So, you’ve got a voice people should hear and ideas worth pressing “record” on, but now you’re asking the question every podcaster eventually whispers into their mic: What’s the best podcast recording tool to record this thing without sounding like you’re trapped in a shoebox?
Whether you’re in a studio or on your bed with a throw pillow as your pop filter, this guide has you covered.
Let’s explore the best podcast recording tools, the ones that make you sound crisp, clear, and pro-level, even if you’re wearing pajamas.
For Solo Recording
1. Descript: Descript feels more like Google Docs for audio. It’s beginner-friendly and gives you a visual transcript that you can edit like text, cut out “uhms” by just deleting the word from the transcript. It even has AI-powered voice cloning and overdub features.
Why it’s great:
- Edit audio like text
- Clean interface with modern UX
- Great for solo creators who also want basic video editing
Who it’s for: Podcasters who want to focus on storytelling, not sound engineering.
2. GarageBand: If you’re a Mac user, GarageBand is already sitting there quietly waiting to help. Originally for musicians, it also works great for voice tracks.
Why it’s great:
- Comes pre-installed on Macs
- Multi-track editing
- Great sound quality with built-in effects
Who it’s for: Creators who love a visual interface and want a polished sound.
For Remote Podcast Recording Tool for Guests
3. Riverside.fm: Riverside.fm records audio and video locally, then uploads in high quality, no more “You sound like a robot” moments on Zoom. It’s ideal for interviews or co-hosted shows.
Why it’s great:
- Studio-quality audio (even with weak internet)
- Local recording from each participant’s device
- Separate tracks for editing
Who it’s for: Podcasters with guests, video podcasts, and professionals who want flawless quality.
4. Zencastr: Zencastr is another remote recording tool with local backup and automatic post-production features.
Why it’s great:
- High-quality audio
- No software to install, works in-browser
- Automatic leveling and enhancement
Who it’s for: Remote podcasters who want good quality with minimal setup.
For Mobile or On-the-Go Recording
5. Anchor App (now Spotify for Podcasters): If you want to record straight from your phone, Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor) offers a solid mobile option.
Why it’s great:
- Record, edit, and publish in one app
- Free hosting
- Easy distribution to platforms like Spotify and Apple
Who it’s for: Beginners, casual podcasters, and those testing podcasting on the go.
6. Voice Memos + External Mic: Old school, but still effective. Use your phone’s native Voice Memos app with a decent external mic like the Shure MV88 or Rode SmartLav+ to get surprisingly good quality.
Who it’s for: Guerrilla podcasters who capture ideas anywhere, in the car, on a hike, or during a food coma.
podcast Recording Tool Hardware That Levels You Up
Even the best software needs good input. Here are two essentials:
- Mic: Try the Shure SM7 B (studio legend) or the more budget-friendly Audio-Technica ATR2100x.
- Audio Interface: If you’re using an XLR mic, you’ll need an interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Want to plan ahead once you’ve got recording sorted? Check out How to Organize a Podcast Content Calendar Weekly or Monthly. Or if you’re thinking about repurposing that recorded content, our guide to podcast content tools will show you the full workflow.
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