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Podcast Recording Apps are designed to enhance your podcasting experience. But with the wide range of unique features on offer, different applications, and functionalities, it can be difficult to identify which app will serve you best. At the end of the day, your priority should be high-quality audio, as well as how easy your podcast app is to use. Plus, in a context where home-working isn’t going anywhere, it’s also good to factor in the ability to record with remote guests. In this article, we take a look at some of the best apps out there right now, what they’re offering, and what kind of podcasters they might work for.
TL;DR
- The essentials for podcasting are a microphone, headphones, and a podcast recording app
- Look for the ability to record with remote guests, local recording, file format, live streaming, and editing capabilities when looking for podcast recording apps
- The best all-rounder podcasting app is Riverside.fm
What is a podcast recording app?
A podcast recording app is an app or software that you can use to help you record your podcast. Some apps are available for desktop or mobile, and others for both.
Some more comprehensive podcast recording apps fall under the category of a Digital Audio Workstation (‘DAW’) because they not only let you record your audio but edit and produce it too.
What do you need to record a podcast?
The beauty of podcasting is just how accessible it is. You really don’t need much to get started. The basic checklist for recording a podcast is a microphone, headphones, and an app for podcast recording. If you’re branching out into video podcasts, you’ll also need a camera.
Obviously, if you’ve got more to spend, or you really want to deck out your recording setup, there are lots of other pieces of equipment that you could invest in. Check out our guide to everything you need to record your podcast!
How do I record podcasts with remote guests?
In a COVID-19 world and beyond, the ability to record with remote guests is a must. Luckily, Riverside.fm makes recording with remote participants as easy as it should be.
All you have to do is log in to your browser-based recording studio and invite your guests. Using the invite link, your guests can join your recording session wherever they are from their desktop or the Riverside.fm iOS app.
Learn more about just how easy it is to record with remote guests in our comprehensive guide.
What to look for when choosing a podcast recording app
In many ways, when it comes to podcast recording apps, we’re spoilt for choice. Navigating the marketplace and choosing the right one can be a difficult process.
Here are a couple of factors to take into consideration when weighing up between different podcast recording apps:
The ability to record with remote guests
As we mentioned earlier, the ability to record with remote guests is invaluable. This doesn’t mean you’ll be including remote participants every time, but we guarantee that the capacity to do so will come in handy.
Local recording
In the same vein, if you’re recording remotely, the quality of your final recording should not depend on your internet connection. That’s why you should look for podcast recording apps, like Riverside.fm, that record locally. Local recordings mean you don’t need to compromise on quality even when recording with remote guests.
File Format
It’s important to pay attention to what file format your podcast recording is saved in. Ideally, you should look for a podcast recording app that automatically saves your recording in a lossless, uncompressed file format such as WAV. This way, your recording will retain the level of quality you deserve.
Live Streaming
Some, but not all, podcast recording apps will allow you to live stream your recording session to major social media platforms. Making a live show out of a recording session is a great way to involve your audience in the creation of your content.
Read more about live streaming with Riverside.fm here.
Audio editing
Look for a podcast recording app that not only allows you to record your audio but to edit it too. Instead of having to export your recording into a separate editing application, save yourself time by editing the audio where you recorded it.
Automatic Transcript
The value of a transcript should not be underestimated. Audio transcripts help make your content more accessible, adaptable and strengthen your SEO. That being said, not all podcast recording apps include transcription as a standard feature. Often, you’ll have to outsource transcription which is an added cost and inconvenience. Look for a podcast recording app, like Riverside.fm, that automatically offers transcription.
Best podcast recording apps
The choice of the best podcast recording software for you is ultimately a subjective decision. It will come down to what kind of podcast you’re making, your budget, your production value, and what you’re used to.
Here, we’ve curated a selection of the best podcast recording apps out there right now to narrow down your decision:
The 8 best podcast recording apps all-round
1. Riverside.fm
Price: Free or paid plans from $15/month
Features:
- Remote recording. Record with remote participants wherever they are.
- Browser-based recording software. No need to download a desktop app, simply login to your online recording studio.
- Local recording in full HD. Riverside automatically records each participant locally. This means even a dodgy internet connection won’t affect your final recording.
- Individual participants recorded on separate tracks. This saves you time during post-production because you can edit out mistakes on one participant’s track without compromising your overall recording.
- Progressive Upload. Each participant’s recording track is uploaded progressively during your recording session. This saves you from having to wait around at the end of your session and minimizes the risk of data loss.
- Livestream your session to all major social media platforms easily.
- Automatically records in WAV, uncompressed and lossless file format, to preserve the quality of your recording
- Text-based Podcast Editor that gets your recording ready for publication in no time
- Automated transcription in the Magic Editor so that you can reap all the benefits of transcribing your podcast without the hassle.
- Record video podcasts easily in full HD
- Mobile app for added flexibility, record from your phone. You can host and join a recording with both Android and iPhone devices.
- Magic Clips creator to easily repurpose your podcast into short shareable promotional videos for social media.
- Easy distribution through Anchor so you can record directly on Riverside while pushing your podcast to Spotify’s millions of listeners.
Best for:
Beginners and well-seasoned podcasters alike. Riverside was built to make podcasting as easy as it should be. Record HD podcasts that include remote participants with the click of a button.
2. Hindenburg Journalist
Price: $99 and PRO version costs $399
Features:
- Records uncompressed sound for maximum quality
- Set markers and add notes during your recording
- Automatically levels your audio ensuring a balanced mix
- Multitrack recording allows you to record on more than one track at a time
- Live record a Skype call to include remote participants. Although it must be said that this feature is a little clunky.
- Edit your audio with non-destructive editing so you can always go back to your original track
- Publish your podcast to all major podcast platforms and directories
Best for:
Designed for podcasters, audio producers, and radio journalists, with features tailored specifically to spoken-word productions. Hindenburg Journalist is best for serious audiophiles who know their way around a conventional DAW and have the budget to spend.
3. Adobe Audition
Price: From $20.99/month (on an annual basis)
Features:
- Create, mix, edit and restore audio content
- Multitrack recording so that you can record separate microphones on individual tracks. Set specific gain levels for each participant.
- Apply effects to tracks or to specific clips
- Easily clean your audio up with spectral analysis
- Non-destructive editing so that you can always revert to your original
Best for:
Adobe Audition is designed for industry professionals with a budget. Some podcasters may feel that some of the features on offer are excessive. Plus, the absence of the ability to record with remote guests may pose an issue.
4. Alitu
Price: From $32/month
Features:
- Record calls with up to 5 remote guests and your audio will automatically be uploaded to Alitu
- Automated audio cleanup that reduces background noise and levels your audio
- Easily remove mistakes or silences and intuitively edit your podcast episode
- Automated branding to personalize your podcast every time. Simply set your intro and outro once, and then Alitu will add it in to every new podcast you create
- Publish straight to your podcast host from Alitu
Best for:
Best for podcasters who are looking for a simple, no-frills, podcast recording app that is designed to save you time.
5. Audacity
Price: Free and open-source
Features:
- Record live audio or digitize recordings from other media
- Easy editing with cut, copy, paste and delete
- Edit multiple audio formats such as MP2, MP3, WAV, etc.
- Easily navigable interface with color-coding
- Easily cut silences out with Truncate Silence setting
- Sound activated recording that starts recording when you speak and stops when you pause
Best for:
Audacity is ideal for podcasters on a budget who aren’t too fussed about the most up-to-date recording software.
6. Garageband (MacOS only)
Price: Free with Apple Devices
Features:
- Rich royalty-free library of vocal templates, music, sound effects and loops
- Variety of VSTS (virtual studio technology) that are ready for you to use
- Easy to use interface that’s designed to be intuitive and straightforward
- Multitrack recording for when you’re recording with more than one person
- Simple editing workflow that is easy to learn even for beginners
- Trim, split, and edit your audio
There’s an iPhone and iPad app too (see below for more details)
Best for:
Garageband is actually aimed at music creation and editing. However, it’s also well suited to fledgling podcasters who already happen to have an Apple device. Garageband is designed to be ultra-useable and approachable, with little to no learning curve.
7. Logic Pro (MacOS only)
Price: $199.99
Features:
- Huge range of plugins in Logic Pro’s Sound Packs that comes with instruments, loops, and samples
- Key commands that help speed up your workflow
- Track stacks that help you consolidate related tracks into one or create sub-mixes
- Track and Project Alternatives that help you try out different mixes and versions
Top tip: Control music-making sessions with the Logic Remote app For iPhone and iPad
Best for:
Mac users who are familiar with Garageband but looking for higher-caliber functionality and are happy to pay for the upgrade.
8. Anchor
Price: Free
Features:
- Record audio on your phone, tablet, and computer and sync them across your devices
- Intuitive recording with ‘building block’ audio segments that you can rearrange
- Add sound effects, intros, outros, and transitions
- Integrate full music tracks from Spotify
- Record with remote guests and include listeners in your audio by inserting their voice messages
- Free podcast hosting. Beyond just recording, you can actually host an unlimited amount of files with Anchor.
- Publish and distribute your podcast to all major platforms straight from Anchor.
- Monetize and track your podcast’s engagement and success
- Get paid to podcast with podcast subscriptions
- Record video podcasts with Anchor’s Riverside integration
Best for:
Podcasters looking for an easy and efficient way to create their podcast on a budget.
Best podcast recording app for mobile & tablets
There are a number of brilliant mobile apps that bring the power of a professional recording studio to your pocket. Here are some of the best recording apps that work across iOS and Android devices.
Spreaker Studio
Price: Free or starting fom $8.00/month
Features:
- Include remote guests with Spreaker Studio’s Skype Integration
- Upload and distribute in one click to major podcasting platforms including Spotify, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts
- Monetize your podcast and integrate advertising into your podcast
- Voice mixing tools with music and sound effects
- Basic in-app editing tools
- Livestream your recording to your listeners
Best for:
Podcasters who want a one-stop-shop for creation, editing, hosting and distribution, and are happy to compromise on some of the functionality.
Best podcast recording apps for iOS
Best podcast recording apps for iPhone
Riverside.fm mobile app
Price: Free or paid plans from $15/month
Features:
With the Riverside mobile app you can access all of the features outlined above from your phone. The power of a professional recording studio in your pocket!
- Host a recording on the go straight from your iPhone
- Join a recording session from any Android or iPhone mobile device.
- Record with your high-quality phone camera in up to 4K video resolution
- Simple Guest workflow - your participants don’t need to signup for a Riverside.fm account to use the app. All they need to do is follow your invite link and they’ll find themselves in your recording studio via the app.
Best for:
Podcasters who want to harness the power of Riverside from their phone.
Best podcast recording apps for iPhone & iPad
Hindenburg Field Recorder
Price: $29.99
Features:
- Record, edit and share at any moment with Hindenburg Field Recorder
- Set markers for your reference during recording
- Mark and save your ‘favorite soundbites’ for later use or sharing
- Non-destructive editing features such as zoom, break, cut, clear, move and fade
- Add jingles and effects to your recording
- Upload to major platforms straight from the app
- Add metadata such as descriptions and photos to your recording
Best for:
Podcasters who like a straightforward and simple podcast recording app that works on both their iPhone and Tablet.
Garageband iOS
Price: Free from the App Store
Features:
- Live loops turn your phone or tablet into a collection of Touch Instruments
- Access a whole library of instruments and play them from your device
- Record, arrange and mix audio with up to 32 tracks
Best for:
The Garageband iOS app is designed to bring the power of a recording studio to your iPhone or iPad. For the purposes of podcasting, you may find that this app is a little primitive or too geared towards music creation. That being said, it’s budget-friendly and will do the job.
Podcast recording app FAQs
What is the best app for recording podcasts?
Riverside.fm is the only podcast recording app that really offers it all. Not only are you guaranteed HD recordings every time, but you can include remote guests from anywhere in the world, live stream your session, and edit your recording using the Magic Editor. Plus, you get access to Riverside’s whole range of fantastic features for only $7.5/month.
Can you record a podcast on your phone?
Absolutely. As we’ve seen, there are a number of podcasting apps that are available for your phone, so that you can carry the power of a recording studio around in your pocket.
How do I record a podcast on my iPhone?
It couldn’t be easier to record a podcast on your phone. If you want to go back to basics, simply get your Voice Memos app up on your phone and start recording. Alternatively, download the Riverside.fm iOS app and then retrieve the invite link from your host that will take you automatically to the recording studio via the app.
How much does it cost to record a podcast?
It costs as much as you want it to. If you are really strapped for cash, you can basically record a podcast for free, or on a very tight budget. Plus, you don’t need to give up on quality. You can get access to all of Riverside.fm’s features for just $7.5 a month.
Can I record a podcast for free?
Yes! You can easily record a podcast for free. Some of the best free podcast recording apps include:
- Riverside
- Anchor
- Garageband
- Audacity
How can two people remotely record a podcast?
It’s much easier than it sounds. With apps like Riverside.fm, remote recording is simple. All you need to do is log in to your Riverside.fm dashboard, create a recording studio, invite your remote guest, and start recording.
Read more about how to record podcasts remotely in our guide.
Can you record a podcast alone?
Of course, you can. The beauty of podcasting is that you can make what you want out of it. Even if you’re recording your podcast by yourself, invest in good podcast recording software and equipment to ensure that you sound your best.
How can I record a podcast at home?
If you’re recording a podcast at home, all you need is a microphone, headphones, computer, and podcast recording app. If you’re lucky enough to have a home-studio setup, then you won’t need to worry about too much background noise. If not, try and find a quiet corner of your home, where you’re unlikely to be disturbed.
Can you do a podcast directly on a laptop?
Absolutely. In fact, podcasting from your laptop is one of the easiest ways to go about recording a podcast. All you need to do is get Riverside.fm up on your browser, connect up your microphone, and click record.
How do I record high-quality podcasts?
There are lots of different elements at play that can affect the quality of your audio recording. First off, ensure that your podcast recording app is prioritizing the quality of your recording. For example, Riverside.fm guarantees HD recordings no matter your internet connection and automatically saves your audio in lossless, uncompressed formats to preserve quality. Secondly, invest in good-quality equipment that will capture the best quality audio possible.
How do I podcast with friends?
If you’re all in the same location, all you need to do is set up the appropriate number of microphones and start recording into your DAW. If you are all in separate places, then simply set up your Riverside.fm recording studio, share the invite link with your friends, and get recording!
Can you record a podcast outside?
You can record a podcast wherever you want to. There really are no set rules when it comes to recording podcasts. Apps like Riverside.fm and Hindenburg Field Recorder are designed to help you capture audio whenever and wherever you want to.
If you’re on the go and decide to record outside, you may want to invest in a microphone with a windshield to protect the integrity of your audio as much as possible.
How do you record a podcast effectively?
All podcasters have their own playbook when it comes to recording a podcast. Effective podcasting comes down to good planning, high-quality equipment, and high-caliber podcasting software.
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