Zencastr is a popular podcast recorder and editor app but it is far from perfect. Podcasters have reported facing issues with Zencastr for one reason or another for some time now. It has gotten better over the years but still not there yet. That’s one reason why so many podcasters are looking for Zencastr alternatives. They want to be able to record quality podcasts with no background disturbances, clear audio, and useful features. After all, you can’t recall your guests again, can you?
Zencastr Alternatives
There are quite a few podcast recorders available in the market these days. That’s because the audience for podcasts has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years and podcasters like Joe Rogan are killing at it. It has officially gone mainstream. And so should you. Let’s begin.
Also Read: Best Apps for Podcast Creation for iOS & Android
1. Ringr
Ringr is one of the more popular podcast recorders available. It comes loaded with features and the price is competitive enough. There are three plans in Ringr unlike Zencastr, where you get only two options. Ringr is reliable and you won’t experience lags or call drops. Your guest can download the free Ringr app to record his session too.
One of the things that users love about Ringr is its simplicity. There is a little learning curve (even for guests) and you will be up and running in no time. Ringr’s basic plan begins at $7.99 and offers basic features while premium and enterprise plans offer more advanced features.
Ringr is a cheaper Zencastr alternative that you should use if you are just starting with podcasting. You will like it and likely stay with it.
Pros:
- Mobile and web apps
- Call resume
- FTP support
- Multiple audio formats
- Unlimited storage
- Unlimited call time
Cons:
- No echo cancellation out of box
Also Read: 13 Best Tech Podcasts Channels
2. Zoom
Zoom forever changed the way we make video calls. It was an instant hit and for all the right reasons. There were some security concerns but the team was quick to address it and now they are ready for expansion. Zoom is incredibly easy to use with a code-based invite system. Just enter the code and you and your guests are online.
The free version of Zoom is powerful and flexible enough that most podcasters may never need to pay for it. Note that Zoom is a video calling and conferencing tool but many podcasters like Joe Rogan create video podcasts too. If that’s your thing, you can use Zoom to record both you and your guests easily. That is not to say that you can’t make audio calls.
Zoom is ideal for most users and comes with some advanced features that are missing in other, traditional, podcast recorders like screen capture and sharing features mentioned below.
Pros:
- Free for the most part
- Video + audio podcasts
- Secure, encrypted
- Webinars, calls, conferences
- Share screen, capture screenshots, whiteboard, annotate
Cons:
- Free plan restricted to 40 minutes calls
Also Read: Pocket Cast v/s Podcast Addict | What to choose?
3. Audacity
Audacity is a free and open-source audio recorder but that’s not all. Unlike other Zencastr alternative podcast recorder apps, Audacity also allows you to edit them. Something that all podcasters need to do. You have to remove background noise or disturbances, connect two audio clips in case of call drops, and so on. A very popular tool for even those who use other apps to record sound/audio.
Audacity is available on all desktop platforms and is a joy to use. It’s like the Photoshop of the audio/sound recording world but free. And it comes with extensive documentation. A lot of podcasters ask their guests to record themselves using Audacity and later, just merge.
Pros:
- Free, open-source
- Cross-platform
- Multi-track recording
- Editing
Cons:
- No mobile apps
- Slight learning curve
4. SquadCast
The new kid on the block, SquadCast makes is easy and safe to record podcast and later edit them. It learns from mistakes that other Zencastr alternatives made and improves upon them. It will automatically solve audio sync problems and remove background noises.
Worried about losing your work midway? SquadCast will upload your recordings in real-time to the cloud. Unlike Audacity, there is nothing to download or install on the guest’s part. Just like Zoom, they will click on a browser link and ready to speak their mind.
SquadCast’s starts at $9 per month with a limit of 2 hours of recording. That’s not cheap but the features that it offers more than make up for it. It will reduce your post-production woes.
Pros:
- Real-time upload
- Multiple audio formats
- Cloud studio
- No registration required for host
- Record and edit
- Greenroom
Cons:
- Not cheap
Also Read: 5 Best Open Source Audio Editor You Should Try
Wrapping Up: Zencastr Alternatives
There are plenty of options available in the market but these are the ones you should be paying attention to first. Audacity is free and open-source and is used by many to record and edit sounds. Zoom is more suitable for those who are into video podcasts and need something free and reliable. Finally, SquadCast is for those who are serious and can afford to pay a premium price to get the best possible quality.
