKS

  • Subscription price

EXTRA FEATURES

  • High Quality

BUYING ADVICE

Adobe Audition is extremely powerful editing software, and it provides a great opportunity for people trying to produce a high-quality podcast.

While it does provide recording capabilities, its strongest and best features lie in its editing features.

There are many different ways to customize the platform, so you can work how you feel comfortable working.

The only issue is the subscription price, but, if podcasting is your thing and you have the money, then this is the best editing software to use.

Technical specifications

  • Type: Recording and editing
  • Size: For CS6 on Windows – 222.81 MB/ Mac – 386.99 MB
  • Cloud: No
  • Requirements: None
  • Price: $20.99 per month

#3

Audacity

RUNNER-UP

Audacity Recording Software

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Audacity is a free editing source software that works across all platforms.

The program allows for very simple and easy editing. It offers several features that allow you to produce a high-quality podcast.

BENEFITS

  • Allows for quick and easy editing
  • Has recording capabilities
  • Works on any platform
  • It’s free
  • Easy to share

DRAWBACKS

  • Not as in-depth as Adobe Audition
  • Doesn’t have the capability to fix audio as well as other software
  • Not able to make good podcasts with MP3
  • Can’t publish or share, you must export
  • Program is sometimes unstable some time

EXTRA FEATURES

  • None

BUYING ADVICE

If you’re looking for software that you can quickly edit your podcast with, then Audacity can get the job done.

It does not offer as many features as its competitors, but the program still serves a purpose. It is free and can be easily accessed on any platform for recording.

This software can also be a back-up option if you cannot or don’t want to get Audition. It is great for simple editing and can produce a solid podcast.

Technical specifications

  • Type: Recording and editing
  • Size: 70 MB for Windows/ 78 MB for Mac
  • Cloud: No
  • Requirements: None
  • Price: Free

#4

Hindenburg Systems

Hindenburg Recording Software

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Hindenburg is a program specifically designed for journalists who are trying to make podcasts.

Everything you need to make a podcast is present on this application, including recording and editing capabilities. The software is available on both Windows and Apple.

BENEFITS

  • Non-destructive editing (meaning you can always go back and restore your audio to its original format)
  • Podcast templates to choose from
  • Available on both Windows and Mac
  • Noise reduction
  • Can upload and share podcast directly from the program once finished
  • In-depth editing capabilities

DRAWBACKS

  • Price can be a burden
  • You miss out on some features if you only choose the standard journalist package

EXTRA FEATURES

  • With ABC narrator package, you get the ability to record audiobooks with all of the features included with the other packages
  • With Journalist Pro package, you get multitrack recording, noise reduction, voice profiling, and audio adjustment features

BUYING ADVICE

Hindenburg presents itself as a good alternative for any of the other programs on this list.

Its program offers a lot of the capabilities that you need to make a good podcast, and it offers many editing options that put it above something like Audacity.

The price does make this a bit of a tough sell, but each package, even the standard journalist package, offers the chance to make a very well put together podcast.

Technical specifications

  • Type: Recording and editing
  • Size: Not listed
  • Cloud: No
  • Requirements: None
  • Price: Standard journalist package- $95 Journalist pro package- $375

#5

Alitu

Alitu Recording Software

CHECK LATEST PRICE >>

Alitu offers quick and easy ways to put together a podcast.

The software automates certain elements of your podcast like cleaning up audio files or fading music in and out, but it also helps with customizing your podcast and adding in different elements like advertisements.

BENEFITS

  • Offers fast editing
  • Automatically joins all audio recordings together
  • Converts and cleans up audio files
  • Theme music creator
  • Available across different platforms

DRAWBACKS

  • Price
  • It is not very customizable

EXTRA FEATURES

  • None

BUYING ADVICE

Alitu is a good option for fast recording editing. If you need to get editing done in a pinch, this tool would be great because it automizes most things for you.

It is also available across different platforms, making it very accessible.

The price is the main concern here, especially since you don’t really have the same creative freedom to do what you want with other software.

Technical specifications

  • Type: Editing
  • Size: 0
  • Cloud: No
  • Requirements: None
  • Price: Choose between $28 per month or $280 per year

Podcast Software FAQ

How Does a Podcast Work?

Podcasts are essentially radio broadcast recordings that can be downloaded for on-demand playback.

Imagine that you have a blog, but, instead of writing out your articles, you record your voice, and then distribute it across various platforms for listening.

Podcasts aren’t regulated in any way by the government, and they don’t have to line up with FCC regulations. This means that, basically, anything goes during your broadcast.

Most podcasters belong to a niche market, and they choose to develop their following that way.

They will schedule a time where the podcasts release and become available for download. Afterward, they will get streams from their listeners.

Podcastsers can operate in whichever format they want.

This can mean that they come out in seasons like a TV show, publish every day like an on-air radio broadcast, or publish on their own schedule.

Podcasts operate however their creator wants them to operate, and they have the freedom to do it how they want and can publish when they want.

How Do You Start Your Own Podcast?

Before investing in equipment for your home studio, you need to establish your niche. Find a topic that you’re knowledgeable about and have a true passion for talking about.

Once you find that, you plan episodes around that topic to make sure there is enough information to create good content in your chosen niche.

A good way to plan episodes is to listen to podcasts in your niche. While you’re listening, don’t directly take any ideas, but use the podcasts for inspiration and come up with podcast topic ideas.

See what is being talked about and what can be discussed more. Then, plan your show and write an outline for how you’d like your shows to go.

Do you want advertisements? Guest interviews? Music?

These are just a few things you need to think about before you sit down to record your podcast.

Getting the Right Equipment

After you have gone through the planning stage for your podcast, you need to get the proper equipment needed to develop a worthwhile podcast sound.

Having a high-quality microphone and audio recorder is recommended. Once you have these things, you can record your podcast.

When you record your podcast, do not just upload your audio. It must be edited to make sure the sound quality is good and ready to be played. Use editing software.

A good podcast does not just have someone speaking over a track; you need to add production value to keep it interesting and engaging for a listener.

Use music, sound effects, and other effects to keep it appealing.

Once you have edited your podcast and you’re happy with how it sounds, you then upload it to a place where podcasts are available for download.

You can use the Podcasts app on Apple, Spotify, Soundcloud, or any other platform that supports the uploading of audio files.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Podcast?

Microphone Next To Dollar Signs

The price for starting a broadcast varies. A good estimate is that it will cost around $1,000 dollars to get a podcast up and running to a platform such as iTunes.

You want to make sure you do it the right way, and that means buying the right equipment for every part of the process.

The standard list of equipment needed for podcasters is:

  • A microphone
  • A computer
  • Headphones
  • A stand
  • A shock mount
  • Audio editing software

All these products are available at various prices. If you want to buy products at higher price points, then a good microphone might cost around $230.

Laptops or desktops go for varying different prices. A MacBook Pro costs around $619.99, quality headphones cost around $95, a stand costs around $20, and a shock mount costs about $129.95.

Audio editing software also varies in price.

These prices are for the highest grade of products for your podcast. If you want more cost-efficient options, then those are also available.

Outside of production costs, you do need to market your podcasts, and that will cost money. Marketing costs will vary depending on which platform you choose to use.

There is normally a fee for any medium that will promote your podcast.

Don’t let the cost discourage you. When you get your podcast up and running, you can start getting some sponsorships.

Sponsorships are a great way to monetize your podcast, and you can profit from having advertisements in your show.

A 15-second advertisement can generate $18 for every 1000 impressions (or listeners), and a 60-second advertisement can generate $25 for every 1000 impressions.

Do Podcasts Use a Lot of Data?

Mobile Data Usage

Most podcasts follow a very simple model of being about 1 MB per minute, so a 40-minute podcast would use around 40 MB.

So, no, podcasts generally don’t take up a lot of data on your device, but they can if you do choose to download lots of them.

Their data adds quickly. If you avoid downloading a large number of podcasts, then you don’t need to worry about using too much data.

How to Edit Your Podcast Recordings

How to edit a podcast varies by which software you choose to use.

First, for pretty much any software, you’re going to need to add your audio to your editing software (unless you recorded it in the software you’re using).

Choose all the audio you want to use for your show and import it into your workspace. Listen through the audio to see what changes need to be made.

Pay attention to the audio levels of the tracks and adjust them when necessary. You don’t want your audio being too loud or too soft.

You should aim to get the audio to be consistent during the entire broadcast.

Editing with Garageband

When you are editing your audio in Garageband and need to make cuts, the best way to do it is to split the audio from the rest of the track and then make the cut.

Click on the track and drag your playhead to where you want to make the cut. Then, go to settings and select split regions at playhead.

You can also use the shortcut of Command + T. Once you do that, the clip will be selected, and you can make the cut.

Be sure to move the rest of your track back to line up with the rest of the audio, so you don’t end up with an awkward pause in your broadcast.

When you drag pieces of audio together, go to settings and click Join Tracks in order to avoid skips.

To adjust the audio of your clip, drag the slider to the left or to the right. Make sure not to drag it too far in either direction because it will distort the audio.

This is a basic explanation of editing in GarageBand. There are many more features to consider, like adding in music or effects.

Those guides are easy to find in GarageBand directly or in online tutorial videos.

Editing with Adobe Audition

After you import your audio and have everything ready to go in Adobe Audition, the first thing you want to do is clean up your audio and make sure you get rid of any unnecessary noise that can diminish your audio’s quality.

To help with organizing your music, you can break files up into different categories like outro and intro.

Start a new project by opening a new multitrack session and saving it to a folder. Make sure that, when you open your audio, you are in waveform view to make your audio editing easier.

If you recorded in a stereo setting, then you need to split the two tracks, so you can edit them both at the same time.

After you finish cleaning up the audio, you can then compress it to get the same audio levels across the board for all tracks.

Finally, you are ready to add in effects and music for your podcast.

Other programs have differences in their editing. Since they require purchases or subscriptions, they come with their own guides designed for helping people edit their work in their software.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting a podcast is something that many people would like to do and now is the perfect time to jump into this market.

You can make the podcast whatever you want it to be, and you have the choice of finding the right niche for you and talking about your passion.

Once your podcast is up and running, things become routine.

One good part of podcasting is that the money you spend getting your equipment is really a onetime investment, and it will last you a long time.

There are also a ton of platforms to edit on, and there is no shortage of resources for podcasters to get started.

The audience for podcasters is growing every year, and the number of people putting out podcasts is growing right along with it.

Podcasting is for everyone, and, if you have a voice you want to share with a larger community, this a great way to do it. And if you don’t have any ideas on what to put out into the world, check out our podcast topics post.

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