8 of The Best Free Podcast Editing Software To Use In 2024

Are you looking for the best free podcast editing software that is useful? 

In this article, we will cover the top 8 free podcast software options available in 2024. 

These tools are great even if you're a beginner or an experienced podcaster. 

These tools offer a range of features to help you edit and produce high-quality podcasts without spending any money.

For beginners in the podcast space we recommend using free editing software and a budget set-up to get started.

It means it’s not as scary of an investment and you can learn the basics with these free tools.

You can do all of the basics that are essential for editing a podcast with these tools.

Once you are established and willing to invest you can start using the more advanced paid podcasting tools.

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What Are the Best Free Choices For podcast Editing Software?

In summary here is the list below, read on for more details about each software.

1. Audacity - 4.4 out of 5
2. Garageband - 4 out of 5
3. Music Maker - 4 out of 5
4. Power Sound Editor - 4.5 out of 5
5. Studio One - 4 out of 5
6. Wondershare Filmora Pro - 4.5 out of 5
7. Audio Cutter - 3.9 out of 5
8. Descript - 4.5 out of 5

Overall our top pick is Descript - With its many free features, ease of use and AI features.

It looks like it is going to be the podcasting tool of the future.

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1. Audacity

Audacity belongs to the list of free podcast editing software tools available.

It's also a cross-platform digital audio workstation that is also open source. As a result, Audacity can run on MacOS, Linux, and Windows computers. 

It's useful for collaborating on editing with different devices and systems.

You won't have to learn how to use this editing program because it is simple to use.

Audacity is the best option for new podcast editors.

If you're unsure about paying for editing tools, try this one first.

Audacity can record interviews, music, or any other form of audio material through a mixer or a microphone. 

The process is simple and painless. Even beginner podcasters can master the technique.

Still, the audio editing features in the software are enough to suit the needs of the pros.

Key Features:

• Editing and recording
• Export/import
• Plugins
• Effects
• Shortcuts on the keyboard
• Analysis of frequency
• Convert Audio Files

The Pros:

• Audio editing software that both new and experienced podcasters can use.
• A wide range of audio effects is available.
• Tools for batch processing are available.
• A fantastic option for anyone looking to record a conversation.

The Cons:

• Multi-track audio choices at their most basic.
• Software can be glitchy depending on your computer.
• Can be a steep learning curve for beginner users

Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5

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2. GarageBand

GarageBand is another podcast editing software free to use. 

Apple's unlimited music and audio studio.

Apple released this editing program in 2004.

It includes a built-in collection of lessons on "How to edit podcasts in GarageBand" as well as sounds necessary for audio editing.

GarageBand comes pre-installed on all Apple devices.

Even though this audio editing software is free, it still has a lot of benefits.

Its user-friendly interface is one of them.

You may also use the Quick Help button to learn about the functions of sections by hovering your cursor over them.

You may adjust and transform audio besides using the noise editor. It can edit out different components of the mp3, such as pitch and tempo.

This app, however, is only compatible with Apple devices. Here’s what you can do with GarageBand:

Key Features:

• Starting from scratch with musical projects
• Correcting and recording vocals and other instruments
• Taking a sample
• Transposing and editing music, whether in MIDI or audio format
• Creating a royalty-free loops database
• Downloading third-party plug-ins
• Collaborating with other Apple users on projects
• Easily transferring work from an iOS device to a MacOS device
• Using dynamic processors such as compression, EQ, and limiters to shape dynamics.

The Pros:

• On iOS and MacOS devices, recording podcasts is a breeze
• Can create high-resolution audio recordings.
• Has a comprehensive collection of audio editing tools
• Allows users to post their audio recordings on social media

The Cons:

• It is impossible to upload audio files straight from GarageBand to podcast hosting platforms.
• It does not support MIDI output.
• Exclusively available for Mac users, not compatible with Windows
• May lack advanced features for professional podcast editing needs

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

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3. Music Maker

This software focuses on music creation.

Some podcasts require a lot of background music and sound effects. Some best examples are thriller and horror shows. These podcast formats need to have intense sounds to lead the listeners' emotions.

If your podcast falls under a heavy category.

The Music Maker Podcast Editor may help you with the entire editing process.

It also contains excellent song templates and instrumentation.

After you've finished recording in your studio, you can use pre-made templates to add the items you've created.

Then, to make the music you want, add the instruments and song elements available in the app.

The accessible version of this software provides users access to record directly.

However, it is not only the area that Music Maker shows robust features.

It also allows users to add loops and multi-track elements with the clipping and exporting features.

The software's interface is a mix of mix-colored tracks placed against a black background.

The rainbow of colors helps audio editors distinguish fresh tracks, and the dark background makes it pop up in contrast on the screen.

According to its users, this software shows simplicity in editing music quickly.

They emphasize how easy it is to maneuver, especially vlogging and incorporating sound effects. The only limitation of this software, in their opinion, is your imagination.

Key Features:

• Song Maker
• Audio Optimization
• Real multicore performance
• 425 free sounds and loops
• Eight tracks
• Eight effects
• Workflow features

The Pros:

• Fast soundtrack creation
• Large collection of audio tracks
• Best for modern music production
• Seamless integration with Apple's Movie Maker
• User-friendly interface
• Comprehensive editing tools
• Variety of effects, virtual instruments, and samples
• Easy audio recording, editing, and mixing

The Cons:

• Limited sound quality
• Sudden crashes
• Complicated MIDI process
• Needs paid version upgrade to render best sound quality
• Limited features in the free version

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

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4. Power Sound Editor

Get a free podcast tool plus a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) with Power Sound Editor.

This tool will allow you to capture audio from a sound card, microphone, or another source.

It is best for podcasters planning to do all the recording within the four walls of their remote studio.

It can record anything from the internet, use a line-in, rip a CD, and extract audio from a video file.

It also comes with a CD-burning function.

The company constantly updates it to add new features, and it can also work with various formats.

The best thing about this tool is that it is compatible with iOS, Windows, and Android devices.

Users recommend this DAW because it helped them as newbies. They could edit sounds without significant skills.

Podcasters can also go through their production easily, with the use of online tutorials available.

Key Features:

• Record sound from any source
• Edit an audio file visually
• Burn an audio CD after ripping it
• Supports All Major Audio Formats

The Pros:

• There are no hidden fees, everything is free.
• There are 25 different audio effects available to users.
• Intuitive interface for easy navigation and use
• Offers a variety of editing tools for basic audio editing needs
• Includes features for adjusting volume levels and applying effects

The Cons:

• There isn't a version for Mac computers.
• This software will require a large quantity of RAM.
• Lacks some advanced features found in other software options
• May not be as versatile as dedicated podcast editing software

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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5. Studio One

PreSonus' StudioOne allows you to record, produce, compose, mix, master, and perform audio.

It contains basically everything a podcaster needs to start their podcast production.

It has tools that will take you from the first conception to master creation.

From full-length albums to stage setlists.

Studio One is the DAW that does it all with end-to-end production. It is now in its fifth iteration.

Studio One's unique browser lets you drag audio loops, virtual instruments, plug-in effects, and even presets into your session.

Its drag-and-drop workflow makes it easier for users to use this editing tool. In fact, they claim they are the first ones to incorporate this feature into their process.

Studio one also has plug-ins necessary to mix and produce.

PreSonus offers many premium upgrades and packages for additional capabilities in addition to the free software.

Key Features:

• 64-bit floating-point WAV recording and export
• Audio Clip Versions
• Autosave
• Backup and Archive
• Chord Track
• Drum Notation
• Exclusive cutting-edge dithering algorithm
• Export Multiple Formats
• Harmonic Editing
• Live ArrangingLive Chord Information
• Mix Console
• Musical Symbols and Dynamics Processing
• Native support for Apple Silicon (M1) processors
• Performance View
• Plug-in Nap
• Advanced Audio Editing

The Pros:

• Quick process for music creation and audio recording
• Its new chords and pattern-based composition tools are fantastic.
• DDP import/export is one of its mastering features.
• Free version with lots of features.

The Cons:

• Has a cluttered interface and mix console.
• There isn't a notation editor.
• There is no simple way to save track templates.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

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6. Wondershare Filmora Pro

Wondershare Filmora Pro is a video editor with powerful audio editing features.

It can deliver to podcasters their desired high-quality sound for every podcast episode. It is a free DAW compatible with Windows and Mac devices.

Even though this software is free, there is no capping or time limit for audio editing.

It provides users with advanced audio editing features free from hidden charges.

For podcasters who repurpose their mp3 files into mp4 or formats to upload to YouTube.

Filmora is perfect.

Its interface provides users with options that they can use.

It has a media library for importing media files like videos, photos, and audio files. Next is the toolbar, where you can access editing tools like cut, speed, edit, and delete.

Then, the timeline acts as the storyboard. You can use it to put together several elements of your project into a single, cohesive video.

You may add up to 100 tracks to the timeline with the latest version.

After this, you can use the preview section to see all the changes applied while you are editing a video.

Some of its significant features include audio compression, auto audio-video synchronization, noise reduction, and audio transitions.

Its users complement this software because of having a wide range of free presets and add-on filters available. They also have a royalty-free music library.

Key Features:

• Motion Tracking
• Zooming and Panning
• Color Matching
• Keyframing
• Stabilization
• Audio Ducking
• Color Grading
• Green Screen
• Tilt Shift
• Picture in Picture
• Dark Mode
• Video Editing

The Pros:

• Can export and import files easily
• Has a plethora of amazing video tutorials on its various features 
• Versatile video editing software
• Offers video and audio editing tools
• Includes effects, transitions, and background noise removal

The Cons:

• Some videos are incompatible during import
• Lack of additional creative options for headings and titles
• Can get laggy sometimes when editing several video tracks
• May not have advanced audio editing features
• Primarily designed for video editing

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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7. Audio Cutter

Audio Cutter allows you to trim or cut audio files online.

Its easy audio trimming feature is beginner-friendly.

It requires no high level of expertise from podcasters.

You just need to upload a file, select a fragment with the use of sliders, and tap “Cut.”

Audio Cutter allows you to extract audio from a video. This feature is very beneficial, especially when you want sound effects from a movie or an MV.

This DAW supports over 300 different formats, and currently, the developer is adding more structures to the list.

You can do all the editing processes on your browser window. You do not need to install the podcast editing software on your computer.

However, it would be best to have stable connectivity to do the podcast editing from start to finish.

Key Features:

• Audio Trimming
• Interval Adjustment
• iPhone Ringtone Creator
• Sound Extractor
• Online Song Cutter

The Pros:

• Create a ringtone in just a click
• Secure process
• No installation required

The Cons:

• Has no significant reviews and promotions on the Internet

Overall Rating: 3.9 out of 5

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8. Descript

Descript is a multi-purpose editor that makes editing simple.

It also has an audio transcription feature that allows you to transcribe your file into text rapidly.

Podcasters can upload or record audio straight in Descript.

Then alter the text to edit media clips directly.

Podcasters can also create accurate transcriptions quickly. The tool includes automatic speaker detection, which makes transcription creation much easier.

You can remove filler words and silence gaps with a single click.

Record your screen and webcam, fix any faults in seconds, and share straight away with a link.

Descript provides multi-track editing, live collaboration, auto-captioning, and other pro editing capabilities.

This software is best suited for remote podcast recording.

Descript users perceive this application as the best among all others available. They tend to describe Descript features as futuristic.

They describe the tool as an excellent machine-learning product. For them, it is by far the superior DAW for podcasting.

This software offers a free subscription.

It allows you to upgrade for additional features.

Features:

• Screen Record
• Dictation
• Accuracy
• Speaker Identification
• Timecode Management
• Closed Captioning
• Collaboration
• Text Editing
• Data Security
• API
• Voice Files
• Live Captioning
• Volume
• Audio Format Flexibility

The Pros:

• Transcription
• Free tier is generous.
• Excellent desktop application
• Filler words are removable and podcasters can accomplish recordings within the app.

The Cons:

• Lack of chat features for team collaboration
• When editing a transcript, it can get a little cumbersome, as a double click doesn't always do what you think it will
• Some features aren't that intuitive for beginners
• Has no tutorial/wizard as soon as you sign up

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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Key Takeaways

After reading the list of free podcast editing software, we hope that you already know what is best for you. Here are some essential key points we want to emphasize:

• It is vital to choose an editing software that will deliver you a quality podcast
• You do not have to opt for pricey software to render podcast-worthy audio
• Audio production is an essential part of podcasting, and it needs dedication, attention to detail, and hard work

However, remember that you do not need to do all the podcast production processes.

If you think you have a lot of stuff going on, ask for help. Podcast production companies like Podkick help newbies in podcasting and old podcasters with their podcast production. 

Their service ranges from recording to distribution, so podcasters like you do not have to worry about perfecting your podcast show alone.

Get in touch with us to enquire about our podcast production services.

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• Essential podcast equipment list
• Mac podcasting software tools