Starting a two-person podcast is an exciting way to share your ideas and connect with listeners, but recording quality can make or break your show. For new podcasters on a budget, free recording software is a game-changer. Below, we dive deep into the best free tools for 2025, tailored for two-person podcasts, whether you’re recording in-person or remotely. These tips will help you pick the right software to ensure clear audio, easy editing, and a professional sound without spending a dime.
Why Free Recording Software Matters
Free software lets you focus on content and chemistry without financial stress. For two-person podcasts, you need tools that handle dual audio tracks (one for each host) to simplify editing and ensure crisp sound. The right software should also support your setup local or remote and be beginner-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of the best free options and how to use them effectively.
Top Free Recording Software for Two-Person Podcasts
1. Audacity (PC/Mac/Linux)
- Why It’s Great: Audacity is a free, open-source powerhouse for recording and editing. It supports multi-track recording, so each host’s audio is captured separately, making it easy to edit out coughs, interruptions, or background noise without affecting the other track.
- Best For: In-person recording with two USB microphones plugged into one computer. It’s also great for solo editing if one host handles post-production.
- Key Features:
- How to Use It:
- Tip: Check X for Audacity tutorials or community tips (search #AudacityTips). Download from audacityteam.org to avoid sketchy third-party sites.
2. Riverside.fm (Free Tier)
- Why It’s Great: Riverside is a top pick for remote two-person podcasts. It records high-quality audio (and video) locally on each host’s device, ensuring crystal-clear sound even with spotty internet. The free tier is limited but perfect for new podcasters testing the waters.
- Best For: Remote setups where hosts are in different locations.
- Key Features:
- How to Use It:
- Tip: Test your internet and mic setup before recording. Riverside’s local recording saves you from Wi-Fi woes, but a stable connection helps with real-time chat.
3. Anchor by Spotify
- Why It’s Great: Anchor is a free, all-in-one platform for recording, editing, and publishing. It’s beginner-friendly and supports remote or in-person recording, making it ideal for hosts who want simplicity and instant distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
- Best For: Podcasters who want to record, edit, and publish from one platform, especially on mobile.
- Key Features:
- How to Use It:
- Tip: Anchor’s mobile app is great for recording on the go, but for better quality, use external mics and export to Audacity for advanced editing.
4. GarageBand (Mac/iOS)
- Why It’s Great: Free for Apple users, GarageBand offers a sleek interface for recording and editing multi-track audio. It’s intuitive and includes built-in effects and music loops to enhance your podcast.
- Best For: In-person recording with Mac users or solo editing on a Mac/iPhone.
- Key Features:
- How to Use It:
- Tip: Explore GarageBand’s free loops for a custom intro. Watch YouTube tutorials for quick editing tricks specific to podcasting.
Choosing the Right Software for Your Setup
- In-Person Recording: Audacity or GarageBand is your best bet. Both handle multiple mics and give you full control over editing. Audacity is cross-platform, while GarageBand is Mac-only but more intuitive.
- Remote Recording: Riverside.fm or Anchor shines here. Riverside offers higher-quality audio with separate tracks, while Anchor is simpler for quick recording and publishing.
- Editing Needs: If you want advanced editing, use Audacity or GarageBand. For quick edits and publishing, Anchor or Riverside’s built-in tools are enough.
- Tip: Test all four tools with a short 1-minute recording to compare ease of use and audio quality. Check X for real-time user reviews (search #PodcastSoftware) to see what other new podcasters recommend.
Pro Tips for Recording Success
- Test Audio Levels: Always record a short test to ensure both hosts’ audio peaks between -12 and -6 dB. Too loud (0 dB) causes distortion; too quiet loses clarity.
- Use Headphones: Both hosts should wear headphones to prevent echo, especially for remote recording on Riverside or Anchor.
- Backup Recordings: Save raw files before editing. Riverside auto-uploads to the cloud, but for Audacity or GarageBand, store files on an external drive or free cloud service like Google Drive.
- Learn Basic Editing: Spend an hour on YouTube learning Audacity or GarageBand basics. Focus on cutting pauses, normalizing volume, and reducing noise for a pro sound.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your mics work with your chosen software. USB mics are plug-and-play with all these tools, but test first.
Why These Tools Work for Beginners
These free tools are battle-tested by podcasters in 2025. Audacity’s open-source community ensures constant updates and tutorials. Riverside’s free tier is designed for remote creators, with X users praising its reliability (#RiversideFM). Anchor’s seamless publishing saves time, and GarageBand’s Apple integration makes it a no-brainer for Mac users. By starting with these, you avoid costly subscriptions while learning the ropes.
Next Steps
- Pick one software based on your setup (Audacity/GarageBand for in-person, Riverside/Anchor for remote).
- Download and test it with your co-host this week.
- Record a 5-minute practice episode to get comfortable.
- Search X for #PodcastTips to join the community and share your progress!
With these free tools, you and your co-host can start creating a podcast that sounds great and builds your audience without spending a penny. Happy recording!
✍️ Written by Yuresh Shayzer | Podcast Editor