If you own a Mac or iOS device, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Apple’s GarageBand. It’s not just a tool for artists and musicians — it’s also an editing platform for podcasters.
Is Apple’s GarageBand the best editing tool for your podcast? This guide will help you make an informed decision. We cover everything you should know about this audio production tool, including its prices, features, and limitations.
Curious about how GarageBand stacks up? We also compare it to five other competitors.
Now, let’s dive into everything you should know, starting with an introduction to GarageBand.
- Introduction to GarageBand
- Why Choose GarageBand for Podcast Editing?
- GarageBand’s key features
- GarageBand: pros and cons
- Podcast Editing in GarageBand
- Alternatives to GarageBand
- The bottom line on GarageBand
Introduction to GarageBand
Here’s what you should know about GarageBand at a glance:
| Audio Tracks | Sound Effects | Instruments | Mixer compatible | Remote recording | Free plan | Multitrack recording |
| Up to 255 tracks (your audio interface limits how many you can record simultaneously) | Plugins required | 50 instrument sounds and 500 musical loops (500 sounds and 2,000 loops with in-app purchase) | ✔️ | ✔️ (with Logic Remote for iPhone) | ✔️ (Mac and iOS only) | ✔️ |
Keep reading to get a more comprehensive breakdown.
Why Choose GarageBand for Podcast Editing?
GarageBand is a music production studio available on all Mac and iOS devices. It was initially released in 2004 and remains one of the most popular tools for audio production and podcasting.
You can also use GarageBand with a podcast mixer or interface, making mixing and recording multiple tracks much more intuitive and hands-on.
Just remember that GarageBand doesn’t run on non-Apple devices—if you own a Windows computer or an Android phone, you won’t have access to GarageBand.
GarageBand’s features cover the basics of podcast editing and production:
- Custom templates
- Multitrack and singletrack recording
- Audio editing tools
There are also a few advanced features to consider:
- Audio processing plugins
- Instrument library
- Built-in tools like EQ, Compressers, Limiters etc.
- Shuffle Editing
- Volume Automation
We’ll explore key features for podcasting in the sections below.
GarageBand pricing
Unlike tools such as Adobe Audition, GarageBand is free on Mac and iOS devices. You can download the software directly from the App Store and start recording almost immediately.
The next step up from GarageBand, or Logic Pro, offers more advanced features starting at $199 USD. Logic Pro, like GarageBand, is only available for macOS and iOS devices, so you shouldn’t consider this software unless you’re an Apple user.
How do you know which platform to choose?
If you’re newer to DAWs and don’t need highly advanced production tools, you are probably best suited using GarageBand. If you own quality podcasting equipment (including mics, laptops, and cameras), you won’t need to do much post-production in your DAW.
On the other hand, you may want to download Logic Pro if you’re more familiar with DAWs and need to access more advanced tools or higher-resolution recording.
GarageBand’s key features
Professional Podcast production tools can often be too costly for those just getting into podcast creation, but with tools like GarageBand, you can get started for free.
Here are a few of GarageBand’s most popular features:
Instrument Library
GarageBand focuses on music producers, so it’s no surprise users have access to hundreds of instrument sounds and synthesizers. The base version comes with 50 instruments and 500 musical loops, although with an in-app purchase, you can get up to 500 sounds and 2,000 loops.
Some of the most popular instrument sounds include:
- The vintage electric piano
- The B3 organ
- The clavinet
- Old-time synth
Multitrack recording
You can connect your mixer or interface to a GarageBand track and capture multiple audio streams. Just remember this isn’t enabled by default — you need to turn off single track to avoid future issues.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to do this:
- Choose Track > Configure Track Header from the menu bar.
- Find ‘Record Enable’ and check the box to the left.
- Repeat steps one and two for as many tracks as you want to record.
- Confirm you have separate inputs for each of your tracks.
- You are ready to begin recording on multiple tracks.
Robust editing features
GarageBand comes with multiple editing tools to refine your audio in post-production. Three, in particular, apply to podcasting: automation, split tracks, and loop pointers.
Automation
GarageBand’s automation lets you dynamically adjust tracks to achieve a specific sound as a track progresses. Imagine lowering your mid-roll to announce a sponsored ad or using effects like reverb or echo to add a dramatic flair.
Additional use cases for GarageBand’s automation include:
- Copy/pasting automation to use in different shows
- Fade music in and out (think intros and outros)
- Pan vocal tracks or recording music to create a better audio landscape
If you’re familiar with keyframing in Adobe Premiere Pro, you can easily set up automation in GarageBand.
Split tracks
The split tracks feature does exactly what it implies: breaks audio files into chunks so you can edit or remove them as needed. Split tracks are particularly useful when removing filler words like ‘um’ or collapsing longer conversations into a shorter, sweeter segment.
The process for splitting tracks is simple enough:
- Move your cursor to the area you wish to split.
- Press Command + T on your keyboard.
- You’ve now split your track into two pieces.
You can split the track again to isolate specific audio, then edit (or delete) each piece depending on your use case.
Loop pointer
Want to shorten the beginning or end of a track? GarageBand’s loop pointer allows you to adjust audio length. Simply move your cursor to the beginning or end of the track, then use the bottom button to adjust the size of the track.
GarageBand: pros and cons
There’s a lot to love about using GarageBand for podcasting, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t limitations to consider.
Here’s what to expect if you use GarageBand as your audio production tool:
GarageBand pros
- The GarageBand interface is easy to use. If you’re familiar with Adobe Audition, navigation will be a breeze.
- You can control most of GarageBand functions remotely via your smartphone. Once you download the free Logic Remote app, you can mix, play, and navigate the app directly from your phone.
- You can access a variety of built-in professional audio tools for free, and you can add the latest tools via plugins.
- GarageBand comes built into most Mac computers and iPhones, so there’s no need to spend money or install a DAW.
GarageBand cons
- GarageBand is designed for music production. So, when creating templates for just recording spoken word, you’ll need to manually switch off some built-in features such as metronome and time signatures when creating a template.
- With Apple’s GarageBand, you get what you pay for—and unsurprisingly, it’s not the most complex DAW on the market. If you want more advanced tools and higher-quality features, you may need to upgrade to Logic Pro.
- There is no separate mixer view when blending audio in GarageBand. This may be a frustrating detail if you’re used to a different interface.
- GarageBand is only fully available on iOS 16 and devices with macOS Monterey or later. You must also own an Apple ID, an iCloud‑enabled device, and a Wi‑Fi connection. Even then, you can’t access all features in all regions or countries, so if you’re outside the US, you may not have access to a fully-featured GarageBand.
- Some GarageBand services won’t run on more than ten devices. If you work with multiple team members or switch devices frequently, GarageBand may unintentionally limit your ability to collaborate.
Podcast Editing in GarageBand
GarageBand is an intuitive platform with a whopping 20+ year legacy. Thanks to its 37.38% market share, there are plenty of resources to help you get started.
The most popular ones include:
- Apple Learning Center. You’ll find dozens of articles on capturing audio in GarageBand, including screenshots and video tutorials to help you record, mix, and share your podcast.
- YouTube videos. Several content creators publish regular GarageBand videos offering a range of beginner to advanced techniques. These are easy to watch and rewatch at your own pace, so you don’t need to memorize everything simultaneously.
- Online courses. Some platforms, including Udemy, offer paid courses with expert instructors. You could also opt for LinkedIn Learning, which often offers free courses through your employer or LinkedIn Premium.
Want an easier way to get started with podcast editing? Check out our comprehensive editing guide here.
Alternatives to GarageBand
GarageBand might be one of the most affordable DAWs, but it’s by no means a ‘one size fits all’ solution.
If this podcast editing software doesn’t offer what you need, here are a few alternatives to consider:
REAPER
REAPER is a simple but effective digital audio workstation. The UI looks somewhat similar to Apple’s GarageBand, although you’ll also have access to more advanced features (such as video editing).
However, you should know that REAPER isn’t a free DAW: prices start at $60 USD for personal use and $225 USD for business licensing. The good news is, you can try before you buy. Each REAPER account comes with a free 60-day demo.
Learn more in our complete guide to Reaper.
Adobe Podcast AI and Enhance
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Adobe Podcast suite: it’s one of the market’s fastest-growing (and most anticipated) Adobe products. Their Podcast Studio is currently in Beta, which means it’s 100% free to try. You can also tap into in-browser tools to edit your audio with the help of AI.
Unfortunately, Adobe Podcast wasn’t built for long-form podcasts, which includes anything over 30 minutes long. It’s also less hands-on than several other DAWs on this list. If you’re more comfortable with ‘old school’ editing, you may want to choose an Adobe Podcast alternative.
Learn more about Adobe Enhance and Adobe Podcast AI in our separate guides.
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition was once the gold standard in audio editing. Today, it remains a popular platform for Adobe users who already own a Creative Cloud license. You can upload and edit tracks, automatically apply audio effects, and use spectral analysis to isolate and remove unwanted audio.
However, Adobe Audition is one of the most expensive platforms on this list. The software alone costs $413.88 per year on a month-to-month basis, or $719.88 per year if you want the entire Creative Cloud. If you’re looking for something that won’t break the budget, another GarageBand alternative may be what you’re looking for.
You can learn more about Adobe Audition in our dedicated guide.
Descript Podcast Software
Descript is one of the most advanced AI audio and video workstations for upgrading your podcast to video. With a single click, you can automatically remove all filler words and overdub words with AI cloning and develop audiograms to share on social media.
Of course, these more advanced features come at a price: Descript starts at $12 per month for 10 transcription hours. You should also consider the steep learning curve, which some users describe as ‘onerous.’
Hindenburg PRO
Hindenburg PRO was designed for the spoken word. Many of its features were designed with the podcaster in mind, including magic audio leveling, noise reduction tools, and a voice profiler (which creates consistent sound across shows).
Unlike GarageBand, you have to pay money to unlock Hindenburg PRO. The starter license costs $50 USD per month, although you can also pay for a perpetual license starting at $299 USD. It’s significantly cheaper than programs like Adobe Audition but not always economical for leaner budgets.
The bottom line on GarageBand
GarageBand is an excellent tool for basic podcast editing. If you don’t need advanced tools or care about bells and whistles, it’s an outstanding free DAW that can help you get your podcast out into the world.
That said, editing and publishing your audio show is just the first step in a much longer journey. You may also need podcast video, social media assets, or remote recording support to successfully promote your show.
That’s why some of the world’s most successful podcasters choose The Podcast Consultant to handle the finer details. We make it easy to delegate technical tasks so you can do what you do best: be the unique star of your show.
Curious to learn more about how we can help? Just schedule a Discovery Call today. You can ask specific questions, get details and specifics, and confirm we’re a fit for your show.