However, if you own a Mac, the pre-installed GarageBand offers an easy entry point into the world of DAWs. The biggest drawback is that GarageBand is not available for other operating systems like Windows. Boasting many of the same features as its comparable professional-level DAW, Logic, GarageBand features Apple’s signature sleek user interface and design. GarageBand, by AppleĪpple has long established its brand around creatives, and their DAW GarageBand-included with every Mac-is testament to that. If you’re looking for the simplest and cheapest no-frills option, Audacity is the way to go. What Audacity lacks in aesthetic appeal (think early-2000s software aesthetics) it makes up for in the fact that it’s free and can do most any- and everything other DAWs can do. A free, open-source software, Audacity is available for both Windows and Mac systems and features multitrack editing and tools comparable to that of any other major DAW. Four popular free or inexpensive digital audio workstations for recording audiobooks at home AudacityĪudacity has long been a favorite of the budget recordist. What’s more, as someone merely looking to record voice, you will be needing much less in the way of a software program’s capabilities than, say, someone recording music or compositing a film sound design. The first and most important point I want to stress regarding which DAW is best for your needs is this: there is no right or wrong answer.ĭAWs today are extremely powerful, and while each DAW has certain features or tools that others may lack, all DAWs work the same basic way and will accomplish the same things. I’m here to help you wade through the murky water that is audio software to recommend four DAWs to use for your audiobook or podcast recording. Professional DAWs also typically come with a hefty price tag, ranging from the ever-beloved Ableton Live at $749 to industry-standard titan Avid Pro Tools, ranging from $29.99 to $79.99 per month.Īs someone looking to record spoken word, you have a clearly defined set of goals you want your DAW to be able to achieve.

Many use flashy websites, sleek interfaces, and clever marketing in their attempts to convince you of their superiority over the competition. In our digital age, there is no shortage of digital audio workstations, or “DAWs,” on the market. In your enthusiasm over the prospect of a new audio endeavor, you take to Google to find the best recording software to use.Īfter a preliminary search, your excitement evaporates before you as you are faced with a myriad of software names all proclaiming to be the best, easiest, most flexible audio recording environment. You now need to figure out how to actually record into a computer. For an aspiring podcaster or an author looking to self-record an audiobook, having a microphone and a space to record is only part of the equation.

Free recording software for podcasts