If you already have a podcast or are thinking of starting one, you probably have a lot on your mind. However, your biggest headache is likely to be editing. Finding the best podcast editing software can be difficult with so many options.
In truth, there is no single best choice. Every podcaster is different, and your ideal software will match your skills, experience, and ambition. Fortunately, there is no shortage of audio editing software for podcasts.
In this post, we’ll discuss the kinds of editing software you can use. Then we’ll review four of the best options and what they can offer your developing podcast. Let’s get into it!
What to Look For in Podcast Editing Software
Firstly, the best podcast editing software for your needs will depend on your experience and skill level. Starting with complicated software that takes hours to master can be time-consuming and a potential waste of money.
Instead, we recommend investing in software that matches your skill level. If you’re a beginner, you’ll likely benefit most from intuitive and user-friendly solutions. You’ll also need to select podcast editing software that runs on your computer’s operating system.
At a base level, you’ll need software that enables you to cut out unwanted content, fix volume levels, and remove background noise. Many software options also let you record and edit from the same platform, simplifying the process.
However, there are also a few key features that are worth using. Depending on your set-up and environment, you may wish to look at advanced noise cancellation and audio improvement features.
It’s worth remembering that editing software is not a magical solution, even with the most advanced features. You should consider buying the best podcast equipment for your budget and using it correctly.
Finally, we recommend using Podcastpage once you’re ready to launch your podcast. Our website builder can help you create a home for your show, promote it on social media, monetize it, and attract a dedicated audience of listeners!
5 Best Podcast Editing Software Options
Before you think about websites, you’ll need to create and edit your podcast. Let’s look at four of the best podcast editing software options!
1. Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is one of the leading names in audio editing software for podcasts. It’s perfect for podcasters seeking flexibility and complete control over every aspect of a project. Audition offers music tracks, fade effects, and multiple audio presets and templates.
The software’s key features include top-of-the-range noise reduction and audio restoration settings. Plus, Adobe Audition has batch-processing capabilities, allowing you to apply effects to many podcast episodes simultaneously.
While it’s an all-encompassing program, the biggest drawback to the software is its difficulty. Adobe Audition is an advanced tool and one that will take some time to master. Given the number of features on offer, it’s best suited to experienced podcasters.
Pricing: A year’s subscription to Adobe Audition will cost $20.99/month. However, the software is included in Adobe’s Creative Suite, meaning you or your team may already have access.
2. Audacity
While Adobe Audition is more suited to the experienced podcaster, Audacity is the opposite. Despite being a known and respected name in audio software, Audacity doesn’t have some of the advanced features of other entries on this list. However, it’s free and open-source, making it excellent value for beginners.
Audacity enables you to record and make edits. You can add your intros, outros, sound effects, and commercials. The software is easy to use, offering presets, free tutorials, and a whole online community.
However, more experienced podcasters might feel limited by Audacity. There are no automated features, so you have to edit everything manually. Additionally, there is no way to publish and distribute your podcast from the platform, meaning you’ll have to upload your finished product manually.
Pricing: Free.
3. Hindenburg
Hindenburg is designed specifically for podcasting and radio journalism. According to its website, the software focuses on “storytelling”, with professional features that make it ideal for intermediate and expert podcasters.
One of the key features of Hindenburg is the auto-leveling function. It simplifies and automates the post-production process and can save you a lot of time.
There are important differences between the Lite and Pro version of the software. With Pro, you’ll get a Skype call recorder to make remote collaboration easier. Auto noise reduction, multitrack recording, and a voice profiler are also included.
By contrast, Hindenberg Lite includes a multitrack editor, automated levels, and publishing tools. It’s still sophisticated podcast editing software but more streamlined.
While offering advanced features, Hindenburg isn’t difficult to use. There are plenty of guides and tutorials, making it an excellent choice for amateur and professional podcasters alike.
Pricing: The main drawback to Hindenburg is the price. Hindenburg Lite costs $99 for a perpetual license. However, the Pro version costs significantly more at $12 per month. Free trial and rental options are available alongside educational discounts.
4. GarageBand
Some people think that Apple’s GarageBand is only for creating music. This is far from the case, and it’s among the best software for podcast editing. GarageBand has real-time editing effects to improve your sound quality and reduce time spent on post-production.
As you might expect, GarageBand has many audio manipulation features. You can change pitch and velocity to morph music and voices. You can also create separate tracks for your intros, outros, and ads before fading them in and out or moving them around.
Furthermore, GarageBand is simple to use with an easy graphical interface. However, while Apple’s involvement may be a strength for Mac users, the software isn’t available on Windows or Linux.
If you use a Mac, GarageBand is a great choice and free from the App Store. The software is also cross-compatible with the iPhone and iPad versions.
Pricing: Free.
5. Anchor.fm
Anchor.fm (owned by Spotify) is a site/app dedicated to help people create, record and edit their podcasts. Anchor is very popular among podcasters, perhaps even the most popular hosting platform, since it’s free and well made. It has some disadvantages, but if you’re just getting started it’s very easy to record and publish your podcast with Anchor.fm and you can always switch hosts down the road.
We discussed in detail how to create a website for your Anchor.fm Podcast, so you can really grow and monetize your show under your own brand.
Pricing: Free.
How about multiple hosts / remote recording tools?
If you’re planning to record a podcast episode (or episodes) that involve more than one person, or if the participants are based in different locations, you’ll want to find a remote recording tool. We wrote a great piece about recording a podcast remotely, so you can check that article for even more options.
By recording remotely, and using a dedicated remote recording software, you’ll be able to record from different locations, but at the same time ensure the quality remains very high. You’ll be able to record both audio and video, and use the high-quality, locally recorded track once you finish the record.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to consider when editing your podcast. If you want to sound as professional as possible, you’ll need the best software for podcast editing. However, this software should match your skill level, budget, and general podcasting needs. After recording your show and before you can safely push it to your podcast hosting and podcast website, you’ll need to ensure it’s cleaned up, edited and mixed to ensure your listeners would enjoy the episode.
In summary, here are four of the top choices for audio editing software for podcasts:
- Adobe Audition: An advanced and feature-packed software for professional podcasters.
- Audacity: Free and excellent for beginners.
- Hindenburg: A sophisticated but costly option.
- GarageBand: A free and beginner-friendly choice for Mac users.
- Anchor.fm: A free tool to record, publish and edit your podcast.
