01 · Quick answer
The best podcast software for Mac, by need
Every Mac already has one good podcast tool, GarageBand. Whether you need more depends on how you record and how much time you want to spend editing.
- Free and already installed: GarageBand
- Free, cross-platform: Audacity
- Easiest start to finish: Hilite (browser)
- Edit by transcript: Hilite, Descript
- Professional: Logic Pro, Hindenburg, Adobe Audition
02 · GarageBand
GarageBand: free and already on your Mac
GarageBand records multiple tracks, has a Voice preset, and handles basic cuts and fades. It is built for music, so podcast-specific jobs such as removing ums or leveling two speakers take manual work. See editing audio in GarageBand.
- Free
- Good for solo and in-person shows
- No remote guest recording
03 · Audacity
Audacity: free, powerful, technical
Audacity runs on Mac, records and edits, and has effects for noise reduction, compression and loudness. The interface is dated and the learning curve is real, but it costs nothing.
- Free
- Many effects, steep learning curve
04 · Hilite
Hilite: record, edit and publish in the browser
Hilite runs in Safari or Chrome, so there is nothing to install or keep updated. Record solo or with remote guests, edit by transcript, clean up the audio and publish from the same place.
- Works on any Mac, including older ones
- Remote guests included
- Free plan available
05 · Pro
Logic Pro, Hindenburg, Descript and Audition
Logic Pro is GarageBand's big sibling, a one-time purchase with professional mixing. Hindenburg is designed for spoken word and radio. Descript edits audio and video by transcript. Adobe Audition is the professional audio editor in Creative Cloud. All are paid; choose one only once a free tool is holding you back.
- Logic Pro: one-time purchase, deep mixing
- Hindenburg: spoken word focus
- Descript: transcript editing, subscription
- Audition: pro audio, subscription
On a Mac? Nothing to install.
Hilite records, edits and publishes your podcast in Safari or Chrome.