Recording a podcast used to mean wrangling a DAW, an interface, and a folder full of WAV files. In 2026 the software does most of that heavy lifting — remote guests, multitrack capture, AI cleanup, and text-based editing all live inside a single app now. But “podcast recording software” covers two different jobs: capturing the recording (especially remote guests) and editing it afterward.
Some tools do one, some do both, and picking the wrong one means fighting your software instead of making a show. This guide sorts the field by what you actually need — solo or remote, record-only or record-and-edit, free or paid — and names the best pick for each.
Quick Picks
Best Overall — Riverside: studio-quality remote recording with a separate local track per guest, plus AI editing and clips. The most complete record-and-edit platform.
Best for Editing — Descript: edit audio and video by editing the transcript. Unmatched for fast, text-first post-production.
Best Free (AI cleanup) — Adobe Podcast: free multitrack recording plus the best one-click voice enhancement in the business.
Best Free Remote — Zencastr: browser-based remote recording with a genuinely usable free tier.
Best Free DAW — Audacity (local editing), Best for Mac Beginners — GarageBand, and Best Budget DAW — Reaper round out the free and low-cost options.
The Best Podcast Recording Software in 2026
Riverside.fm
Riverside
Studio-quality remote recording with separate local tracks per guest, plus AI editing and clips.
Pros
- Separate local track per guest — remote audio that sounds local
- Records audio and video (up to 4K) with AI clips and transcription
- Record and edit in one platform — no second tool
- No install required for guests
Cons
- Best features are on paid tiers
- Overkill for solo, local-only audio
- Video features add a learning curve
Bottom line: the most complete record-and-edit platform for interview and multi-guest shows.
Descript
Descript
Edit audio and video by editing the transcript — delete a word, delete the audio.
Pros
- Text-based editing of audio and video
- One-click filler-word removal and Studio Sound cleanup
- Great for clips, show notes, and repurposing
- Solid free tier to start
Cons
- Recording is fine but not its strongest suit
- Advanced AI features are on higher tiers
Bottom line: the fastest editing workflow there is, especially if you repurpose episodes.
Adobe Podcast
Adobe Podcast
Free multitrack recording plus the best one-click AI voice enhancement available.
Pros
- Free multitrack remote recording (each speaker on their own track)
- Enhance Speech: best free AI voice cleanup
- Nothing to install — runs in the browser
Cons
- Free tier caps recording length/file size
- Lighter editing than Descript
Bottom line: unbeatable value for clean remote audio and standout free voice enhancement.
Zencastr
Zencastr
Browser-based remote recording with a free tier that works for real episodes.
Pros
- Free tier suitable for real episodes
- Separate tracks per guest, no guest install
- Simple, focused recording workflow
Cons
- Fewer editing/AI features than Riverside or Descript
- Higher usage needs a paid plan
Bottom line: a dependable free option for interview shows that just need clean remote tracks.
Audacity
Audacity
The classic free, open-source local editor for cutting, leveling, and exporting.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Full local multitrack editing and effects
- Huge tutorial ecosystem
Cons
- No built-in remote recording
- Dated interface; manual vs AI tools
Bottom line: everything a solo or in-person show needs to edit, for zero dollars.
GarageBand
GarageBand
Free on every Mac and the friendliest on-ramp to recording a local show.
Pros
- Free on macOS/iOS
- Beginner-friendly multitrack recording and editing
- Reliable and well-supported
Cons
- Mac/iOS only
- No remote recording; limited advanced features
Bottom line: the easiest free starting point for Mac-based solo podcasters.
Reaper
Reaper
A full professional DAW for a one-time ~$60 personal license.
Pros
- Pro-grade DAW at a fraction of the price
- Extremely customizable; low system requirements
- Generous evaluation period
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- No remote recording; build your own workflow
Bottom line: pro editing power for hands-on podcasters who want to spend once.
How the Software Compares
| Software | Best for | Remote recording | Editing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside | Overall / remote interviews | Yes (local tracks) | Yes (AI + timeline) | Free trial; ~$15+/mo |
| Descript | Editing | Basic | Yes (text-based) | Free tier; ~$16/mo |
| Adobe Podcast | Free AI cleanup | Yes (multitrack) | Light | Free; Premium ~$9.99/mo |
| Zencastr | Free remote recording | Yes | Light | Free tier; paid plans |
| Audacity | Free local editing | No | Yes (local) | Free |
| GarageBand | Mac beginners | No | Yes (local) | Free (Mac) |
| Reaper | Budget pro DAW | No | Yes (local) | ~$60 one-time |
How to Choose Podcast Recording Software
Record-only vs record-and-edit
Some tools capture (Zencastr, Adobe Podcast), some edit (Audacity, Reaper), and some do both (Riverside, Descript, GarageBand). Decide whether you want one app for everything or a capture tool plus a separate editor.
Solo/local vs remote guests
If you record alone into an interface, a DAW like GarageBand, Audacity, or Reaper is all you need. The moment you add remote guests, you want local-track recording (Riverside, Zencastr, Adobe Podcast) so one bad connection doesn’t sink the episode. See our head-to-head: Riverside vs Descript vs SquadCast.
Free vs paid
You can run a real show for $0 with Adobe Podcast (record and enhance) plus Audacity or GarageBand to edit. Paid tools (Riverside, Descript) buy you speed, AI, and video — worth it once editing time is your bottleneck.
Do you also need an audio interface?
Software handles capture and editing, but an XLR mic still needs an interface to reach your computer. See Do You Still Need an Audio Interface in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best podcast recording software?
For most shows, Riverside — it records every guest on a separate local track and edits in the same place. For editing specifically, Descript. For free, Adobe Podcast plus Audacity or GarageBand.
What software do I need to start a podcast?
At minimum, one tool to record and one to edit — or a single app that does both. A free stack (Adobe Podcast plus Audacity or GarageBand) is enough to launch. New to this? See How to Start a Podcast in 2026.
Is there free podcast recording software?
Yes. Adobe Podcast (record and AI enhance), Zencastr (remote), Audacity (edit, all platforms), and GarageBand (edit, Mac) are all free.
What do professionals use to record remote podcasts?
Riverside is the go-to for local-quality remote tracks; Zencastr and Adobe Podcast are strong free alternatives.
Do I still need a DAW like Audacity if I use Riverside or Descript?
Usually not — those handle editing too. A DAW matters mainly for hands-on local editing or a traditional timeline. Once you have your audio, tools like AI repurposing software turn each episode into clips and posts.
Related Guides
Riverside vs Descript vs SquadCast
Audacity vs GarageBand vs Reaper
Best AI Tools to Repurpose Your Podcast
Best Podcast Hosting Platform