Podcast Recording Software (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Most podcast problems start at the recording stage. A guest's connection drops, the audio sounds thin, or you realise afterwards that everyone was captured on a single track and you can't fix a cough. Good recording software solves those problems before they reach your editor, and it's worth choosing carefully because a bad recording is hard to rescue.

This page lists ten options for recording a podcast, from long-standing desktop programs to small independent tools built for one job. I've deliberately included smaller names alongside the familiar ones, because a focused recorder is often all a new show needs. I compared each tool's own website and what its users report, and the tools are in no particular order, which in practice means alphabetical. If you're ready to publish too, my guide to podcast hosting tools covers the next step.

Podcast recording software at a glance

The free plan column shows what each tool's own site says. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan, and No means none is stated, so check the current plans before you sign up.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Alitu	Podcast maker	Recording, clean-up and publishing in one place	Trial only
Audacity	Desktop recorder	Recording and editing on your own computer	Yes
Cleanfeed	Browser studio	Live remote audio with guests anywhere	Yes
Descript	Recorder and editor	Recording, then editing by editing the text	Yes
Ennuicastr	Browser recorder	Open-source recording with a track per guest	No
Riverside	Studio platform	Local audio and video recording with editing	Yes
SessionLinkPRO	Browser studio	Professional far-end recording and conferencing	No
SquadCast	Browser studio	Remote recording with progressive uploads	Yes
SureTake	Browser recorder	Plain recording with no built-in AI	Yes
Zencastr	Recording and hosting	Recording, editing and publishing together	Yes

Ten podcast recording tools worth a look

Alitu

Best for: Beginners who want to record, tidy the sound and publish without learning audio editing.

Audacity

Best for: Solo podcasters happy to record on their own machine and edit by hand.

Cleanfeed

Best for: Interview shows that want clear, real-time remote audio from a browser.

Descript

Best for: Podcasters who want to record and edit from a transcript in one app.

Ennuicastr

Best for: Shows that want each guest recorded locally on a separate track, with no guest accounts.

Riverside

Best for: Video podcasters who want high-quality local recording plus editing and clips.

SessionLinkPRO

Best for: Producers who direct remote talent and need broadcast-style audio over the web.

SquadCast

Best for: Remote interview shows that want recordings saved as the session runs.

SureTake

Best for: Podcasters and editing studios who just want a reliable recorder guests join by link.

Zencastr

Best for: Podcasters who want recording, simple editing and publishing from one account.

Choosing podcast recording software: what to look for

Start with how you record, because that decides most of the shortlist. A solo show recorded at a desk needs something very different from a weekly interview show with guests in other countries.

• Solo or with guests? Solo shows can use a desktop recorder. Interview shows need a tool that records each person separately.
• Local or live-call recording? Tools that record on each person's own device protect you from a shaky connection.
• Audio or video? If you publish on video platforms, check the picture quality and layout options too.
• Separate tracks? One track per speaker gives your editor far more room to fix problems.
• Guest experience: can guests join from a link without creating an account?
• What happens after? Some tools stop at recording, others add editing, transcripts and hosting.

Podcast recording software: questions worth asking first

• If my internet fails mid-session, is the recording saved?
• Can I download the raw files and keep them?
• Do guests need to install anything, and does it work on a phone?
• How many people can record at once?
• Does the free plan or trial limit recording time, guests or quality?
• Will it work with the editing tool I already use?

Once you've recorded, you'll want to turn the audio into text for show notes and articles. My roundup of transcription tools for meetings and podcasts covers that, and if you also capture your screen for video episodes, see my guide to screen recording software.

Common podcast recording mistakes

A few simple habits matter more than the software you pick.

• Recording everyone on one shared track and having no way to fix a single voice.
• Skipping a test session with a guest, then finding the problem during the real interview.
• Relying on laptop microphones when a basic headset would be a big step up.
• Forgetting to ask guests to wear headphones, which stops echo.
• Closing the tab before the files finish uploading.
• Choosing a tool for features you'll never use, then finding the basics fiddly.

Small podcast recording tools: why they can suit a new show

Smaller tools are often built by people who run shows themselves, and they tend to focus on doing the recording well rather than adding everything else. They can be quick to set up and easy to understand. Before you commit, check that the product is still being updated, that you can export your raw files, and that someone answers support questions. Run a short test with a friend before you invite a real guest.

Do you make a podcast recording tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Final checks before you pick podcast recording software

Shortlist two tools, record a short test with a friend on a normal home connection, and listen back on headphones. Pick the one that sounds clean, feels simple for guests, and fits the way you edit. Then write down your recording routine so every episode starts the same way.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to record a podcast with a remote guest?

Use a tool that records each person on their own device and uploads afterwards, so a weak connection doesn't spoil the audio. Ask guests to wear headphones and run a short test before the real interview.

Do I need separate tracks for each speaker?

It's strongly worth having. With a track per person, your editor can lower a cough, remove background noise on one voice or fix a level without affecting everyone else.

Can I record a podcast for free?

Yes. Some tools have a free plan, some offer a free trial, and some desktop programs are free to use. The table shows which, but plans change, so check each site before you decide.

Should I record audio only or video as well?

Audio is enough for most listeners. If you publish on video platforms or want short clips for social media, record video too and check the tool's picture quality.

How is recording software different from editing software?

Recording software captures the conversation. Editing software cleans it up, cuts mistakes and mixes in music. Some tools do both, while others focus on one job.