Podcasting has become one of the easiest and most powerful ways to share your voice. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, business owner, or just someone with something to say, podcasting helps you connect with real people in real ways. I remember feeling confused when I started. What apps do you use? What do you really need? And which ones are just hype? After trying out different tools (some great, some stressful), I’ve compiled a list of the best podcasting programs I’ve found useful, with facts, tips, and real-world value.
Why Podcasting Works for All Kinds of People
Let’s be honest — everyone’s busy. We scroll fast, skip ads, and rarely read long posts. But podcasts? People actually listen. According to recent data, over 460 million people worldwide listen to podcasts regularly (Podcastle.ai, 2024).
That’s why more teachers are using podcasts to explain lessons. Coaches are sharing health tips. Lawyers are breaking down legal stuff in simple terms. And business owners? They’re growing audiences and attracting customers — all by just talking on the mic.
The 10 Best Podcasting Programs Right Now
Whether you’re recording from your bedroom, teaching online, or building a business brand, these podcasting programs will help you get started, sound professional, and save time (and stress).
I’ve grouped them based on what they’re best at — from recording to editing and even publishing.
#1. Riverside.fm – For Remote Interviews and High-Quality Video
Riverside is an invaluable tool for hosting guests or co-hosts from different locations. Unlike Zoom, which compresses audio and video, Riverside records locally. This advantage means your interview sounds crisp even if someone’s Wi-Fi is shaky.
You can also record in up to 4K video, which is perfect for YouTube podcasts or reels.
- Great for: Interview shows, co-hosted episodes, video podcasts
- Cost: Paid plans start around $15/month
- Bonus: You can split audio/video tracks for better editing later
#2. Descript – For Editing Audio by Editing Text
Descript feels like editing a Google Doc… but you’re editing a podcast. It transcribes your episode and lets you delete or move words like text. It even removes “um,” “uh,” or awkward pauses with one click.
You can record directly on the platform or upload files. It also supports multitrack editing, screen recording, and voice cloning (if you’re into that).
- Great for: Beginners, solo podcasters, content creators
- Cost: Free plan available; paid starts at $12/month
- Why I like it: It saves HOURS of editing time
#3. Audacity – For Free, No-Frills Audio Editing
Audacity has been around for a long time and continues to function flawlessly. It’s not the prettiest app, but it’s free, powerful, and lets you do just about everything: record, cut, trim, fade, normalise, remove noise, and export.
It’s especially useful if you’re on a budget or just starting out.
- Great for: Beginners, students, budget-conscious creators
- Cost: Totally free
- Heads-up: The interface looks old-school, but don’t let that scare you off
#4. Alitu – For People Who Want Things Easy
Alitu caters to non-technical individuals. You record right into the app, and it automatically cleans up your audio, adds your intro/outro, and helps you publish directly to platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
It’s more expensive than others, but it’s like having a mini podcast assistant built in.
- Great for: Coaches, educators, entrepreneurs
- Cost: Around $38/month
- Why it works: One dashboard to handle everything — no software needed
#5. GarageBand – For Mac & iPhone Users
If you have a Mac or iPhone, you already have this. Designed primarily for music, GarageBand also excels in podcast production. It lets you record, layer in sound effects or music, and edit without needing extra apps.
It has voice presets, noise reduction tools, and a friendly drag-and-drop interface.
- Great for: Mac users, iOS users, beginners
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Add royalty-free music to give your show a professional vibe
#6. Zencastr – For Simple Remote Audio and Video
Zencastr is similar to Riverside but more focused on audio. It recently added video features, too. Like Riverside, it records each guest’s audio locally, so everything sounds clean even if their Wi-Fi is weak.
You get a personal link to send to guests, and files are auto-saved to the cloud.
- Great for: Interview-based podcasts, remote recording
- Cost: Free plan available; paid starts at $20/month
- Note: You can even publish your episodes directly from Zencastr
#7. Anchor (Now Spotify for Podcasters) – For Recording & Publishing in One
Anchor lets you record, edit, and publish on your phone or desktop—all in one place. It’s owned by Spotify, so your episodes show up there instantly.
You don’t get advanced editing tools like Descript, but it’s fantastic for beginners and hobbyists.
- Great for: First-time podcasters, mobile users, simple shows
- Cost: Free
- Bonus: It has built-in monetisation options (ads, subscriptions)
#8. Hindenburg Journalist – For Storytelling and Longform Audio
This one’s popular with journalists, documentary creators, and educational podcasters. It automatically adjusts volume levels, cleans up noise, and is designed to handle interviews and narrative-style content.
It’s not flashy — it just works.
- Great for: Story-driven shows, documentaries, researchers
- Cost: Paid; around $100 one-time
- Standout Feature: Auto-levelling voice volumes
#9. SquadCast – For Remote Guest Recording with Studio Sound
SquadCast gives you studio-quality audio even if your guest is halfway around the world. You get separate tracks, automatic backups, and the option to record in video, too.
The platform also lets you invite guests with a single click — no downloads needed.
- Great for: Professional interviews, agencies, corporate podcasts
- Cost: Paid; starts around $20/month
- Why people love it: Easy interface + high-quality results
#10. Adobe Audition – For Advanced Audio Editing
If you’re ready to go pro and you want complete control over how your podcast sounds, Adobe Audition is a serious tool. It’s part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, so if you already use Premiere Pro or Photoshop, it fits right in.
You’ll get tools for multitrack editing, sound repair, EQ, and mastering — but it has a learning curve.
- Great for: Audio engineers, experienced editors, professionals
- Cost: Around $20/month
- Pro Tip: Use YouTube tutorials to get the most out of it
Extra Tools to Check Out
- CapCut – Add captions and edit short video clips for social media
- Canva – Design your podcast cover art and promo posts
- Buzzsprout or Anchor – Platforms to publish and host your podcast.
How to Choose the Best Podcasting Program for You
With so many tools out there, it can feel overwhelming to pick the “right” one. The truth is, there isn’t just one perfect option. The best podcasting program for you depends on your needs, skills, and setup. Here’s how to narrow it down.
Consider the following:
#1. Experience level
- Beginners might want something easy and visual, like Descript or Alitu.
- Advanced users may prefer tools like Adobe Audition or Hindenburg for deeper control.
#2. Podcast format
- Solo podcasts can be managed with simple tools like GarageBand or Audacity.
- Interview podcasts require strong remote recording tools like Riverside or Zencastr.
- Storytelling or narrative formats may benefit from multitrack editing in tools like Hindenburg or Descript.
#3. Device compatibility
- Some tools are Mac-only (GarageBand, Final Cut), while others work best on Windows (Audacity, Adobe Audition).
- Mobile-first creators can use Anchor, CapCut, or Podcastle.
- Desktop-first users will appreciate more powerful features and editing rooms.
#4. Workflow preferences
- Do you want to record and edit on the go, or do you prefer sitting down with a laptop?
- Are you recording remotely with guests or only doing in-person sessions?
#5. Budget
- Audacity, GarageBand, and Anchor are excellent free options for experimenting.
- Paid tools like Alitu, Riverside, or Adobe Audition offer more power but come with a cost.
Quick Self-Check
- Are you comfortable editing audio, or do you want something automatic?
- Do you want to focus only on content and let the tool do the work?
- Are you recording with others remotely?
Once you answer these, you’ll know what kind of program fits you best.
Podcasting Programs with Built-In Hosting or Publishing
Some podcasting platforms don’t just let you record or edit — they also let you host and publish your episodes directly to podcast directories like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. These capabilities can save you a lot of time, especially if you’re new.
Examples:
- Anchor (now Spotify for Podcasters)
- Alitu
- Podbean
- Buzzsprout
Pros
- All-in-one solution for creating and distributing your podcast
- Easier learning curve, fewer tools to manage
- Automatic uploads to top platforms
- Some offer monetisation options and analytics
Cons
- Limited customisation for distribution
- Analytics may not be as detailed as third-party hosting tools
- Harder to migrate later if you want to move to a new platform
If your goal is to launch quickly with minimal steps, these tools are a fantastic start.
Programs with Built-in AI Features
Artificial intelligence is becoming a major part of modern podcasting tools. Whether you’re seeking to streamline your editing process, eliminate background noise, or incorporate captions, AI tools are taking on these tasks.
Top tools with AI features:
- Descript – AI removes filler words, clones your voice for fixes, and helps auto-edit transcripts
- CapCut – Useful for repurposing podcast clips into video reels with auto captions
- Podcastle – Offers AI-powered voice tools and speech-to-text
- Adobe Podcast (formerly Project Shasta) Uses AI to make bad audio sound studio-quality
How AI helps podcasters:
- Speeds up post-production
- Cleans up audio and background noise
- Makes editing less technical
- Helps with repurposing content for social media
- Reduces cost if you’re a solo creator doing everything yourself
If you’re short on time or not a fan of editing, tools with AI features can seriously cut your workload.
Hidden Costs and Limitations to Watch Out For
Some podcasting tools sound great at first — until you realise what they don’t include. It’s important to be aware of what each tool actually offers in the free version versus the paid plans.
Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Watermarks
- Tools like KineMaster or some mobile editors may add a watermark to your exported video/audio unless you pay for a premium subscription.
- Export limits
- Some free plans limit your episode length or the number of exports per month.
- Podcastle, Zencastr, and others often cap usage at a certain number of hours per month.
- Desktop-only or mobile-only tools
- Please ensure that the tool is compatible with your operating system. Some tools work great on mobile (e.g., Anchor) but lack the powerful features found in desktop tools.
- Storage limits
- Cloud-based tools may limit the number of projects or recordings you can store in the free version.
- You might have to download and manually back up your files to avoid losing old episodes.
- Upgrade traps
- Some platforms offer basic tools for free but charge extra for features like better analytics, audio enhancement, or removing branding.
To avoid surprises, always check:
- What’s included in the free plan
- What features are behind a paywall
- If your files are easy to export and back up
Can I start a podcast using only my phone?
Yes — with apps like Anchor, Podcastle, or Spreaker, you can record, edit, and publish episodes directly from your phone.
Do I need expensive software to sound professional?
Not at all. Free tools like Audacity or GarageBand are enough to start. Invest in a reliable mic before fancy software.
Which podcasting programs are best for video podcasts?
Use Riverside, Zencastr, or Descript if you’re recording video and want quality + editing options.
What do the pros use?
Many pros use Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, or Pro Tools, but they usually started with simpler tools first.
Which program is best for teams or agencies?
SquadCast, Riverside, and Zencastr are excellent for collaborative teams that manage multiple guests or editors.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need fancy gear to start – Just your phone and one good app is enough.
- The best tool is the one you’ll actually use – Don’t overthink. Just start.
- There’s a tool for every level – From beginner to pro.
- Podcasting builds trust – It’s more personal than blogs or ads.
- Your voice matters – There’s someone out there who needs to hear your story.
Conclusion
Podcasting isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being real. These programs can help you sound better, edit faster, and grow your voice without stress.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start… this is it.
What story will you share on your podcast?
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