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Best Audio Editing Software in 2026

Whether you’re refining recordings or arranging several tracks, audio editing software differs in the tools and platforms it supports. Compared on multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing, noise reduction, video synchronization, third-party plugins, and supported platforms, these entries give you several ways to assess fit. Pro Tools, Soundtrap, and Audacity are among the options to consider. If you work with others, check cloud collaboration; if cost is a factor, compare free-plan availability and paid-from pricing. Match the listed capabilities to the kind of audio work you do, including whether your projects call for MIDI, plugins, or video alongside audio.

131 apps
Research read 28 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Avidemux

Free plan Open source LinuxMacWeb+1

8.5 Free plan Visit site
2

Audacity
by Audacity
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

Audacity offers a broad set of desktop audio editing tools without a subscription. Its lack of a mobile version and MIDI sequencing may matter to some users.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
3

Soundtrap
by Soundtrap
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

Soundtrap combines music and podcast creation tools with shared-project collaboration and a free starting option.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
4

MixPad
by MixPad
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

Choose MixPad if you want multitrack editing, MIDI sequencing, and plugin support across its listed desktop and mobile platforms.

7.6 Free plan Visit site
5

WavePad
by WavePad
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

WavePad combines audio editing, effects, restoration, and batch processing across desktop and mobile platforms.

7.6 Free plan · paid from $16.50 · 14-day trial Visit site
6

Ardour
by Ardour
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Ardour covers audio and MIDI production, plugin automation, routing, and limited video synchronization in an open-source package.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $1/mo Visit site
7

n-Track Studio
by n-Track Studio
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

n-Track Studio combines recording, MIDI editing, mixing and project exchange across desktop and mobile platforms. Check the free edition's track, AI MixSplit and mixdown limits against your needs.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $69 · 7-day trial Visit site
8

Riverside
by Riverside
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3

Riverside covers recording, editing, and publishing for podcasts and video, with webinar features available on a separate plan.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $24/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
9

Moises

Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+3

Choose Moises if you need music tools for stem separation, practice, production, or browser-based collaboration.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
10

Zenbeats
by Zenbeats
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

7.5 Free plan Visit site
11

Pro Tools

Free plan MacWindows

Pro Tools combines recording, editing, music production, and mixing tools, with video and timecode features in Studio and Ultimate.

7.4 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo · 30-day trial Visit site
12

Descript
by Descript
Free plan MacWebWindows

Choose Descript if you want to edit recordings through their transcripts and use tools for recording, cleanup, and repurposing.

7.4 Free plan · paid from $16/user/mo (annual) Visit site
13

BandLab Studio

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

BandLab Studio brings audio editing, sequencing, collaboration, and video synchronization together across web and mobile platforms.

7.4 Free plan · 3-day trial Visit site
14

SunVox
by SunVox
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+4

SunVox offers modular synthesis and tracker-based composition across desktop, mobile, and supported browser environments.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
15

Raxx Studio
by Raxx Studio
Free plan iPhoneMacWeb+1

Raxx Studio covers recording through mastering, with reference matching and collaboration among its tools.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
16

GarageBand

Free plan iPhoneMac

GarageBand offers music creation, lessons, and sharing at no cost across Apple devices. Mac supports up to 255 tracks, while the iOS version supports up to 32.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
17

LUNA
by LUNA
Free plan MacWindows

LUNA provides a free entry point for recording and mixing, with additional production tools and extensions in paid options.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $149/yr Visit site
18

WaveLab

Free plan MacWindows

WaveLab covers editing and mastering, with distinct track and sample-rate limits for Pro and Elements.

7.3 From $99.99 · 60-day trial Visit site
19

Reason
by Reason
Free plan MacWindows

Reason offers both a standalone DAW workflow and a Rack plugin for use in other DAWs. Check the platform and system requirements, and note that the free plugin needs a compatible DAW.

7.3 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
20

OpenStudio

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose OpenStudio if you want a free desktop DAW with recording, MIDI, mixing, and plugin support across the three listed operating systems.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
21

LMMS

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

LMMS offers a free desktop music workflow with built-in instruments, effects, and MIDI-related features. Users who need VST3 plugins should note that this format is not supported.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
22

Zrythm

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Zrythm combines recording, MIDI, automation, and mixing tools with support for a broad set of plugin formats.

7.3 Free plan · paid from £14 Visit site
23

Amped Studio
by Amped Studio
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

Amped Studio combines browser-based recording and editing tools with AI composition, stem splitting, and a bridge for locally installed plugins.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $6.99/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
24

Audiopod

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

Audiopod combines browser recording, multitrack editing, voice processing, and MP3 export without a paid plan.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
25

Ongenet

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

Ongenet offers a broad free DAW feature set for arranging, sequencing, live triggering, plugins, and export.

7.3 Free plan Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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