5 Free Podcast Editing Programs
You may be reading this because you have officially taken the leap and started your podcast OR maybe you are just ready to learn the basics of audio editing. Either way, I am sure you have been wondering, where exactly do I start? It can be hard to know what programs to use, compare all the costs + benefits, run into the question of what if you don't like them, and all the good stuff that comes with testing new things.
So, let us help! There are some really good paid programs for podcast editing, and if that is the route you want to take, great. However, that is not the route we are taking today. Instead, we will be discussing 5 free podcast editing programs to get a taste of editing so you are able to begin without the stress of what if I pay and hate it. Plus these are all you need to get the job done correctly!
5 Free Podcast Editing Programs
Spotify for Podcasters (previously Anchor)
Spotify for Podcasters is the first on our list of free editing programs we are discussing today. What is neat about Spotify for Podcasters is it does more than just edit your podcast - you can record, distribute, and even potentially monetize your podcast all through this program.
Compatible both on OS (Mac + iPhone/iPad) plus on the Google Play store for Android devices. If you are looking for a tool where you can do all your basic editing, your podcast hosting, keep track of your analytics, and even gather listener support (vs another site like Patreon) then Spotify for Podcasters could be a great option for your show. Especially if you are looking to incorporate video podcasts as they have those capabilities built-in.
Price: You get all of that for free!
Audacity
Audacity is an open-source audio editing platform that is compatible with Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, and others. Very quick to download, just go to their website, pick your system, and download!
We personally use this tool on a regular basis for podcast editing for our own business as we think it's great and has everything you could need. Specifically, it's good for podcast editing is it's a great learning tool for beginners, easy to play around with and you have a ton of effects like noise profile (to help remove noise distractions), normalize, or amplify to help improve your audio sound.
If you are just getting started this is definitely a great tool to start with as it has a lot of great options to learn and practice how editing works (and what you can do with sound). Plus, we love that you can record and edit within the program itself.
Price: Free! No paid version either, so you get everything with it from the start.
GarageBand
GarageBand is another program that offers great audio editing. If you are a Mac or Apple user, this could be a great free option for you. You can download it directly from Apple, here.
A lot of people think of it as a music studio, but it's a great editing tool for podcasts too! We do not use it for our business regularly, however, we do have experience with it and still find it a great tool if for some reason we are unable to use Audacity.
One thing I really love about GarageBand is the layout and look of it, it's a lot more updated looking than other programs. You can also use their music library, record directly, and edit all within the program. However, it doesn't have as many effects and tools that would be beneficial for podcasters as other free programs may have such as noise removal. But another plus is they have an app if you want to work from your iPad or iPhone.
Price: Free! Also no paid version either. So, you get what you get!
Podcastle
I personally have never used Podcastle but it seems like another great option for free Podcast editing. On their own website, they say that they offer studio quality, have AI-powered editing, easy to use and share.
With similar functions to Audacity, the AI has tools and effects that can help make your audio sound high-quality and remove distractions. You are able to record and edit right in the program, as well as offer transcription options and a mobile app so you can take your editing with you on the go! For podcast editing, this could be a good option if you are regularly transcribing.
Price: Free but they do offer paid versions (other options are StoryTeller + Pro) so some of the tools and options you may have to pay to get their full benefits.
Studio One
StudioOne | PreSonus last but not least, is an editing program that you can experiment with for podcast editing. You are able to record, edit, mix, and more all within this one application. Again, I have personally never used it, but after further review, they have a great drag-and-drop option and a lot of great options for music creators that can also be beneficial for your podcast.
Take advantage of their sound and audio editing functions like Chord track which can help with harmony and better sound bites. Even though they are geared towards musicians, spoken words like a podcast can still get great benefits from those tools.
Price: They have StudioOne for free but they do offer a few other options - Studio One Artist, Studio One Professional, and PreSonus Sphere.
Conclusion
This is just a starting ground when it comes to audio editing programs (specifically free ones!) so feel free to test the waters with a couple of different software and see what you like.
The one suggestion I do have though is once you find a program you like, stick with it. Master what you use and keep with. If for some reason you need or want to switch, that's okay. But getting to know your one editing program will be a lot easier and make you an expert rather than relearning multiple!
If audio editing your podcast has become too time-consuming or now looks like it's going to be, reach out to us here as we would love to chat about how we can help your needs.
Until next time! ☺️
Aleea
This blog post was updated on November 28th, 2023
