Over the past decade, podcasts have grown a lot, and starting and managing a podcast of your own has become effortless. While this offers better creative opportunities for more people, we cannot ignore the increased demand for content quality.

It essentially means you should put more effort into creating podcast content, which can be daunting if you have just started. These apps and software will help you jumpstart your podcast creation journey—regardless of how simple or complex you want the podcast to be.

1. Audacity

Audacity

Suppose you are just getting started and need basic recording and editing skills. Then, you can kickstart your podcast journey with Audacity, one of the best free digital audio editors available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This open-source app is easy to use and you can drag and drop multiple recordings for podcast content.

You get a handful of editing and processing features. For instance, Audacity does a decent job of noise removal and repair. So, you can easily remove undesired portions from the episode's final version.

Audacity is an excellent option if you want an app to help you with basic recording and audio editing for your podcast.

Download: Audacity for Windows, Mac, Linux (Free)

2. GarageBand

GarageBand

You always have the option to make your first podcast episode as grand as possible. However, you will need advanced recording and editing options. Fortunately, GarageBand, a DAW that macOS comes with, is an apt choice. While there isn't a very steep learning curve, GarageBand offers a lot.

Most importantly, you can bring in content from multiple sources, such as your vocals, MIDI keyboard, and so on. In addition, GarageBand's drummer and synthesizer modules help make your podcast modern and unique. You also get options like multi-track recording, plugin support, and versatile exporting.

We recommend you start with GarageBand if you want to keep things as advanced as possible. It is available for Apple devices only, though.

Download: GarageBand for Mac (Free)

3. Spreaker Studio

Spreaker Studio

Would you rather prefer an all-in-one podcast creation tool so that you can focus on content? Then try Spreaker Studio, a modern podcast creation tool available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

In addition to the basic editing options you need, Spreaker Studio offers podcast-oriented options. For instance, you can invite guests to your podcast using popular platforms like Skype. Similarly, you can add popular sound effects in a single click. The app also helps you broadcast and monetize podcasts from the dashboard.

Compared to the other tools on this list, using Spreaker Studio to create podcasts is a real time-saver. Some of the features, especially the ones for broadcasting, are premium, though.

Download: Spreaker Studio for Windows and Mac | Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

4. OBS Studio

OBS Studio

As you may have noticed, hybrid podcasts that combine video and audio are slowly overtaking conventional ones. And it is a good idea to ensure your podcast is ready to embrace this change. So, if you want to record a hybrid podcast, you can use OBS Studio, a screencasting and streaming app available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

The biggest benefit of using OBS Studio is the ability to bring together content from multiple sources. Basic mixing and controlling options are included in the app. Even though OBS Studio is not optimized for podcast recording, with a good microphone and a decent webcam, you can stream or export your first hybrid podcast episode.

Download: OBS Studio for Windows, Mac, Linux (Free)

5. Hindenburg Pro

Hindenburg Pro

Hindenburg Pro is a professional-grade podcast and radio production suite available for Windows and Mac. It is designed for professional journalists who conduct interviews and bring vocals from different sources. If your profile fits the description, Hindenburg Pro can help you start and maintain a high-quality podcast.

In many ways, Hindenburg Pro brings the best of many tools on this list. For instance, you get additional tools for editing and post-processing, but they are optimized for journalists’ needs. Of course, you can also count on the core features like non-destructive editing, multi-track recording, and easy sharing.

Unlike other apps on this list, Hindenburg Pro is a paid tool. Therefore, we recommend you get it only if you need those unique features.

Download: Hindenburg Pro for Windows and Mac (From $10 per month, free trial available)

6. Krisp

Krisp noise canceling app

One thing most beginner podcast hosts may not have is a soundproof studio. Unfortunately, it means you have to deal with a constant threat of noise and unwanted sounds. While you can use Audacity or GarageBand to remove many of them, there are major limitations. Krisp, an AI-powered app, can help solve this problem.

Krisp will run in the background and remove noise from incoming audio—in real-time. So, it does not matter whether you have a noisy fan running in the background; the final output vocals would be crisp.

This is a great tool for not only podcast hosts but also content creators in general. So, regardless of which app you use to record podcast content, you will find Krisp useful.

Download: Krisp for Windows and Mac (Free, subscription available)

Get the Right Start for Your Podcast

As much as these apps can help you make things easier, having the right ideas for your first podcast episode is crucial. If anything, these apps show that almost everyone can create a high-quality podcast. So, it means you have to focus on the quality of your content.