A podcast with background hiss and uneven volume loses listeners fast, even if the actual conversation is great. And a song mixed poorly never sounds right no matter how good the performance was underneath it. Getting audio to sound clean and professional isn’t optional anymore, it’s expected.
Audio editing software lets you record, clean up, mix, and polish sound, whether that’s a podcast episode, a music track, a voiceover, or a full album. Some tools are simple and free. Others are full digital audio workstations built for professional studio work.
We tested 35 audio editing platforms below, from free open source editors to industry standard studio software. Some cost nothing at all. Others charge a monthly subscription or a one time purchase price depending on how deep the feature set goes.
Check the comparison table for a fast pick, or read through the full reviews to find the tool that fits your project and skill level. Stop letting rough, unpolished audio hold your content back. Pick an audio editing tool and start making your sound match your content’s quality today.
What Is Audio Editing Software?
Audio editing software lets users record, edit, mix, and enhance sound files, ranging from simple voice recordings to full multitrack music productions. It typically includes tools for cutting and arranging audio, adjusting volume and effects, and removing unwanted noise.
Many platforms also include AI powered features now, automatically cleaning up background noise or leveling volume without manual adjustment.
What Are the Common Features of Audio Editing Software?
- Multitrack editing for layering and arranging multiple audio tracks together
- Noise reduction and cleanup for removing background hiss, hum, or unwanted sounds
- Effects and filters for shaping tone, adding reverb, or adjusting equalization
- Waveform visualization for precisely cutting and editing audio at specific points
- Export in multiple formats for delivering finished audio in the format a project needs
- Automation tools for controlling volume and effects changes over time
- Transcription and text based editing for editing audio by editing a written transcript
What Are the Benefits of Audio Editing Software?
- Cleaner, more professional sound through noise reduction and mixing tools
- Faster editing workflows especially with AI powered automation features
- More creative control over how a track or recording ultimately sounds
- Consistency across episodes or tracks through saved presets and templates
- Better listener retention since clean, well mixed audio keeps people listening longer
- Flexibility across project types from music production to podcast editing to voiceover work
Who Uses Audio Editing Software?
- Musicians and producers recording and mixing original music
- Podcasters editing and cleaning up recorded episodes
- Voiceover artists polishing recordings for commercials, audiobooks, and narration
- Video creators cleaning up and mixing audio for video content
- Radio and broadcast professionals producing polished on air audio
- Sound designers creating custom audio effects and soundscapes
How We Tested These Audio Editing Software
We looked at editing precision, noise reduction quality, ease of use, feature breadth, and pricing transparency across free and paid tiers. We also weighed how well each platform performs for different use cases, from music production to podcast editing.
We tested for:
- Accuracy and quality of noise reduction and audio cleanup
- Depth and flexibility of multitrack editing tools
- Ease of use for beginners versus advanced users
- Quality of built in effects and mixing tools
- Export flexibility across audio formats
- Pricing clarity across free, subscription, and one time purchase options
Quick Comparison of Audio Editing Software
| Software | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Audition | Professional audio editing within Adobe’s ecosystem | $22.99/month |
| Audacity | Free, open source audio editing for everyone | Free |
| Pro Tools | Industry standard music production and mixing | $11.99/month |
| Logic Pro | Full featured music production for Mac users | $199.99 one time |
| GarageBand | Free, beginner friendly music editing for Apple users | Free |
| Ableton Live | Loop based music production and live performance | $99/year |
| FL Studio | Beat making and electronic music production | $99 one time |
| Reaper | Affordable, highly customizable DAW | $60 one time |
| Studio One | Modern DAW with streamlined workflow | $99.99/year |
| Cubase | Professional composition and production software | $99.99/year |
| Descript | Text based audio and video editing | Free, paid from $12/month |
| Hindenburg Journalist | Audio editing built for podcasters and journalists | $95/year |
| Auphonic | Automated audio leveling and cleanup | Free, paid from $11/month |
| Ocenaudio | Simple, lightweight free audio editor | Free |
| WavePad | Approachable audio editing for beginners | Free, paid from $69.95 one time |
| Reason | Music production with virtual studio rack | $19.99/month |
| Bitwig Studio | Flexible, modular music production software | $399 one time |
| Cakewalk by BandLab | Free, fully featured DAW | Free |
| TwistedWave | Simple online and desktop audio editing | $79 one time |
| Sound Forge | Detailed waveform editing and mastering | $79.99 one time |
| iZotope RX | Advanced audio repair and restoration | $399 one time |
| Podcastle | AI powered podcast recording and editing | Free, paid from $23.99/month |
| Alitu | Automated podcast editing for non technical creators | $38/month |
| Riverside.fm | High quality remote recording with editing tools | Free, paid from $24/month |
| Landr | AI powered automated mastering | Free, paid from $12/month |
| eMastered | Simple, affordable AI mastering | $14.99/month |
| n-Track Studio | Multitrack recording for mobile and desktop | Free, paid from $9.99/month |
| MAGIX Music Maker | Beginner friendly music creation software | Free, paid from $59.99 one time |
| Mixcraft | Affordable, approachable full DAW | $89.20 one time |
| Wavosaur | Free, lightweight audio editor | Free |
| Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters) | Free podcast recording, editing, and hosting | Free |
| Adobe Podcast Enhance | Free AI powered voice recording cleanup | Free |
| Krisp | Real time noise cancellation for calls and recording | Free, paid from $8/month |
| Waves | Professional plugin suite for mixing and mastering | Custom pricing |
| Ashampoo Music Studio | Affordable, simple music editing for beginners | $49.99 one time |
35 Best Audio Editing Software (Detailed Reviews)
1. Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition delivers professional audio editing within Adobe’s ecosystem, offering deep editing and restoration tools that integrate tightly with other Adobe creative products. It’s a strong fit for professionals already working within the Adobe suite.
- Key Features: advanced noise reduction and restoration, multitrack editing, tight integration with Adobe Premiere Pro
- Pros: strong integration for users already in the Adobe ecosystem
- Cons: requires a subscription rather than a one time purchase
2. Audacity
Audacity remains free, open source audio editing for everyone, offering a genuinely capable editor at zero cost that’s been a go to option for years. It’s a strong fit for beginners and budget conscious users wanting solid core functionality.
- Key Features: completely free and open source, multitrack editing, wide plugin support
- Pros: completely free with a full set of core editing tools
- Cons: interface feels dated compared to modern paid alternatives
3. Pro Tools
Pro Tools sets the industry standard for music production and mixing, remaining the most widely used professional audio software across recording studios and post production houses. It’s a strong fit for professionals wanting the industry standard tool.
- Key Features: industry standard mixing and editing tools, extensive plugin ecosystem, professional studio workflow support
- Pros: widely recognized as the professional industry standard
- Cons: steeper learning curve and higher cost than beginner tools
4. Logic Pro
Logic Pro offers full featured music production for Mac users, providing a comprehensive, professional grade production suite at a one time purchase price for Apple users. It’s a strong fit for Mac users wanting deep production features without a subscription.
- Key Features: extensive built in instruments and effects, one time purchase pricing, professional mixing tools
- Pros: strong value with one time pricing instead of a subscription
- Cons: only available on Mac
5. GarageBand
GarageBand provides free, beginner friendly music editing for Apple users, giving anyone with an Apple device a genuinely useful, no cost entry point into music and audio editing. It’s a strong fit for beginners wanting to learn without any financial commitment.
- Key Features: completely free for Apple users, simple, approachable interface, built in instruments and loops
- Pros: completely free and approachable for beginners
- Cons: fewer advanced features than professional DAWs
6. Ableton Live
Ableton Live specializes in loop based music production and live performance, built with a workflow well suited to electronic music production and live performance setups. It’s a strong fit for electronic musicians and live performers.
- Key Features: loop based session view workflow, strong live performance capabilities, extensive instrument and effect library
- Pros: strong fit for electronic music and live performance workflows
- Cons: session view workflow takes adjustment for users used to traditional timelines
7. FL Studio
FL Studio focuses on beat making and electronic music production, remaining a favorite among producers working in hip hop, electronic, and beat driven genres. It’s a strong fit for beat makers and electronic music producers.
- Key Features: strong beat making and pattern based workflow, lifetime free updates after purchase, extensive plugin library
- Pros: strong value with free lifetime updates included
- Cons: interface can feel cluttered for newcomers
8. Reaper
Reaper offers an affordable, highly customizable DAW, giving users deep customization options at a fraction of the cost of larger professional DAWs. It’s a strong fit for users wanting professional depth without professional pricing.
- Key Features: highly customizable interface and workflow, affordable one time pricing, extensive scripting support
- Pros: strong value combining professional depth with affordable pricing
- Cons: steeper learning curve due to its highly customizable nature
9. Studio One
Studio One delivers a modern DAW with a streamlined workflow, focusing on a clean, drag and drop friendly interface that feels more approachable than some older DAWs. It’s a strong fit for users wanting modern design alongside professional features.
- Key Features: streamlined drag and drop workflow, built in mastering tools, flexible track and effect routing
- Pros: strong modern interface that’s approachable yet powerful
- Cons: smaller third party plugin ecosystem than more established DAWs
10. Cubase
Cubase provides professional composition and production software, offering deep tools for both composing and producing music within a single established platform. It’s a strong fit for composers and producers wanting deep compositional tools.
- Key Features: advanced music notation and composition tools, professional mixing console, extensive virtual instrument library
- Pros: strong depth for both composition and production work
- Cons: pricing and complexity favor more experienced users
11. Descript
Descript pioneered text based audio and video editing, letting users edit audio by editing a written transcript instead of manipulating a waveform directly. It’s a strong fit for podcasters and content creators wanting a faster editing workflow.
- Key Features: text based editing workflow, AI powered transcription, overdub voice cloning for corrections
- Pros: dramatically speeds up editing through text based workflow
- Cons: less suited to detailed, waveform precise music editing
12. Hindenburg Journalist
Hindenburg Journalist offers audio editing built for podcasters and journalists, designed specifically around the needs of spoken word content like interviews and news audio. It’s a strong fit for journalists and podcasters prioritizing voice content.
- Key Features: automatic loudness leveling for voice, intuitive clip based editing, built in noise reduction
- Pros: strong specialization for spoken word and interview based content
- Cons: less suited to music production work
13. Auphonic
Auphonic specializes in automated audio leveling and cleanup, using automation to handle loudness normalization and noise reduction without manual adjustment. It’s a strong fit for creators wanting consistent audio quality without manual mixing.
- Key Features: automated loudness leveling, automatic noise reduction, batch processing for multiple files
- Pros: strong automation reducing manual audio cleanup work
- Cons: less suited to detailed creative editing beyond cleanup
14. Ocenaudio
Ocenaudio provides a simple, lightweight free audio editor, offering solid basic editing tools in a fast, uncomplicated free package. It’s a strong fit for users wanting simple editing without a steep learning curve.
- Key Features: completely free to use, fast, lightweight performance, real time effect preview
- Pros: approachable and free with real time effect preview
- Cons: fewer advanced features than larger, more established editors
15. WavePad
WavePad offers approachable audio editing for beginners, providing a simple interface with core editing tools well suited to users new to audio editing. It’s a strong fit for beginners wanting an easy entry point.
- Key Features: approachable, beginner friendly interface, basic effects and noise reduction, batch file processing
- Pros: approachable and easy to learn for beginners
- Cons: fewer advanced features than professional grade editors
16. Reason
Reason offers music production with a virtual studio rack, using a unique rack based interface that mimics a physical hardware studio setup. It’s a strong fit for producers who like a visual, hardware inspired workflow.
- Key Features: unique virtual rack interface, extensive built in instruments, flexible routing between virtual devices
- Pros: unique, intuitive workflow for users who prefer a visual hardware style setup
- Cons: interface style takes adjustment for users used to standard DAW layouts
17. Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio delivers flexible, modular music production software, offering deep modulation and sound design capabilities for producers wanting more experimental control. It’s a strong fit for producers wanting deep modular sound design tools.
- Key Features: modular sound design capabilities, flexible modulation system, cross platform support including Linux
- Pros: strong flexibility for experimental sound design work
- Cons: higher price point than many competing DAWs
18. Cakewalk by BandLab
Cakewalk by BandLab provides a free, fully featured DAW, offering surprisingly deep professional features at zero cost thanks to BandLab’s backing. It’s a strong fit for users wanting a full DAW without any cost.
- Key Features: completely free with professional level features, built in mixing console, wide plugin compatibility
- Pros: completely free with genuinely professional depth
- Cons: Windows only availability limits access for Mac users
19. TwistedWave
TwistedWave offers simple online and desktop audio editing, providing a lightweight editor that works both as a desktop app and directly in a browser. It’s a good fit for users wanting flexible access across devices.
- Key Features: browser based and desktop editing options, simple waveform editing tools, cloud storage integration
- Pros: strong flexibility working both online and offline
- Cons: fewer advanced features than larger dedicated DAWs
20. Sound Forge
Sound Forge specializes in detailed waveform editing and mastering, focusing on precise, sample level audio editing and mastering tools. It’s a strong fit for users needing detailed, precise waveform level editing.
- Key Features: precise waveform level editing, built in mastering tools, batch processing capabilities
- Pros: strong precision for detailed audio editing and mastering work
- Cons: interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
21. iZotope RX
iZotope RX leads in advanced audio repair and restoration, offering some of the most powerful tools available for removing noise, clicks, and other unwanted audio artifacts. It’s a strong fit for professionals needing serious audio repair capabilities.
- Key Features: advanced noise and artifact removal, spectral repair tools, industry leading restoration accuracy
- Pros: unmatched depth for audio repair and restoration work
- Cons: higher price point reflects its specialized, professional focus
22. Podcastle
Podcastle offers AI powered podcast recording and editing, combining recording, editing, and AI enhancement tools built specifically for podcast production. It’s a strong fit for podcasters wanting an all in one AI powered workflow.
- Key Features: AI powered recording enhancement, text based editing, built in podcast hosting options
- Pros: strong all in one workflow for podcast specific production
- Cons: less suited to music production or general audio work
23. Alitu
Alitu provides automated podcast editing for non technical creators, automating much of the editing process so creators without technical audio skills can still produce clean episodes. It’s a strong fit for non technical podcasters wanting a simplified workflow.
- Key Features: automated episode editing, automatic leveling and noise reduction, simple publishing workflow
- Pros: strong automation for creators without technical editing skills
- Cons: less creative control than manual editing tools
24. Riverside.fm
Riverside.fm delivers high quality remote recording with editing tools, focusing on capturing high quality separate audio tracks during remote interviews before editing begins. It’s a strong fit for podcasters and creators recording remote interviews.
- Key Features: high quality separate track remote recording, built in editing and transcription, video and audio combined workflow
- Pros: strong recording quality for remote interview based content
- Cons: pricing climbs at higher usage tiers
25. Landr
Landr specializes in AI powered automated mastering, using AI to automatically master tracks without needing a professional mastering engineer. It’s a strong fit for independent musicians wanting affordable, fast mastering.
- Key Features: AI powered automated mastering, distribution services included, genre specific mastering profiles
- Pros: strong affordability and speed for independent musicians
- Cons: less nuanced than working with a human mastering engineer
26. eMastered
eMastered offers simple, affordable AI mastering, focusing narrowly on delivering fast, easy AI mastering results at a lower price point. It’s a strong fit for musicians wanting quick, budget friendly mastering.
- Key Features: fast AI mastering turnaround, simple, approachable interface, affordable monthly pricing
- Pros: strong affordability for quick mastering needs
- Cons: less customization control than manual mastering tools
27. n-Track Studio
n-Track Studio provides multitrack recording for mobile and desktop, offering a flexible DAW that works across both mobile devices and traditional desktop computers. It’s a strong fit for users wanting to record and edit across multiple device types.
- Key Features: cross platform mobile and desktop support, multitrack recording and editing, built in effects and instruments
- Pros: strong flexibility working across mobile and desktop devices
- Cons: mobile version has a more limited feature set than desktop
28. MAGIX Music Maker
MAGIX Music Maker offers beginner friendly music creation software, providing an approachable entry point for beginners wanting to start making music without a steep learning curve. It’s a strong fit for beginners exploring music creation for the first time.
- Key Features: approachable, beginner friendly interface, large sound and loop library, simple drag and drop composition
- Pros: approachable and easy to start using immediately
- Cons: fewer advanced features than professional grade DAWs
29. Mixcraft
Mixcraft delivers an affordable, approachable full DAW, balancing a genuinely full feature set with pricing and usability aimed at hobbyists and semi professionals. It’s a strong fit for users wanting professional features at a hobbyist friendly price.
- Key Features: affordable one time pricing, full multitrack recording and editing, built in virtual instruments
- Pros: strong value combining real features with approachable pricing
- Cons: smaller plugin ecosystem than larger, more established DAWs
30. Wavosaur
Wavosaur offers a free, lightweight audio editor, providing a no cost, minimal editor for users who just need basic waveform editing tools. It’s a strong fit for users wanting a simple, free editing tool without extra features.
- Key Features: completely free to use, lightweight, fast performance, basic effects and processing tools
- Pros: completely free and fast for basic editing needs
- Cons: lacks the depth needed for professional production work
31. Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters)
Anchor, now Spotify for Podcasters, provides free podcast recording, editing, and hosting, combining the full podcast production and distribution workflow into one free platform. It’s a strong fit for new podcasters wanting an all in one free starting point.
- Key Features: completely free recording, editing, and hosting, simple episode publishing workflow, built in monetization options
- Pros: completely free with hosting and distribution included
- Cons: fewer advanced editing features than dedicated audio editors
32. Adobe Podcast Enhance
Adobe Podcast Enhance offers free AI powered voice recording cleanup, using AI to instantly clean up recordings made in less than ideal environments. It’s a strong fit for creators wanting quick, free voice cleanup without a full editing suite.
- Key Features: instant AI powered voice enhancement, completely free to use, simple drag and drop processing
- Pros: completely free and remarkably effective for cleaning up rough recordings
- Cons: it’s a cleanup tool, not a full editing suite on its own
33. Krisp
Krisp provides real time noise cancellation for calls and recording, removing background noise live during calls or recordings rather than after the fact. It’s a strong fit for users needing clean audio during live calls or recordings.
- Key Features: real time background noise removal, works across calling and recording apps, echo cancellation features
- Pros: strong real time noise removal during live audio
- Cons: it’s a noise removal tool, not a full audio editor
34. Waves
Waves offers a professional plugin suite for mixing and mastering, providing an extensive library of industry standard plugins used across professional studios worldwide. It’s a strong fit for professionals wanting to expand their existing DAW’s capabilities.
- Key Features: extensive professional plugin library, industry standard mixing and mastering tools, compatibility with most major DAWs
- Pros: widely trusted, industry standard plugin quality
- Cons: pricing isn’t public, and plugins require an existing DAW to use
35. Ashampoo Music Studio
Ashampoo Music Studio delivers affordable, simple music editing for beginners, offering a low cost, straightforward option for basic music and audio editing tasks. It’s a strong fit for beginners wanting an affordable, simple starting point.
- Key Features: affordable one time pricing, simple, approachable interface, basic recording and editing tools
- Pros: strong affordability for beginners exploring audio editing
- Cons: fewer advanced features than professional grade software
What Are the Alternatives to Audio Editing Software?
- Built in device recording apps for very simple, unedited voice memos
- Hiring a professional audio engineer for high stakes projects needing expert level polish
- Live streaming without post editing for content prioritizing speed over polish
- AI voice generation tools for scripted content that doesn’t require original recording
Software Related to Audio Editing Software
- Video editing software for combining edited audio with visual content
- Podcast hosting software for distributing finished episodes after editing
- Music distribution software for releasing finished tracks to streaming platforms
- Transcription software for turning recorded audio into written text
- Screen recording software for capturing audio alongside screen based content
Challenges With Audio Editing Software
- Learning curve for advanced tools. Professional DAWs often take significant time to learn fully.
- File size and storage demands. High quality multitrack projects can take up substantial storage space.
- Plugin and format compatibility. Not every plugin or file format works seamlessly across every platform.
- Balancing automation and creative control. AI powered tools save time but can sometimes miss nuance a human editor would catch.
- Hardware requirements. Some professional software demands more processing power than basic computers can handle smoothly.
Which Companies Should Buy Audio Editing Software
- Podcast production companies needing reliable, repeatable episode editing workflows
- Music studios and independent musicians producing and mixing original tracks
- Marketing and content teams producing polished audio for videos and advertisements
- Broadcast and radio organizations needing professional grade on air audio
- Voiceover and audiobook producers needing clean, consistent narration audio
- Educational institutions teaching audio production and sound design
How to Choose the Best Audio Editing Software
- Match the tool to your project type. Podcasters benefit from Descript or Hindenburg Journalist, while musicians need a full DAW like Ableton Live or Logic Pro.
- Consider your budget. Audacity and Cakewalk by BandLab offer full functionality completely free.
- Think about automation needs. Auphonic and Alitu automate cleanup and leveling for creators without deep audio skills.
- Check platform compatibility. Logic Pro is Mac only, while Reaper and Cakewalk work across more operating systems.
- Factor in restoration needs. iZotope RX stands out if you regularly deal with noisy or damaged audio.
- Look at mastering needs. Landr and eMastered offer fast, affordable AI mastering for independent musicians.
Audio Editing Software Trends
- AI powered cleanup and mastering continues expanding, reducing the manual work needed to get professional sounding results.
- Text based editing is gaining traction, letting creators edit audio by editing a transcript instead of a waveform.
- Real time noise cancellation keeps improving, moving cleanup from a post production step to something handled live.
- Cross platform accessibility is growing, with more tools working seamlessly across desktop, mobile, and browser.
- All in one podcast production platforms are becoming more common, combining recording, editing, and hosting in one place.
Common Audio Editing Software Problems (Fixes)
Problem: Background noise is ruining an otherwise good recording. Fix: use a dedicated noise reduction tool like iZotope RX or Adobe Podcast Enhance to clean up the recording after the fact.
Problem: Volume levels are inconsistent across an episode or track. Fix: use an automated leveling tool like Auphonic to normalize loudness without manual adjustment.
Problem: Editing is taking too long for the team’s production schedule. Fix: switch to a text based editor like Descript to speed up the editing process significantly.
Problem: A track doesn’t sound polished enough compared to professionally released music. Fix: use an AI mastering tool like Landr or eMastered, or consider working with a professional mastering engineer.
Problem: The software is too complex for a beginner to use confidently. Fix: start with a simpler, beginner friendly tool like GarageBand or WavePad before moving to a more advanced DAW.
FAQs About Audio Editing Software
What is the best audio editing software overall?
Adobe Audition and Pro Tools are strong overall choices for professionals, while Audacity and GarageBand stand out for free, beginner friendly editing.
How much does audio editing software cost?
Prices range from free options like Audacity and Cakewalk by BandLab, up to $400 or more for specialized tools like iZotope RX or Bitwig Studio.
What’s the difference between a DAW and a simple audio editor?
A DAW like Pro Tools or Logic Pro supports full multitrack music production, while a simple audio editor like Ocenaudio focuses on basic cutting, cleanup, and effects.
Do podcasters need different software than musicians?
Often yes, since podcasters benefit from tools like Descript or Hindenburg Journalist built around spoken word, while musicians need full DAWs with instruments and mixing tools.
Can audio editing software remove background noise automatically?
Yes, tools like iZotope RX, Auphonic, and Adobe Podcast Enhance use AI to detect and remove background noise automatically.
Is free audio editing software good enough for professional use?
Yes, tools like Audacity and Cakewalk by BandLab offer genuinely professional level features, though some advanced restoration and mastering tools still require paid software.
