Voice-Free Soundscapes: A Comprehensive Tutorial on Eliminating Vocals with Adobe Audition

An audio file may need to be stripped of vocals for various reasons. This allows you to practice a song using only the instrumental backing track. Create a karaoke track or background music for your videos or podcasts!! With the use of audio softwares like adobe audition, you can improve the quality of your recordings.

The preferred software to use for audio file editing is Adobe Audition. When you remove vocals from Adobe Audition, the music sounds become mesmerizing BGMs. Audio editors, podcasters, and musicians love this software. This article will tell you how to remove vocals using Adobe Audition. This will help one in removing vocals from songs.

AI Vocal Remover A cross-platform for facilitating your video editing process by offering valuable benefits!

Free Download Free Download Learn More

Part 1. A Comprehensive Overview of Adobe Audition’s Powerful Features

An Introduction to Adobe Audition

Audio editors and musicians use Adobe Audition to edit and create music. Audio content of any format can be removed using Adobe Audition vocal remover. With full customization, you can do this. You can also make your production workflow more seamless with it. This program has a comprehensive audio toolset that makes your work easier.

It also offers noise reduction, audio restoration, and sound removal. It comes with many visualization tools too. In addition, it comes with a good interface that encourages many people to consider using it.

Adobe Audition Features

1. Integrated Creative Cloud Subscription

Access Adobe Audition CC seamlessly with your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Bundle includes other industry-leading apps like Premiere Pro and After Effects for comprehensive multimedia editing.

2. Professional-Grade Audio Software

Trusted by podcasters, content creators, musicians, sound designers, and audio engineers for its professional capabilities. Tailored for a wide range of audio needs, from recording to mixing and mastering.

3. Diverse Audio Effects

Boasts a variety of audio effects including noise reduction, vocal remover, and more. Designed to enhance and refine audio quality for diverse creative projects.

4. Center Channel Extractor

Highlighting the centerpiece feature, the Center Channel Extractor modifies vocal channels with precision. Enables bass boosting, instrumental removal, and fine-tuning of vocals for a customized audio experience.

5. Effortless Vocal Removal

Streamlines the vocal removal process with the Center Channel Extractor. Offers user-friendly presets for quick results without complex procedures.

Part 2. Step-by-Step Guide on Removing Vocals with Adobe Audition Like a Pro

It is not easy to work with Adobe Audition. It’s also likely that you’ll get confused with vocal remover Adobe Audition. Although Adobe Audition provides dozens of tools for ease of use, it is a powerful audio editing program.

The Center Channel Extractor effects and its vocal remover preset can be used to remove vocals in Adobe Audition.

Step 1. Prepare for Adobe Audition by importing media

You can import your audio files and media files into Adobe Audition.

Step 2. Click on the Effect Rack

Select the “Effects” rack once the audio file has been imported into Adobe Audition.

Altеrnativеly, choose one of the effects using thе arrows on thе right sidе of thе scrееn. If you click on thе whitе arrow you will opеn a dropdown list. Stereo imagery is available by just simply putting your mouse cursor over it. The Center Channel Extractor will be displayed in a new list.

Step 3. Select “Remove Vocal”

After you click on Central Channel Extractor, you should see the effect window. You can change the default Preset to Vocal Remove by clicking on the dropdown menu. Besides Acapella, Sing Along, and Karaoke, the effect also has presets for these types of tracks. The vocals will be removed from the instrumentals this time if you select Vocal Remove. It’s easy to see that your vocals have been reduced when you preview it.

Closing the window automatically exports your new track. This process usually does work; however, sometimes it is ineffective. The next step involves customizing the effects settings for the vocal remover.

Step 4. Customize the Setting

The first thing you need to do is check the dialogue box on the right side. There is a 1 highlighting it. Two scales are available. No change should be made in these settings. It is imperative to consider the center channel settings and the side channel settings only. The Extract entry should be set to Center after this. As a result, the vocals in the center are attenuated and minimized. You can see it highlighted as 2.

Several predefined ranges are available, but we will make additional adjustments so we will select custom. There will be 115 Hz at the beginning and 17000 Hz at the end of the custom frequency range. Sound waves below 115 Hz and above 17000 Hz are removed. The instrumental parts have been impacted if you play the audio. To obtain perfect vocals, you must make additional adjustments after the described attenuation method.

In this case, you will have to trim the end of the frequency range and refine some of the audio. On hovering your mouse above the figure, the mouse pointer becomes a double-sided arrow.

Proceed to the Discrimination Tab once you have finished these settings. By identifying the center channel, you can further refine your audio. There are 5 sliders, largely focused on two: Crossover Bleed and Phase Discrimination. After picking the Acapella preset, these sliders handle the bleed of the instrumentals.

Step 5. Apply the Effect

On the Effects Rack panel, click Apply at the bottom of the effect window. Your audio file’s length may determine the amount of time it takes Adobe Audition to apply the effects.

Step 6. The Instrument Track Needs to be Exported

To use the music tracks on your mix or videos, export them without vocals. Go to Filе/Export/Filе to еxport a filе. Thе audio format for thе nеw music filе you can sеlеct rangеs from MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF and many othеrs.

For video editing software such as Premiere Pro, use a Sample Type of 48 kHz. Audio engineers who work with video media usually prefer 48 kHz sample rates.

A Tip for Enhancing Results

To get perfect results, I recommend always listening back while you adjust these sliders, since audio quality varies from one to another.

Part 3. Unveiling the Secrets - How to Remove Vocals from a Song in Filmora

• Introduction of Filmora 13
• Filmora 13: Navigating the Audio Landscape
• AI Vocal Remover
• Step-by-Step Tutorial: Vocal Removal in Filmora 13

Introduction of Filmora 13

In the dynamic realm of video editing, Filmora has consistently shone as an accessible yet powerful solution, catering to the needs of both novice and experienced editors. With the recent launch of Filmora 13, a new chapter unfolds. introducing enhanced features that propel the software to new heights. Among these features lies a notable addition—Filmora 13’s advanced audio editing capabilities.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora 13: Navigating the Audio Landscape

Renowned for its intuitive interface and robust editing tools, Filmora has been a preferred choice for content creators. Filmora 13, the latest iteration, not only cements its status but also introduces cutting-edge features to meet the demands of modern editing. Central to these enhancements is the software’s elevated audio editing functionality, empowering users to delve into the intricacies of music manipulation. For this Filmora has a new feature AI Vocal Remover.

AI Vocal Remover

This cutting-edge feature empowers users to effortlessly separate vocals and music from any song, unlocking a realm of creative possibilities. With the ability to extract acapellas from audio and music tracks, Filmora 13 allows users to delve into the intricate world of audio manipulation. Dubbing videos takes on a new level of freedom as vocals can be completely removed, enabling users to craft unique content. What sets Filmora 13 apart is its commitment to maintaining high-quality audio even when removing vocals, ensuring that the creative process is not compromised.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Vocal Removal in Filmora

Step 1Importing Your Song with Ease

Embark on the vocal removal journey by seamlessly importing your chosen song into Filmora 13. The user-friendly interface ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on the creative process from the get-go.

Step 2Adding to Timeline

Once imported, effortlessly transport the files to the timeline at the bottom of the page.

Step 3Isolating Vocals: A Streamlined Process

Identify the specific music clip within the timeline that requires vocal removal. Select the music clip, and from the toolbar, choose the “Audio” option. Within the “Audio” options, pinpoint and select the “AI Vocal Remover.” This strategic action triggers Filmora 13’s advanced functionality, allowing you to effortlessly separate vocals and music while preserving high-quality audio.

Step 4Exporting Your Masterpiece

Having successfully isolated the vocals, the final step involves exporting your modified file.

Filmora 13 offers various export options, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and devices. Whether your content is destined for social media, YouTube, or any other platform, Filmora 13 equips you with the tools needed to produce professional-grade audio.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of vocal removal opens doors to a myriad of creative possibilities. Whether you aim to practice a song with just the instrumental track. use the backing music for videos, or create a karaoke masterpiece, Adobe Audition emerges as a powerhouse. The comprehensive overview showcased Adobe Audition’s robust features, illustrating its prowess in professional-grade audio editing. The step-by-step guide demystified the process, making vocal removal with Adobe Audition accessible even for beginners.

Meanwhile, Filmora 13’s AI Vocal Remover unveiled a new frontier, promising a seamless journey for users to isolate vocals and craft unique audio experiences. With these tools at your fingertips, the world of audio editing becomes a canvas for your creative expression.

Free Download Free Download Learn More

Part 1. A Comprehensive Overview of Adobe Audition’s Powerful Features

An Introduction to Adobe Audition

Audio editors and musicians use Adobe Audition to edit and create music. Audio content of any format can be removed using Adobe Audition vocal remover. With full customization, you can do this. You can also make your production workflow more seamless with it. This program has a comprehensive audio toolset that makes your work easier.

It also offers noise reduction, audio restoration, and sound removal. It comes with many visualization tools too. In addition, it comes with a good interface that encourages many people to consider using it.

Adobe Audition Features

1. Integrated Creative Cloud Subscription

Access Adobe Audition CC seamlessly with your Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Bundle includes other industry-leading apps like Premiere Pro and After Effects for comprehensive multimedia editing.

2. Professional-Grade Audio Software

Trusted by podcasters, content creators, musicians, sound designers, and audio engineers for its professional capabilities. Tailored for a wide range of audio needs, from recording to mixing and mastering.

3. Diverse Audio Effects

Boasts a variety of audio effects including noise reduction, vocal remover, and more. Designed to enhance and refine audio quality for diverse creative projects.

4. Center Channel Extractor

Highlighting the centerpiece feature, the Center Channel Extractor modifies vocal channels with precision. Enables bass boosting, instrumental removal, and fine-tuning of vocals for a customized audio experience.

5. Effortless Vocal Removal

Streamlines the vocal removal process with the Center Channel Extractor. Offers user-friendly presets for quick results without complex procedures.

Part 2. Step-by-Step Guide on Removing Vocals with Adobe Audition Like a Pro

It is not easy to work with Adobe Audition. It’s also likely that you’ll get confused with vocal remover Adobe Audition. Although Adobe Audition provides dozens of tools for ease of use, it is a powerful audio editing program.

The Center Channel Extractor effects and its vocal remover preset can be used to remove vocals in Adobe Audition.

Step 1. Prepare for Adobe Audition by importing media

You can import your audio files and media files into Adobe Audition.

Step 2. Click on the Effect Rack

Select the “Effects” rack once the audio file has been imported into Adobe Audition.

Altеrnativеly, choose one of the effects using thе arrows on thе right sidе of thе scrееn. If you click on thе whitе arrow you will opеn a dropdown list. Stereo imagery is available by just simply putting your mouse cursor over it. The Center Channel Extractor will be displayed in a new list.

Step 3. Select “Remove Vocal”

After you click on Central Channel Extractor, you should see the effect window. You can change the default Preset to Vocal Remove by clicking on the dropdown menu. Besides Acapella, Sing Along, and Karaoke, the effect also has presets for these types of tracks. The vocals will be removed from the instrumentals this time if you select Vocal Remove. It’s easy to see that your vocals have been reduced when you preview it.

Closing the window automatically exports your new track. This process usually does work; however, sometimes it is ineffective. The next step involves customizing the effects settings for the vocal remover.

Step 4. Customize the Setting

The first thing you need to do is check the dialogue box on the right side. There is a 1 highlighting it. Two scales are available. No change should be made in these settings. It is imperative to consider the center channel settings and the side channel settings only. The Extract entry should be set to Center after this. As a result, the vocals in the center are attenuated and minimized. You can see it highlighted as 2.

Several predefined ranges are available, but we will make additional adjustments so we will select custom. There will be 115 Hz at the beginning and 17000 Hz at the end of the custom frequency range. Sound waves below 115 Hz and above 17000 Hz are removed. The instrumental parts have been impacted if you play the audio. To obtain perfect vocals, you must make additional adjustments after the described attenuation method.

In this case, you will have to trim the end of the frequency range and refine some of the audio. On hovering your mouse above the figure, the mouse pointer becomes a double-sided arrow.

Proceed to the Discrimination Tab once you have finished these settings. By identifying the center channel, you can further refine your audio. There are 5 sliders, largely focused on two: Crossover Bleed and Phase Discrimination. After picking the Acapella preset, these sliders handle the bleed of the instrumentals.

Step 5. Apply the Effect

On the Effects Rack panel, click Apply at the bottom of the effect window. Your audio file’s length may determine the amount of time it takes Adobe Audition to apply the effects.

Step 6. The Instrument Track Needs to be Exported

To use the music tracks on your mix or videos, export them without vocals. Go to Filе/Export/Filе to еxport a filе. Thе audio format for thе nеw music filе you can sеlеct rangеs from MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF and many othеrs.

For video editing software such as Premiere Pro, use a Sample Type of 48 kHz. Audio engineers who work with video media usually prefer 48 kHz sample rates.

A Tip for Enhancing Results

To get perfect results, I recommend always listening back while you adjust these sliders, since audio quality varies from one to another.

Part 3. Unveiling the Secrets - How to Remove Vocals from a Song in Filmora

• Introduction of Filmora 13
• Filmora 13: Navigating the Audio Landscape
• AI Vocal Remover
• Step-by-Step Tutorial: Vocal Removal in Filmora 13

Introduction of Filmora 13

In the dynamic realm of video editing, Filmora has consistently shone as an accessible yet powerful solution, catering to the needs of both novice and experienced editors. With the recent launch of Filmora 13, a new chapter unfolds. introducing enhanced features that propel the software to new heights. Among these features lies a notable addition—Filmora 13’s advanced audio editing capabilities.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora 13: Navigating the Audio Landscape

Renowned for its intuitive interface and robust editing tools, Filmora has been a preferred choice for content creators. Filmora 13, the latest iteration, not only cements its status but also introduces cutting-edge features to meet the demands of modern editing. Central to these enhancements is the software’s elevated audio editing functionality, empowering users to delve into the intricacies of music manipulation. For this Filmora has a new feature AI Vocal Remover.

AI Vocal Remover

This cutting-edge feature empowers users to effortlessly separate vocals and music from any song, unlocking a realm of creative possibilities. With the ability to extract acapellas from audio and music tracks, Filmora 13 allows users to delve into the intricate world of audio manipulation. Dubbing videos takes on a new level of freedom as vocals can be completely removed, enabling users to craft unique content. What sets Filmora 13 apart is its commitment to maintaining high-quality audio even when removing vocals, ensuring that the creative process is not compromised.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Vocal Removal in Filmora

Step 1Importing Your Song with Ease

Embark on the vocal removal journey by seamlessly importing your chosen song into Filmora 13. The user-friendly interface ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on the creative process from the get-go.

Step 2Adding to Timeline

Once imported, effortlessly transport the files to the timeline at the bottom of the page.

Step 3Isolating Vocals: A Streamlined Process

Identify the specific music clip within the timeline that requires vocal removal. Select the music clip, and from the toolbar, choose the “Audio” option. Within the “Audio” options, pinpoint and select the “AI Vocal Remover.” This strategic action triggers Filmora 13’s advanced functionality, allowing you to effortlessly separate vocals and music while preserving high-quality audio.

Step 4Exporting Your Masterpiece

Having successfully isolated the vocals, the final step involves exporting your modified file.

Filmora 13 offers various export options, ensuring compatibility with different platforms and devices. Whether your content is destined for social media, YouTube, or any other platform, Filmora 13 equips you with the tools needed to produce professional-grade audio.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of vocal removal opens doors to a myriad of creative possibilities. Whether you aim to practice a song with just the instrumental track. use the backing music for videos, or create a karaoke masterpiece, Adobe Audition emerges as a powerhouse. The comprehensive overview showcased Adobe Audition’s robust features, illustrating its prowess in professional-grade audio editing. The step-by-step guide demystified the process, making vocal removal with Adobe Audition accessible even for beginners.

Meanwhile, Filmora 13’s AI Vocal Remover unveiled a new frontier, promising a seamless journey for users to isolate vocals and craft unique audio experiences. With these tools at your fingertips, the world of audio editing becomes a canvas for your creative expression.

The Audio Engineer’s Guide to Live Sound Management with OBS: Maximizing Your Broadcast Quality

How to Balance Your Stream Sound with OBS Audio Ducking?

Benjamin Arango

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Video making or filmmaking has now come to the level where the history of imperfections faded away a long time ago. Yes, while the animation is still ruling the floor, an inevitable back-end process might look off-screen and a little complicated. One such job is ducking sound that is the process of balancing voiceover and the background audio. If you aren’t a tech-savvy person, I hope to go in-depth isn’t needed, and hence we stop here. To depict how you need to work out this ducking music process, we have this post.

If you are a content creator, maybe you will be familiar with coordinating the right audio with the video. If not, it isn’t a problem anymore as I have included a detailed guide of implementing audio ducking in a step-wise way. With primary importance to the popular software OBS followed by a suitable alternative, let’s begin our article!

Part 1: How to Balance Your Stream Sound with OBS Audio Ducking?

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and open-source software reliable for Windows, Linux, and macOS 10.13+. With countless features like real video/audio capture, mixer, custom transitions, easy-to-use configurations, pre-source filters, VST plug-in support, noise suppression, and a lot more, you can accomplish audio ducking in OBS by adding a sidechain/ducking compression filter. Thus, perform OBS audio ducking in a clean manner by lowering the audio automatically once OBS detects audio on the other audio source.

Does this magic of OBS audio ducking seem new to you? It will not be anymore as the below step-by-step manual will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Add video files

Launch the OBS software on your system, and import the files into the workspace with the “File” menu. If you need to add voiceover from your microphone, you can click the “Start Recording” option under the main interface’s control section.

If the video plays on VLC in the background, it will appear on the mixer column.

Step 2: Choose filter and compressor

On the Settings icon next to the streaming video, click on it, and choose the “Filters” option from the drop-down.

You will reach the pop-up of the “Filters for Desktop Audio” whereby clicking on the “+” icon, choose the compressor option.

On the space bar, enter a name for the filter. For example, for ducking music, specify as “ducking,” and press “OK.”

Step 3: Change the parameters

You can now specify the values of the ratio, threshold, attack, release, output gain, and the ducking source, for example, “Mic” for microphone voiceover addition.

It’s complete. Yes, OBS audio ducking is over. Now you can check the video and alter the parameters if required after a preview.

Part 2: The Best Audio Ducking Alternative to OBS

Although OBS is preferable for being an open-source and free option with comprehensive abilities in video recording and live streaming strategies, the OBS ducking interface might seem a little unfriendly, making it difficult for newbies. Hence, we have come up with Wondershare Filmora in this session as the best alternative to Streamlabs OBS audio ducking. With an intuitive easy-to-use interface, and attractive video/audio features, Filmora stands as the recommended choice for professionals and beginners!

Developed for the inspired, Filmora follows its unique way of ducking sound, easy to handle for travel Vlogs, makeup tutorials, video lectures, presentations, and so on. Going through the below feature set can reveal why is Filmora is better than OBS.

• With simple steps, you can perform audio ducking in just on a single scale to attain the right audio balance on your video without complication.
• Get access to other in-built options like noise remover, after effects; fade in/out, equalizer, keyframing, and so on.
• Perfect your audio to the video along with tons of features like an audio mixer along with options like mute, detach, split, and background removal.
• Add voiceover, sprinkle magic with filters, detect beat, and create markers easily with Wondershare Filmora.

How to use the audio ducking feature in Wondershare Filmora?

Download and install Wondershare Filmora by clicking on the Try It Free button above. Once installed, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Launch the application

Open or launch the Wondershare Filmora application and choose “New Project“ or open the existing project from the primary dashboard.

Step 2: Import the video into the timeline

Drag the video file to which you need to balance the stream sound.

Another option to bring the video file into the timeline is by executing “File> Import Media> Import Media Files”.

Step 3: Ducking sound in the video

Select the clips with dialogue, whereby right-clicking or double-clicking on them, choose the “Adjust Audio” option.

On the following audio editing window, tick the “Lower the volume of other clips“ option to reduce background music or any other media volume.

Conclusion

I hope you have now come to know why ducking sound is a must and how well Streamlabs OBS and Wondershare Filmora carry out the job. Lastly, with the step-by-step guide to accomplish audio ducking with both the software, we can conclude that OBS performance is better, whereas Wondershare Filmora is the best choice in terms of interface and features!

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Video making or filmmaking has now come to the level where the history of imperfections faded away a long time ago. Yes, while the animation is still ruling the floor, an inevitable back-end process might look off-screen and a little complicated. One such job is ducking sound that is the process of balancing voiceover and the background audio. If you aren’t a tech-savvy person, I hope to go in-depth isn’t needed, and hence we stop here. To depict how you need to work out this ducking music process, we have this post.

If you are a content creator, maybe you will be familiar with coordinating the right audio with the video. If not, it isn’t a problem anymore as I have included a detailed guide of implementing audio ducking in a step-wise way. With primary importance to the popular software OBS followed by a suitable alternative, let’s begin our article!

Part 1: How to Balance Your Stream Sound with OBS Audio Ducking?

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and open-source software reliable for Windows, Linux, and macOS 10.13+. With countless features like real video/audio capture, mixer, custom transitions, easy-to-use configurations, pre-source filters, VST plug-in support, noise suppression, and a lot more, you can accomplish audio ducking in OBS by adding a sidechain/ducking compression filter. Thus, perform OBS audio ducking in a clean manner by lowering the audio automatically once OBS detects audio on the other audio source.

Does this magic of OBS audio ducking seem new to you? It will not be anymore as the below step-by-step manual will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Add video files

Launch the OBS software on your system, and import the files into the workspace with the “File” menu. If you need to add voiceover from your microphone, you can click the “Start Recording” option under the main interface’s control section.

If the video plays on VLC in the background, it will appear on the mixer column.

Step 2: Choose filter and compressor

On the Settings icon next to the streaming video, click on it, and choose the “Filters” option from the drop-down.

You will reach the pop-up of the “Filters for Desktop Audio” whereby clicking on the “+” icon, choose the compressor option.

On the space bar, enter a name for the filter. For example, for ducking music, specify as “ducking,” and press “OK.”

Step 3: Change the parameters

You can now specify the values of the ratio, threshold, attack, release, output gain, and the ducking source, for example, “Mic” for microphone voiceover addition.

It’s complete. Yes, OBS audio ducking is over. Now you can check the video and alter the parameters if required after a preview.

Part 2: The Best Audio Ducking Alternative to OBS

Although OBS is preferable for being an open-source and free option with comprehensive abilities in video recording and live streaming strategies, the OBS ducking interface might seem a little unfriendly, making it difficult for newbies. Hence, we have come up with Wondershare Filmora in this session as the best alternative to Streamlabs OBS audio ducking. With an intuitive easy-to-use interface, and attractive video/audio features, Filmora stands as the recommended choice for professionals and beginners!

Developed for the inspired, Filmora follows its unique way of ducking sound, easy to handle for travel Vlogs, makeup tutorials, video lectures, presentations, and so on. Going through the below feature set can reveal why is Filmora is better than OBS.

• With simple steps, you can perform audio ducking in just on a single scale to attain the right audio balance on your video without complication.
• Get access to other in-built options like noise remover, after effects; fade in/out, equalizer, keyframing, and so on.
• Perfect your audio to the video along with tons of features like an audio mixer along with options like mute, detach, split, and background removal.
• Add voiceover, sprinkle magic with filters, detect beat, and create markers easily with Wondershare Filmora.

How to use the audio ducking feature in Wondershare Filmora?

Download and install Wondershare Filmora by clicking on the Try It Free button above. Once installed, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Launch the application

Open or launch the Wondershare Filmora application and choose “New Project“ or open the existing project from the primary dashboard.

Step 2: Import the video into the timeline

Drag the video file to which you need to balance the stream sound.

Another option to bring the video file into the timeline is by executing “File> Import Media> Import Media Files”.

Step 3: Ducking sound in the video

Select the clips with dialogue, whereby right-clicking or double-clicking on them, choose the “Adjust Audio” option.

On the following audio editing window, tick the “Lower the volume of other clips“ option to reduce background music or any other media volume.

Conclusion

I hope you have now come to know why ducking sound is a must and how well Streamlabs OBS and Wondershare Filmora carry out the job. Lastly, with the step-by-step guide to accomplish audio ducking with both the software, we can conclude that OBS performance is better, whereas Wondershare Filmora is the best choice in terms of interface and features!

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Video making or filmmaking has now come to the level where the history of imperfections faded away a long time ago. Yes, while the animation is still ruling the floor, an inevitable back-end process might look off-screen and a little complicated. One such job is ducking sound that is the process of balancing voiceover and the background audio. If you aren’t a tech-savvy person, I hope to go in-depth isn’t needed, and hence we stop here. To depict how you need to work out this ducking music process, we have this post.

If you are a content creator, maybe you will be familiar with coordinating the right audio with the video. If not, it isn’t a problem anymore as I have included a detailed guide of implementing audio ducking in a step-wise way. With primary importance to the popular software OBS followed by a suitable alternative, let’s begin our article!

Part 1: How to Balance Your Stream Sound with OBS Audio Ducking?

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and open-source software reliable for Windows, Linux, and macOS 10.13+. With countless features like real video/audio capture, mixer, custom transitions, easy-to-use configurations, pre-source filters, VST plug-in support, noise suppression, and a lot more, you can accomplish audio ducking in OBS by adding a sidechain/ducking compression filter. Thus, perform OBS audio ducking in a clean manner by lowering the audio automatically once OBS detects audio on the other audio source.

Does this magic of OBS audio ducking seem new to you? It will not be anymore as the below step-by-step manual will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Add video files

Launch the OBS software on your system, and import the files into the workspace with the “File” menu. If you need to add voiceover from your microphone, you can click the “Start Recording” option under the main interface’s control section.

If the video plays on VLC in the background, it will appear on the mixer column.

Step 2: Choose filter and compressor

On the Settings icon next to the streaming video, click on it, and choose the “Filters” option from the drop-down.

You will reach the pop-up of the “Filters for Desktop Audio” whereby clicking on the “+” icon, choose the compressor option.

On the space bar, enter a name for the filter. For example, for ducking music, specify as “ducking,” and press “OK.”

Step 3: Change the parameters

You can now specify the values of the ratio, threshold, attack, release, output gain, and the ducking source, for example, “Mic” for microphone voiceover addition.

It’s complete. Yes, OBS audio ducking is over. Now you can check the video and alter the parameters if required after a preview.

Part 2: The Best Audio Ducking Alternative to OBS

Although OBS is preferable for being an open-source and free option with comprehensive abilities in video recording and live streaming strategies, the OBS ducking interface might seem a little unfriendly, making it difficult for newbies. Hence, we have come up with Wondershare Filmora in this session as the best alternative to Streamlabs OBS audio ducking. With an intuitive easy-to-use interface, and attractive video/audio features, Filmora stands as the recommended choice for professionals and beginners!

Developed for the inspired, Filmora follows its unique way of ducking sound, easy to handle for travel Vlogs, makeup tutorials, video lectures, presentations, and so on. Going through the below feature set can reveal why is Filmora is better than OBS.

• With simple steps, you can perform audio ducking in just on a single scale to attain the right audio balance on your video without complication.
• Get access to other in-built options like noise remover, after effects; fade in/out, equalizer, keyframing, and so on.
• Perfect your audio to the video along with tons of features like an audio mixer along with options like mute, detach, split, and background removal.
• Add voiceover, sprinkle magic with filters, detect beat, and create markers easily with Wondershare Filmora.

How to use the audio ducking feature in Wondershare Filmora?

Download and install Wondershare Filmora by clicking on the Try It Free button above. Once installed, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Launch the application

Open or launch the Wondershare Filmora application and choose “New Project“ or open the existing project from the primary dashboard.

Step 2: Import the video into the timeline

Drag the video file to which you need to balance the stream sound.

Another option to bring the video file into the timeline is by executing “File> Import Media> Import Media Files”.

Step 3: Ducking sound in the video

Select the clips with dialogue, whereby right-clicking or double-clicking on them, choose the “Adjust Audio” option.

On the following audio editing window, tick the “Lower the volume of other clips“ option to reduce background music or any other media volume.

Conclusion

I hope you have now come to know why ducking sound is a must and how well Streamlabs OBS and Wondershare Filmora carry out the job. Lastly, with the step-by-step guide to accomplish audio ducking with both the software, we can conclude that OBS performance is better, whereas Wondershare Filmora is the best choice in terms of interface and features!

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Video making or filmmaking has now come to the level where the history of imperfections faded away a long time ago. Yes, while the animation is still ruling the floor, an inevitable back-end process might look off-screen and a little complicated. One such job is ducking sound that is the process of balancing voiceover and the background audio. If you aren’t a tech-savvy person, I hope to go in-depth isn’t needed, and hence we stop here. To depict how you need to work out this ducking music process, we have this post.

If you are a content creator, maybe you will be familiar with coordinating the right audio with the video. If not, it isn’t a problem anymore as I have included a detailed guide of implementing audio ducking in a step-wise way. With primary importance to the popular software OBS followed by a suitable alternative, let’s begin our article!

Part 1: How to Balance Your Stream Sound with OBS Audio Ducking?

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and open-source software reliable for Windows, Linux, and macOS 10.13+. With countless features like real video/audio capture, mixer, custom transitions, easy-to-use configurations, pre-source filters, VST plug-in support, noise suppression, and a lot more, you can accomplish audio ducking in OBS by adding a sidechain/ducking compression filter. Thus, perform OBS audio ducking in a clean manner by lowering the audio automatically once OBS detects audio on the other audio source.

Does this magic of OBS audio ducking seem new to you? It will not be anymore as the below step-by-step manual will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Add video files

Launch the OBS software on your system, and import the files into the workspace with the “File” menu. If you need to add voiceover from your microphone, you can click the “Start Recording” option under the main interface’s control section.

If the video plays on VLC in the background, it will appear on the mixer column.

Step 2: Choose filter and compressor

On the Settings icon next to the streaming video, click on it, and choose the “Filters” option from the drop-down.

You will reach the pop-up of the “Filters for Desktop Audio” whereby clicking on the “+” icon, choose the compressor option.

On the space bar, enter a name for the filter. For example, for ducking music, specify as “ducking,” and press “OK.”

Step 3: Change the parameters

You can now specify the values of the ratio, threshold, attack, release, output gain, and the ducking source, for example, “Mic” for microphone voiceover addition.

It’s complete. Yes, OBS audio ducking is over. Now you can check the video and alter the parameters if required after a preview.

Part 2: The Best Audio Ducking Alternative to OBS

Although OBS is preferable for being an open-source and free option with comprehensive abilities in video recording and live streaming strategies, the OBS ducking interface might seem a little unfriendly, making it difficult for newbies. Hence, we have come up with Wondershare Filmora in this session as the best alternative to Streamlabs OBS audio ducking. With an intuitive easy-to-use interface, and attractive video/audio features, Filmora stands as the recommended choice for professionals and beginners!

Developed for the inspired, Filmora follows its unique way of ducking sound, easy to handle for travel Vlogs, makeup tutorials, video lectures, presentations, and so on. Going through the below feature set can reveal why is Filmora is better than OBS.

• With simple steps, you can perform audio ducking in just on a single scale to attain the right audio balance on your video without complication.
• Get access to other in-built options like noise remover, after effects; fade in/out, equalizer, keyframing, and so on.
• Perfect your audio to the video along with tons of features like an audio mixer along with options like mute, detach, split, and background removal.
• Add voiceover, sprinkle magic with filters, detect beat, and create markers easily with Wondershare Filmora.

How to use the audio ducking feature in Wondershare Filmora?

Download and install Wondershare Filmora by clicking on the Try It Free button above. Once installed, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Launch the application

Open or launch the Wondershare Filmora application and choose “New Project“ or open the existing project from the primary dashboard.

Step 2: Import the video into the timeline

Drag the video file to which you need to balance the stream sound.

Another option to bring the video file into the timeline is by executing “File> Import Media> Import Media Files”.

Step 3: Ducking sound in the video

Select the clips with dialogue, whereby right-clicking or double-clicking on them, choose the “Adjust Audio” option.

On the following audio editing window, tick the “Lower the volume of other clips“ option to reduce background music or any other media volume.

Conclusion

I hope you have now come to know why ducking sound is a must and how well Streamlabs OBS and Wondershare Filmora carry out the job. Lastly, with the step-by-step guide to accomplish audio ducking with both the software, we can conclude that OBS performance is better, whereas Wondershare Filmora is the best choice in terms of interface and features!

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Top 10 Budget-Friendly Options: Premium-Free Podcast Players for Modern Smartphones

10+ Best Podcast Player Apps for iPhone and Android

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It has been a little over fifteen years since Ben Hammersley coined the term podcast. During this time, radio and TV stations, as well as people from all walks of life, have embraced this new medium of spreading information through either audio or video files.

Even though podcasts often have the form of a talk show, the topics podcasters cover in their shows range from presenting the latest music releases to discussing political topics. Listening to a podcast from a Smartphone without a player is not an option, which is why we made a selection of some of the best podcast player apps for iPhone and Android devices.

Best Free Podcast Player Apps for iOS and Android Devices

Nearly all podcast player apps have similar features. You can discover new shows, limit how many episodes can be downloaded to your device or reduce silences to the very minimum.

The list of features a podcast player provides should help you determine if that app is the right choice for you. Here are some of the best free podcast player apps for iOS and Android devices you can find on the market in 2019.

1. Breaker

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

Discovering new podcasts, connecting with friends who use Breaker or sharing the latest episode of the podcast you’re following on Facebook or Twitter is easy with this podcast player. Moreover, the app lets you see which podcasts your friends like the most so you can send them messages and start conversations about an episode you like.

Breaker enables you to create your own playlists and customize them in any way you want. The Sleep Timer feature can be useful if you’re going to set up the episode playing time before your iPhone goes to the Sleep mode.

2. Castbox

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility:iOS , Android

Castbox lets you browse through million podcast episodes and choose from a variety of podcast genres. So, if you would like to follow the latest episodes of music and news related podcasts or talk shows, Castbox may be one of the best options on the market.

This cross-platform app is equipped with the tools that enable you to adjust the audio playback speed, trim silence or customize the sleep timer. You can subscribe to any podcast you discover with Castbox with a single tap, but you must make in-app purchases if you want to access to all features.

3. Himalaya

Price: Free

Compatibility:Android , iOS

This app for Android and iOS devices lets you listen to radio shows, audiobooks, podcasts and allows you to stream shows from a single app. You can customize your homepage or create as many playlists as you want. Each podcast you discover with Himalaya can be shared with your accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and other popular social media platforms.

The app grants you access to more than 500, 000 shows that are organized into 30 categories so you can easily choose a topic and search for an episode you’d like to listen to. Himalaya features a sleep timer, which means that you can listen to your favorite podcast before you fall asleep.

4. Downcast

Price: $2,99, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

This podcast player provides all the features you are going to need for a superb podcasting experience. Subscribing to a new podcast with this app is a straightforward process which can be completed in an instant. You can also choose if you want to download episodes to your device automatically or browse through old episodes of podcasts you subscribed to.

Downcast also lets you adjust the playback speed, and it offers chapter support for enhanced podcasts. Organizing and customizing podcasts with Downcast requires a minimum amount of effort, which makes this app an excellent choice for anyone who listens or watches a large number of podcasts daily.

5. Stitcher

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

Politics, sports, or comedy are just a few topics podcasts available on Stitcher cover. You can use the app’s on-demand feature if you want to follow a particular show. Select your favorite genres and tap on the play button to listen to an episode of your choosing.

The app is compatible with more than fifty car models, which enables you to enjoy podcasts while driving. However, the free version of the app offers limited capabilities, and you must upgrade to the premium version if you want to have the full scope of the app’s options.

6. Pocket Casts

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

The app’s functional design makes it easy to find and manage podcasts by enabling you to create playback queues effortlessly. Trimming silence, skipping intros or streaming episodes without downloading them are just a few among countless options the Pocket Casts app offers.

Moreover, the Car Play feature enables you to play audio and video podcasts wherever you go. You can also download podcasts if you want to listen to them while you are offline.

Besides, you can play all episodes on your TV or your sound system using the Airplay and Chromecast integrations. The only downside is that you have to purchase the annual or monthly plan if you want to use all of the Pocket Casts’ podcasting options.

7. Apple Podcasts

Price: Free

Compatibility: iOS

This is one of the most popular destinations for all iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch owners who listen to podcasts frequently. Apple Podcasts lets you browse through more than 750.000 shows and 20 million episodes that are organized into categories. You can subscribe to any show you find on Apple Podcasts for free, download episodes you like to your Apple devices and listen to them wherever you go.

The platform’s editor recommends the shows based on your browsing history and helps you discover content that you are going to enjoy watching and listening to. Even so, Apple Podcasts lack the tools that enable its users to control the playback speed, skip intros or set timers before they go to sleep.

8. Spotify

Price: Free

Compatibility: web-based , iOS , Android

People from all over the world have been using Spotify to enjoy music from virtually any genre ever created. This Swedish-American company has been investing a lot into its podcasting services in the last couple of years.

Today Spotify offers access to podcasters to one of the most massive online audiences. Finding new shows and following the latest episodes your favorite podcasters share on this platform is as easy as discovering a new band. There are thousands of podcasts to browse through on Spotify, and some of them can only be played through this podcast player, either online or on iPhone or Android devices.

9. Overcast

Price: Free

Compatibility: iOS

Overcast was launched just five years ago, but today it is recognized as one of the best podcast player apps for iPhones, iWatches, and iPads. If you are looking for an app that will shorten the silences in podcasts, normalize the volume of the voices or enable you to adjust the playback speed of the audio files, then Overcast is probably one of your best options.

The app also provides CarPlay support and allows you to listen to your favorite podcasts even while you are on the road. However, Overcast contains ads, and you must purchase the Premium version of the app if you want to remove them.

10. Castro

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

Managing large numbers of episodes with Castro won’t take much more than a few moments of your time. Subscribe to a podcast you like, and all of the latest episodes will land in the New tab. You can then decide if you want to add them to the queue and listen to them while you are driving or on your iPhone.

The free version of the app doesn’t allow you to skip intros, enhance voices or reduce silence, and you must purchase Castro Plus to access these options. Before you decide to install Castro or Castro Plus on your device, you must make sure that the app is compatible with the version of iOS you have.

11. Podbean

Price: Free but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

With the selection of over 50 million episodes, Podbean is easily one of the most versatile podcast player apps on this list. You can search for podcasts based on the topic you are interested in, or browse through different categories, and use the name of the podcast, or the author’s name to find the episode you are looking for.

Podbean is equipped with an audio recorder that features a rich selection of audio effects and a versatile set of audio editing tools. Moreover, the app provides support for live audio streaming so you can create or listen to live broadcast directly from your Smartphone.

12. Laughable

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility:iOS , Android

Keeping in touch with the latest trends in the comedy world is going to become easy if you install Laughable on your device. The app hosts the world’s largest database of comedy artist profiles and enables you to discover and follow comedians effortlessly. Each time they release a new episode of their podcast or make a guest appearance, you’ll receive a notification, which enables you to follow their latest work.

Besides an impressive collection of comedy podcasts, Laughable also lets you browse through podcasts featuring celebrities like Jordan Peterson, Barak Obama or Oprah. The app is free for just ten days, afterward, you must upgrade to Laughable Insider if you want to have access to all the shows and episodes this podcast player has to offer.

How to Pick the Right Podcast Player App?

The majority of podcast players offer a similar set of options, which complicates the process of finding an app you can use to listen to podcasts on your Smartphones. The operating system your Smartphone supports or whether the app you’re considering offers podcast streaming options can influence your choice of a podcast player app.

Ultimately, the selection of shows and episodes an app offers, as well as its playback control options can help you determine which podcast player is the best option for you. In case you listen to podcasts on a daily basis, purchasing a monthly or annual subscription is a much better option than listening to podcasts with a free version of the app.

Below is a brief summary of the podcast player app listed above. Hope it can help to find out the best podcast app on your iPhone or Android phone.

Podcast Player	User Rating	Supported OS	Price	Best For
Breaker	4.7	iOS 11.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and sharing podcasts
Castbox	4.8	iOS 10.0 or later, Android 5.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Himalaya	4.7	iOS 9.1 or later, Android 4.1 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Downcast	4.2	iOS 11.4 or later	$2,99, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Stitcher	3.6	iOS 10.0 or later, Android 4.2 and up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Pocket Cast	3.9	iOS 11.0 or later, Android 5.0 or up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Apple Podcast	No information	iOS 10.0 or later	Free	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Spotify	4.8	Web-based, iOS 11.0 or later, varies on device	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Overcast	4.7	iOS 13.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Castro	4.7	iOS 12.2 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Podbean	4.8	iOS 10.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Laughable	4.8	iOS 11.4 or later, Android 5.0 and up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering comedy podcasts

Conclusion

Listening to your favorite podcasts wherever you are, has never been easier, even if you don’t have access to the Internet. Podcast player apps like Spotify or Himalaya grant you access to millions of episodes, but each app we featured in this article can provide a superb experience. Which app are you using to listen to podcasts on your iOS and Android devices? Leave a comment and let us know.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It has been a little over fifteen years since Ben Hammersley coined the term podcast. During this time, radio and TV stations, as well as people from all walks of life, have embraced this new medium of spreading information through either audio or video files.

Even though podcasts often have the form of a talk show, the topics podcasters cover in their shows range from presenting the latest music releases to discussing political topics. Listening to a podcast from a Smartphone without a player is not an option, which is why we made a selection of some of the best podcast player apps for iPhone and Android devices.

Best Free Podcast Player Apps for iOS and Android Devices

Nearly all podcast player apps have similar features. You can discover new shows, limit how many episodes can be downloaded to your device or reduce silences to the very minimum.

The list of features a podcast player provides should help you determine if that app is the right choice for you. Here are some of the best free podcast player apps for iOS and Android devices you can find on the market in 2019.

1. Breaker

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

Discovering new podcasts, connecting with friends who use Breaker or sharing the latest episode of the podcast you’re following on Facebook or Twitter is easy with this podcast player. Moreover, the app lets you see which podcasts your friends like the most so you can send them messages and start conversations about an episode you like.

Breaker enables you to create your own playlists and customize them in any way you want. The Sleep Timer feature can be useful if you’re going to set up the episode playing time before your iPhone goes to the Sleep mode.

2. Castbox

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility:iOS , Android

Castbox lets you browse through million podcast episodes and choose from a variety of podcast genres. So, if you would like to follow the latest episodes of music and news related podcasts or talk shows, Castbox may be one of the best options on the market.

This cross-platform app is equipped with the tools that enable you to adjust the audio playback speed, trim silence or customize the sleep timer. You can subscribe to any podcast you discover with Castbox with a single tap, but you must make in-app purchases if you want to access to all features.

3. Himalaya

Price: Free

Compatibility:Android , iOS

This app for Android and iOS devices lets you listen to radio shows, audiobooks, podcasts and allows you to stream shows from a single app. You can customize your homepage or create as many playlists as you want. Each podcast you discover with Himalaya can be shared with your accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and other popular social media platforms.

The app grants you access to more than 500, 000 shows that are organized into 30 categories so you can easily choose a topic and search for an episode you’d like to listen to. Himalaya features a sleep timer, which means that you can listen to your favorite podcast before you fall asleep.

4. Downcast

Price: $2,99, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

This podcast player provides all the features you are going to need for a superb podcasting experience. Subscribing to a new podcast with this app is a straightforward process which can be completed in an instant. You can also choose if you want to download episodes to your device automatically or browse through old episodes of podcasts you subscribed to.

Downcast also lets you adjust the playback speed, and it offers chapter support for enhanced podcasts. Organizing and customizing podcasts with Downcast requires a minimum amount of effort, which makes this app an excellent choice for anyone who listens or watches a large number of podcasts daily.

5. Stitcher

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

Politics, sports, or comedy are just a few topics podcasts available on Stitcher cover. You can use the app’s on-demand feature if you want to follow a particular show. Select your favorite genres and tap on the play button to listen to an episode of your choosing.

The app is compatible with more than fifty car models, which enables you to enjoy podcasts while driving. However, the free version of the app offers limited capabilities, and you must upgrade to the premium version if you want to have the full scope of the app’s options.

6. Pocket Casts

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

The app’s functional design makes it easy to find and manage podcasts by enabling you to create playback queues effortlessly. Trimming silence, skipping intros or streaming episodes without downloading them are just a few among countless options the Pocket Casts app offers.

Moreover, the Car Play feature enables you to play audio and video podcasts wherever you go. You can also download podcasts if you want to listen to them while you are offline.

Besides, you can play all episodes on your TV or your sound system using the Airplay and Chromecast integrations. The only downside is that you have to purchase the annual or monthly plan if you want to use all of the Pocket Casts’ podcasting options.

7. Apple Podcasts

Price: Free

Compatibility: iOS

This is one of the most popular destinations for all iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch owners who listen to podcasts frequently. Apple Podcasts lets you browse through more than 750.000 shows and 20 million episodes that are organized into categories. You can subscribe to any show you find on Apple Podcasts for free, download episodes you like to your Apple devices and listen to them wherever you go.

The platform’s editor recommends the shows based on your browsing history and helps you discover content that you are going to enjoy watching and listening to. Even so, Apple Podcasts lack the tools that enable its users to control the playback speed, skip intros or set timers before they go to sleep.

8. Spotify

Price: Free

Compatibility: web-based , iOS , Android

People from all over the world have been using Spotify to enjoy music from virtually any genre ever created. This Swedish-American company has been investing a lot into its podcasting services in the last couple of years.

Today Spotify offers access to podcasters to one of the most massive online audiences. Finding new shows and following the latest episodes your favorite podcasters share on this platform is as easy as discovering a new band. There are thousands of podcasts to browse through on Spotify, and some of them can only be played through this podcast player, either online or on iPhone or Android devices.

9. Overcast

Price: Free

Compatibility: iOS

Overcast was launched just five years ago, but today it is recognized as one of the best podcast player apps for iPhones, iWatches, and iPads. If you are looking for an app that will shorten the silences in podcasts, normalize the volume of the voices or enable you to adjust the playback speed of the audio files, then Overcast is probably one of your best options.

The app also provides CarPlay support and allows you to listen to your favorite podcasts even while you are on the road. However, Overcast contains ads, and you must purchase the Premium version of the app if you want to remove them.

10. Castro

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

Managing large numbers of episodes with Castro won’t take much more than a few moments of your time. Subscribe to a podcast you like, and all of the latest episodes will land in the New tab. You can then decide if you want to add them to the queue and listen to them while you are driving or on your iPhone.

The free version of the app doesn’t allow you to skip intros, enhance voices or reduce silence, and you must purchase Castro Plus to access these options. Before you decide to install Castro or Castro Plus on your device, you must make sure that the app is compatible with the version of iOS you have.

11. Podbean

Price: Free but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

With the selection of over 50 million episodes, Podbean is easily one of the most versatile podcast player apps on this list. You can search for podcasts based on the topic you are interested in, or browse through different categories, and use the name of the podcast, or the author’s name to find the episode you are looking for.

Podbean is equipped with an audio recorder that features a rich selection of audio effects and a versatile set of audio editing tools. Moreover, the app provides support for live audio streaming so you can create or listen to live broadcast directly from your Smartphone.

12. Laughable

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility:iOS , Android

Keeping in touch with the latest trends in the comedy world is going to become easy if you install Laughable on your device. The app hosts the world’s largest database of comedy artist profiles and enables you to discover and follow comedians effortlessly. Each time they release a new episode of their podcast or make a guest appearance, you’ll receive a notification, which enables you to follow their latest work.

Besides an impressive collection of comedy podcasts, Laughable also lets you browse through podcasts featuring celebrities like Jordan Peterson, Barak Obama or Oprah. The app is free for just ten days, afterward, you must upgrade to Laughable Insider if you want to have access to all the shows and episodes this podcast player has to offer.

How to Pick the Right Podcast Player App?

The majority of podcast players offer a similar set of options, which complicates the process of finding an app you can use to listen to podcasts on your Smartphones. The operating system your Smartphone supports or whether the app you’re considering offers podcast streaming options can influence your choice of a podcast player app.

Ultimately, the selection of shows and episodes an app offers, as well as its playback control options can help you determine which podcast player is the best option for you. In case you listen to podcasts on a daily basis, purchasing a monthly or annual subscription is a much better option than listening to podcasts with a free version of the app.

Below is a brief summary of the podcast player app listed above. Hope it can help to find out the best podcast app on your iPhone or Android phone.

Podcast Player	User Rating	Supported OS	Price	Best For
Breaker	4.7	iOS 11.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and sharing podcasts
Castbox	4.8	iOS 10.0 or later, Android 5.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Himalaya	4.7	iOS 9.1 or later, Android 4.1 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Downcast	4.2	iOS 11.4 or later	$2,99, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Stitcher	3.6	iOS 10.0 or later, Android 4.2 and up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Pocket Cast	3.9	iOS 11.0 or later, Android 5.0 or up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Apple Podcast	No information	iOS 10.0 or later	Free	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Spotify	4.8	Web-based, iOS 11.0 or later, varies on device	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Overcast	4.7	iOS 13.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Castro	4.7	iOS 12.2 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Podbean	4.8	iOS 10.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Laughable	4.8	iOS 11.4 or later, Android 5.0 and up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering comedy podcasts

Conclusion

Listening to your favorite podcasts wherever you are, has never been easier, even if you don’t have access to the Internet. Podcast player apps like Spotify or Himalaya grant you access to millions of episodes, but each app we featured in this article can provide a superb experience. Which app are you using to listen to podcasts on your iOS and Android devices? Leave a comment and let us know.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It has been a little over fifteen years since Ben Hammersley coined the term podcast. During this time, radio and TV stations, as well as people from all walks of life, have embraced this new medium of spreading information through either audio or video files.

Even though podcasts often have the form of a talk show, the topics podcasters cover in their shows range from presenting the latest music releases to discussing political topics. Listening to a podcast from a Smartphone without a player is not an option, which is why we made a selection of some of the best podcast player apps for iPhone and Android devices.

Best Free Podcast Player Apps for iOS and Android Devices

Nearly all podcast player apps have similar features. You can discover new shows, limit how many episodes can be downloaded to your device or reduce silences to the very minimum.

The list of features a podcast player provides should help you determine if that app is the right choice for you. Here are some of the best free podcast player apps for iOS and Android devices you can find on the market in 2019.

1. Breaker

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

Discovering new podcasts, connecting with friends who use Breaker or sharing the latest episode of the podcast you’re following on Facebook or Twitter is easy with this podcast player. Moreover, the app lets you see which podcasts your friends like the most so you can send them messages and start conversations about an episode you like.

Breaker enables you to create your own playlists and customize them in any way you want. The Sleep Timer feature can be useful if you’re going to set up the episode playing time before your iPhone goes to the Sleep mode.

2. Castbox

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility:iOS , Android

Castbox lets you browse through million podcast episodes and choose from a variety of podcast genres. So, if you would like to follow the latest episodes of music and news related podcasts or talk shows, Castbox may be one of the best options on the market.

This cross-platform app is equipped with the tools that enable you to adjust the audio playback speed, trim silence or customize the sleep timer. You can subscribe to any podcast you discover with Castbox with a single tap, but you must make in-app purchases if you want to access to all features.

3. Himalaya

Price: Free

Compatibility:Android , iOS

This app for Android and iOS devices lets you listen to radio shows, audiobooks, podcasts and allows you to stream shows from a single app. You can customize your homepage or create as many playlists as you want. Each podcast you discover with Himalaya can be shared with your accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and other popular social media platforms.

The app grants you access to more than 500, 000 shows that are organized into 30 categories so you can easily choose a topic and search for an episode you’d like to listen to. Himalaya features a sleep timer, which means that you can listen to your favorite podcast before you fall asleep.

4. Downcast

Price: $2,99, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

This podcast player provides all the features you are going to need for a superb podcasting experience. Subscribing to a new podcast with this app is a straightforward process which can be completed in an instant. You can also choose if you want to download episodes to your device automatically or browse through old episodes of podcasts you subscribed to.

Downcast also lets you adjust the playback speed, and it offers chapter support for enhanced podcasts. Organizing and customizing podcasts with Downcast requires a minimum amount of effort, which makes this app an excellent choice for anyone who listens or watches a large number of podcasts daily.

5. Stitcher

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

Politics, sports, or comedy are just a few topics podcasts available on Stitcher cover. You can use the app’s on-demand feature if you want to follow a particular show. Select your favorite genres and tap on the play button to listen to an episode of your choosing.

The app is compatible with more than fifty car models, which enables you to enjoy podcasts while driving. However, the free version of the app offers limited capabilities, and you must upgrade to the premium version if you want to have the full scope of the app’s options.

6. Pocket Casts

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

The app’s functional design makes it easy to find and manage podcasts by enabling you to create playback queues effortlessly. Trimming silence, skipping intros or streaming episodes without downloading them are just a few among countless options the Pocket Casts app offers.

Moreover, the Car Play feature enables you to play audio and video podcasts wherever you go. You can also download podcasts if you want to listen to them while you are offline.

Besides, you can play all episodes on your TV or your sound system using the Airplay and Chromecast integrations. The only downside is that you have to purchase the annual or monthly plan if you want to use all of the Pocket Casts’ podcasting options.

7. Apple Podcasts

Price: Free

Compatibility: iOS

This is one of the most popular destinations for all iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch owners who listen to podcasts frequently. Apple Podcasts lets you browse through more than 750.000 shows and 20 million episodes that are organized into categories. You can subscribe to any show you find on Apple Podcasts for free, download episodes you like to your Apple devices and listen to them wherever you go.

The platform’s editor recommends the shows based on your browsing history and helps you discover content that you are going to enjoy watching and listening to. Even so, Apple Podcasts lack the tools that enable its users to control the playback speed, skip intros or set timers before they go to sleep.

8. Spotify

Price: Free

Compatibility: web-based , iOS , Android

People from all over the world have been using Spotify to enjoy music from virtually any genre ever created. This Swedish-American company has been investing a lot into its podcasting services in the last couple of years.

Today Spotify offers access to podcasters to one of the most massive online audiences. Finding new shows and following the latest episodes your favorite podcasters share on this platform is as easy as discovering a new band. There are thousands of podcasts to browse through on Spotify, and some of them can only be played through this podcast player, either online or on iPhone or Android devices.

9. Overcast

Price: Free

Compatibility: iOS

Overcast was launched just five years ago, but today it is recognized as one of the best podcast player apps for iPhones, iWatches, and iPads. If you are looking for an app that will shorten the silences in podcasts, normalize the volume of the voices or enable you to adjust the playback speed of the audio files, then Overcast is probably one of your best options.

The app also provides CarPlay support and allows you to listen to your favorite podcasts even while you are on the road. However, Overcast contains ads, and you must purchase the Premium version of the app if you want to remove them.

10. Castro

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

Managing large numbers of episodes with Castro won’t take much more than a few moments of your time. Subscribe to a podcast you like, and all of the latest episodes will land in the New tab. You can then decide if you want to add them to the queue and listen to them while you are driving or on your iPhone.

The free version of the app doesn’t allow you to skip intros, enhance voices or reduce silence, and you must purchase Castro Plus to access these options. Before you decide to install Castro or Castro Plus on your device, you must make sure that the app is compatible with the version of iOS you have.

11. Podbean

Price: Free but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

With the selection of over 50 million episodes, Podbean is easily one of the most versatile podcast player apps on this list. You can search for podcasts based on the topic you are interested in, or browse through different categories, and use the name of the podcast, or the author’s name to find the episode you are looking for.

Podbean is equipped with an audio recorder that features a rich selection of audio effects and a versatile set of audio editing tools. Moreover, the app provides support for live audio streaming so you can create or listen to live broadcast directly from your Smartphone.

12. Laughable

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility:iOS , Android

Keeping in touch with the latest trends in the comedy world is going to become easy if you install Laughable on your device. The app hosts the world’s largest database of comedy artist profiles and enables you to discover and follow comedians effortlessly. Each time they release a new episode of their podcast or make a guest appearance, you’ll receive a notification, which enables you to follow their latest work.

Besides an impressive collection of comedy podcasts, Laughable also lets you browse through podcasts featuring celebrities like Jordan Peterson, Barak Obama or Oprah. The app is free for just ten days, afterward, you must upgrade to Laughable Insider if you want to have access to all the shows and episodes this podcast player has to offer.

How to Pick the Right Podcast Player App?

The majority of podcast players offer a similar set of options, which complicates the process of finding an app you can use to listen to podcasts on your Smartphones. The operating system your Smartphone supports or whether the app you’re considering offers podcast streaming options can influence your choice of a podcast player app.

Ultimately, the selection of shows and episodes an app offers, as well as its playback control options can help you determine which podcast player is the best option for you. In case you listen to podcasts on a daily basis, purchasing a monthly or annual subscription is a much better option than listening to podcasts with a free version of the app.

Below is a brief summary of the podcast player app listed above. Hope it can help to find out the best podcast app on your iPhone or Android phone.

Podcast Player	User Rating	Supported OS	Price	Best For
Breaker	4.7	iOS 11.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and sharing podcasts
Castbox	4.8	iOS 10.0 or later, Android 5.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Himalaya	4.7	iOS 9.1 or later, Android 4.1 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Downcast	4.2	iOS 11.4 or later	$2,99, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Stitcher	3.6	iOS 10.0 or later, Android 4.2 and up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Pocket Cast	3.9	iOS 11.0 or later, Android 5.0 or up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Apple Podcast	No information	iOS 10.0 or later	Free	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Spotify	4.8	Web-based, iOS 11.0 or later, varies on device	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Overcast	4.7	iOS 13.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Castro	4.7	iOS 12.2 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Podbean	4.8	iOS 10.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Laughable	4.8	iOS 11.4 or later, Android 5.0 and up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering comedy podcasts

Conclusion

Listening to your favorite podcasts wherever you are, has never been easier, even if you don’t have access to the Internet. Podcast player apps like Spotify or Himalaya grant you access to millions of episodes, but each app we featured in this article can provide a superb experience. Which app are you using to listen to podcasts on your iOS and Android devices? Leave a comment and let us know.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It has been a little over fifteen years since Ben Hammersley coined the term podcast. During this time, radio and TV stations, as well as people from all walks of life, have embraced this new medium of spreading information through either audio or video files.

Even though podcasts often have the form of a talk show, the topics podcasters cover in their shows range from presenting the latest music releases to discussing political topics. Listening to a podcast from a Smartphone without a player is not an option, which is why we made a selection of some of the best podcast player apps for iPhone and Android devices.

Best Free Podcast Player Apps for iOS and Android Devices

Nearly all podcast player apps have similar features. You can discover new shows, limit how many episodes can be downloaded to your device or reduce silences to the very minimum.

The list of features a podcast player provides should help you determine if that app is the right choice for you. Here are some of the best free podcast player apps for iOS and Android devices you can find on the market in 2019.

1. Breaker

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

Discovering new podcasts, connecting with friends who use Breaker or sharing the latest episode of the podcast you’re following on Facebook or Twitter is easy with this podcast player. Moreover, the app lets you see which podcasts your friends like the most so you can send them messages and start conversations about an episode you like.

Breaker enables you to create your own playlists and customize them in any way you want. The Sleep Timer feature can be useful if you’re going to set up the episode playing time before your iPhone goes to the Sleep mode.

2. Castbox

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility:iOS , Android

Castbox lets you browse through million podcast episodes and choose from a variety of podcast genres. So, if you would like to follow the latest episodes of music and news related podcasts or talk shows, Castbox may be one of the best options on the market.

This cross-platform app is equipped with the tools that enable you to adjust the audio playback speed, trim silence or customize the sleep timer. You can subscribe to any podcast you discover with Castbox with a single tap, but you must make in-app purchases if you want to access to all features.

3. Himalaya

Price: Free

Compatibility:Android , iOS

This app for Android and iOS devices lets you listen to radio shows, audiobooks, podcasts and allows you to stream shows from a single app. You can customize your homepage or create as many playlists as you want. Each podcast you discover with Himalaya can be shared with your accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and other popular social media platforms.

The app grants you access to more than 500, 000 shows that are organized into 30 categories so you can easily choose a topic and search for an episode you’d like to listen to. Himalaya features a sleep timer, which means that you can listen to your favorite podcast before you fall asleep.

4. Downcast

Price: $2,99, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

This podcast player provides all the features you are going to need for a superb podcasting experience. Subscribing to a new podcast with this app is a straightforward process which can be completed in an instant. You can also choose if you want to download episodes to your device automatically or browse through old episodes of podcasts you subscribed to.

Downcast also lets you adjust the playback speed, and it offers chapter support for enhanced podcasts. Organizing and customizing podcasts with Downcast requires a minimum amount of effort, which makes this app an excellent choice for anyone who listens or watches a large number of podcasts daily.

5. Stitcher

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

Politics, sports, or comedy are just a few topics podcasts available on Stitcher cover. You can use the app’s on-demand feature if you want to follow a particular show. Select your favorite genres and tap on the play button to listen to an episode of your choosing.

The app is compatible with more than fifty car models, which enables you to enjoy podcasts while driving. However, the free version of the app offers limited capabilities, and you must upgrade to the premium version if you want to have the full scope of the app’s options.

6. Pocket Casts

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

The app’s functional design makes it easy to find and manage podcasts by enabling you to create playback queues effortlessly. Trimming silence, skipping intros or streaming episodes without downloading them are just a few among countless options the Pocket Casts app offers.

Moreover, the Car Play feature enables you to play audio and video podcasts wherever you go. You can also download podcasts if you want to listen to them while you are offline.

Besides, you can play all episodes on your TV or your sound system using the Airplay and Chromecast integrations. The only downside is that you have to purchase the annual or monthly plan if you want to use all of the Pocket Casts’ podcasting options.

7. Apple Podcasts

Price: Free

Compatibility: iOS

This is one of the most popular destinations for all iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch owners who listen to podcasts frequently. Apple Podcasts lets you browse through more than 750.000 shows and 20 million episodes that are organized into categories. You can subscribe to any show you find on Apple Podcasts for free, download episodes you like to your Apple devices and listen to them wherever you go.

The platform’s editor recommends the shows based on your browsing history and helps you discover content that you are going to enjoy watching and listening to. Even so, Apple Podcasts lack the tools that enable its users to control the playback speed, skip intros or set timers before they go to sleep.

8. Spotify

Price: Free

Compatibility: web-based , iOS , Android

People from all over the world have been using Spotify to enjoy music from virtually any genre ever created. This Swedish-American company has been investing a lot into its podcasting services in the last couple of years.

Today Spotify offers access to podcasters to one of the most massive online audiences. Finding new shows and following the latest episodes your favorite podcasters share on this platform is as easy as discovering a new band. There are thousands of podcasts to browse through on Spotify, and some of them can only be played through this podcast player, either online or on iPhone or Android devices.

9. Overcast

Price: Free

Compatibility: iOS

Overcast was launched just five years ago, but today it is recognized as one of the best podcast player apps for iPhones, iWatches, and iPads. If you are looking for an app that will shorten the silences in podcasts, normalize the volume of the voices or enable you to adjust the playback speed of the audio files, then Overcast is probably one of your best options.

The app also provides CarPlay support and allows you to listen to your favorite podcasts even while you are on the road. However, Overcast contains ads, and you must purchase the Premium version of the app if you want to remove them.

10. Castro

Price: Free, but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS

Managing large numbers of episodes with Castro won’t take much more than a few moments of your time. Subscribe to a podcast you like, and all of the latest episodes will land in the New tab. You can then decide if you want to add them to the queue and listen to them while you are driving or on your iPhone.

The free version of the app doesn’t allow you to skip intros, enhance voices or reduce silence, and you must purchase Castro Plus to access these options. Before you decide to install Castro or Castro Plus on your device, you must make sure that the app is compatible with the version of iOS you have.

11. Podbean

Price: Free but offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

With the selection of over 50 million episodes, Podbean is easily one of the most versatile podcast player apps on this list. You can search for podcasts based on the topic you are interested in, or browse through different categories, and use the name of the podcast, or the author’s name to find the episode you are looking for.

Podbean is equipped with an audio recorder that features a rich selection of audio effects and a versatile set of audio editing tools. Moreover, the app provides support for live audio streaming so you can create or listen to live broadcast directly from your Smartphone.

12. Laughable

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility:iOS , Android

Keeping in touch with the latest trends in the comedy world is going to become easy if you install Laughable on your device. The app hosts the world’s largest database of comedy artist profiles and enables you to discover and follow comedians effortlessly. Each time they release a new episode of their podcast or make a guest appearance, you’ll receive a notification, which enables you to follow their latest work.

Besides an impressive collection of comedy podcasts, Laughable also lets you browse through podcasts featuring celebrities like Jordan Peterson, Barak Obama or Oprah. The app is free for just ten days, afterward, you must upgrade to Laughable Insider if you want to have access to all the shows and episodes this podcast player has to offer.

How to Pick the Right Podcast Player App?

The majority of podcast players offer a similar set of options, which complicates the process of finding an app you can use to listen to podcasts on your Smartphones. The operating system your Smartphone supports or whether the app you’re considering offers podcast streaming options can influence your choice of a podcast player app.

Ultimately, the selection of shows and episodes an app offers, as well as its playback control options can help you determine which podcast player is the best option for you. In case you listen to podcasts on a daily basis, purchasing a monthly or annual subscription is a much better option than listening to podcasts with a free version of the app.

Below is a brief summary of the podcast player app listed above. Hope it can help to find out the best podcast app on your iPhone or Android phone.

Podcast Player	User Rating	Supported OS	Price	Best For
Breaker	4.7	iOS 11.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and sharing podcasts
Castbox	4.8	iOS 10.0 or later, Android 5.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Himalaya	4.7	iOS 9.1 or later, Android 4.1 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Downcast	4.2	iOS 11.4 or later	$2,99, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Stitcher	3.6	iOS 10.0 or later, Android 4.2 and up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Pocket Cast	3.9	iOS 11.0 or later, Android 5.0 or up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Apple Podcast	No information	iOS 10.0 or later	Free	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Spotify	4.8	Web-based, iOS 11.0 or later, varies on device	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Overcast	4.7	iOS 13.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Castro	4.7	iOS 12.2 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Podbean	4.8	iOS 10.0 or later	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering and listening to podcasts
Laughable	4.8	iOS 11.4 or later, Android 5.0 and up	Free, offers in-app purchases	Discovering comedy podcasts

Conclusion

Listening to your favorite podcasts wherever you are, has never been easier, even if you don’t have access to the Internet. Podcast player apps like Spotify or Himalaya grant you access to millions of episodes, but each app we featured in this article can provide a superb experience. Which app are you using to listen to podcasts on your iOS and Android devices? Leave a comment and let us know.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

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