If you've ever found yourself staring at your laptop, wondering where to record and how to edit your podcast without losing your mind, you're in the right place.

Today, we're breaking down the best tools to record and edit your podcast, including the pros and cons of platforms like Zoom, Zencastr, Squadcast, Descript, Audacity, and Adobe Audition.

By the end of this blog, you'll have a clear understanding of which tools are best suited for your podcasting needs.

The Importance of Quality Audio for Your Podcast

First things first - if your audio doesn't sound great, people will click away even if your content is amazing.

A while back, I conducted a poll on Instagram asking what made listeners stop tuning into a podcast, and the number one answer was poor audio quality.

So, let’s talk about how you can ensure your podcast has professional-grade audio right from the start.

Podcast Recording Tools: The Basics

Pros of using Zoom to record your podcast:

• Zoom offers a free version for up to 40 minutes.
  
  

• Most people are familiar with Zoom, especially since the pandemic, so both you and your guests will find it easy to use.
  
  

• You can record separate audio tracks for each speaker, which is essential for editing.

• Perfect for remote interviews.

Cons to using Zoom to record your podcast:

• Zoom compresses audio, which can lower the quality compared to dedicated podcasting platforms. However, with good editing, the difference can be negligible.
  
  

My Verdict: If figuring out a new recording platform is a barrier to getting started, go ahead and use Zoom.

It’s better to get the ball rolling than to get stuck in the setup phase.

Pros to useing Zencastr to record your podcast:

• Zencastr provides high-quality audio.
  
  

• You can edit right within the platform.
  
  

• Their standard plan offers unlimited recording.
  
  

• You can record separate tracks and delete sections through transcription.
  
  

Cons to using Zencastr to record your podcast:

• The free plan has limited features
  
  

• Some users have reported a lag between when they speak and when their guest hears them.
  
  

• A stable internet connection is required for you and your guest.
  
  

My Experience: Zencastr offers some really amazing features, but be cautious if you or your guests have unstable internet connections.

Pros of using Squadcast to record your podcast:

• The audio quality is top-notch.
  
  

• Easy to use and simple for inviting guests.

Cons of using Squadcast to record your podcast

• It can be expensive if you're just starting out.
  
  

• Both you and your guest must remain connected until the recording fully uploads.

My Favorite: Squadcast is often referred to as the VIP of podcast recording tools, and I tend to agree. If you can afford it and need professional-level audio, it’s a great option.

Summary of Podcast Recording Tools

At the end of the day, any of these tools will work for your podcasting needs.

It really depends on your budget, the quality you're aiming for, and what feels most comfortable for you and your guests.

Podcast Editing Tools: Making Your Podcast Shine

Pros of using Descript to edit your podcast

• Think of Descript as the Swiss Army knife of podcast editing. It transcribes your audio, so you can edit it like a Word document.
  
  

• It can save a lot of time, especially for quick edits.
  
  

• You can remove “ums” and “ahs” with a single click.

Cons of using Descript to edit your podcast

• It can't Fix Everything, things like loud breaths, plosives, and mouth clicks are more difficult to edit.
  
  

• Bulk removing filler words can sometimes remove parts of words you didn’t intend to edit, making it time-consuming to fix.
  
  

Descript is ideal if you're not very tech-savvy and want something that will save you time.

Pros of using Audacity to edit your podcast

• 100% free to use.
  
  

• You can find lots of tutorials online.
  
  

• A great option for beginners.
  
  

Cons of using Audacity to edit your podcast

• The interface can be a bit cumbersome.
  
  

• May require a bit of time to learn.
  
  

• There have been tales of files being lost during updates, but many users are satisfied despite this.
  
  

My Take: If you're just starting and want to keep costs low, Audacity is a solid choice. Just be prepared to spend a little time learning the basics.

Pros of using Adobe Audition to edit your podcast

• It’s the gold standard in professional audio editing.
  
  

• Perfect for mixing, mastering, and adding sound effects.
  
  

• Plenty of how-to-edit videos are available online.
  
  

Cons of using Adobe Audition to edit

• It's a financial investment.
  
  

• Might be too advanced if you’re just starting out.
  
  

Gold Standard: If you’re aiming for top-tier audio quality and are prepared to make an investment, Adobe Audition is a fantastic option.

I personally use it for editing my client’s audio and find it very effective.

Summary of Podcast Editing Tools

Choosing the right editing tool depends largely on your experience level and budget.

Descript offers an intuitive entry point, Audacity is a fantastic free option for beginners, and Adobe Audition provides professional-grade editing capabilities if you're willing to invest.

Putting It All Together

Recording your podcast

• Try different platforms - Test out Zoom, Zencastr, and Squadcast to see which feels the most comfortable for you and your guests.
  
  

• Prioritize audio quality - Even with free platforms like Zoom, good editing can make a world of difference.

Editing you podcast

• Start simple - Descript is great for beginners.
  
  

• Move up - As you gain experience, consider learning Audacity or Adobe Audition to access more advanced features.
  
  

• Remember your audience - The goal is to maintain natural-sounding conversations, so don’t over-edit.
  
  

Final Tips

• Done is better than perfect - When you're just starting out, strive to get your episodes published rather than chasing perfection.
  
  

• Resources - Don’t forget to grab my free podcast launch roadmap to guide you through every step of launching your podcast, from choosing your tools to planning your episodes and marketing your show.
  
  

And there you have it - a comprehensive guide to recording and editing your podcast.

Whether you’re new to the podcasting world or looking to refine your current setup, I hope you found this guide helpful.

Remember, the key is to start with what feels easiest for you and to build from there. You’ve got this!

Don’t forget to let me know in the comments which tool you’re most excited to try, or if you have any questions. I’m here to help.

If you're looking for a step by step guide on how to launch your podcast with ease and simplicity grab my free Launch Your Podcast Roadmap right here.

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