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Editing your audio will significantly impact the content and make it more engaging. However, finding software to meet all your needs can be challenging, especially if you're diving into the experience for the first time.
We've tested numerous options to find the best audio editing software and provide a top list. If you're searching for the best tools, check out the options below and select an ideal one for your needs and preferences.
Table of Content
What Makes a Good Audio Editing Software?
Good audio editing software has many qualities to boost the editing experience and maximize your efficiency. Here are some examples:
- Ease of use - Your chosen software should be easy to use so you won't have to spend your time and nerves navigating the experience.
- Features - The software should provide essential and advanced audio editing features to boost your journey and help you reach the desired results quickly.
- File support - You should be able to choose the import and export format. The software should support all standard formats, providing inclusivity and diversity.
At a Glance: Top Audio Editors Comparison
Features are the most significant differences between free and paid audio editing software. Paid solutions provide advanced and time-saving tools, while free versions often have only essential toolkits to support your experience. That means you'll save time if you purchase an audio editor since free options usually require manual work.
Let's compare the differences between free and paid audio editing software to see which suits your needs best.
| Audio Editing Software | Pricing | Best For | Top Features |
| Audacity | Free | Plugins | Noise cancellation, audio visualizers, auto-crash recovery |
| GarageBand | Free | Music editing | Virtual instruments, tutorials, loops |
| MyEdit | Free | Web-based audio editing | Noise cancellation, voice changers, pitch adjustments |
| Ocenaudio | Free | Speech editing | Remove background noise, waveform, VST plugin support |
| Audio Tool | Free | Collaborations and larger projects | Crossfading, MIDI effects, royalty-free samples |
| Filmora | $9.99, $29.99, $49.99 | Beginner and professional audio editing | Add/generate music, change the voice, and remove background noise |
| Apple Logic Pro | $199.99 | Mac audio editing | MIDI editing, beat breaker, step sequencer |
| Cubase | $49.99–$359.00 | Music creation and editing | Cleanup lane, drum editor, list editor |
| Ableton Live | $99, $439, $749 | DAW editing | MIDI generators, MPE plugins, LFO |
| Reaper | $60, $225 | Flexible audio editing | Plugins, crossfades, MIDI routing |
Best Free Audio Editing Software
Here are the best audio editing software solutions you can get for free.
1.Audacity
Best for: audio editing plugins
Star rating: 4.5/5
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Reasons to buy:
- It supports numerous audio file types.
- You'll access an extensive plugin library.
- It has auto-crash recovery to preserve your creations.
Reasons to avoid:
- It has a steep learning curve.
- No multi-track editing is available.
Why We Picked It
Audacity is among the most advanced free audio editors on the market. You can use it for professional recordings and sizable files. It has all the essential elements to edit your audio manually, such as non-destructive editing and audio effects. However, the downside is the user interface, which is overwhelming for beginners and professionals.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Its power as a free tool, especially for podcasting and noise cancellation, with users calling it a "great tool to edit podcasts."
- Criticized for: A "poor user interface" that is considered "not at all user-friendly" and contributes to a steep learning curve for beginners.
(Feedback sourced from verified reviews on G2)
2.GarageBand
Best for: music editing
Star rating: 4.3/5
Supported OS: macOS, iOS, iPadOS
Reasons to buy:
- It provides many virtual instruments.
- You can get lessons from artists and support your musical experience.
- It gets frequent updates.
Reasons to avoid:
- It is exclusively for Apple devices.
- No professional features are available.
Why We Picked It
GarageBand is unique and one of the most entertaining audio editing software. Aside from standard editing features like mixing, audio effects, and loops, it provides virtual instruments for seamless MIDI recordings. It'll boost your musical journey and let you create tracks from scratch without touching an instrument.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Being "incredibly convenient" and "intuitive to use," with seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem.
- Criticized for: Feeling "limiting for advanced users" who need more intricate controls and fine-tuning capabilities for complex compositions.
(Feedback sourced from verified reviews on G2)
3.MyEdit
Best for: online and simple AI audio editing
Star rating: 3.8/5
Supported OS: all browsers
Reasons to buy:
- It has an extensive AI feature library to enhance your experience.
- You can change your voice.
- You can adjust the pitch of your recordings.
Reasons to avoid:
- The free version lets you download one daily creation.
Why We Picked It
Although MyEdit isn't entirely free, you'll still get the ultimate audio experience with the free version. You can use almost all premium features, cutting production time and getting high-quality results. For instance, you can reduce background noise, change your voice, and adjust the pitch in seconds.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Its quick and effective AI-powered tools like the voice changer and noise remover, which users find "great" for simple edits.
- Criticized for: The free version's significant limitation of only allowing one download per day, which restricts frequent use.
(Feedback sourced from user reviews on CNET Download)
4.Ocenaudio
Best for: editing speech
Star rating: 3.5/5
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Reasons to buy:
- You can edit sizable files.
- You can listen to edits in real time.
- It supports plugins.
Reasons to avoid:
- The platform rarely gets updates.
Why We Picked It
Ocenaudio is a simple yet powerful audio editing solution everyone can use. Although it doesn't provide many features, you can still master your skills and become an audio professional. For instance, you can apply effects, edit parts of your audio, remove background noise, implement VST plugins, etc.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Its "nice and clean interface" that makes basic tasks like trimming audio incredibly easy for anyone to learn.
- Criticized for: Being "pretty basic compared to other DAWs" and lacking the advanced features needed by professional users.
(Feedback sourced from verified reviews on G2)
5.AudioTool
Best for: collaborations and larger audio projects
Star rating: 4.1/5
Supported OS: all browsers
Reasons to buy:
- The software has an extensive effect library, including MIDI effects.
- You can sync your creations across devices.
- The software provides royalty-free samples.
Reasons to avoid:
- It may be resource-intensive.
- It's a browser-only app.
Why We Picked It
AudioTool is an easy-to-use audio editor for beginners and industry professionals. It lets you quickly create projects and connect with other artists for inspiration. The best part is that it provides all the tools you need for your audio editing experience, including effects, synthesizers, samples, crossfaders, etc.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Its large community, extensive library of free genres and sounds, and powerful in-browser creation studio.
- Criticized for: Being "too complex for a novice," with some users feeling it's a "tool only for professionals" due to a lack of guidance.
(Feedback sourced from verified reviews on G2)
Best Paid Audio Editing Software With a Free Trial
To get the ultimate audio editing experience and become a professional in the industry, check out these paid audio editing software solutions with free trials.
1.Filmora
Best for: beginner and professional audio editing
Star rating: 4.4/5
Supported OS: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Free trial: Limitless
Pricing: $9.99, $29.99, $49.99
Reasons to buy:
- Most features are AI-powered, cutting the production time.
- You don't need experience to use the software.
- You can quickly create new sounds and change voices.
Reasons to avoid:
- The free version leaves a watermark.
Why We Picked It
Wondershare Filmora is the most universal audio editor on the market. It has standard and advanced editing features, making it ideal for beginners and professionals. For instance, you can reverse audio, change your voice, speed up audio files like Spotify songs, add or generate music, and more. The best part is that most features are AI-powered, meaning getting the desired results will take only a few minutes.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Its intuitive, "super easy" interface that beginners can learn in minutes, and for being a versatile "editing Swiss Army Knife" for content creators.
- Criticized for: The free version exporting videos with a watermark, requiring a subscription for clean exports.
(Feedback sourced from verified reviews on G2)
2.Apple Logic Pro
Best for: Mac audio editing
Star rating: 4.6/5
Supported OS: macOS
Free trial: 90 days
Pricing: $199.99
Reasons to buy:
- You can create a Dolby Atmos sound.
- There are simplified and full-feature options.
- It provides MIDI audio editing.
Reasons to avoid:
- It has a hefty price tag.
- You can only use it on Mac devices.
Why We Picked It
Apple Logic Pro is among the mightiest audio editors you can use on your Mac. It has some of the most advanced features, including a mastering assistant, beat breaker, step sequencer, etc. However, the downside is that you may need time to adjust to all the features and tools.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Its "amazing capabilities" and high-quality stock sounds that allow users to create beautiful, professional songs across any genre.
- Criticized for: A "steep learning curve" and a user interface that some users feel is unintuitive, comparing it to "coding an application."
(Feedback sourced from verified reviews on G2)
3.Cubase
Best for: music creation and editing
Star rating: 4.3/5
Supported OS: macOS, Windows
Free trial: 60 days
Pricing: $49.99–$359.00
Reasons to buy:
- It supports numerous VST plugins.
- The user interface is intuitive.
- It's a lightweight solution.
Reasons to avoid:
- It's a pricey solution.
Why We Picked It
Cubase made it to our list because of its convenience and ease of use. The design resembles professional studios, so you'll get the authentic audio editing feel. Cubase also provides all the features you need for a professional experience, including the drum editor, list editor, cleanup lanes, etc.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Being a "straightforward tool" that is lightweight and doesn't require a powerful machine to produce good-quality music.
- Criticized for: "Confusing" audio libraries and documentation, which can make understanding shortcuts and advanced features difficult for some users.
(Feedback sourced from verified reviews on G2)
4.Ableton Live
Best for: DAW editing
Star rating: 4.7/5
Supported OS: Windows, macOS
Free trial: 30 days
Pricing: $99, $439, $749
Reasons to buy:
- You'll get a lifetime license.
- It's an innovative DAW editing solution.
- It's a professional editing option.
Reasons to avoid:
- It has a steep learning curve.
- It isn't beginner-friendly.
Why We Picked It
Ableton Live is a professional audio editing solution to boost your experience and help you create the best audio content. It's suitable for various professional industries, making it an excellent choice if you plan on becoming an audio master. You'll access MIDI generators, MPE plugins, LFO, and more.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Its "simplistic user-interface" and powerful built-in instruments like the Analog synth, allowing for instant music production.
- Criticized for: Being "very hard to understand at first," with a high potential for mistakes that can lead to re-recording entire projects.
(Feedback sourced from verified reviews on G2)
5.Reaper
Best for: flexible audio editing
Star rating: 4.5/5
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Free trial: 60 days
Pricing: $60, $225
Reasons to buy:
- The software is easy to use.
- It provides multi-channel recording and editing.
- You can customize your experience.
Reasons to avoid:
- The user interface may initially seem overwhelming.
Why We Picked It
Reaper provides exceptional audio editing solutions at a fraction of the price. It's ideal if you're on a tight budget but want professional results. The software supports numerous plugins, crossfades, and MIDI routing, providing a superb audio editing experience when creating high-quality content.
User Verdict:
- Praised for: Its modern and "user friendly" interface, extensive features, and ability to produce "studio quality" songs at a low price point.
- Criticized for: Having "complicated" audio routing and being relatively weak in audio editing compared to its other strong features.
(Feedback sourced from verified reviews on G2)
Which Audio Editor Is Right for You?
- Best for Beginners: Filmora
If you're new to audio editing or primarily a video creator, Filmora's intuitive interface and AI-powered tools make it the easiest to get started with professional results.
- Best for Podcasting: Audacity
For podcasters who need powerful, free tools for recording, noise reduction, and editing speech, Audacity remains the industry standard.
- Best for Professional Music Production: Apple Logic Pro & Ableton Live
If you're serious about making music, the advanced features, virtual instruments, and MIDI capabilities of Logic Pro (for Mac) and Ableton Live offer everything you need.
How We Tested the Best Audio Editing Software
We tested all the software above on a Windows operating system. Aside from those that made it to the top list, we've tested 20 more options, including WavePad, Adobe Audition, Audiate, etc. Here are some reasons the solutions made it to the list:
- Installation - The solutions that made the cut are easy to download and install on all desktop devices, providing convenience and efficiency.
- Usability - After downloading, we tested the user interface to see whether each platform was easy to navigate and whether users would have difficulty finding the desired features.
- Performance - The most crucial factor during the testing period was performance. All tools must be stable and ensure you get the best results during editing.
- Value - We've selected solutions that will give you the best bang for your buck because you shouldn't overspend on your audio editor.
Conclusion
Audio editing is a thing of the future, so prepare yourself and master your skills for your future career. However, you can't do it alone; you'll need help from powerful audio editing software, so choose one of the best free and paid solutions to get top-notch results.
Wondershare Filmora may be ideal if you're searching for the most convenient and professional solution. It provides all the essential and advanced features to make studio-like audio content and attract the desired audience. The best part is that it's easy to use, and you can master your skills within a day.
