The Best Podcast Making Apps to Start Recording in 2024

Can I Make a Podcast with My Phone?

Long gone are the days of grainy or fuzzy sounds for all those not lucky enough to have a professional recording studio. If you only have a good-quality iPhone, iPad, or Android mobile device you can still create great podcasts. 

Just make sure you’re invested in an external microphone. Even one small enough to carry in your pocket or clip to your shirt will do a great deal to improve your sound quality. Then, simply download a recording app that lets you record quality audio on the go, and no listener will be able to tell you used a mobile device to get your finished audio track.

We’ll get into the specifics of what to look for in both equipment and software below.

What Do You Need to Make a Podcast?

To record audio and video content, there are a few pieces of podcasting equipment you’ll need to invest in. Don’t worry, though; you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. In fact, you can get a quality podcast setup for under $100 if you know what to look for.

Microphone 

A good external podcasting microphone is essential. If you’re creating content in an audio medium, it makes sense that your audio input needs to be captured clearly and with good quality in order to keep up with your competitors. 

But it goes further than that; according to a University College London study, humans have stronger physiological responses to audio than video. So your audio should be as crisp and engaging as possible.

To choose the right mic, you’ll need to decide on the following elements:

• Polar pickup pattern—The amount of sound a mic picks up in each direction. Common types podcasters use are omni-directional, cardioid, and multi-pattern microphones.
• Dynamic vs. condenser microphone—How the device captures sound. Dynamic mics reject background noises well, while condenser mics capture delicate sounds and high frequencies well.
• USB vs. XLR microphone—The way the device connects to your computer. USB mics are plug-and-play and don’t require a dedicated audio interface, meaning they’re usually best for podcasters on the go. XLR mics are more expensive and complex, but they do generally offer better sound quality than USB microphones. 

For more details, check out our extensive guide to choosing the right podcasting microphone.

Headphones

If you’re tempted to record a podcast without using headphones, think again. Every participant—host, guests, and producers—should be wearing headphones. Why?

Because headphones:

• Prevent echo and audio bleed (when your mic picks up audio coming from your speakers, leading to feedback and delays) 
• Let you hear your own voice as others do, so that you can adjust your levels in real-time as needed
• Improve your mic technique
• Increase your editing capacity and accuracy

To choose the right headphones for you, look for lightweight ones with padded cushions and big earpads. Also, the best headphones are adjustable so that you can find the perfect fit to your head. 

We recommend the Audio Technica ATH-m20x or the Sennheiser 280 PRO if you’re looking for a budget option. For more information on choosing your perfect set of headphones for your needs and budget, check out our guide to the best podcast headphones.

Recording Software

Finally, you’ll need podcast recording software. The right podcast maker app should go beyond simply capturing quality audio (and video) input; it’ll also need editing features, local recording capability, and progressive uploading. It should provide good customer support, be easy to use—and of course, it should be affordable.

Because of the popularity of podcasting, there’s no shortage of recording apps on the market claiming to be the best of the best. That’s why it’s important to know how to wade through the options and find the best software for you.

How to Choose Podcasting Making Apps

Let’s go over the factors you should consider when choosing podcasting recorder software for your show.

High Quality Recordings

The caliber of the audio—and, if applicable, video—captured by your recording software of choice should be of prime importance. Many software tools specialize in video conferencing, which can be helpful if you’re recording a job interview or corporate meeting. 

But for professional podcasters, you’ll need recording software that doesn’t depend on the speed of your internet connection to maintain good quality audio and video. 

The best recording software options save files locally to each participant’s device. This process is called double-ender recording. Because each participant’s audio feed is saved locally, it doesn’t matter if your internet connection unexpectedly lags or drops.

Separate Tracks

The ability to download separate audio and video tracks for each participant offers you much more editing flexibility! If two speakers are talking at the same time, you'll easily be able to edit out one of them.

Editing Features

Many podcasters want an all-in-one tool, so recording software that also lets you edit the finished product can be extremely handy. Post-production tasks include adding sound effects, mixing tracks, inserting ads and intro/outro audio clips, and trimming audio.

Price

Affordability is a major factor in what makes the best podcast maker app. There are several free recording options, of course, but many of them sacrifice features and benefits for that zero on the price tag. It’s all about getting the best bang for your buck. 

Thankfully, some of the best high-quality recording apps start at monthly subscription prices under $20 (like Riverside.fm, which is free with its paid plans start at only $15).

Ease of Use

Next, how steep is the learning curve? 

If you don’t have a graduate degree in audio engineering, you probably don’t want to have to learn a complicated system. You want to be able to press “record” and get started right away.

And if you plan to interview a wide variety of guests, don’t forget to consider ease of use on their end, as well. The best podcast apps let guests join with a click of a button—minimizing the risk of human error.

Good Support

If you have any issues while recording or editing your audio, you’ll want to be able to contact customer support and get help straight away. Look for clear options on the company’s website directing users to helpful articles, troubleshooting assistance, and an easy way to get in touch with a real human.

Progressive Uploading

While the best software options record locally—meaning each participant’s audio is saved to their individual devices—there should also be a copy saved to the cloud while the recording is taking place. This is called progressive uploading. 

With progressive uploading, the file is uploaded to the cloud throughout the recording session, so you should have a copy at your fingertips as soon as it ends. No waiting for files to upload and save after-the-fact. And of course, multiple methods of saving files gives you a backup in case of data loss. 

The Best Apps to Make Podcasts On

Now that you know what to look for in a podcast maker, let’s cover a few of our favorites podcast maker apps on the market today.

1. Riverside.fm

We know we’re biased, but Riverside is hands-down the best recording software for podcasts. It’s a powerful content-creation platform that offers you high-quality recordings from anywhere. You’ll have an easy-to-use platform with:

High-quality local recordings

Recording takes place directly on all participant’s devices rather than over the internet. This local recording keeps your files safe from dropouts or lagging. Riverside also records in up to 4K video and 48kHz audio resolution, so, together with local recording, you’re guaranteed high-quality video and audio every single time! 

Separate audio and video tracks

Download separate screen shares, audio, and video tracks for each participant. This gives you greater flexibility and control in editing. 

Mobile App

Recording on the go?

Turn your phone into a full-blown podcast studio with Riverside’s mobile podcast recording app. No matter if you’re team Android or iPhone, you can invite guests to join your podcast from any mobile device. The app automatically uploads recordings online, so you can immediately access your mobile podcast recordings from your desktop.

Text-based Editor

Seamlessly edit your podcast straight after recording, all on one platform. With Riverside’s text-based video editor you can:

• Edit your video and audio recording by editing a simple text transcript
• Add a logo, custom background, or an expert-designed background
• Remove unwanted background noise
• Normalize all guests’ gain
• Customize your layout 

Magic Clips tool

While people may be reluctant to watch an hour-long podcast they're unfamiliar with, they're much more willing to watch a quick 60 second video on social media. This is why we suggest using social media clips as part of your podcast promotion. Share quick highlights of your show and draw in new viewers to grow your audience. With Riverside's Magic Clips tool this is effortless. Magic Clips uses Ai to identify key moments in your long-form recordings and repurposes them into multiple short-form clips. All it takes is one quick click on your end, and AI will do the rest.

‍Automatic Transcription

If you’re in podcasting, you probably know the value of including a transcript of your show. Transcripts can make your content more accessible, as well as  help boost your rankings on Google. But, who has time to type out every single word their guests say? 

Thankfully, Riverside automatically converts podcasts and videos into text. You can download a TXT transcript to repurpose your content into other written material, or you can download an SRT file for easy subittles and captions. Transcriptions are available in over 100 languages and we use Ai speech-to-text software to ensure unmatched accuracy.

AI Speaker View

Riverside also uses artificial intelligence to determine which participant is speaking, then automatically switch the video to the speaker right before they start talking. That way, the video transitions seamlessly and saves you even more time in post-production.

The AI tool also cuts out any easily-detectable noise interruptions from non-speakers, like a sneeze or cough, that would usually cause the video to switch views in other conferencing software.

Live Streaming Capabilities 

Riverside does more than let you create a podcast. If you’re trying to build an audience, you need to be present on more channels than podcast directories. Live streaming to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch simultaneously is a cinch with Riverside.

Riverside offers much more including, progressive uploads, reliable customer support, easy distribution through Anchor, and affordable pricing. You can start off with a free plan, or try one of the paid plans starting at $15/month.

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If Riverside isn’t your bag, there are plenty of other options out there as well. Here are our favorites:

2. Podbean

If you host your show on Podbean already, you can try your hand at recording your audio directly on that platform. It comes with several sound effect options and royalty-free music, as well as a live feature, which lets you live stream from a desktop Chrome browser using a link shared on social media. 

Podbean has a free membership, with paid subscription tiers starting at $9/month.

3. Audacity

Audacity is one of the most popular free recording and editing tools available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s an open-source application that lets you splice and mix sound, change speed and pitch, and introduce special effects.

Audacity is easy to learn and has a supportive community forum in case you run into any problems.

4. Anchor

Anchor is Spotify’s free, all-inclusive iOS app that lets you record and distribute your podcast directly from your iPhone. It also comes with unlimited free hosting and monetization support through Anchor Sponsorships. 

You can publish podcast episodes straight from Anchor to all major podcast platforms, and monitor your podcast’s engagement using build-in data and insights. However, Anchor doesn’t come with video recording, and its audio recording is compressed and depends on internet connection—so the audio quality is not the highest.

5. Spreaker Studio

Spreaker is another all-in-one recording, editing, and publishing app for podcasts. It also allows livestreams straight from the Spreaker Studio app, and it also comes with data analytics to monitor your podcast stats.

The downsides of Spreaker are that the audio is compressed, there are minimal editing capabilities, and recording remote interviews with guests isn’t possible.

A basic subscription plan for Spreaker starts at $6/month.

6. GarageBand

GarageBand is a free app that comes pre-installed on all Mac devices, so it’s a great starter option for podcasters who use Apple products. GarageBand is easy to use and comes with real-time editing effects that save time in post-production.

7. Adobe Audition

This podcast editing software is pricey, but it does come with many useful features. Record audio directly into the platform. Then, you can add music, fades, and segues. Choose from pre-saved templates, use advanced audio track compression and restoration, and utilize noise reduction features.

A subscription of Adobe Audition starts at $20.99 per month, but it comes with Adobe’s Creative Suite, so if you’re already a member, you may already have access.

Best App to Record a Podcast

If you’re looking for the best podcast app to record, we have a podcast recording app in-depth guide. To summarize though, some of the best apps for recording podcasts are:

1. Riverside.fm
2. Spreaker Studio
3. Anchor

For remote recording and the high-end resolution we suggest Riverside as the best app to record a podcast from. You won’t have to worry about your internet connection ruining your quality and you’ll have all the tools you need in one of the best podcast creation apps. 

Best App to Start a Podcast

Are you a beginner and only just learning how to start a podcast?

Don’t worry! There are many apps ideal for starting a podcast. You’ll want software that’s easy to use and doesn’t have too many complicated tools. If anything, it’s best to even choose automated tools that’ll save you time. Since you’re just starting, you’ll probably want to also choose something with a lower budget. From our list above we recommend Riverside or Anchor which both offer free podcast recording app options. In fact, you can record on Riverside through Anchor with their recent Riverside integration.

Best Podcast Recording App for Android and iPhone

If you’re on the go, it may be more convenient for you to record a podcast on a  phone or mobile device. In this case, you’ll need an app or podcast recording software ideal for your Android or iOS mobile device. 

We recommend Riverside’s mobile version as the best iOS & Android app for recording podcasts. Currently, you still have to edit your recordings on a desktop, though. In this case, you can try Podbean or Anchor, but keep in mind that Riverside’s recording quality is much better than these platforms.

Podcast Making Apps FAQ

What Is the Best Podcast Making App?

It depends on your needs, but we'll say Riverside is the best option if you're looking for something that's easy to use but still keeps you looking professional. With high-quality local recordings, separate tracks, and an integrated editor, you can seamlessly create podcasts from anywhere.

Ready to start recording? Sign up on Riverside today.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Podcast?

You can start a podcast on almost any budget, from under $100 to several thousand dollars. Whatever your starting point, you can create a quality product as long as you have determination—and as long as you choose the products that will give you the best bang for your buck.

How do I create a podcast for free?

Although you might not get the best quality, it's definitely possible to create a podcast for free if you follow these steps:

1. Plan your podcast strategy, topic, branding and the guests for your first few episodes.
2. Create your podcast setup with the equipment you have. (You can even use your phone for recording)‍
3. Prepare for your first episode and invite guests.
4. Start recording with a free podcast making app such as Audacity or Anchor.
5. Edit your recording with free podcast editing software.
6. Share your final podcast through free podcast hosting and distribution software.

How Much Money Can You Make from a Podcast?

Monetizing your podcast can be done in several ways. Usually, the most lucrative strategy is to get podcast sponsorships. These advertising deals are usually priced based on the number of downloads your episodes get on average.

So if you build your audience enough, your earning potential could be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month.

What Do You Need to Start a Podcast at Home?

Gone are the days when you needed a professional recording studio to create a quality podcast worth listening to. With the availability of studio-quality recording tools and equipment at affordable prices, starting a podcast as a beginner has never been easier. 

Check out our full guide to starting a podcast to get started today!