This post is the first in our new Tool School campaign—a weekly series of short videos and companion blogs that highlight a specific category of tools and showcase 2-3 representative tools across our 29 categories.
If you learned a thing or two during our Summer Social series, you’ll love Tool School. This post kicks off our new Tool School video series—short, weekly spotlights that explore a selection of tools in each of PRToolFinder’s 29 categories. It’s our next-generation follow-up to Summer Social—only this time, we’re adding video to make learning fast, visual, and fun.
Our first Tool School video drops this week, featuring a closer look at podcast recording software—how to choose one and what features to prioritize; a natural starting point for every podcaster.
What to Know Before You Hit RecordÂ
Podcasting has exploded in popularity, becoming one of the most powerful ways for brands and professionals to tell stories, build thought leadership, and reach audiences worldwide. But while creativity fuels your content, your podcast recording tool determines how good it sounds—and how easy it is to produce consistently great episodes.
There truly is a Podcasting Boom: Why the Right Tools Matter
The global podcasting industry is growing fast. In 2025, more than 584 million people are expected to listen to podcasts—an increase of nearly 7% year over year. U.S. podcast ad revenues reached $1.9 billion in 2023, with continued growth projected.
That growth means more opportunities—and more competition. Listeners expect broadcast-quality audio, even from small shows. And that’s where your podcast recording software comes in.
Your recording tool influences everything from sound quality and editing options to how easily you can bring in remote guests or export episodes for publishing. Choosing the right one can elevate your production from amateur to professional.
What to Consider When Choosing a Podcast Recording Tool
There’s no universal “best” podcast recording tool—it depends on your needs, workflow, and level of experience. Here’s what to think about before you decide:
- Audio Quality
Look for podcast software that supports high bit depth (24-bit) and sample rates (48 kHz or higher). These specs help you capture richer, clearer sound with less distortion.
- Recording Setup
Are you recording solo or with multiple guests? If your podcast involves remote interviews, you’ll want a cloud-based podcast recorder that captures each participant locally on their own device. That way, even if someone’s internet drops, their audio stays clean.
- Ease of Use vs. Control
Beginners may prefer simple, automated tools that handle noise suppression, mixing, and leveling. Experienced producers may want deeper control over EQ, gain, and track routing. Decide how much customization you need before choosing.
- Editing & Integration
Choose a tool that integrates seamlessly with editing platforms like Audacity, Descript, or Adobe Audition, and supports exporting in standard formats (WAV, MP3, AAC). Some platforms even publish directly to podcast hosts, saving time.
- Pricing & Scalability
Many podcast recording tools offer free tiers, but those may limit recording length, guests, or audio quality. Paid plans usually unlock multitrack recording, high-definition audio, and cloud storage—features worth investing in as your show grows.
- Device Compatibility
Check that your recording software works with your operating system (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android) and hardware setup. Compatibility with USB or XLR microphones, mixers, and interfaces ensures a smoother experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Recording a Podcast
Even the best podcasting tool can’t overcome poor habits or setup mistakes. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Using your laptop mic. Always invest in a dedicated USB or XLR microphone for clear, professional sound.
- Skipping test runs. Always record a 30-second test to check audio levels, background noise, and connectivity.
- Ignoring your environment. Hard surfaces create echo. Record in a space with curtains, carpets, or foam panels.
- Recording a single track. Capture each speaker on their own track—it makes editing and mixing much easier.
- Forgetting backups. Choose software that automatically saves to the cloud or offers local redundancy.
Avoiding these mistakes not only saves editing time but also ensures your show sounds consistent and polished from episode to episode.
Ready to Start Recording?
Whether you’re launching your first podcast or fine-tuning your production setup, the right podcast recording tool can transform your workflow and elevate your sound.
Explore all nine of the top-rated podcast recording tools in our PRToolFinder database (we just added a new one too!). You can discover all players for free. If you’re doing more than browsing, and need to make a decision, you can easily upgrade for as little as $50 to see tool descriptions, key features and pricing. Find your perfect fit and get to your buy decision faster.
And don’t forget to subscribe to our new Tool School series for more time-saving insights on the tools shaping the future of public relations.