The Best Podcast Editing Software

If you want to start a podcast or revamp an existing one, the right podcast editing software can do wonders to improve your output and speed up your workflow. Podcast editing software is a tool that lets you record, edit, and clean up audio files.

You’ll find many software options today, with some audio editing tools doubling as podcast editing software. However, being aware of a few key features can help you find the most suitable tool.

Consider audio editing software tools, pricing, supported file formats, and customer support service before subscribing to any software. Also, realistically assess your skills and experience with editing equipment: Some software is better suited for beginners, while others are better for those with prior editing experience.

After using these podcast tools, host your podcast on podcast hosting sites like Buzzsprout and SoundCloud or share it over different social media platforms.

If you’re confused about which is the best software for your podcast, keep reading.

Best free podcast editing software

Two of the best free podcast editing software include:

• Audacity
• GarageBand

Audacity

Many in the podcasting community regard Audacity as the best free podcast recording tool. The platform is supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Audacity is open-source software, meaning that its source code is available for anyone to study or use.

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Some key features of the software:

• Free tool. Audacity is completely free, making it the best option for people new to podcast editing.
• Great editing options. Apart from recording, Audacity offers a range of editing options (e.g., removing unwanted noises like coughs and mic movement sounds). You can also add intros, outros, and sound effects.
• Easy to use. The interface may seem complicated at first, but the software is reasonably easy to use once you get familiar with the presets. You can also find tutorials on Audacity’s online community to help you get started.
• A lot of freedom. The platform gives a lot of freedom to users. From simultaneously exporting files in multiple formats to supporting various plug-ins and an extensive range of keyboard shortcuts, Audacity gives you the flexibility to use the software however you want. This makes it the best podcast recording software for beginners.
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‍GarageBand

GarageBand is a digital audio workstation that comes free with the Apple Mac operating system. As it’s not a specialized software for podcasts, you can benefit from some of the tool’s added features for quality audio production. Create separate tracks for music, intros, outros, and even ad spots.

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Some benefits of GarageBand:

• Advanced editing features. You can tweak and morph recordings or fade in and fade out the separate tracks you’ve created. GarageBand’s built-in features can also create background music for your episodes.
• Easy to use. Beginners and professional podcasters can use this software. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, and it won’t take long to learn the software and start projects. GarageBand also simplifies complex editing actions by providing in-built features like pre-recorded loops and synths.
• Free software. GarageBand is free, making it suitable for beginners. The only limitation is that it’s available exclusively to Mac users.

Best premium podcast editing software

Two of the best premium podcast editing software include:

• Pro Tools
• Logic Pro

Pro Tools

Pro Tools is editing software designed for beginners and industry veterans. The software has dominated the digital audio workstations (DAWs) space for almost 30 years. Pro Tools targets singers, musicians, podcast creators, and producers who are just starting out by offering them a free version. Pro Tools offers many advanced features, like multitrack recording. This allows professionals to meet high industry standards during audio recording and podcast production.

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Some features of this audio editing software:

• Updatable plug-ins. An audio plug-in enhances the audio-related functionality of a software. The free trial of Pro Tools comes with 100+ plug-ins. Updatable plug-ins provide access to a library of tools, effects, and instruments, allowing you to maximize your creativity.
• Free trial. The free trial comes with many editing options, including the option to capture and edit MIDI performances. Apart from this, the free version has over 5 GB of included sounds and automated features that save many extra steps while editing.
• Easy to learn. The Pro Tools free trial has just enough editing options to help you navigate the interface without being overwhelming. Beginners can opt for the free variant and advance to the paid premium features once they’re comfortable with the software.

Logic Pro

Logic Pro is more focused on music production than podcasts, but the software’s many features let you create compelling podcast episodes. Due to the software’s heavy focus on audio, your final output from Logic Pro will have professional sound quality.

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Some of Logic Pro’s features:

• User-friendly. Mastering the Logic Pro tools and features is relatively easy. If you’re a beginner, you can choose to start working with the basic tools and upgrade to advanced tools once you have a grasp of the software. There are also many tutorials available across several platforms to help.
• Intuitive interface. The clean and intuitive interface makes recording, writing, editing, and mixing easy for creators. Logic Pro offers a range of automated features that streamline your editing process and save time.
• Wide variety of effects. Logic Pro gives you access to an impressive library of effects and plug-ins. Although these effects are more commonly used in music production, Logic Pro’s instrument and effects library can help you freshen up your podcast.
• One-time purchase. Logic Pro is a one-time purchase with no recurring subscription models. While it’s more expensive, its advanced features can benefit a professional podcaster. Users can also take advantage of its free trial for macOS.

Other software worth considering

Some of our other top picks include:

• Adobe Audition
• Auphonic
• SquadCast

Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition offers multiple audio templates, presets, and editing programs that give you complete control over your project. Getting used to the interface can take some time because of the countless advanced features. Adobe Audition is designed to facilitate creation and production. You might already have access to the software if you’re an Adobe subscriber, as it’s part of Adobe Creative Cloud.

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Key features of Adobe Audition:

• Professional editing options. Adobe Audition provides some of the most sophisticated audio editing tools. These tools include batch processing, which allows you to apply effects to multiple files at once and includes audio track restoration and compression.
• Wide variety of editing tools. With Adobe Audition, you get access to various editing tools that let you add fades, segues, and audio tracks to your podcast. It also has excellent noise reduction features to deliver high-quality sound output for your final file.
• Constant updates. As Adobe Audition is part of the Adobe family, expect to receive regular updates and improvements from previous versions. Adobe Audition is a good investment if you frequently upgrade your software.
• Supports multiple file types. Adobe Audition supports over 30 audio file types and 11  video file types during import and export. This support can save precious time if you frequently collaborate with other podcast creators.

Auphonic

Auphonic is automation software with an easy learning curve for the post-production process of new podcast creation—it also has an option of two free hours a month. The software is a viable option for those who don’t have the best recording equipment or a lot of time to edit. Auphonic’s tools can clean up background noise in the audio clips, track leveling, and restore volume.

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Some trademark features of Auphonic:

• Automation tools. The most significant benefit of using Auphonic is the automated tools option. Auphonic levels, restores, and tracks sound levels to give you a professional quality output in a short time. You can also create presets according to your preferences, which further reduces the time spent in post-production.
• Easy to use. Anyone without much technical knowledge can get started with Auphonic. The software does most editing tasks for you with its automated tools.
• AI audio correction. Auphonic uses AI-based algorithms to correct your audio files. Auphonic polishes your audio file to fix level differences and reduce unwanted noise and humming sounds. You can go with the “auto” option or decide the levels of noise reduction yourself.

‍SquadCast

SquadCast is editing software that focuses on podcasts with numerous guests. SquadCast is positioned as a remote recording studio, and its features are centered around making the recording experience seamless and hassle-free.

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Some key features of SquadCast:

• Live video recording sessions. SquadCast enables you to create video content with its in-browser software. You can record video sessions in premium quality and save them to cloud storage.
• Schedulable recording dates. SquadCast simplifies scheduling interviews with podcast guests. Invite guests via email, the software’s recording sessions page, or its studio page.
• Great post-production options. Integrate SquadCast with other editing software to create the perfect podcast. The software also eliminates audio drift and provides crystal-clear audio while recording a session to save time in the post-production phase.

Hire an audio professional

With the increasing competition, it’s important that your podcast stands out. Using the right editing software that fits your needs and budget can help you create a professional-quality podcast more easily.

Another viable option can be to hire a professional audio editor who can edit and refine your podcast to improve its quality. Hiring a pro from Upwork to handle the editing and final output lets you focus on the content of your podcast.

Browse freelancer portfolios on Upwork and hire independent talent to work with you.

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Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.