One of the most trending careers today is to start a podcast.
According to Oberlo, the number of podcast listeners is expected to increase to about 467.7 million in 2023.
All you gotta do is sit with your friends, talk about a topic, and post it on Spotify, Youtube, Instagram, etc.
When my friend came up with the idea of creating a podcast, I threw a lot of questions at him about how, when, where and with whom you are going to do it.
He answered all my questions calmly and told me a lot about the best podcast recording software.
It is crucial to choose the best software for podcast recording because the choice of podcast recording software will affect the podcast's overall quality.
It will also affect the number of listeners and your consumer reach.
There are several factors that you need to take care of while you are looking for the best podcast recording software.
So, let's get started.
What are the things you need to start a podcast?
Anyway moving on I would like to shed some light on what you need to begin with a podcast.
Let me ask you a question.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of starting a podcast? Are you imagining an expensive fancy studio where you and your mates are sitting and gossiping?
Well, that could be an ideal picture but you can always take small steps to start with.
A microphone and recording software is all that you need to begin your amazing journey.
If you want to extend your style from audio to a video podcast, then you would need a camera as well. All this equipment can be bought at an affordable price.
What Are The Best Podcast Recording Software In 2024?
Here I will be sharing the list of all the best podcast recording software.
After reading this article you will get a clear idea about software details, pricing, pros & cons, etc.
So, let’s dive into it.
1. Riverside
Riverside is one of the greatest of all-time podcast recording software.
As a beginner, if you are planning to start your podcast virtually, then Riverside will allow 7 guests to connect remotely.
I have always felt concerned about the audio and video quality of the podcast, and for that, I would highly recommend Riverside podcast recording software. Its uncompressed 4kHz audio and 4k video quality are unbeatable.
And one of the best things about this podcast recording software is that you do not have to worry about an internet connection.
It allows you to record the audio and video on your device and then post it later on your desired platform. In this way, a slow internet connection will not ruin the quality of your podcast recording.
Riverside has some extraordinary features like audio fine-tuning, Clip creation, podcast customization, etc. It provides you freedom and control through its feature to separate the audio and video tracks.
This list of the qualities of this podcast recording software does not end here. Riverside provides easy access to podcasting platforms like Spotify, live streaming, and editing tools.
I believe that it is almost an ideal podcast recording software. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and stream now!
| Pros | Cons |
| Post-production control like the separation of audio and video | The editing features of Riverside are limited |
| High-quality video recording with a limit of 4k resolution | |
| Record and edit your podcast on the same software | |
| Lots of tools available for technical support | |
| On-device, the recording system keeps you away from internet issues |
Features Of Riverside
- I was able to share my podcast on Spotify with the Anchor Integration feature
- You will get an MP3 or WAV audio recording with a limit of 16-bit 48kH
- Unbeatable 4K resolution MP4 video
- Screen sharing is also available in Riverside
- You can invite 7 guests which sum up to 8 participants in one session
- The Clip creator helps you to make Instagram reels or YouTube SHORTS easily
- If you want to add some live sound effects, then you must use the Media Board
- The Producer Mode will allow the producer to control the settings from behind the scenes
- Riverside is available on Android, iOS, iPad, etc.
- The Live Streaming will provide you to record and share your podcast in real-time
- Automation of podcast transcriptions for creating subtitles, captions, etc.
Pricing Options:
Riverside offers three pricing plans. Besides this, there is also a free plan.
- Standard plan costs $15/month and $180 yearly.
- Pro plan costs $24/month and $288 yearly.
- Business plan is available on request.
2. Audacity
Audacity is an open-source podcast recording software and is suitable for someone who is looking for cost-effective (free) software.
This recording software provides you the recording and editing features on desktop devices.
A point to remember is that Audacity does not provide you with an advanced feature for recording and editing.
I have felt that the interface and the recording system are basic and do not offer much control.
I like Audacity mostly for its audio recording because the video recording feature of this software is compromised and might affect the quality of your podcast.
| Pros | Cons |
| Suitable for a desktop setup | No ILVE call |
| Free of cost | Does not support email services |
| Audacity provides different tools for audio editing. | No availability of remote guests on the software |
Features Of Audacity:
- The basic user interface keeps you away from all the hassle
- The audio recording quality can go up to 32-bit, 44.1 kHz
- I have used noise reduction, adjustable fading effect, and amplifier to a great extent to improve the quality
- You can analyze the frequencies with the help of Spectrogram and Plot Spectrum
Pricing Options:
- All services are free to use
3. Podbean
Podbean is best known as a podcast hosting software but worry not, it has entirely available recording and editing features.
I was thrilled to see how easy to use Podbean is because I could record, edit, and export audio from my mobile phone to other streaming sites.
I have been using soundtracks and sound effects to improve the quality of the podcast recording.
With all the given qualities, you would be happy to know that as a beginner it is not hard to start with this software.
| Pros | Cons |
| All you need is a mobile phone and computer to start with | To access all the features, you will have to pay a good amount |
| Both free and paid versions are available | |
| It has a user-friendly interface | |
| You can get your podcast to reach analytics |
Features Of Podbean
- Editing features are available
- You can effectively host a podcast
- Podbean provides you with unlimited storage and bandwidth
- It is easy to customize as per your needs
Pricing Options:
- Basic plan is free
- Unlimited Audio plan cost $9/mo
- Unlimited Plus plan cost $29/mo
- Network plan cost $79/mo
4. GarageBand
GarageBand is the best software to edit a lot of audio on Apple devices. The main aim of this software is music production and is widely used for the same purpose.
If you want to use GarageBand for recording podcasts, then it can be a good option to go with.
GarageBand is best suitable for beginners who want to stay away from complicated podcast recording software.
Its easy-to-use interface provides a smooth audio recording and editing service for your podcast.
From using the sound library to add effects to compressing and equalizing the audio, your podcast recording can be done effectively.
All you gotta do is that you need to download GarageBand from the AppStore, and then you are good to go.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free of cost | I could not call guests on this software remotely. |
| Sound library with a huge collection of audio effects. | GarageBand is a music production software and is not made for recording podcasts. |
| User-friendly interface |
Features Of GarageBand
- Advance control feature
- Audio mixing to adjust audio levels and their effects
- The iOS app is all that you need
Pricing Options:
- Free to use
5. Anchor
Spotify presents you with a podcast hosting software called Anchor which can also be used for recording podcasts. Anchor is available on both the web and your phone for easy accessibility.
The Record with Friend feature allows you to record podcasts with guests remotely, and post them on Spotify.
The editing features of the Anchor app will also let you add pre-recorded audio to your podcast.
I have a feeling that you are not going to be really happy about Anchor’s editing software. The editing tool is nearly too basic, but it allows you to split segments of the audio.
You may use it for adding transitions and flag parts during the recording process to edit those points later on.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy and efficient Episode builder | The editing tool does not have many features |
| Free of cost | Recording segments are limited on Safari for 5 minutes and on Chrome for 30 minutes |
| You can record your desired number of segments | |
| No downloading required | |
| You can record and share the podcast on the same platform. | |
| Available on the hand-on mobile phones |
Features Of Anchor
- You can invite 5 guests or fewer to your podcast recording
- Add sponsors for advertising and earn money through that as well
- I was able to use the record segments for episode building
- You can combine songs from Spotify with your podcast
Pricing Options:
- Free for everyone
6. RSS.com
Recently RSS has been used by a great deal of podcasting services. It has an easy-to-use interface and the paid services are also not very expensive.
You will have to pay for hosting your podcast which is $150 per month.
RSS offers no limitations, unlike Anchor. I started for free but then I paid to experience the hosting services which gave me an amazing experience.
RSS also provides you with amazing customer support where you get quick responses regarding any issue like your payment plans and methods.
| Pros | Cons |
| Analytics are available for your podcast. | RSS is not available on mobile apps |
| All tools available on a single dashboard | |
| Transcripts can be added | |
| Easy-to-navigate user interface |
Features Of RSS.com
- Unlimited episodes and storage
- Analytics for cross-platform
- It has a custom-embedded player
- You can schedule your episode
- It has a good customer support
Pricing Options:
- Student & NGO starts from $4.99/mo
- All in One Podcasting costs $14.99/mo
- Podcast Networks cost $19.99/mo
7. Restream
I find Restream as a good combination of both LIVE streaming software and podcast recording software.
You can record audio and video podcasts, stream, and broadcast LIVE podcasts with this amazing software.
It is comfortable to invite guests remotely and have multi-seat accounts. After that, you are free to post the recorded podcast online on social media.
Restream is filled with creative features like upload and stream videos, record-only mode, custom branding, etc. All these features make Restream a professionally engaging podcast.
| Pros | Cons |
| Upload the pre-recorded videos | Cannot host a podcast |
| Cloud-based services available | Needs a high-speed internet connection |
| Go on with broadcasting LIVE | |
| Tutorials are available |
Features Of Restream
- Upload pre-recorded video
- Restream gives you cloud storage of 100GB
- High-resolution 48 kHz audio recording
- Easy noise cancellation
- Multi-channel LIVE chat
- One Restream account allows you to assign different roles to team members
Pricing Options:
- Basic plan is free
- Standard plan costs $16/month
- Professional plan costs $41/month
8. Zoom
I cannot think of a better app when it comes to recording software. Though Zoom is an entirely different app used for conducting professional meetings.
We really cannot forget the contribution of this to the pandemic.
So, the question is how video calling software will help in recording podcasts. The answer is very simple- it has a voice recording feature.
The thing is that people have gotten very comfortable with Zoom and its functioning so it is easy to make podcasts with the help of this recording software.
The audio quality of the Zoom calls is very compromised and you would have to suffer if you do not have an active internet connection. Though, you will be able to record the videos as MP4 video and audio files.
You have less control over the recording file because you will be able to save the recorded file only after the meeting ends.
| Pros | Cons |
| I have used the Premier Support add-on for faster service | Very much reliable on the internet connection |
| You are much familiar with the features of Zoom | Compressed files reduce the quality |
| You cannot create separate video tracks | |
| Low-quality audio |
Features Of Zoom
- The resolution for online recording is 1080p
- You can invite as more as a 100 participants
- I have used the whiteboard features to a great extent
- Screen sharing is also an amazing feature
- For clear podcast recording, you may use the transcript
- You can store the recording in the cloud
Pricing Options:
- Basic plan is free
- Pro plan costs $149.90/year/user
- Business plan costs $199.90/year/user
- Business plus plan cost $250.00/year/user
- Enterprise plan offers you a custom price if you contact their sales team
9. Skype
I have known Skype since forever, and I am sure that you must also be aware of its familiarity and professional use for video conferences.
This software is known widely by a wide range of generations, i.e., from boomers to Gen Zs making it user-friendly. And that is what makes Skype a universally accepted option as a podcast recording software.
Just like Zoom, Skype is also made for video conferences and not for creating podcasts with your friends but guess what it is still a good option to go on with.
While you are having a conversation on Skype, you can easily hit the record button to start recording both the audio and video.
I would not say that it is a good fit as a podcast recording software, but you are good to go if you are a beginner to gain some experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| Recording can be done with as many participants as you want | Recordings are not secured permanently |
| Known by almost everyone | You have 30 days to download your recording |
| Free plan is available. | Low-quality audio |
| Userr friendly interface. |
Features Of Skype
- You can invite 99 guests or less
- Focus on yourself by blurring the background
- You can share your screen
- I always use the chat box available in case I don't desire to speak
- 1080HD video resolution MP4 recording
Pricing Options:
- Free for Skype users
10. Zencastr
A very flexible option is available with a browser-based facility and recording with microphones.
The recordings of the audio and video are easily saved on the host’s computer or in the cloud. This makes sure that the quality of the recorded audio/video is high.
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing editing tools | Pay a good amount for accessing advanced tools |
| No need for a strong internet connection | It has no mobile-based service |
| Record and host audio and video |
Features Of Zencastr
- The audio recording in WAV or MP3 files
- 4k resolution video
- Google and Dropbox cloud storage
- Hosting of podcast and distribution as well
- Monetization tool
Pricing Options:
- Free plan
- Professional costs $20/month
- Growth costs $49/month
11. Quick Time
Apple has an in-built video recording and editing software called QuickTime. I do not think there is any better way to start your podcasting career with.
You will not have to deal with unnecessary recording and editing tools.
I found that it was very easy to record all the audio, video, and screen. This gave me simple options available and not very complicated and alien tools.
Though there are not many editing features available in the QuickTime software. But you will easily be able to trim and adjust the videos in the way you want.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface | Basic editing and recording tool |
| You cannot download from an outer source | Good for beginners, but not good if you want to go a long way with this |
| Does not cost a penny |
Features Of Quick Time
- You can record the audio, video, and screen as well
- Basic editing tools
- You can record with iPhone
Pricing Options:
- Free plan available.
Also Read:
Final Thoughts On Best Podcast Recording Software
I have used several podcast recording software and have seen remarkable results along.
The free and paid podcast recording software discussed in this article can be used by beginners as well as pros.
You can go with what suits your needs best. Make a list of the things that you need in your podcast and match it with all the features mentioned above and you would know the right fit for you.
My Opinion:
In case you already have a successful podcast, then you must shift to a paid plan like RSS.com because they will allow you an advanced set of tools.
These tools in return will give you more options to record, pre-record, edit, stream, host, etc.
I would suggest you go with good software even if it is paid so that the quality of the podcast will not get compromised.
Podcasts are such an interesting thing to listen to, so make sure that you don’t waste the time of your audience by providing them with something of poor quality.
If you invest a small amount in your podcast recording software, you will see good results.