Podcast editing software is a must for producing successful shows. But with so many different options on the market, which platform makes the most sense for your show?
The easiest way to decide is to compare and contrast the top options. Fortunately, we did the heavy lifting for you.
The eight best podcast editing software tools are:
- Adobe Enhance: Best for AI-powered audio production
- Adobe AI: Best for hands-off podcast production
- Adobe Audition: Best for Creative Cloud users
- REAPER: Best for podcasters on a budget
- GarageBand: Best for free podcast editing
- Hindenburg PRO: Best for on-the-go recording
- Descript: Best for audio transcriptions
This guide explores each of these podcast editing tools, including their prices, features, and unique benefits. It also highlights their drawbacks and limitations so you can make an informed decision for your show.
Table of Contents
- Comparing Podcast Audio Editing Software
- 1. Adobe Enhance: Best For AI-Powered Audio Production
- 2. Adobe AI: Best For Hands-Off Podcast Production
- 3. Adobe Audition: Best For Creative Cloud Users
- 4. REAPER: Best For Podcasters On A Budget
- 5. GarageBand: Best for Free Podcast Editing
- 6. Hindenburg PRO: Best for On-The-Go Recording
- 7. Descript: Best for Audio Transcriptions
- Choosing The Right Podcast Editing Software For Your Podcast
- The Bottom Line on Podcast Editing Software
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best podcast editing software for beginners?
- Which podcast editing software is best if I’m on a tight budget?
- Do I need podcast editing software if I already record clean audio?
- What’s the difference between a DAW and an AI podcast editing tool?
- Can I record remote guests using podcast editing software?
- Is Adobe Audition worth the cost compared to free alternatives?
- Which podcast editing software works best for editing on the go?
- How do I choose the right podcast editing software for my show?
Comparing Podcast Audio Editing Software
Adobe Enhance and Adobe AI suit hands-off, browser-based editing. REAPER and Adobe Audition serve advanced users. GarageBand is the best free option. Descript excels at transcription-based editing. Hindenburg PRO fits field recording.
Here’s a quick chart so you can compare them at a glance:
| Software | Audio Tracks | Sound Effects | Instruments | Mixer compatible | Remote recording | Free plan | Multitrack recording |
| Adobe Enhance | 1 (built for single-track audio cleaning) | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | ✔️ | n/a |
| Adobe AI | Unlimited (the only limits are hard disk space and processing power) | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Adobe Audition | Unlimited (the only limits are hard disk space and processing power) | 12,000+ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ (not for live recording) |
| GarageBand | 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) | ✔️ |
| Hindenburg PRO | Only your audio interface limits how many you can record simultaneously | Access to Soundly (built-in sound effect library) | Third-party plugins only | ✔️ (audio interface only, specifically the Focusrite Vocaster) | ✔️ (Field Recorder costs $4.99) | ❌ (30-day trial only) | ✔️ (not for live recording) |
| Descript | Unlimited (called sequences) | 14 | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ (up to 10 people locally) | ✔️ (unlimited) | ✔️ |
| REAPER | Unlimited | 34 | ❌ (no virtual instruments or loops) | ✔️ (USB only) | ✔️ (With workarounds) | ❌ (60-day trial only) | ✔️ (available for live streaming) |
Now, let’s dive into each podcast editing platform, starting with the simplest option on this list:
1. Adobe Enhance: Best For AI-Powered Audio Production
| Pros | Cons |
| Free to use | Not designed for intensive edits |
| No audio skills required | AI ‘strength adjusting’ requires upgrade |
| Compatible with most audio file types | 30-minute max duration on the free plan |
Adobe Enhance is part of the Adobe Podcast Suite, which is a collection of AI tools provided by Adobe. As long as you have an Adobe account, you can log into the platform and get started for free.
You can upload prerecorded audio to Adobe AI, or simply record new audio in the online web app. You’ll also have access to an ‘invite’ button so you can get remote guests to record through the platform.
Adobe AI may be a good fit for podcasters who don’t need professional editing features. So long as you have a good podcast microphone, you can make small tweaks and edits directly from your browser.
But again, Adobe AI is not a professional DAW. There isn’t a way to sweeten audio by hand or make granular edits using plugins or extensions.
We cover the rest in our guide to Adobe Enhance.
Key Features of Adobe Enhance
- Automatically enhance speech
- Free browser-based tool
- No advanced audio knowledge required
Adobe Enhance Pricing
Adobe Enhance, like the rest of Adobe AI, is currently free to use.
2. Adobe AI: Best For Hands-Off Podcast Production
| Pros | Cons |
| Free to use | Not designed for intensive edits |
| No editing skills required | Not a fully-featured professional DAW |
| Edit audio like text | Paid plan required for video editing |
As mentioned earlier, Adobe AI is a collection of artificial intelligence tools specifically designed for editing podcasts. Some users describe it as a cross between Descript and GarageBand: it’s free to use and allows you to edit audio like text.
We discuss Adobe AI in detail in our guide to Adobe Podcast: AI Tools.
Key Features of Adobe AI
- Mic check (check your mic before recording)
- Enhance speech (Adobe Enhance)
- Adobe Studio (edit audio like text)
Adobe AI Pricing
Adobe AI, like Adobe Enhance, is 100% free to use. Keep in mind this could change at any time — it may eventually join the Adobe Creative Cloud.
You could also opt for Adobe Express Premium, which is a paid version of Adobe AI starting at $9.99 USD. This subscription plan unlocks access to:
- Video support and editing tools
- Bulk file upload
- AI strength adjustment
- 4+ hour audio uploads
You can always sign up for a 30-day free trial to test these features for yourself.
3. Adobe Audition: Best For Creative Cloud Users
| Pros | Cons |
| Spectral analysis tools | Expensive monthly costs |
| Compatible with Adobe Media Encoder | Not compatible with all mixers |
| Part of the Creative Cloud | Steep learning curve |
Adobe Audition is a digital audio workstation that comes as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. You can think of it as an expensive older cousin of Adobe Podcast, although keep in mind it doesn’t come with many AI features.
You can make granular edits with Adobe Audition, especially with help from the spectral analysis tool. This transforms sound into a visual spectrum so you can remove, repair, or sweeten your audio faster.
If you’re already paying for the Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Audition may be an effective editing tool for your needs. It’s also compatible with Adobe Media Encoder so you can render the highest-quality audio possible.
Unfortunately, Adobe Audition is anything but cheap — and it’s not as easy to use as other podcast editing software. It’s also not compatible with all podcast mixers, which could be a major limitation depending on the podcast equipment you own.
Read more about the features and limitations of Adobe Audition.
Key Features of Adobe Audition
- Multitrack recording
- Spectral analysis
- Sound repair
Adobe Audition Pricing
Adobe Audition is one of the most expensive editing tools on this list.
By itself, Adobe Audition costs $22.99 per month annually (or $34.49 per month). If you choose to access it through Creative Cloud (where it comes bundled with 20+ other apps), prepare to spend up to $59.99 per month.
If you are currently a student or teacher, you may have access to reduced pricing ($19.99 per month) for the first year. After that, the price will increase to $719.88 per year.
You can trial the software free for seven days. Just remember to cancel your subscription before it auto-renews.
4. REAPER: Best For Podcasters On A Budget
| Pros | Cons |
| More cost-effective than other DAWs | Steeper learning curve |
| 100% customizable workflows | Requires third-party plugins |
| Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux | Advanced features may take time to learn |
REAPER by Cockos is a professional DAW for any audio project where you might need a workstation. It’s also one of the most customizable workstations in the world, with more than 1,300 third-party plugins available for installation.
Many podcasters use REAPER as a full-service editing tool. You can perform basic edits, touch-up video audio, and even customize your toolbars depending on your workflow.
REAPER is an excellent choice for the podcaster on a budget. If you’re more familiar with professional editing workflows, it’s also a good choice for making advanced audio corrections.
However, you should know that REAPER isn’t always intuitive at first glance, so the learning curve may be steeper than what you’d find on other platforms. You also need to download third-party plugins to maximize its potential, which may be frustrating to podcasters who are looking for an out-of-the-box solution.
Learn more about REAPER DAW in our comprehensive guide.
Key Features of REAPER
- Video editing tools
- Track lanes and comping
- Customizable interface
REAPER Pricing
It costs $60 to purchase a REAPER license as a student, teacher, or personal user.
You’ll have to pay $225 per user if you’re a for-profit entity that makes $20,000 USD or more per year.
Each license comes with free upgrades through REAPER version 8.99. You also won’t have to pay any subscription costs — a one-time fee unlocks complete access to REAPER.
5. GarageBand: Best for Free Podcast Editing
| Pros | Cons |
| Free to use | Only exists on iOS devices |
| Compatible with mixers and interfaces | Not built for the human voice |
| Control remotely via an app | No separate mixer view when blending audio |
If you own a Mac, an iPhone, or an iPad, you already have access to Apple’s GarageBand. This is a DAW specifically designed for music editing, although there are plenty of features for podcasters as well.
GarageBand supports live multitrack recording and works alongside both mixers and audio interfaces. It’s also compatible with the Logic Remote for iPhone app (which is also 100% free).
You may want to use GarageBand as your audio editor if you don’t want to spend money on podcast editing software. Since it’s also compatible with third-party plugins, it’s relatively easy to customize to your needs.
Keep in mind you get what you pay for — GarageBand doesn’t come with many bells and whistles. This DAW also wasn’t built to optimize the human voice, and some of the music-heavy features might not make sense for your use case.
We explore the benefits, features, and limitations of GarageBand in our full review.
Key Features of GarageBand
- Instrument library
- Multitrack recording
- Automation, split tracks, and loop recording
GarageBand Pricing
GarageBand is 100% free software that doesn’t cost extra to use.
But if you want more advanced features like higher resolution recording, you’ll have to pay for Logic Pro (which starts at $199 USD).
6. Hindenburg PRO: Best for On-The-Go Recording
| Pros | Cons |
| Specifically designed for the spoken word | More expensive than competitors |
| Remote recording without internet | Requires a separate app for remote recording |
| Offline editing capabilities | Only works on two devices simultaneously |
Hindenburg PRO is an audio editor for podcasters, journalists, and audiobook narrators. Like Adobe Podcast, you can transcribe your files into text documents. Then, you can remove silences, filler words, awkward pauses, and more.
Like REAPER, Hindenburg PRO offers audio and video editing tools. You can also tap into an advanced sound library with thousands of sound effects, intro tracks, and royalty-free tunes.
You may want to consider Hindenburg PRO if you often take podcasting work into the field. Since you don’t need an internet connection to edit transcriptions, it’s simple and easy to take work on the go.
Unfortunately, transcription hours on Hindenburg PRO cost extra money per month. Even remote recording costs an extra fee — and you’ll also have to download a separate app.
Read more about using Hindenburg PRO for podcasting.
Key Features of Hindenburg PRO
- Offline transcriptions
- Sound library
- Clipboard tool
Hindenburg PRO Pricing
The cost of Hindenburg PRO ranges between $12 and $30 per user per month for personal use. If you’re using Hindenburg PRO to make a podcast for profit, or if you’re a business entity (hint: not a solopreneur), you’ll have to pay for a business plan starting at $20 per user per month.
Here’s the simplest breakdown:
Personal Use
- Standard: $12 per user per month for Soundly access
- Plus: $15 per user per month for 20 transcription hours
- Premium: $30 per user per month for 50 transcription hours (plus premium Soundly access)
Business Use
You’ll unlock features such as:
- Magic Levels
- Music report
- Loudness normalization
- Priority tech support
Here are the three plans available:
- Bronze: $20 per user per month for manuscript editing, access to Soundly, and video track editing
- Silver: $35 per user per month for premium access to Soundly plus 75 hours of audio transcriptions
- Gold: $45 per user per month for 100 transcription hours
Educator Licenses
This unlocks the same features as the Hindenburg Business Plan, just at 50% off for the first year.
Your prices would be:
- Bronze: $10 per user per month (at 50% off)
- Silver: $17.50 per user per month (at 50% off)
- Gold: $22.50 per user per month (at 50% off)
Field Recording
If you wish to record a podcast from your phone, you can download Hindenberg’s Field Recorder app for iPhone which allows you to easily transfer recordings made on your phone to your DAW. Just keep in mind this costs $4.99 USD and is not compatible with Android devices.
7. Descript: Best for Audio Transcriptions
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface | Reviewers say it’s not for professional use |
| Direct publish to Slack or Podbean | Not the cheapest option for transcription |
| AI features on every plan | Up to 12 times slower than Premiere Pro |
If you’re newer to podcasting and want a more user-friendly interface, Descript may be a tool worth considering. This is a web-based editing tool that works in your browser, although there’s also a desktop version for more customizable editing.
You can use Descript to perform basic edits, then tap into AI tools to optimize your show. A few of the most popular include AI eye contact, studio green screen, and automatic studio sound (similar to Adobe Podcast).
Descript is the best podcast editing tool for editing audio with transcriptions. It also comes with plenty of AI features for social collateral marketing, sound bite creation, and more.
However, Descript’s transcriptions are expensive at best, so be prepared to pay extra if you convert more than 10 hours of audio or video per month. You should also know Descript requires a beefy laptop for podcasting — not having the right technology could bottleneck your workflow.
We cover more details of Descript in our guide.
Key Features of Descript
- AI features
- Highlight clips
- Video editing and transcription
Descript Pricing
You can choose one of five plans with Descript: Free, Hobbyist, Creator, Business, and Enterprise.
Here’s how they break down in the chart below:
| Free | Hobbyist | Creator | Business | Enterprise | |
| Price | $0 user/month | $12 user/month | $24 user/month | $40 user/month | Contact for quote |
| Transcription hours | 1 hour/month | 10 hours/month | 30 hours/month | 40 hours/month | 45 hours/month |
| AI assistant | 5 uses/month | 20 uses/month | Unlimited | Unlimited | Contact for quote |
| AI speech | 5 minutes/month | 30 minutes/month | 120 minutes/month | 300 minutes/month | Contact for quote |
| Remote recording | 1 hour/month | 10 hours/month | 30 hours/month | 40 hours/month | Contact for quote |
| Integrations | 1 | 2 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Cloud storage limit | 5GB | 100GB | 1TB | 5TB | Contact for quote |
| Video export/publish resolution | 720p | 1080p | 4K | 4K | Contact for quote |
Choosing The Right Podcast Editing Software For Your Podcast
The right podcast editing software depends on your budget and experience level. Narrow your shortlist by weighing key features, then use free trials to test each platform before committing.
There are plenty of podcast editing tools on the market, but only you can decide what the best one should be.
As you narrow down your shortlist, you may need to consider:
- Your budget. How much are you willing to spend on podcast editing software?
- Your experience. How much time do you have to learn the software?
- Your comfort level. Are you comfortable jumping into a tool you’re unfamiliar with?
- Your podcast style. Will you need to perform extensive edits, or simple touch-ups?
- Your podcast location. Are you in-studio? Recording remotely via a dedicated recording platform?
Still struggling to make a decision? You may want to try signing up for each platform’s free trial. Not only will this help to put each platform in context, but it will help you make more informed decisions for your show.
The Bottom Line on Podcast Editing Software
The right podcast editing software does more than trim audio, it helps you record, fix mistakes, and add creative polish to your show. Choose one that fits your workflow and technical skill level.
Editing software is one piece of your podcast production stack. If you’re still assembling the rest, from microphones to hosting platforms, our how-to-start-a-podcast guide maps the full setup sequence so you can make each decision in the right order.
If you’re an established brand name looking to enhance future episodes or lack the technical expertise to edit alone, it may be time to explore professional editing services that can manage repetitive tasks on your behalf.
Hundreds of podcasters delegate their editing to the professionals at The Podcast Consultant. Our team makes it easy to offload time-intensive tasks so you can spend more time being creative and less time doing busywork.
Ready to put your show on autopilot? Let’s book a discovery call to chat about your needs.
Looking for more tools to get your podcast off the ground? One of these resources could point you in the right direction:
- Podcast Launch Guide
- Top Tips to Grow Your Podcast
- Podcast Editing Cheat Sheet
- Webinar: How To Upgrade Your Podcast From Audio To Video
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best podcast editing software for beginners?
If you’re just starting out, Adobe AI or GarageBand are the easiest options to pick up. Adobe AI runs in your browser and requires no audio editing experience, while GarageBand is free for any Mac or iOS user and has a straightforward interface. Neither requires you to download plugins or learn complex workflows to get decent results.
Which podcast editing software is best if I’m on a tight budget?
REAPER is the strongest choice for budget-conscious podcasters who still want professional-grade tools. A one-time license costs just $60 for personal use, with no recurring subscription fees and free upgrades included. GarageBand and Adobe AI are also worth considering since both are completely free.
Do I need podcast editing software if I already record clean audio?
Even with a great microphone and quiet recording space, editing software helps you remove filler words, tighten pacing, and balance levels between speakers. Tools like Adobe Enhance can automatically clean up your audio with no manual work at all. A small amount of post-production almost always makes a noticeable difference in listener experience.
What’s the difference between a DAW and an AI podcast editing tool?
A DAW, or digital audio workstation, gives you full manual control over your audio through things like multitrack recording, EQ, and plugins. AI podcast editing tools like Adobe Enhance or Adobe AI do much of that work automatically, making decisions about noise reduction and speech clarity on your behalf. DAWs have a steeper learning curve but offer far more precision and customization.
Can I record remote guests using podcast editing software?
Several tools on this list support remote recording, including Adobe AI, GarageBand with Logic Remote, Hindenburg PRO, and Descript. Descript stands out by allowing up to ten people to record locally at the same time. Some tools require a separate app or a paid plan to unlock remote recording features, so check the plan details before committing.
Is Adobe Audition worth the cost compared to free alternatives?
Adobe Audition makes the most sense if you’re already paying for Adobe Creative Cloud and need professional-grade tools like spectral analysis and advanced sound repair. An independent podcaster paying out of pocket will find the monthly cost hard to justify when free or low-cost options like GarageBand or REAPER cover the basics well. It’s best suited to creators who need tight integration with other Adobe apps or who are doing high-volume, complex audio work.
Which podcast editing software works best for editing on the go?
Hindenburg PRO is specifically designed with mobile and field recording in mind, offering offline editing so you don’t need an internet connection. GarageBand is also a solid option for iPhone and iPad users since it’s free and works natively on iOS. If you need to record and edit from anywhere without hauling a laptop, both of these tools are worth a close look.
How do I choose the right podcast editing software for my show?
Start by thinking about your budget, your technical comfort level, and the kinds of edits you typically need to make. If you want something simple and free, Adobe AI or GarageBand are natural starting points. If you need more control, multitrack recording, or advanced audio repair, a full DAW like REAPER or Adobe Audition will serve you better in the long run.