[FAQ]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for the best free software to edit my new podcast. I keep hearing about a few of the same options, like Audacity and maybe GarageBand for Apple users.

I was just wondering what people think the top choice is right now in 2025, especially for someone who is just starting out and needs something that’s not too complicated. Are there any new contenders out there that are easy to use but still powerful enough to make a podcast sound good?

Appreciate the help!

[Jeff Bullas]

There are several excellent free software options available for editing a podcast in 2025. The “best” one often comes down to your computer’s operating system, your level of technical comfort, and your specific needs.

First, Audacity is a long-standing and very popular choice for new podcasters. It is a powerful, open-source audio editor that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It contains all the essential features required for podcast editing, such as cutting and arranging audio clips, adjusting volume levels, reducing background noise, and it supports a wide range of third-party plug-ins. While its interface can seem a little dated to some, it is a very reliable and capable tool.

Second, if you are a Mac user, GarageBand is a fantastic option that comes pre-installed on your computer. It is well known for its user-friendly and intuitive design, which makes it very easy for beginners to start recording and editing multiple audio tracks quickly. It is a great entry point into audio production.

Third, DaVinci Resolve is another powerful choice, particularly if you also plan to produce video content. While it is primarily a professional video editing suite, the free version includes a comprehensive audio editing page called “Fairlight.” This provides professional-grade tools for audio mixing and repair. It has a steeper learning curve than GarageBand but is an incredibly capable piece of software.

Fourth, you might look at a service like Descript. It offers a different approach to editing where you can edit the audio by simply editing its automatically generated text transcript. This can be a very fast and intuitive way to edit spoken-word content. Descript typically offers a free plan, but it will have limitations, such as a set number of transcription hours per month or watermarks on any video exports, so you would need to check their current free offering to see if it suits your needs.

To summarise, if you are a Mac user looking for the easiest start, GarageBand is an excellent choice. If you need a powerful, audio-only editor that works on any operating system, Audacity is a very solid option. If you anticipate doing video work or want to learn professional-level tools, DaVinci Resolve is worth the time investment. And if a text-based editing workflow appeals to you, exploring Descript’s free plan is a good idea. You can certainly produce a professional-sounding podcast using any of these free tools.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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