15 Best Podcast Editing Software: Pricing, Features and Benefits in 2024

Posted: May 5, 2024


Starting a podcast, or looking to improve your current podcast style? There are dozens of available podcast editing software in the market today for podcasters of all levels. Most of these tools function in the same way. So, how do you pick the best podcast editing app? Editing a podcast can be as tough as editing video marketing material. You don’t only need to “clean” the audio, but you also need to cut tapes, compress audio, and mix tracks. Just like any media, the goal of podcasting is to deliver a message that will influence your listeners. You need to tell your brand story effectively either through audio or video podcasts. Such is evident from current content marketing statistics. With this in mind, you need podcast editing software that’s reliable and versatile. You also need to consider your skill level—if you can handle a complex tool. You may ask: how do professionals edit podcasts? For professionals and beginners alike, there’s a suitable tool for each user.

Key Takeaways

• There are top 15 podcast editing software solutions, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities to meet the needs of podcasters at different skill levels and budget ranges.
• Podcast editing software often includes tools for audio cleanup, noise reduction, equalization, compression, and mastering, enhancing the overall quality and professionalism of podcast recordings.
• Many among the featured software solutions streamline the editing process with intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop functionality, multi-track editing, keyboard shortcuts, and batch processing, allowing podcasters to work more efficiently and creatively.
• Several podcast editing platforms support remote collaboration and cloud-based storage, enabling podcast teams to collaborate on projects from anywhere, share files easily, and maintain version control.
• Pricing plans, subscription models, and free trials for each software, empowering podcasters to make informed decisions based on their editing needs, budget constraints, and preferred payment structures are also discussed.

Below are the top podcast editing software that entrepreneurs, small companies, and large businesses use.

Alitu

This is one of the best podcast editing software for beginners. Even if you have zero experience in podcast editing and no desire to edit audio, Alitu can help you set up good podcast content. Some of its functions include:

• Automating your podcast audio editing
• Cleaning up your raw audio
• Leveling up the volume of your podcast audio
• Allowing users to add segments, music, and transitions

With Alitu, you can save time during postproduction while increasing the overall quality of your audio samples. This podcast editing software also enables users to publish their content directly on podcast hosting sites, such as Speaker, Buzzsprout, and Libsyn. Subscription: $28/month, with a free seven-day trial available.

Pro Tools

This podcast editing program is one of the nicest and most used by popular radio stations. Although a bit more expensive than other podcast editing software, Pro Tools has been an industry standard for thousands of individual entrepreneurs and group companies. Part of its features are:

• 20 plugins for the free version and more plugins for paid subscriptions
• Automated features that help save time in recording, mastering, and editing audio files
• Enables users to handle complex mixes with ease and speed
• Immersive audio productions by mixing Ambisonics, Dolby Atmos, and other 3D sound effects

If you're on the look out for podcast editing software free, podcast editing software for beginne Pro Tools’ free version offers basic functions that are good for beginners. If you’re ready for advanced editing, you can always upgrade to its paid subscriptions and avail of more creative features. Subscription: Offers a free trial. For paid subscriptions, standard pricing starts at $29.99/month. Pricing may vary based on the tier you choose.

Adobe Audition

Considered one of the most popular podcast editing software in the market, Adobe Audition comes with a flexible interface and offers users a near-complete control of the software. Its major features include:

• Stereo waveform editor with noise-reduction and visualization tools
• Podcasting templates and presets that allow for easy recording of multitrack audio
• Various royalty-free audio effects
• Adding of music, fades, and segues
• Automatically runs podcast templates as scripts
• Advanced audio compression and restoration

Like Pro Tools, Adobe Audition has long been accepted in the industry for its proven effectiveness and seamless functionality. It’s especially popular for enabling users to apply similar effects to multiple audio files at once. Subscription: $29.99/month

GarageBand

This audio editing application is well-known among Mac and Apple iOS users for its ease of use and intuitive interface. If you’re wondering, “how can I edit my podcast for free?” this is the answer. GarageBand is free with a few in-app purchases. Some of its major functions are:

• Ability to share files with other iOS and Mac users
• Allows users to record podcast audio along over 250 tracks
• Files can also be shared on SoundCloud and various social media apps
• Has a digital audio workstation that lets users mix and master podcast audio files
• High-resolution video podcast recordings
• A comprehensive collection of audio editing tools

Ultimately, GarageBand is one of the best free podcast editing software for beginners. It’s also exclusive since it’s only available to Mac and iOS users. Additionally, if you’re planning to launch your new podcast episode on social media, you can use an advertising tool like the one in this Postfity review. Subscription: Free, with some in-app purchases.

Audacity

This podcast editing software is an older tool with user-friendly features. Like GarageBand, it’s also free and is being used by countless professionals. Some of the reasons why entrepreneurs and businesses use Audacity are:

• It works well with audio up to 32-bit/384kHz
• The app allows users to conveniently import, combine, and mix audio tracks, whether they’re mini, stereo, or multitracked recordings
• Flexible editing with unlimited redos and undos
• It works on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X
• Files can be downloaded in various file formats
• Supports a variety of plugins and audio effects
• Allows social media sharing

If you’re looking for the best tool where you can record and edit podcast audio for free, Audacity is the entrepreneurs’ top choice. It offers great features for beginners and intermediate users alike at no cost at all. This is especially useful for managing social media advertising campaigns. Subscription: Free

Logic Pro X

This podcast editing software allows users to have total control over their audio quality and music production. Logic Pro X also comes with comprehensive features and fade-in and fade-out effects. Other functions include:

• Automated features to save time during postproduction
• Exclusive use because it’s only available to Mac users

Logic Pro X is a good editing tool choice. However, it’s not specifically made for podcast editing. It’s also a little bit pricey compared to other podcast editing programs. But the good side is it provides professional editing features and automation capabilities that are helpful to beginners. Subscription: $199, with a free trial.

Descript

Before becoming a podcast editing tool, Descript started as an audio transcription app. With that, this software is more about editing text on your file than editing audio. Some of the things that you can do with this podcast editing software are:

• Record audio
• Import audio
• Transcribe audio
• Edit audio by editing the text
• Provides a text-to-video editor

Overall, Descript is an amazing tool if you’re looking for a unique approach to podcast editing. However, if you’re used to traditional programs, you might not like the idea of text-based editing. Subscription: Paid version starts at $12/month, with a free version with limited options.

Power Sound Editor

This podcast editing program comes with everything you need, from creating to sharing and editing podcasts. Entrepreneurs can also utilize additional microphones to record tracks. Some of the key functions of Power Sound Editor include:

• Enables users to import audio clips from DVDs, web videos, CDs, and media players
• Supports various audio formats like WAV, Windows Media Audio, and MPEG
• More than 25 audio effects
• Text-to-speech
• Batch conversion
• Merging of audio files

Ultimately, Power Sound Editor is a good application if you’re looking for easy-to-use software. It’s flexible and compatible with major audio file types. If you’re also searching for an effective tool for promoting your podcast content, you can read this Denim Social review. Subscription: $29.95

Hindenburg Journalist

As the name suggests, this application is specifically developed for radio journalists and podcasters. Its main advantage is that it can edit complex episodes despite not being a master audio editor. Other beneficial features include:

• Allows users to edit and upload audio files regardless of size, format, or channel
• Helps with the balancing of recording sounds
• Built-in effects, such as volume adjustment and crossfade
• Auto-leveling function
• Auto noise reduction
• Built-in Skype call recorder for Pro users

Overall, Hindenburg Journalist is a great fit if you want to produce high-quality podcast audio without a thorough editing experience. It also comes with many official tutorials and guides to help you on your post-production journey. Subscription: $95/month, with a 30-day free trial.

Wondershare Filmora

Maybe you’ve asked: can I edit podcast in Filmora? The answer is an absolute yes! This Mac and PC video editor comes with an easy-to-use interface that’s ideal for both beginners and advanced users. Furthermore, Wondershare Filmora offers the following functionalities:

• Create video and audio podcast on the app’s timeline
• Edit audio by converting, changing the sampling rate, cutting, and many more
• Upload and publish audios and videos in different file formats
• Choose from more than 800 audio and video effects

Apart from offering creative editing tools, Wondershare Filmora is also safe to use. It passes the malware and virus scan from Malwarebytes AntiMalware and Microsoft Security Essentials. Subscription: The Windows version costs $39.99/year, while the Mac version costs $44.99/year.

Auphonic

This podcast post-production tool is one of the best choices for upgrading your podcast audio. Its main function is to clean up your audio files through various editing tools, such as levelers, restoration, and normalization. Auphonic also has the following capabilities:

• Works well for podcasters who don’t have high-quality recording equipment
• Best for cleaning audio differences in podcast interviews
• Omits background noise
• Automatically tracks audio leveling
• Allows users to create audio presets
• Enables the editing of multiple tracks at once

Overall, Auphonic is a great podcast editing software that does all the work for you. The best part? You don’t need technical knowledge to get started. Its easy automation features got you covered. Subscription: Free for the first 2 hours of audio per month; anything after that costs $11/month.

Studio One

This is a digital innovation tool for musicians, podcasters, and anyone dealing with sound. It comes with a single-window interface that makes recording and editing a breeze. Moreover, Studio One highlights the following features:

• Drag-and-drop capabilities
• Nearly 1GB of sample and loop materials
• 9 native effects plugins

Ultimately, Studio One is an ideal solution for audio and video editing. You can record, mix, and master music and videos on the platform with ease. Subscription: Free version is available, with many premium upgrades and packages for additional features.

ACID Xpress

This podcast editing software allows users to record, mix, and edit multitrack sound files. It also enables you to combine samples and loops for original podcast recordings. Furthermore, ACID Xpress comes with the following functions:

• Adding of vocals, drum beats, and other music snippets
• Buttons to preview your songs
• Loops package
• 10 examples of audio projects

ACID Xpress is the free version of the ACID Music Studio by Sony. Though it comes with limited features, the app is still a good choice for beginners and micro businesses. Subscription: Free

Reaper

This digital audio production app is known for its full and multitrack support for editing, recording, mastering, mixing, and processing sound files. It also runs as a desktop application and comes with a well-designed interface that’s ideal for beginners. Some of Reaper’s key features include:

• Reliable and won’t crash in the middle of the postproduction process
• A wide range of processing effects and editing tools
• Various built-in plugins
• Customizable automation features
• Video tutorials and software manual on Reaper’s website

Reaper isn’t just friendly for beginners. It’s also a good choice for intermediate-level podcasters looking to level up their game in the industry. Plus, this podcast editing software is more affordable than other audio editing tools. Subscription: $225 for the full cost, with a 60-day free trial and a $60 discounted license.

Fission

Rounding up our podcast editing software list is an app that’s exclusive for Mac users. Fission is well-loved for its elegant and simple interface. It also provides excellent podcast editing features, such as:

• Transcoding and splitting up of most audio formats
• Changing sound volume
• Uploading podcast to iTunes or SoundCloud
• Exporting audio in AAC, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, and WAV formats
• Fading, merging, and chopping several audio files without losing quality
• Dividing podcast files into chapters

Aside from being an efficient tool on its own, Fission also works with Audio Hijack, enabling podcasters to upload their audio files on Audio Hijack and then modify them on Fission before publishing on their hosting site. Additionally, its SoundCloud integration is an advantage for entrepreneurs and businesses using the platform to host their shows. Subscription: $28.99 purchase

Picking the Best Podcast Editing Software

 

If you’ve long wondered, “where can I record and edit a podcast?”, all options are laid out above. However, picking the best option is the tricky part. Here’s a quick wrap up of the top podcast editing software based on different categories:

• All-round Winner: Pro Tools
• Top Free Option: Audacity
• Best Advanced Option: Adobe Audition
• Most Outstanding Low-Cost Option: GarageBand
• Easiest to Use: Auphonic and Alitu
• Best for Professionals: Hindenburg Journalist

Remember, success comes from great investments. With over 500,000 active podcast shows, you need to create the best content and grow your podcast. So, choose the most powerful tool now!

FAQ

• What are the key features to consider when choosing podcast editing software? Key features include audio editing tools (cut, trim, fade, etc.), noise reduction and cleanup, multitrack editing, effects and plugins, audio file format compatibility, project management and organization, collaboration and sharing options, and customer support and training resources.
• How does podcast editing software differ from digital audio workstations (DAWs) used in music production? While both podcast editing software and DAWs offer audio editing capabilities, podcast editing software is often tailored specifically for podcast production, with features and workflows optimized for spoken-word content, simplicity, and ease of use, whereas DAWs may offer more advanced functionality suited for music production.
• Can podcast editing software be used by beginners with limited technical skills? Yes, many podcast editing software solutions offer user-friendly interfaces, tutorials, and beginner-friendly features designed to accommodate users with varying levels of technical expertise. Beginners can start with basic editing tasks and gradually explore more advanced features as they gain confidence and proficiency.
• Are there any free podcast editing software options available? Yes, some podcast editing software solutions offer free versions or trial periods with limited features, allowing users to test the software before committing to a subscription. Additionally, open-source software may provide free alternatives with community support and customizable features.
• How can podcast editing software improve the overall quality and professionalism of podcasts? Podcast editing software enables podcasters to enhance audio quality, remove background noise and distractions, edit out mistakes or pauses, add music and sound effects, maintain consistent audio levels, and create a polished final product that engages and retains listeners.

Looking to promote your podcast content through influencer collaborations? Read our article: “Influencer Collaboration: Ideas, Types, and Examples.”