Audacity has been one of the most popular free and open source audio editors for years. Still, not everyone finds it the perfect fit.
Some users look for software like Audacity with a friendlier interface, others want more advanced features for professional production, and many need programs similar to Audacity that run on mobile or directly in a browser.
The good news is there are plenty of strong options. This guide explores the best Audacity alternatives, covering free and premium tools, cross-platform apps, and even Audacity alternatives for Android, Mac, and online editing.
How to Pick the Right Audacity Alternatives
Choosing the right alternative to Audacity depends on how and where you plan to edit audio. Each tool brings different strengths, so focus on the areas that match your workflow.
- Ease of Use: Some users only need quick trimming or simple recordings, while others want full DAW capabilities.
- Features: Check for essentials like noise reduction, audio effects, and batch processing. Multi-track support is crucial if you work on podcasts, music layers, or video soundtracks.
- Cross-Platform Support: Compatibility saves time when switching devices. Even the best software becomes a hurdle if it doesn’t run on your operating system or integrate with the tools you already use.
- Budget: If you need a free alternative to Audacity, open-source and freemium tools cover most needs. For long-term or professional projects, however, investing in a paid one often provides you with the advanced features and stability you need.
With so many programs similar to Audacity, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming. But once you know your priorities in ease of use, features, platform, and budget, it becomes easier to find one that you need.
Our Top 3 Picks for Audacity Alternatives
Top 10 Best Audacity Alternatives in 2025
We have curated ten strong software programs, such as Audacity, each suited for different kinds of users. For each, you’ll find an overview, pros & cons, platforms, and pricing.
1. Reaper - Best affordable DAW for power users
Reaper is a powerful DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that offers very high customizability, support for plugins, and excellent performance even on modest hardware. It’s often used for music production, podcast editing, sound design for video, and more. It is a strong alternative to Audacity, especially for users who need more professional features.
- Unlimited audio & MIDI tracks, multichannel support.
- Wide range of built-in effects and plugin support (VST, AU, JSFX, etc.)
- Lightweight, efficient, can run from a portable drive, fast update cycle.
- One-time license rather than subscription.
- Steep learning curve compared to simpler editors.
- Interface can feel overwhelming if you just want basic trimming or noise removal.
- Less out-of-the-box presets or loops compared to tools aimed at beginners.
Windows, macOS, Linux.
Two license tiers
- Discounted/Personal/Educational/Non-profit: $60 one-time
- Commercial license (if revenue > $20,000/year): $225
- Free trial: 60 days full-feature
2. Wavacity - Best free, web-based open-source alternative to Audacity
Wavacity is essentially a port of Audacity to the browser. It’s open source, released under GNU GPL v2, and requires no installation. If you want an online alternative to Audacity that behaves much like Audacity, this is one of the top choices.
- Works in browser, so platform-independent: Windows, macOS, Linux, even Chromebooks or tablets.
- Free and open source.
- Interface and tools very familiar to Audacity users: cut, copy, paste, effects, and multi-track editing are nearly parallel to Audacity.
- May lack support for third-party plugin extensions (VSTs, etc.) or those that work in installed software.
- Performance depends heavily on the browser and system; large files or many tracks may lag.
- Less mature than desktop DAWs or long-established software; fewer advanced or “polish” features.
Browser-based (any OS with a modern browser).
Completely free. Open source.
3. Ocenaudio - Best lightweight free option
Ocenaudio is a simpler editor, aimed more at trimming, noise reduction, and applying effects to single audio files rather than fully mixing multiple tracks. It is often listed among free Audacity alternatives for users who prefer something simpler, with a cleaner interface.
- Extremely clean and intuitive interface, requires almost no learning curve.
- Real-time preview of effects (EQ, compression, reverb, etc.) so you can hear changes instantly.
- Built-in spectrogram and waveform views for precise editing and visualization.
- Efficient with large individual files such as interviews, lectures, or podcasts.
- Fully cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) with consistent performance.
- No real multitrack editing, so layering music, narration, and effects is limited.
- VST plugin support exists but is basic, with fewer customization options than professional DAWs.
- Lacks advanced tools for MIDI, automation, or complex sound design.
- Not ideal for full music production or professional mixing/mastering workflows.
Windows, macOS, Linux.
Free.
4. Adobe Audition - Best for podcasters & professionals
Adobe Audition is a professional audio workstation designed for detailed editing, mixing, and mastering. It features one of the best spectral editors in the industry, advanced noise reduction tools, and seamless integration with Adobe Premiere Pro, making it an ideal premium alternative to Audacity for podcasters, voice-over artists, and video creators.
- Industry-leading noise reduction and spectral editing for removing clicks, hums, and background noise.
- Full multitrack environment with support for podcasts, music projects, and broadcast workflows.
- Batch processing and a diagnostics panel to repair large numbers of files quickly.
- Tight integration with Adobe Premiere Pro allows for smooth audio-video editing.
- Extensive library of presets, effects, and adaptive noise reduction for quick turnaround.
- Available only via Creative Cloud subscription (US$22.99/month, single app).
- Can be resource-intensive on lower-end hardware.
- Steeper learning curve than lightweight editors, especially for beginners.
- May be excessive if you only need basic trimming or simple audio cleanup.
Windows, macOS.
$22.99/month (single-app subscription) or included in Adobe Creative Cloud plans.
5. Logic Pro X - Best Mac-only DAW for musicians
Logic Pro X is Apple’s flagship DAW, built for professional music production on macOS. It comes with a massive library of virtual instruments, loops, and samples, along with advanced mixing and mastering tools. For users seeking an Audacity alternative for Mac that goes far beyond basic editing, Logic Pro X is one of the strongest options available.
- Huge library of sounds, loops, and professional virtual instruments included at no extra cost.
- Advanced MIDI editing, automation, and scoring tools for full music production.
- Live Loops and Remix FX for real-time composition and performance.
- Built-in Drummer and step sequencer for creating beats quickly.
- Seamless integration with GarageBand projects, allowing easy transition from beginner to pro tools.
- Mac-only, no Windows or Linux support.
- One-time cost is higher than free or lightweight editors ($199.99).
- Can be overwhelming for beginners unfamiliar with DAWs.
- Requires a fairly powerful Mac for smooth performance on large projects.
macOS.
US$199.99 (one-time purchase via Mac App Store)
6. Descript - Best AI-powered audio editor
Descript takes a unique approach to audio editing by combining AI transcription with text-based editing. Instead of working only with waveforms, you can edit your audio by editing the transcript, making it an excellent alternative to Audacity for podcasters, interviewers, and video creators who value speed and automation.
- Text-based editing: cut, copy, and delete words in the transcript to edit audio automatically.
- Built-in transcription with speaker detection and filler word removal.
- Overdub feature lets you create synthetic voice clones for quick corrections.
- Screen recording and video editing features for podcasters and creators who need audio + video.
- Cloud-based collaboration enables teams to work together seamlessly on projects.
- Subscription pricing can add up: Free plan, then $16–24/month for more features.
- Requires internet for most functions, limiting offline usability.
- Audio effects and mixing tools are basic compared to full DAWs.
- Not ideal for musicians or advanced sound designers who need detailed track control.
Windows, macOS, Web.
Free plan available, paid plans start at US$16/month (billed monthly)
7. Ardour - Best open-source DAW (Linux-friendly)
Ardour is a fully open-source DAW designed for professional audio recording, editing, mixing, and mastering. It is widely regarded as the top Linux Audacity alternative, though it also runs on Windows and macOS. With deep plugin support and multitrack capabilities, it suits musicians, podcasters, and engineers who prefer open-source tools without the limitations of basic editors.
- Completely open source, with transparent development and community contributions.
- Full multitrack recording and editing with unlimited tracks and buses.
- Extensive plugin support (VST, LV2, AU) for mixing and mastering.
- Powerful automation, routing, and hardware integration for studio workflows.
- Frequent updates and strong Linux support, ideal for open-source enthusiasts.
- User interface feels less polished compared to commercial DAWs.
- Requires more setup and technical knowledge, especially on Linux.
- Documentation and support rely heavily on community resources.
- Paid binaries model can confuse new users, since the source is free, but precompiled versions require payment.
Linux, macOS, Windows.
Source code is free; prebuilt binaries start at $1/month (subscription) or a one-time $45+ for current version access.
8. Audiotool - Best browser-based audio editor
Audiotool is a cloud-based DAW that runs entirely in your browser, making it a flexible Audacity online alternative. It’s designed for electronic music creators, offering modular synths, virtual drum machines, and an active community for collaboration. Projects are stored in the cloud, so you can start on one device and continue on another without installing software.
- 100% browser-based, no installation required.
- Modular environment with built-in synths (e.g., Heisenberg, Pulverisateur) and drum machines.
- Cloud storage for projects with seamless access across devices.
- Built-in publishing and sharing options with a community of creators.
- Collaboration features let multiple users work on the same project.
- Requires a stable internet connection; performance may suffer with large projects.
- No support for third-party VST plugins, limited to built-in instruments and effects.
- Geared toward electronic music, less flexible for traditional recording or podcast workflows.
- Free tier has limitations, and premium pricing is not clearly published.
Web (works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebooks with modern browsers).
Free tier available; premium plans exist, but pricing is available on request
9. WavePad - Best cross-platform (desktop & mobile)
WavePad by NCH Software is a versatile audio editor available on both desktop and mobile platforms. It’s well-suited for users who need an Audacity alternative for basic editing but also want the option to scale up with paid features. It covers trimming, noise reduction, and batch processing, and supports multiple file formats, making it practical for podcasts, music, and voice recordings.
- Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it one of the most cross-platform editors.
- Supports a wide range of formats, including MP3, WAV, VOX, GSM, and more.
- Features include noise reduction, amplification, compression, and batch editing.
- VST plugin support (in Master’s Edition) for adding more professional effects.
- Easy interface, quick to learn, and lightweight compared to full DAWs.
- Free version is limited to non-commercial use with fewer features.
- Advanced tools like batch processing, VST support, and spectral analysis require paid upgrades.
- Lacks the depth of full DAWs for complex music production.
- Interface design looks dated compared to modern editors.
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Standard Edition $39.95; Master’s Edition $69.95 (one-time license). The mobile app is free with optional in-app purchases.
10. GarageBand - Best for beginners (Apple users)
GarageBand is Apple’s free DAW that comes pre-installed on macOS and iOS devices. It’s one of the most popular Audacity alternatives for Mac and iOS, thanks to its simple interface, built-in instruments, and library of loops. While not as advanced as Logic Pro X, it’s perfect for beginners who want to record, mix, and produce music or podcasts without extra cost.
- Completely free for all Apple users, with no subscription required.
- Beginner-friendly interface with drag-and-drop editing.
- Large sound library with loops, samples, and virtual instruments.
- Seamless integration with other Apple apps and an easy upgrade path to Logic Pro X.
- The iOS app allows mobile recording and editing with touch controls.
- Limited to the Apple ecosystem (macOS and iOS only).
- Lacks advanced audio restoration and spectral editing found in Pro Tools.
- Fewer customization options and weaker plugin support compared to full DAWs.
- Not suitable for professional-level mixing or mastering.
macOS, iOS.
Free (with optional in-app purchases for sound packs, usually $4.99 each)
Enhances Your Audio Editing Workflow
Exploring the best Audacity alternatives gives you strong options for editing audio on different platforms. However, most of these tools focus only on sound. If your projects also involve video, switching between separate apps can slow you down. Here, we recommend that you use Wondershare Filmora.
Filmora is not a direct Audacity alternative, but it fills a key gap for creators who work with both audio and video. While most programs similar to Audacity focus only on audio, Filmora provides an all-in-one environment where you can fine-tune sound while editing video. This tool saves time and avoids the hassle of switching between separate apps.
Secure DownloadWhy Filmora complements audio editing:
- AI Audio Tools: Clean up recordings with automatic noise reduction, voice isolation, and a built-in audio equalizer.
- Sound Effects Library: Access AI-generated and royalty-free effects tailored for podcasts, videos, or YouTube shorts.
- Video and Audio Sync: Edit audio directly in the context of video, ideal for creators who publish across multiple platforms.
- One-Click Export: Render and upload directly to YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, and more without extra steps.
Filmora is Best for:
- Podcasters who also release video versions of their shows.
- YouTubers, TikTokers, and vloggers who need a fast and intuitive workflow.
- Educators, streamers, and marketers are combining narration with visuals.
Secure DownloadConclusion
Audacity remains a reliable free editor, but it is not the only option. From lightweight tools like Ocenaudio to professional suites such as Adobe Audition and Logic Pro X, the best Audacity alternatives in 2025 cover every platform and budget.
If your workflow also includes video, Filmora brings audio and video editing together in one place, helping creators save time without losing quality. Choosing the right tool depends on your needs, but with these options, you’ll find a solution that fits your style and projects.
