Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It best suits people working with recorded audio who want multitrack editing, noise reduction, and plugin support without a subscription. It is a less complete fit for workflows that depend on MIDI sequencing or editing on a phone or tablet.

Overview

Audacity has been in development since 2000, with a small remote team and community support. Its source code is available to inspect or modify under the GNU GPL, making it an option for users who value open-source software as well as a no-cost editor.

The distinction between desktop and mobile matters: Audacity runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, but has no iOS or Android app. The platform list can be misleading on that point. Users looking to record or edit directly on a mobile device should choose another tool.

Key features

Editing and sound analysis

Multitrack editing supports work with layered recordings, while noise reduction can help address unwanted sound. These are useful foundations for editing recorded material, but Audacity does not support MIDI sequencing, so it is not the right choice for composing or arranging MIDI parts.

Its Spectrogram view gives users a visual way to examine audio clips. Support for 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit audio, along with high-quality resampling and dithering, makes it suitable for projects that need more than a basic playback-and-cut workflow. Common formats include MP3, M4A, AIFF, FLAC, and WAV. Video synchronization is also supported for work involving audio aligned with video.

Plugins and collaboration

Third-party plugin support covers VST3, Nyquist, LV2, and Audio Unit formats, giving users a way to extend the editor with compatible tools. Cloud collaboration is also supported, though it should not be mistaken for a complete account of how shared projects work.

Pricing

Audacity is free for everyone, and its Free plan costs nothing. The open-source desktop editor requires no subscription, so it is an easy recommendation for individuals who want capable audio editing without recurring software costs. There are no paid Audacity plans to weigh against the free edition.

Refunds may apply to cloud storage purchases or unofficial mobile app purchases. Since Audacity has no official mobile version, users should be cautious about apps claiming to be its mobile edition.

Platforms

Audacity supports Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop computers. There is no mobile version for Android or iOS, despite those systems appearing in some platform listings. That desktop-only scope is a practical limit for users who need to edit away from a computer.

Who it's for

Audacity is a strong fit for podcasters, musicians, and other creators whose work centers on recorded audio, multitrack editing, noise reduction, and plugin-based processing. Its format support and audio analysis tools broaden its appeal beyond simple trimming.

It is a poor fit for creators who need MIDI sequencing or a mobile editing app. Users who need to collaborate in the cloud should also make sure Audacity's collaboration support matches their workflow before committing to it.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open source, with no subscription requirement.
• Pros: Multitrack editing, noise reduction, spectrogram analysis, and support for several common audio formats make it useful for varied recorded-audio work.
• Pros: VST3, Nyquist, LV2, and Audio Unit plugin support gives users options to extend its processing capabilities.
• Cons: No MIDI sequencing, which rules it out for workflows built around MIDI composition.
• Cons: No Android or iOS app; editing is limited to desktop systems.

Alternatives

For a downloadable free desktop editor with support for Linux, macOS, and Windows, consider Ocenaudio. Choose WavePad if Android or iOS support matters; its listed Master's Edition Annual Plan costs $99 a year and includes an SFX Library and full VST support. Pro Tools may suit casual creators seeking a free option with up to eight audio tracks, eight instrument tracks, and eight MIDI tracks in its Intro plan.

Ardour is another freemium option for Linux, macOS, and Windows; its Developing World plan costs $1 a month and supports development while including unlimited updates during the subscription. For more options, browse Audio Editing Software or, for game-focused work, Game Audio Editors.

Verdict

Choose Audacity if you want a no-subscription, open-source desktop editor with multitrack tools, noise reduction, audio analysis, and plugin support. Its combination of broad recorded-audio features and a free price makes it a practical choice for desktop creators. Look elsewhere if your work depends on MIDI sequencing or a native mobile app.