Whether you’re just getting started in podcasting or already have a thriving show, choosing the right podcasting app is crucial for podcasters, no matter what stage of podcasting you’re in.

Using one of the best podcast apps for recording, editing, hosting, or distributing your episodes can make a huge difference in your podcast’s quality and reach. We’ve researched the top podcast apps for every podcaster's needs, whether you're looking for podcast recording software, advanced editing features, or powerful hosting and distribution tools. Let’s get into it!

How to Choose the Right Podcast App

There are several key factors to selecting the podcast apps that are right for you, from making sure you can get started quickly, to insuring you have all of the features you need for your particular podcast, to staying within your podcasting budget.

Ease of Use

It’ll help you in both the short and long term to choose apps that are intuitive and easy to navigate, regardless of your skill level. Apps and tools that are friendly to beginners, with guided tutorials or simple workflows, can make a big difference in getting started quickly and keeping your progress going.

Features

Consider the essential features you’ll need for your podcasts, such as multi-track recording, auto leveling, EQs, and transcription. Some apps also offer advanced features like noise reduction, AI-powered editing, or remote collaboration for interviews.

Pricing

Before you make your decision, be sure to compare free vs. paid plans. Some apps offer free plans with basic features, while others offer advanced features for a monthly or yearly subscription. It's important to assess the value based on your needs, to make sure you’re going to use the features you’re paying for.

Compatibility

Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android, make sure that the apps you choose are compatible with your devices, and that they also integrate well with other tools you already use, such as podcast hosting platforms or editing software.

Types of Podcasting Apps

Just as there are many different components to creating a podcast, there are many different types of podcasting apps designed for specific tasks. Let’s break down what each type of app does!

Recording Apps

Recording apps allow you to capture high quality audio directly from your device. You’ll want to seek out recording apps with multi-track recording and the ability to record remote interviews.

Editing Apps

Once your podcast episode is recorded, editing apps help you polish you audio, cleaning up errant noises and removing any lengthy pauses or content you wish to edit out. Editing apps can also help you enhance your audio for the better,  with noise reduction, effects, and even AI-powered tools that automate some of the editing tasks.

Scheduling Apps

Scheduling apps are great for keeping track of podcast interviews and planning your content! It’s important to consistently release podcast episodes as you’re building your audience, so having a structured way to plan and schedule your shows is an important thing to have in your podcasting toolbox.

Apps and Platforms for Hosting 

Hosting platforms allow you to store your podcast episodes, and they’ll also enable you to generate an RSS feed, making it easy to distribute your content to podcast directories like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. These platforms often include analytics and monetization options. And don't forget to share your podcast on other platforms, as well - for instance, your own official website, or your Fourthwall branded podcast merch store!

Distribution Tools

Distribution tools help share your podcast across multiple platforms, so you can reach your listeners wherever they choose to tune in. Some apps even allow for automated submission to directories, which is great for helping you stick to a regular podcasting schedule.

Best Podcast Recording Apps

Riverside.fm 

Riverside.fm is a high quality podcasting platform that focuses on providing pristine audio and video recordings, even when recording remotely. It stands out for its ability to capture HD audio and video simultaneously, making it perfect for podcasters who want to engage their audience with both visual and audio content. 

• Key Features - High quality audio and video recording, multi-track recording, remote interviews, live streaming.
• Compatibility - Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
• Price - Riverside’s basic plan is free; paid plans start at $15 per month.

Descript

Descript does something a little different with the podcasting process by combining transcription and editing. The platform automatically transcribes your audio, making it easy to edit your podcast by simply editing the text; and Descript’s Overdub feature allows you to correct mistakes or add content without needing to re-record. 

• Key Features - Multi-track recording, transcription services, captions, clips, green screen, AI editing, screen recording.
• Compatibility - Windows, Mac.
• Price - Free trial; paid Descript plans start at $12 per month.

SquadCast

SquadCast offers remote podcast recording via the cloud with professional grade audio quality, even when you're working with guests in different locations. Squadcast also supports multi-track recording with audio tracks for each participant, making post-production editing much easier.  

• Key Features - High quality audio, multi-track recording, remote interview and recording capabilities.
• Compatibility - Browser based (works on Windows and Mac).
• Price: Free trial - paid Squadcast plans start at $12/month.

Podcastle

Podcastle is a comprehensive tool that combines podcast recording, editing, and remote interviews into one platform, with bonus AI tools and voices. It provides multi-track recording and built in noise cancellation so your audio can sound clean and professional. Podcastle’s editing suite also includes features for editing and arranging your recordings. 

• Key Features - Multi-track recording, remote interviews, high-quality audio, and video.
• Compatibility - Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
• Price - Free basic plan; Podcastle’s paid plans start at $11.99 per month.

Zencastr

Zencastr is designed for podcasters, with a simple interface for recording audio, including multi tracking and guests, from anywhere. Zencastr automatically processes your recordings in the cloud, ensuring that you have solid sound quality without extra gear. It also includes automatic post-production features that help you quickly clean up audio, making it perfect for podcasters who want a streamlined, professional workflow.

• Key Features - Multi-track recording, high quality audio, remote guest recordings, AI assistance (editing/clips), automatic backup.
• Compatibility - Browser-based (works on Windows and Mac).
• Price: Free trial; paid plans start at $18 per month.

Best Podcast Editing Apps

Audacity

Audacity is open source, free software that provides powerful audio editing tools. It’s perfect for podcasters who want a comprehensive editing suite without having to pay for premium software. Audacity’s robust multi-track editing tools make it easy combine different audio sources, and improve your podcast with features like EQ, noise removal, and effects. The interface itself might look spartan, but Audacity is actually one of the most reliable and feature-rich free options available for podcast editing.

• Key Features: Free, open-source software, multi-track editing, noise reduction, audio effects.
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux.
• Price: Free.

GarageBand

GarageBand is a popular choice for Apple users who want an easy to use yet powerful editing tool for their podcasts. It offers multi-track recording and a range of sound effects and loops, plus pre-made templates for podcasting, which can help you quickly get started with a pro-sounding show. While not as advanced as some paid editing tools, GarageBand is a great option for beginner to intermediate podcasters.

• Key Features: Multi-track editing, high quality audio effects, easy to learn and use interface.
• Compatibility: Apple/Mac iOS
• Price: Free.

iMovie

Also in the iOS camp is iMovie, which is primarily known for its video editing capabilities. But it’s also an effective tool for podcasters who want to create video podcasts, or enhance their audio episodes with sound effects, audio editing, music, or visual elements. If you’re recording video podcasts or adding supplementary sounds or visuals to your episodes, iMovie is a great free tool that offers both video and audio editing in one package.

• Key Features: Basic audio editing, video editing, multi-tracking, sound and visual effects.
• Compatibility: Mac, iOS.
• Price: Free.

Alitu

Alitu is a podcast editing tool specifically designed to simplify the editing process, claiming to help podcasters save hours of time. It does automate many time-consuming tasks like audio leveling, noise reduction, and volume adjustment, so you can focus on your podcast episodes. It also offers built-in audio editing tools for adding music and effects, along with direct publishing options to hosting platforms.

• Key Features: Automatic audio cleanup, easy to use, AI assisted editing.
• Compatibility: Browser-based.
• Price: Free trial, then $38 per month.

Best Podcast Hosting and Distribution Apps

Spotify for Podcasters

Spotify for Podcasters allows you to upload your podcast and distribute it directly to Spotify’s massive listener base, and the app includes great analytics tools that help you track your audience’s behavior and growth. With its simple interface and seamless integration with Spotify, it’s an easy to use tool for podcasters; Spotify for Podcasters also offers monetization options for your podcast like ads and subscriptions, making it an excellent choice for podcasters looking to generate revenue from their shows. 

• Key Features: Hosting, detailed analytics, solid monetization options, integration with other Spotify for Creators tools.
• Compatibility: Browser-based.
• Price: Free.

PRO TIP: Expand your podcast viewership by creating your own Fourthwall website and ecommerce shop! You can design and sell your own branded podcast merchandise, connect all your socials to better promote your podcast episodes, and take advantage of Fourthwall’s partnership with Spotify, which allows creators to create podcasts that are displayed both on Spotify and on your Fourthwall Memberships site!

Apple Podcasts for Creators

Apple Podcasts for Creators is another essential for podcasters looking to reach a big audience. Through Apple’s podcasting platform, you can submit, manage, and track your podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts. It also provides detailed analytics to understand your audience’s listening habits, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve your podcast’s performance.  

• Key Features: Hosting, distribution to Apple Podcasts, analytics, and management tools.
• Compatibility: Browser-based.
• Price: Free.

Spreaker Studio and Spreaker Create

Spreaker Create and Spreaker Studio are versatile podcast creation apps ideal for podcasters who want to create live shows with an easy to use creation flow. They support multi-track recording for your audio, provide monetization tools, and offer detailed analytics to track your podcast’s performance. Other unique Spreaker features include ready to use podcast templates, copyright free music and sound effects, and instant publishing.

• Key Features: Live broadcasting, distribution to multiple platforms, monetization options.
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
• Price: Free trial; paid plans start at $20 per month.

Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform designed to help podcasters easily upload and distribute their content. It connects your podcast to major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, and lets you track listener metrics, manage episodes, and monetize your podcast through ads and listener support. Buzzsprout’s user-friendly dashboard and informative analytics make it a favorite among both beginners and experienced podcasters.

• Key Features: Hosting, distribution to major directories, analytics, “Fan Mail” feature for getting listener feedback
• Compatibility: Browser-based.
• Price: Free basic plan; paid plans start at $12 per month.

Podbean

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Podbean is a podcast hosting and distribution platform that offers tools for uploading, publishing, and monetizing your podcast. Its monetization features, such as ad insertion and premium subscriptions, give podcasters a chance to earn revenue, and Podbean also offers podcasters a customizable website and mobile app, making it a one-stop shop for growing your show.

• Key Features: Hosting, distribution, monetization tools, website and app options.
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
• Price: Free basic plan; paid plans start at $9 per month.

Best Podcast Apps to Integrate Video and Audio

Zoom is widely used for video conferencing, but it's also great for podcasters who want to record remote interviews or discussions! With features like screen sharing and meeting recording, podcasters can easily host interviews with guests in different locations. Zoom’s simplicity and reliability make it a go-to tool for podcasters. While the free plan is sufficient for many, paid plans offer extended recording times and advanced features.

• Key Features: Video recording, screen sharing, remote collaboration, meeting recording.
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
• Price: Free basic plan; paid plans start at $15.99 per month.

Taking over where Skype left off, Microsoft Teams is a familiar name that’s usually used for video conferencing - but it also makes a great tool for podcasting. With Teams, podcasters can connect with guests anywhere in the world for high-quality video and audio conversations. Features such as multi-person calls and screen sharing are perfect for collaborative episodes or interviews, and you can easily record your Teams sessions for your podcast.  

• Key Features: Video calls, screen sharing, recording, multi-person calls.
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.
• Price: Free basic plan; paid plans start at $9.99 per month.

Best Scheduling and Planning Apps

Calendly is a handy scheduling tool for podcasters, especially those who need to set up interviews or meetings with multiple guests. It automates the process of setting up appointments, allowing both you and your guests to select times that work without the hassle of email. With automated scheduling and other features, Calendly ensures that scheduling is as seamless as possible for podcasters.

• Key Features: Automated scheduling, time zone detection.
• Compatibility: Browser-based, iOS, Android.
• Price: Free; paid plans start at $10/month.

Book Like A Boss, or BLAB, is a scheduling and booking app that offers podcasters a simple way to manage appointments with guests. It allows for easy customization of scheduling pages, and features automated scheduling, whether you need to schedule podcast interviews or other types of podcast prep meetings. BLAB’s tools help streamline the process, making it easy for both the podcaster and their guests to stay organized.  

• Key Features: Automated scheduling, SMS reminders, customizable booking pages.
• Compatibility: Browser-based, iOS, Android.
• Price: Starts at $10 per month.

Best Podcasting AI Tools 

ChatGPT is an AI-powered tool that can assist podcasters in a variety of ways, from generating content ideas to automating transcription services. For podcasters struggling with writer’s block, ChatGPT can suggest episode topics, help write show notes, or even create promo content, which is useful for podcasters who need to generate written content quickly. With both free and premium options available, ChatGPT serves as a versatile assistant for podcasters.

• Key Features: AI-powered text generation, content idea suggestions, transcription services.
• Compatibility: Browser-based.
• Price: Free; upgraded options start at $20 per month.

Auphonic is an AI audio processing tool that automates the post-production of podcast episodes. It improves sound quality by applying noise reduction, leveling audio, and correcting volume inconsistencies, making it perfect for podcasters who want to save time on manual editing of podcasts and interviews. Auphonic also offers transcription services for podcasters, turning podcast audio into text with minimal effort.  

• Key Features: Automated audio processing, noise reduction, leveling, transcription.
• Compatibility: Browser-based.
• Price: Free basic plan; paid plans start at $11/month.

Monetize Your Podcast with Fourthwall!

For podcasters looking to monetize their content, Fourthwall offers a seamless way to sell merchandise and digital products directly to your audience! With Fourthwall’s customizable online websites and ecommerce shops, podcasters can easily integrate their podcasting merch right into their content.

Fourthwall’s partnership with Spotify makes this process even easier, as you can connect Fourthwall and Spotify together to feature your podcasts both on Spotify, and on your Fourthwall site.

Whether you’re looking to sell T-shirts, digital downloads, mugs, or wall art with your podcasting logo or other designs, Fourthwall makes the process easy, turning your podcast into profit! Get started today!

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