Whether you are new to the world of podcasting or an old pro, chances are you know that you’re going to need to use some podcast editing software at some point. It can be useful for just about anything podcast-related, including editing, post-processing (like getting rid of background noises and fixing volume levels), and even recording your content in the first place.
If you do a quick online search, you can see there are indeed a ton of great podcast editing options out there, but the problem is that not every software is necessarily well-suited for every skill level. You could choose to invest in software that has all the possible bells and whistles, but if you don’t know how to use them properly, then really, what’s the point?
That’s why we’ve taken the time to figure out the best podcast editing software for podcasters of all skill levels, from beginners to intermediate users to experts. We have also included the best free podcast editing software option that would be suitable for just about everyone, in case you’re on a budget. This way, you can quickly find the editing software that best suits your needs as a podcast host and podcasting abilities and get to posting your content in no time!
Best Podcast Editing Software for Beginner Podcasters
Alitu
Features
- Record podcasts on your own or with guests
- Automatically convert audio file, level out the volume, and clean up audio
- Helps you add in your own music, transitions, segments, etc.
- Drag and drop editing tool allows you to edit and rearrange your episodes your way
- Automatically adds intros and outros to podcasts
- Publishes audio recording automatically
- Helps you create ads and segments for your podcast recording
If you’re completely new to podcasting and have little to no experience with sound editing and podcast production, then Alitu is a great choice for your first podcast editing software. Its user-friendly drag and drop tools make cutting, splicing, and rearranging your episodes a breeze, and then it does just about everything else automatically.
Your cleanup, volume leveling, adding in intros and outros, and even publishing can all be taken care of by Alitu. If you’re looking for a mostly hands-off approach to podcast editing, this is your best bet!
System Compatibility: Web-based
Cost: At $32 a month, it is perhaps a little expensive for those casual podcasters, but if you are a newbie who is serious about starting their podcast off right, then it may be worth the investment. You can always try it out with their 7-day free trial.
Best Podcast Editing Software for Intermediate Podcasters
Hindenburg Journalist Pro
Features
- Records audio clips
- Auto-leveling functions
- Multitrack recording, editing, and merging
- Cut, copy, and insert audio clips
- Add music and ambient sound
- Voice Profiler tool automatically creates an EQ for a more polished sound
- Built-in publishing tool
- Pro tool version has auto noise reduction and Skype call recorder for guests
Hindenburg Journalist Pro has actually been specifically designed for those who create spoken word productions, such as podcasters, radio journalists, and audio producers. That being said, this digital audio workstation isn’t necessarily limited to experienced users in those fields as it has a lot of automated features that can help save anyone a ton of editing and producing time, allowing you to focus more on your podcast recording.
While this editing podcast software is geared more toward a podcaster that has some experience podcasting, it isn’t necessarily out of reach for a beginner podcaster who is willing to put some work into their audio production, thanks to the many guides and tutorials that come with the audio editing software to help you navigate its features.
System Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Cost: You can get Hindenburg Journalist Pro for about $95 or opt for the upgraded Hindenburg Journalist Pro for a one-time payment of $375 or a subscription plan. Fortunately, you can first sign up for a 30-day free trial before deciding if it’s right for you and your podcast production.
Best Podcast Editing Software for Expert Podcasters
Adobe Audition
Features
- Can record, mix, edit, restore, and compress audio clips
- Includes multitrack recording, waveform, and spectral display
- Essential Sound panel allows you to create high-quality audio clips
- Noise-reduction features
- Batch processing capabilities
- Offers lots of presets and audio templates
- Well-supported for those who need help
Adobe Audition has just about everything expert podcasters need to fully customize their content. And if the included features aren’t enough for you, there are many add-ons available that can help you achieve your goals.
This podcast editing tool has excellent noise reduction and general audio editor cleanup features and audio track restoration and compression capabilities. However, it is perhaps best known for its batch processing features, which means that the audio software allows you to add a sound effect or other audio effects to an audio file and then apply it to others all at the same time. This is especially helpful for a podcast editor who tends to follow a certain format for their podcast recording and editing process.
System Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Cost: You can get the annual monthly plan for this podcast editing tool for $20.99 per month or a regular monthly plan for $31.49.
Best Free Podcasting Editing Software for Everyone
Audacity
Features
- Record podcasts through microphone or mixer
- Record computer playback
- Digitize recordings from tapes and records
- Import, export, edit, and combine files
- Effects such as changing the pitch, tempo, or speed of audio
- Allows you to add music, intros, outros, sound effects, and ads
- Audio editing that allows you to clean up audio
If you are a beginner willing to learn some podcast editing basics or an expert who likes professional-level features, check out Audacity. Now, this open-source recording and editing program doesn’t have all the automatic features offered by programs like Alitu, so beginners will have to take some time to get used to things. However, it is fairly easy to learn thanks to its preset functions and many tutorials available in the online community.
For intermediate and expert users who want more than just the basics, this podcast software allows you to download plugins so you can add more effects, features, import and export options, and whatever else you may need to customize your podcasts.
System Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Price: Free!
