What makes a great podcast recording app?
A good podcast recording app should capture clean, consistent audio, tame background noise, and export a file you can edit or publish. Some do this on your phone; others are full desktop or browser studios.
Below we compare the top options for 2026. If you record on Android and want clean audio without a complicated setup, Virtual Mic is the easiest place to start.
1
Virtual Mic
Editor’s Choice
Our top pick for mobile podcasters: Virtual Mic captures clean, noise-reduced audio on Android and records straight to WAV.
Pros
- Real-time noise reduction and echo cancellation on-device
- Live waveform visualization so you can see your levels as you speak
- Records straight to M4A or WAV with adjustable quality
- Equalizer, reverb, gain and routing controls to shape your voice
- Works with Bluetooth, wired and AirPlay-style external speakers
Cons
- Android only - there is no iOS build
- Built for live audio and recording, not full multitrack production
2
Riverside
Browser-based studio recording for podcasts and interviews
Pros
- Local high-quality recording for each participant
- Great for remote multi-guest interviews
- Built-in editing and clip tools
Cons
- Guests must join through Riverside
- Higher cost for full features
- More setup than a quick phone recording
3
Audacity
Free, open-source desktop audio editor and recorder
Pros
- Powerful multitrack recording and editing for free
- Large catalogue of effects and community plugins
- Exports to every common audio format
Cons
- Desktop only - not designed for phones or live use
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- No real-time noise suppression while you talk
4
Spotify for Podcasters
Free podcast recording, hosting and distribution
Pros
- Free recording, hosting and distribution in one place
- Remote recording with guests
- Simple publishing to major platforms
Cons
- Limited fine-grained audio processing
- Editing tools are fairly basic
- Best used inside its own ecosystem
Best podcast recording apps compared
| App | Platform | Noise reduction | Best for | Price |
|---|
| Virtual Mic | Android | ✓ | Mobile recording | Free |
| Riverside | Web/Mobile | ✓ | Remote interviews | Free + paid |
| Audacity | Desktop | — | Editing & mixing | Free |
| Spotify for Podcasters | Web/Mobile | Basic | Hosting + record | Free |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app to record a podcast on a phone?
For Android, Virtual Mic is a great choice - it records clean audio with real-time noise reduction and saves to WAV or M4A for editing.
Do I need expensive gear to start a podcast?
No. Virtual Mic works with your phone's mic or any Bluetooth/wired mic, applying noise reduction and monitoring so you can sound good on a budget.
Can I record remote guests?
For remote, multi-guest interviews, Riverside records each participant locally. For solo or in-person recording, Virtual Mic is simpler and free.
Which app is best for editing podcasts?
Audacity remains a top free desktop editor. Record clean audio with Virtual Mic, then edit and mix in Audacity if you need detailed control.
Is Virtual Mic free for podcasting?
Yes, Virtual Mic is free on Google Play, making it an easy, no-cost starting point for new podcasters on Android.
The bottom line
The best podcast recording app depends on your workflow: Virtual Mic for clean mobile capture, Riverside for remote interviews, Audacity for editing, and Spotify for Podcasters for all-in-one hosting.
If you record on Android, start with Virtual Mic - clean source audio makes everything downstream easier.