10 Best Podcast Hosting Software for Podcasters (Free /Paid)

"People say that podcasting is not everyone's piece of cake and that podcasting recording software is blanketed in dust. What a Joke!"

But ask me, I would say that podcasting is a hub of powerful stories getting a new dimension every episode. And where couch-cuddling video streams seem to bore in front of powerful and motivational audio content.

So, are you ready to start your journey with podcasting and let your voice captivate the minds of audiences? Then it is time to scroll down the blog to find the list of best podcast recording apps or software in the market.?

Without any ado, let us begin with,

What is Podcasting Recording Software?

Podcast recording software is a platform that helps podcasters, influencers, or businesses record, edit, and broadcast audio streams to listeners or audiences.?

Whereas, podcasts are audio files that usually cover a topic, a story, a discussion, or educational content, released as episodes on a regular basis, either weekly or monthly.?

What Do Podcasters Use to Record Audio and Video?

Podcasters usually have an accessory kit with them during recording, which consists of:

• Camera
• Microphone
• Headsets
• Pop filter
• Mic stands
• Audi mixer, and a
• Recording software

While having the right model of accessory is important for capturing live audio feeds, without reliable and stable recording software, your podcasts are not going to reach your audience on time.?

Therefore, it is quintessential that you choose the right podcast provider for your work.

So How Does Podcasting Work?

Here's how podcasting works:

1. The audio files recorded by a podcaster are distributed to audiences over the internet using a podcast hosting service.?
2. These services or platforms store all the podcast content in one place and go into generating RSS feeds.?
3. Upon successful generation of feeds, they are moved to podcast directories where listeners can search, store, and listen to their favorite episodes.
4. Finally, the RSS feed will update the latest episode on the listener's device when they subscribe to the podcast.?

Now that we have seen how podcasting works,?

How to Create a Podcast?

It is easy to create a podcast, provided you have the right equipment and recording software.?

Here's how you can do it using a USB microphone and on Windows:

1. Install any digital audio software that comes compatible with iOS, macOS, and Windows 10, and has a recorder app.
2. Now insert the microphone into the system's USB port.
3. Open the audio application, test the audio levels, and start recording.
4. Once done, check if any edits are required and export the file to either an audio sharing platform or a podcast recording platform.

5. Share the podcast on any social media platforms or mediums where you have listeners.

It's easy, right??

What are the Benefits of Podcasting?

Some of the benefits of podcasting include:

1. Easy Creation & Distribution: Podcasters generally need a microphone, computer, audio software, and podcast recording platform to record and distribute audio files to listeners. No additional equipment is required.
2. Highly Informative: As podcasts are usually episodes that explain a topic of the day, news, science, or other genres, they come as a great source of knowledge sharing.
3. On-demand Audio Files: It is not always necessary for podcasts to be live, users can listen to their favorite episodes at any time on their devices.
4. No Restrictions on Size: Podcasts can be of any size. Some are short as 30 mins while some extend up to 3 hours.?
5. No Regulatory Laws: As of now there are no government regulations or restrictions for podcasts thus enabling freedom of speech, unlike other platforms like TV or radio.?
6. Marketing Tool: Podcasts stand as one of the best marketing tools to attract audiences or listeners to the creator's portal. This is because podcasters cover areas that are mostly liked by users and entertain them by giving a broader view of each topic.

So far we have been able to hear only two words- podcasting platform. Is podcasting software that important and if so how to choose the best one?

How to Decide if the Podcasting Software is the Best?

A podcasting software is considered to be the best if it has core elements that meet your needs and elevate your content creation experiences.

Therefore, in the section below, I will walk you through the basic factors you must look into if you wish to cherish a smooth recording session.

1.? Your Experience: If you have hands-on experience in the audio engineering domain, you can look out for a podcast recording platform that offers advanced features.?

But, if you don't have the required expertise, do look for a simpler tool.

2. Your Budget-affordability: Always evaluate the features and benefits of paid vs free podcast recording software before always opting for free platforms. This is because free podcast recording software will contain fewer features than paid ones.

3. Your Choice of Platform: Some of the software can be accessed from home computers (desktop), a few are available as web apps and others as mobile apps.?

Hence, choose a podcast recording platform based on how you do your recordings.

To conclude, make sure you choose the right podcast recording software, as your single choice will have a long-lasting impact in the future.

Top 10 Podcast Recording Software in 2025 (Free & Paid)

Here's a list of the 10 best podcast recording software platforms like OnTheFly, Riverside, Restream, Reaper, Podbean, Hindenburg, and Audacity to record and stream your quality episodes.?

Plus, the platforms listed below are based on user reviews, ratings, budgets, and engagement features - all of which are exceptional and topping the market.?

1.OnTheFly

OnTheFly is one of the eminent, all-in-one live podcasting platforms available in the global market, that turns out to be a treat for podcasters for the following reasons:

1. The platform is easy to set up and comes packed with exquisite features.
2. OnTheFly lets podcasters record audio streams in high-quality and gives them the ability to turn to video podcasts.
3. Leverages seats for up to 4 co-hosts and gives them privileges and controls, and
4. Gives listeners options to record podcasts locally and listen later.

But, wait. It isn't over. Because OnTheFly also allows podcasters to monitor user behavior and track highly-performing episodes from their content creation dashboard.This way, podcasters may know where to improve!

And and and, you may do all the required trimming, fine-tuning, customizations, and polishing quite seamlessly with OnTheFly’s editing tools.?

I know you wouldn’t just take my words, that’s why I would suggest you get started and see.

What are OnTheFly's best features?

1. Branding
2. Inviting Guest Speakers
3. HQ Video Podcasts
4. Editing Tools
5. Player & Format-friendly
6. Diverse Genre
7. Live Streaming
8. Simulcasting

How much does the platform cost?

Podcasters can get started with OnTheFly for free and on a monthly subscription basis. Please talk to experts to know more pricing information.

What are the platform's benefits?

• Allows for quick setup
• Does not require any software downloads
• No limitations on creating and publishing streams.

What is the platform's downfall?

• Only the desktop version is available at present.

2.Restream

Restream is a go-to podcast hosting platform that allows content creators to record and deliver high-quality audio episodes to a larger audience base without any glitches.

Plus, they support streaming directly from the browser without the need for any third-party apps and publishing across 30-plus platforms. When it comes to co-hosting, they let you add remote guests from any part of the world.?

What are the platform’s best features?

1. Multi Streaming
2. Chat Integration
3. Real-time Channel Toggling
4. Live Streaming
5. Analytics
6. Screen Sharing
7. On-screen Captions & Comments

How much does the platform cost?

Their paid version starts from $49 per month.Restream also has a free plan.

What are the platform's benefits?

• Great and friendly user interface
• Gives flexibility to record long videos without any hassles
• Presence of analytics to improve quality of streams

What is the platform's downfall?

• Expensive features and does not allow to take two streams at the same time
• Lacks video editing capabilities

3.Audacity

Audacity is a good place to start if you are looking for a free podcasting recording platform.?

Though they are an open-source platform with basic recording and editing capabilities, its user interface is not very friendly.?

That being said, even the navigation icons are too old and don't give a clear route to find what's where. However, they are flexible with different file formats for recording audio content.

What are the platform’s best features?

1. HQ Recordings
2. Amplifier, Noise Reduction tools
3. Spectrogram
4. Plot Spectrum
5. Adjustable Fading Effects

How much does the platform cost?

1. Audacity is completely free to use.

What are the platform's benefits?

1. Can be used on all desktop
2. Audacity is free to users
3. Great audio editing tools

What is the platform's downfall?

1. Its UI can be improved
2. No email or live calling support
3. Invite guests option is not available

4.Riverside

If there's a platform that is just more than recording, then it is Riverside with exceptional editing tools, automated transcriptions, and support for Spotify integrations.?

Above this, even if you do not have a stable internet connection, Riverside lets you record audio/video streams in 4k resolution mode locally. And, the best part of the platform is that it allows inviting up to 7 guests with individual audio tracks for each.

Seems, their benefits still weigh! Riverside has tools for automated audio fine-tuning, profile customization, layout customization options, and more.

What are the platform’s best features?

1. Individual Video/Audio Tracks
2. Media Board
3. AI Transcriptions
4. App Podcasting Recorder
5. Clip Creator
6. Screen Sharing
7. Live Streaming

How much does the platform cost?

1. Offers free and paid plans, starting from $15/month

What are the platform's benefits?

1. Good technical support
2. In addition to audio recordings, video too can be recorded in 4K quality.
3. Ability to save audio files locally
4. Offers post-publishing controls

What is the platform's downfall?

1. Audio editing can be carried out in the desktop version alone.

5.Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is one of the professional audio studios that offers over 50 effects and tools for podcast recording and publishing.

Once published, they also have tools to track the performance of podcasts, likes, dislikes, and similar activities.

Besides these, they also come as a good choice for restoring files, mixing audio files, and creating quality recordings in a jiffy.?

What are the platform’s best features?

1. Audio Recording
2. Audio Cleanup
3. Audio Editing
4. Audio Restoration
5. Export to Podcasting platform

How much does the platform cost?

Adobe Audition offers free trials and paid plans, starting at $20.99 per month.

What are the platform's benefits?

1. Quality audio recordings with support over 32 tracks
2. Supports content navigation from Adobe Premiere to Audition
3. Has batch processing feature

What is the platform's downfall?

1. Priced high than other competitors
2. Created only for professional podcasters.

6.REAPER

I would say that Reaper is one of the most budget-friendly podcasting recording platforms that is also extensive. The fact that it does not break one's bank, can come in handy to beginners as well, looking to showcase their talent in this field.

Plus, one may record any number of tracks at the same time and use posh tools for editing. Talking about that, there are several templates for audio editing. You may choose which best suits your brand.?

What are the platform’s best features?

1. Sound Enhancement Plugins
2. Layout Customizations
3. Workboards Customizations
4. Tracking Templates
5. Multiple Recordings

How much does the platform cost?

Reaper offers only paid versions with $60 on an annual basis at a discounted price, and $225 for commercial license.

What are the platform's benefits?

1. Over 200+ plugins for enhancing sound quality
2. Quite affordable than competitors
3. Several input channels

What is the platform's downfall?

1. Does not support local recording and depends on internet
2. Plenty of tools that are of no importance

7.Podbean

Podbean is a one-of-a-kind recording software that supports both hosting and monetization capabilities. With them, not only can you meet your needs but deliver qualitative audio content post trimming, merging, and splitting tracks.

Also, you can add background sound and effects to audio tracks, export and import audio files, and get 5 hours of storage space under the free plan.?

What are the platform’s best features?

1. Embedded Media Player
2. Own Podcast Site
3. Platform Sharing
4. 100GB of Bandwidth
5. Audio Editing Tools
6. Live Streaming

How much does the platform cost?

Podbean offers free and paid plans, starting from $9 per month.

What are the platform's benefits?

1. Reliable creation software with good UI
2. Supports integration to WordPress Site
3. Quite easy to host multiple shows

What is the platform's downfall?

1. Takes time to load files
2. Quality of audio tracks can be improved

8.Alitu

Searching for a podcast hosting platform that offers quick and excellent audio editing tools, then Alitu is your one-stop place.?

From letting you create soundtracks with ease to integrating podcasts to mediums like Podbean, Libsyn, Blubrry, and other platforms to automatically editing files, Alitu has a lot more under its hood.?

When there are a lot of positives, negatives like limited plugins and audio filters, and high pricing makes them less liked in the market comparatively.?

What are the platform’s best features?

1. Audio Editor
2. Audio Clean-up
3. Podcast Music Library
4. Audio Transcription
5. Podcast Hosting
6. Podcast Website

How much does the platform cost?

Alitu offers only paid versions with $28 billed monthly and $280 on an annual basis

What are the platform's benefits?

1. Easy to set up with a simple UI in hand
2. Supports audio files from different formats
3. Allows transfer of podcast files to other podcast hosting platforms

What is the platform's downfall?

1. Does not have options to adjust audio settings
2. Editing features come at a higher price tag

9.Anchor?

Yes, you guessed it right! Anchor is a Spotify-owned podcast hosting platform that has a recorder to record audio files either online or on the app or upload your own pre-recorded files.

The plus point of Anchor is that they have an option - Record with Friends that allows you to join with friends remotely and upload audio files. But, they do not let you to record on the Spotify app, you must use the Riverside integration.?

Plus, when it comes to editing tools, they fall short as they are devoid of trimming and transitions.?

What are the platform’s best features?

1. Group Recording (5 guests)
2. Sponsored Segments
3. Integration with Spotify
4. Quick Episode Creation

How much does the platform cost?

They are absolutely free to podcasters.

What are the platform's benefits?

1. Completely free and requires no downloads
2. They have a mobile app for podcasting
3. A single app handles recording and distribution

What is the platform's downfall?

1. Absence of major editing tools
2. Ability to record up to 30 mins on Chrome and 5 mins on Safari.

10.Hindenburg Journalist?

Did you know that Hindenburg Journalist was launched by a radio journalist? Still, it proves to be perfect like an age-old podcast creator app.?

Using this application, one can easily record any number of tracks, edit files with best-in-class tools, and record with guests remotely with a Skype integration.

It's that easy! Plus, Hindenburg Journalist comes as the ideal choice for recording remote interviews.?

What are the platform’s best features?

1. Auto audio leveling
2. Equalizer
3. Compressor
4. Clipboard Tool

How much does the platform cost?

1. They offer paid plans, starting from $12 per month

What are the platform's benefits?

1. Has separate plugins for audio effects and remote recording
2. Supports publishing podcasts on Podbean and Buzsprout
3. Quick to set up and use

What is the platform's downfall?

1. Bit high-priced than its peers
2. Remote recording is dependent on a stable internet connection

Gosh! The list ends here!!

There you go! We have come to the end of the blog and we have in hand the best 10 podcast recording software in the market.?

Just as podcasting is not easy and requires meticulous planning of topics, the same way choosing the right podcast recording platform is important to produce quality episodes in the long run.

So, carry on with your quest, and I'll soon meet you with an interesting topic on live streaming!