You don't need expensive software to create a professional-sounding podcast. Whether you're on Mac, Windows, or Linux, there are excellent free options that can handle recording, editing, and producing your show.
We've tested and compared the top free podcast software to help you find the perfect starting point.
Quick Comparison
| Software | Platform | Best For | Learning Curve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audacity | All | Complete beginners | Medium |
| GarageBand | Mac/iOS | Apple users | Low |
| Ocenaudio | All | Simple editing | Low |
| WavePad | Windows/Mac | Windows users | Low |
| LMMS | Linux | Linux users | Medium |
Audacity: The Classic Choice
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
Cost: Free (open source)
Learning Curve: Medium
Audacity has been the go-to free audio editor for over 20 years. It's powerful, flexible, and runs on virtually any computer.
Pros:
- Completely free, forever
- Available on all platforms
- Extensive plugin support
- Handles multiple tracks
- Large community and tutorials
Cons:
- Interface feels dated
- Mac version requires workarounds for modern audio
- Can be overwhelming for complete beginners
Best For:
Podcasters who want a powerful tool they're unlikely to outgrow—and who don't mind spending time learning the interface.
Getting Started with Audacity:
- Download from audacityteam.org
- Set your sample rate to 44.1kHz
- Select your microphone in the dropdown
- Hit record—and you're off
GarageBand: The Apple Ecosystem Entry
Platform: Mac, iOS
Cost: Free (comes with Mac/iOS)
Learning Curve: Low
GarageBand comes free on every Mac and iPhone. It's surprisingly capable for podcast editing, with a modern, intuitive interface.
Pros:
- Free for Apple users
- Beautiful, modern interface
- Easy to learn
- Built-in sound library
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
Cons:
- Mac/iOS only
- Less powerful than Audacity
- No advanced features for complex projects
- Export options can be limited
Best For:
Apple users who want the easiest possible starting point and don't need advanced features.
Getting Started with GarageBand:
- Open GarageBand (search in Spotlight)
- Choose "New Project" → "Podcast"
- Select your microphone
- Start recording
Ocenaudio: Simple and Clean
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
Cost: Free (but donation-ware)
Learning Curve: Low
Ocenaudio offers a modern, clean interface without the complexity of Audacity. It's perfect for straightforward podcast editing.
Pros:
- Clean, modern interface
- Easy to learn
- Cross-platform
- Fast startup and processing
- Non-destructive editing
Cons:
- Fewer features than Audacity
- Less community support
- Some features require donation
Best For:
Podcasters who want something simpler than Audacity but more modern than the classic interface.
WavePad: Solid Windows Option
Platform: Windows, Mac
Cost: Free (with limitations)
Learning Curve: Low
WavePad offers a middle ground between Audacity's power and GarageBand's simplicity, with particular strength on Windows.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Good feature set
- Works well on Windows
- Includes audio effects
Cons:
- Free version has some limitations
- Interface feels less professional
- Mac version less polished
Best For:
Windows users who want an easier alternative to Audacity.
What About Recording vs. Editing?
It's important to understand the distinction:
Recording Software
Records your voice—can be as simple as your computer's built-in mic or a USB microphone with its own recording app.
Editing Software
Lets you cut, arrange, add music, and polish your recordings.
Good news: Most podcast software handles both. Audacity, GarageBand, and the others on this list can record and edit your entire podcast.
The Missing Piece: Professional Mastering
Free tools are great for recording and editing, but for that final professional polish, consider adding professional mastering to your workflow. Here's the deal:
- Free software handles recording and editing well
- Professional mastering adds that studio-quality finish
SONE's podcast mastering is an affordable upgrade that works with any recording software. Upload your edited audio, and receive a professionally mastered file back—with proper loudness, noise reduction, and polish.
Pro tip: Even professionals use free recording software (many use Audacity!), then upgrade with professional mastering to achieve that polished, professional sound.
Recommended Workflow for Beginners
Step 1: Choose Your Software
Start with one of the options above. If you're on Mac, try GarageBand first. Everyone else, try Audacity or Ocenaudio.
Step 2: Learn the Basics
Master these essential skills:
- Recording your voice
- Selecting and cutting audio
- Adjusting volume
- Adding music/intro
- Exporting your episode
Step 3: Edit Your First Episode
Practice makes perfect. Your first few episodes will take longer, but you'll get faster.
Step 4: Add Professional Mastering
Once you're comfortable editing, try professional mastering on one episode. The difference is remarkable—and affordable.
FAQ: Free Podcast Software
Can I use free software for a professional podcast? Absolutely. Many successful podcasts use free software. The quality of your content and hosting matters more than your editing tools.
What's the best free software for podcast editing? Audacity is the most popular and powerful free option. GarageBand is best for Apple users who want the easiest learning curve.
Is Audacity safe to download? Yes. Download only from the official website (audacityteam.org) to avoid malware.
Do I need to pay for software as my podcast grows? Not necessarily. Audacity can handle professional-level work. However, paid software (like Adobe Audition or Hindenburg) offers more convenience and features.
How much does professional podcast mastering cost? Professional mastering typically costs $15-50 per episode. SONE offers podcast mastering at a fraction of this price, making professional sound accessible to every podcaster.
Can I use Zoom for podcast recording? Zoom is fine for recording remote interviews, but it's not an editing tool. Use Zoom to capture audio, then edit in one of the tools above.
What's the easiest podcast software for beginners? GarageBand (Mac) or Ocenaudio (Windows/Linux) have the lowest learning curves. Audacity is more powerful but has a steeper learning curve.
Ready to Start?
The best podcast software is the one you'll actually use. Download one of these free options, record your first episode, and see how it feels.
And remember: your editing software is just one piece of the puzzle. A podcast mastered by professionals can sound significantly better than raw recordings—even from free software.
Try SONE's podcast mastering on your next episode and hear the difference professional audio processing makes.