Home-based music production used to be incredibly expensive a decade or two ago, with most quality audio creations being done in professional recording studios and by expert sound engineers.
Today, that situation is vastly different, as the rise of powerful DAWs, user-friendly music editing apps, and professional-focused Macs has allowed users to create professional-sounding tracks from the comfort of their homes.
That's why today's article will delve deeper into the best audio editing software for Mac. We'll explore the tools, highlight their best features, and look into their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points so you can find the one that best suits your Mac audio edit needs.
Before we probe further into each Mac audio editor, here's a quick comparison table so you know what to expect from each tool, even before our in-depth review.
Audio Editing Software | Best For | Standout Features | Free / Pricing |
Filmora | – Recording and editing audio
– Seamless audio effects – AI music generation | – Music visualizer
– Beat detection – AI audio effects | – Free version
– Monthly plan: $9.99/month – Yearly plan: $29.99/year – Perpetual plan: $49.99 (one time) |
Riverside | – Podcasts
– TV interviews | – AI-powered audio cleanup
– Background noise removal | – Free version
– $19/month or $180/year - Standard – $29/month or $288/year - Pro |
GarageBand | – Recording audio
– Simplified music production | – Excellent sound library
– Versatile producer packs | – Free |
Adobe Audition | – Professional audio editing
– Background noise and echo removal | – Massive audio effects library
– Multi-track mixing | – 7-day free trial
– $22.99/month |
Audacity | – Budget-conscious audio production
– Multi-track audio editing | – Extensive library of plugins
– Support for most audio formats | – Free |
FL Studio | – Customizable music production workflow
– MIDI compositions | – Comprehensive plugin library
– Automation tools | – 30-day free trial
– $9.Fruity Edition (one time) – $22.Producer Edition (one time) – $31.Signature Bundle (one time) – $53.All Plugins Edition (one time) |
WavePad | – Casual Mac audio editors
– Customizable audio editing workflow | – Batch audio processing and editing
– Multi-view interface | – 14-day free trial
– $39.9.Standard Edition (one time) – $69.9.Master Edition (one time) – $5.82/3 months - Quarterly Plan |
Logic Pro | – Apple enthusiasts in need of a DAW
– Professional audio productions and MIDI editing | – Vast library of audio effects, virtual instruments, and live loops
– Seamless integration with Apple hardware and software | – 90-day free trial
– $199.99 (one time) |
Cubase | – MIDI editing
– Professional music production | – Extensive instrument and plugin bundle
– Responsive and robust audio engine | – 60-day free trial
– $99.9.Elements (one time) – $289.9.Artist (one time) – $579.9.Pro (one time) |
Ableton Live | – Live music performances
– Recording musicians and composing tracks | – Generative MIDI tools
– Remarkable preset packs | – 30-day free trial
– $9.Intro – $43.Standard – $74.Suite |
Table of Content
Best Audio Editors for Mac in 2024
Now that you know which Mac audio editors made our list of 2024's best audio editing software for Mac, it's time to dive into each tool and look into what it offers. Let's jump right in.
1.Filmora
Filmora
Overall best Mac audio editor
4.5/5 stars on CapterraSpecifications
Supported OS: macOS 10.12 and newer, Windows, Android, iOS
Free trial & Pricing: 7 days; $9.99/month - $49.99 (one time)
Top features: AI audio effects, Beat detection, Music visualizer
Best for: Audio recording and editing, Seamless audio effects, AI Music
Reasons to buy
- AI-powered audio editing tools
- Extensive library of audio effects
- Remarkably intuitive user interface
Reasons to avoid
- Primarily a video editing tool
Why We Picked It
Despite primarily being a cross-platform video editing tool, Filmora packs a heavy punch in the audio editing category. The app's remarkably user-friendly interface is jam-packed with audio editing tools and AI-powered features that can make Mac audio edits quick and seamless, regardless of your skill.
The app's beginner-first approach to audio editing makes Filmora one of the most straightforward Mac audio editors to master, allowing even complete novices to find their way around Filmora's numerous audio editing tools and AI-powered features like Music Generator, Vocal Remover, Auto Beat Sync, Audio Denoise, etc.
2.Riverside
Riverside
Top Mac audio editor for podcasts and interviews
4.3/5 stars on CapterraSpecifications
Supported OS: Online platform (Mac OS X 10.7 or newer; Windows, iOS, Android)
Free trial & Pricing: No free trial; $19/month - $288/year
Top features: AI-powered background noise removal, Support for studio-quality audio recording
Best for: Recording podcasts and cleaning up your audio
Reasons to buy
- Studio-quality audio recording
- Locally saved recordings
- Affordable pricing for premium plans
Reasons to avoid
- Occasional echo issues
- Limited free plan
Why We Picked It
With podcasts becoming all the rage in recent years, Riverside took it upon themselves to create a platform that offers everything you'll ever need to record discussions and stories.
If that's what you're after, there's no need to look further than Riverside, as you'll have a great time interviewing guests and cleaning up your audio with the platform's AI-powered tools.
There are, however, a few drawbacks that those looking for a Mac audio editor should be aware of. The platform is focused on podcasting, so you'll be missing a few audio-editing tools that are present even in free Mac audio editors like GarageBand or Audacity.
3.GarageBand
GarageBand
Best Mac audio editor for beginners
4/5 stars on the Mac App StoreSpecifications
Supported OS: macOS 13.5 or later, iOS
Free trial & Pricing: Free to use
Top features: Built-in lessons for piano and guitar, Plugins, Royalty-free music packs
Best for: Free Mac audio editing and recording music for novices
Reasons to buy
- Accessible and intuitive interface
- Built-in loops and producer packs
- Support for MIDI interfaces
Reasons to avoid
- Limited advanced features
- Lacks a mixing console view
Why We Picked It
If you're looking for a high-end program with a proper mixer and detailed audio level controls, GarageBand isn't the Mac audio editor you're looking for. However, for someone who wants to start recording and making music on a budget and enjoys a simplified user interface, GarageBand can be the perfect free audio editing software for Macs.
It offers tremendous flexibility, various plugins, preset loops and packs, enjoyable instrument lessons, and a simple and streamlined interface that you'll have no issues using regardless of your skill level or editing experience.
4.Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition
Best professional Mac audio editor
4.7/5 stars on CapterraSpecifications
Supported OS: macOS 12 or later, Windows
Free trial & Pricing: 7 days; $22.99/month
Top features: Waveform and spectral editing, Multi-track mixing, Extensive sound effects assets
Best for: Professional-grade audio editing projects and speech enhancement
Reasons to buy
- Highly customizable and intuitive interface
- Great at recording in loud environments
- Professional-grade tools
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive subscription-only model
- Steep learning curve
Why We Picked It
Whether you're recording in noisy environments and need a capable background noise and echo removal tool or want to create studio-quality audio edits, Adobe Audition is the way to go. Often hailed as the best music editing software for Mac, Audition offers numerous advanced features that'll grant outstanding audio editing results.
While its interface can be confusing for beginners and the app doesn't support MIDI, Adobe Audition still stands as a terrific Mac audio editor thanks to its waveform and spectral editing features, multi-track mixing capabilities, and plenty of sound effects to go around, albeit at a steep price.
5.Audacity
Audacity
Best free Mac audio editing software
4.5/5 stars on CapterraSpecifications
Supported OS: macOS 1.13 (with older versions supporting Mac OS X 10.4 and up), Windows, Linux
Free trial & Pricing: Open source and free to use
Top features: Extensive plugin compatibility, Enormous library of free audio effects, Batch processing
Best for: Multi-track audio editing on a budget
Reasons to buy
- Free Mac audio editor
- Extensive plugin library
- Support for almost all audio formats
Reasons to avoid
- Unintuitive user interface
- Overwhelming for beginners
Why We Picked It
Despite being an open-source and free-to-use Mac audio editor, Audacity can easily be compared to even the most expensive Mac audio editing software. While its interface can feel outdated, it packs a heavy punch in the audio editing game.
The app is loaded with tremendous audio editing tools, has an extensive library of plugins, and supports most audio formats, making it an all-around fantastic choice for any budget-conscious user.
6.FL Studio
FL Studio
Best for professional music producers
4.8/5 stars on CapterraSpecifications
Supported OS: macOS 10.12 and later, Windows, Android, iOS
Free trial & Pricing: 30 days; $9.$539 (one time)
Top features: Comprehensive plugin library, Easy-to-adjust automation clips, Pattern-based MIDI tools
Best for: Producers seeking customization and MIDI compositions
Reasons to buy
- Lifetime free updates
- Fully-fledged DAW with a fantastic interface
- Excellent MIDI composition tools
Reasons to avoid
- Unintuitive multi-track recording
- No notation editor
Why We Picked It
While there are a few limitations in FL Studio, this fully built and colorful DAW is one of the best audio editing software for Mac available today. It's jam-packed with preloaded demo songs, has excellent audio recording and mixer routing features, and has a unique interface you'll love.
Even if it's not a native app, its implementation, performance, and DAW capabilities are on par with those of Apple's Logic Pro. Its workflow and interface are customizable, and there are tons of plugins to create with, making FL Studio a fantastic option for both beginners and professionals.
7.WavePad
WavePad
Best for casual Mac audio editors
4.5/5 stars on CapterraSpecifications
Supported OS: macOS 10.5 and later, Windows, Android, iOS, ChromeOS
Free trial & Pricing: 14 days; $39.9.$69.95 (one time)
Top features: Multi-view interface, Great audio file support, Batch processing
Best for: Mac audio editors who want to customize their workflow and learn as they go
Reasons to buy
- Linear and logarithmic Spectral Analysis
- Excellent batch editing tools
- Supports for most audio file formats
Reasons to avoid
- Single-track recording
- Limited preset library
Why We Picked It
Developed by NCH Software, WavePad is a professional audio editing software for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS. This Mac OS X audio editor offers a streamlined and attractive user interface, customizable menus, varying track views, and more.
Although it has limited audio effects and presets and an annoying popup asking you to buy the full version, WavePad supports most audio file formats and is capable of batch audio editing operations, making it a worthy competitor in our book.
8.Logic Pro
Logic Pro
Best native Mac OS X audio editor
4.8/5 stars on CapterraSpecifications
Supported OS: macOS 13.5 or later
Free trial & Pricing: 90 days; $199.99 (one time)
Top features: Live loops, MIDI editing, Virtual instruments
Best for: Apple enthusiasts looking for a native and feature-rich DAW
Reasons to buy
- Native Mac app made by Apple
- Fully-fledged DAW with a simple user interface
- A vast library of virtual instruments and audio effects
Reasons to avoid
- Challenging for beginners to master
- High upfront cost
Why We Picked It
What GarageBand is for simplified music production, Logic Pro is for professional-grade audio editing on Macs. While its upfront cost of $199.99 is expensive for most beginners, it's undeniably a worthwhile investment for professional musicians, producers, or audio engineers looking for high-quality Mac audio editing software for the long run.
The native app seamlessly integrates with Apple hardware and software, creating a music editor for Mac that's both fast and robust. It also packs a heavy punch when it comes to DAW features and has an extensive audio effects library.
9.Cubase
Cubase
Best professional DAW with MIDI capabilities
4.7/5 stars on CapterraSpecifications
Supported OS: macOS 10.12 and later, Windows, Android, iOS
Free trial & Pricing: 60 days; $99.9.$579.99
Top features: Wave plugin and VST integration, Fantastic audio mastering tools, Multi-track recording
Best for: Professional-grade music production and MIDI editing
Reasons to buy
- Responsive audio engine
- Excellent instrument bundle
- Support for all VST3 plugins
Reasons to avoid
- Slow updates and confusing documentation
- Challenging audio environment setup
Why We Picked It
Packing a fantastic audio engine, a robust plugin and instrument library, a well-designed MixConsole, and powerful audio editing and automation tools, Cubase is one of the best DAWs on the market. It has a long history, with its first appearance in 1989. While its development has been slow at times, when the tools finally get there, they're excellent.
Although it's an incredibly potent DAW, Cubase isn't as popular as its competitors due to its unintuitive design. Many of its features are hidden deep inside menus and aren't as well implemented as with other DAWs, making it challenging to master.
10.Ableton Live
Ableton Live
Best Mac audio editor for live music performances
4.8/5 stars on CapterraSpecifications
Supported OS: macOS 11 or higher, Windows
Free trial & Pricing: 30 days; $9.$749
Top features: Meld and Roar presets, Automation tools, Audio warping
Best for: Recording multiple musicians, composing from scratch, and performing live
Reasons to buy
- Generative MIDI tools and effects
- Flexible user interface and workflow
- Terrific preset packs
Reasons to avoid
- Features have a steep learning curve
- MIDI tools don't have the best implementation
Why We Picked It
Effortless and speedy sampling and resampling, tremendous live functionality, MIDI macros, fantastic presets, etc. These are just a handful of features packed into Ableton Live, a professional-grade Mac audio editor made with live performances and quick music composition in mind.
Yet, a few drawbacks must also be mentioned. Despite the pricing and what marketing says, Ableton Live still isn't a fully-fledged DAW. While it has excellent automation, MIDI support, and great music creation tools, you should be aware that Ableton lacks a pitch correction tool and notation view.
How to Pick the Right Audio Editing Software for Your Needs
While user ratings and features do tell a lot about a particular Mac audio editor, finding the right software for your specific also requires considering a few key aspects, such as these:
- Budget - Let's face it. Money plays a crucial role in deciding on a particular Mac audio editor. While fully-fledged DAWs like FL Studio and Cubase undoubtedly offer robust audio editing tools, they come with a hefty price tag. For a budget-conscious user, free tools like Audacity and GarageBand or inexpensive Mac audio editors like Filmora can be an excellent choice.
- Editing Needs - Are you a hobbyist looking for audio editing software for Mac to occasionally experiment with? Do you need a fully-fledged DAW for a music production studio? Considering the features you need from a Mac audio editor can significantly simplify your decision.
- Skill Level - Regarding Mac audio editing software, expert musicians and professional sound engineers might not care about a tool's interface or ease of use. However, for someone without experience, these factors should be vital in deciding on a particular Mac audio editor.
It's worth noting that, for some users, compatibility is another vital aspect worth considering. Your Mac might not be running the latest version of macOS, which will limit your choices in the Mac audio editing software category.
How We Picked the Best Audio Editing Software for Mac
Creating the list of 2024's best audio editing software for Mac was no easy task. To keep things fair, we tested numerous Mac audio editors on the same computer system and looked into several key aspects. Here's what the testing process entailed:
How We Picked | Details |
Test Environment | 2021 14" MacBook Pro with an Apple M1 Pro CPU and macOS 13 Ventura |
Number of Tools Tested | We started with over 20 Mac audio editors. However, the list was then narrowed down to the 10 best audio editing software for Mac |
Tested Aspects | Interface & Ease of Use; Audio Editing Features; Speed & Performance; System Compatibility; Premium Plan Value |