Audacity vs GarageBand vs Reaper: Best Free Podcast Editing Software

Audacity

Free, open-source audio editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux — the default recommendation for Windows and Linux podcasters, with built-in noise reduction, broad format support, and two decades of community tutorials

Pros

• Completely free — no cost, no subscription
• Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Built-in noise reduction tool handles most podcast recording environments
• Supports a wide range of audio formats
• Massive tutorial library — virtually every question has been answered online
• Lightweight — runs on older hardware without performance issues

Cons

• Dated, visually cluttered interface with a moderate learning curve
• Non-destructive editing is limited — works directly on audio files by default
• Multitrack capabilities are basic compared to Reaper or GarageBand
• Less polished than GarageBand for Mac users who have a native alternative

Bottom line: Audacity handles the core podcast editing tasks — import, trim, noise reduction, level adjustment, and export to MP3 — without any cost. For Windows and Linux podcasters who want a capable free tool and don’t need an elegant interface, it’s the obvious starting point.

8.4

★★★★★

available at

audacityteam.org

GarageBand

Apple’s free DAW, pre-installed on every Mac — significantly more polished and intuitive than Audacity, with professional-quality compression, EQ, and effects that most podcasters will actually use

Pros

• Free and pre-installed on every Mac — no download required
• Clean, intuitive interface with a low learning curve
• Professional-quality compression, EQ, and effects included
• Multitrack editing capable enough for most podcast workflows
• Integrates cleanly with macOS and iOS
• Upgrades to Logic Pro if you outgrow it (same project format)

Cons

• Mac only — not available on Windows or Linux
• Less powerful than Reaper for complex editing workflows
• Limited customization compared to professional DAWs
• No native MP3 export without a plugin (exports AIFF or WAV natively)

Bottom line: GarageBand is the fastest path from raw recording to published episode for Mac users. It handles 90% of podcast editing tasks without requiring tutorials, and the interface is polished enough that most podcasters will never feel limited by it.

8.9

★★★★★

available at

Mac App Store

Reaper

Full professional DAW with a $60 personal license — lightweight, highly customizable, cross-platform, and capable of matching expensive professional software like Adobe Audition and Pro Tools for podcast editing

Pros

• $60 personal license — one-time cost that covers lifetime updates
• Professional-grade capabilities that match tools costing 10x more
• Highly customizable — virtually every aspect of the workflow can be modified
• Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Lightweight and fast, even on older hardware
• Large, supportive community with an extensive tutorial library

Cons

• Steep learning curve — not beginner-friendly without investing in tutorials
• Default interface is not particularly intuitive out of the box
• The $60 cost is a barrier if you’re still deciding whether podcasting is for you
• More capability than most podcasters will ever need

Bottom line: Reaper is worth the $60 for podcasters who’ve outgrown Audacity or GarageBand, produce at high volume, or want a professional editing tool without a subscription. Podcasters who started on Reaper and became professional audio engineers never needed to switch.

9.3

★★★★★

available at

reaper.fm

Is Audacity safe to use after the 2021 privacy policy changes?

Yes. The 2021 controversy involved a proposed privacy policy update from new owners Muse Group that raised data collection concerns. Muse Group subsequently revised the policy after community backlash, and the current version does not collect personal data during normal use. Audacity remains open-source, and the source code is auditable for anyone concerned about data handling.

Can I edit a podcast on my phone?

Yes, with limitations. Apps like Ferrite Recording Studio (iOS) and Spotify for Podcasters provide mobile editing capabilities that work well for simple podcast formats. For multi-track editing, noise reduction, and professional-quality output, a desktop DAW on a computer will always give you more control and better results.

What’s the best format to export a finished podcast episode?

MP3 at 128kbps mono for a single-host podcast, or 128-192kbps stereo for interviews and shows with music. MP3 provides the best balance of file size and audio quality for streaming and download. WAV is uncompressed and appropriate for archiving your raw recordings, but it’s too large for podcast distribution.