Free and open first

Best Audio editors in 2026

Audio editors let you record, cut, mix, restore and prepare sound. This list is for people choosing software for music, podcasts, film, games or other audio work on a budget.

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

1

Ardour
by Ardour
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

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

7.4 Free plan · paid from $1/mo Visit site
2

Pro Tools

Free plan MacWindows

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

7.3 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo · 30-day trial Visit site
3

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.

7.3 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.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
5

WaveLab

Free plan MacWindows

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

7.2 From $99.99 · 60-day trial Visit site
6

WavePad
by WavePad
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

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

7.2 Free plan · paid from $16.50 · 14-day trial Visit site
7

Soundop

Free plan Windows

Soundop brings file editing, multitrack mixing, recording, and batch processing into one Windows workstation.

7.0 From $2.99/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Visit site
8

Ocenaudio

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Ocenaudio combines editing, effects, and analysis tools in a free desktop application. Check the stated operating-system requirements against your device before downloading.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
9

AudioDirector
by AudioDirector
Free plan Windows

Choose AudioDirector if you use supported Windows systems and need multitrack editing, noise reduction, or video synchronization.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $69.99/yr Visit site
10

Qtractor
by Qtractor
Free plan Linux

Qtractor combines multitrack audio and MIDI work with extensive editing and plugin options for Linux. Prospective users should account for its Linux focus and the project's note that bugs remain.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
11

Tenacity

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Tenacity offers multitrack recording and editing across several operating systems, with broad format, plugin, and scripting support.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
12

AudioMass
by AudioMass
Free plan Self-hostedWeb

AudioMass provides a broad set of editing, effects, looping, and multitrack tools in a browser-based editor. Mobile optimization and decoding of very large files are the stated limitations.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
13

SADiE
by SADiE
Free plan Windows

Choose SADiE if you need Windows multitrack audio tools for production, post-production, broadcast, or mastering workflows.

6.7 Free plan Visit site
14

Wavosaur

Free plan Windows

Wavosaur combines file editing, recording, batch processing, plugin effects, and analysis in a free Windows executable. It is not a multitrack editor and does not list noise reduction.

6.5 Free plan Visit site
15

Nuendo

Free trial MacWindows

Nuendo brings post-production, dialogue, game-audio and immersive workflows into one application.

6.3 Visit site
16

Pyramix
by Pyramix
Free trial MacWindows

Pyramix offers tiered workstation capabilities from recording through immersive production. Confirm platform, authorization, and future support arrangements as the website transitions to Neumann.

6.1 30-day trial Visit site
17

SpectraLayers Pro
by SpectraLayers Pro
Free trial MacWindows

Choose SpectraLayers Pro if you need spectral audio editing, repair, restoration, or sound design, particularly with Pro 13’s sound effect and voice tools.

6.0 Visit site
18

REAPER
by REAPER
Paid LinuxMacWindows

REAPER combines multitrack and spectral audio work with noise reduction, batch processing, surround support, and many plug-in formats.

5.9 From $60 · 60-day trial Visit site
19

Harrison Mixbus
by Harrison Mixbus
Paid LinuxMacWindows

Harrison Mixbus covers core multitrack and surround production across three desktop platforms.

5.8 From $49.99 Visit site
20

Sequoia

Paid Windows

Sequoia combines multitrack editing with MIDI and video-related tools for Windows users. Compare the subscription terms carefully, including the listed monthly price for the perpetual license.

5.6 From $95/mo · 15-day trial Visit site
21

Digital Performer
by Digital Performer
Free trial MacWindows

Choose Digital Performer if you need audio and MIDI production with notation export in one application. Look elsewhere if you require 32-bit plug-ins, PC ARM support, or MP3 export during the demo.

5.6 Visit site
22

SAWStudio

Paid Windows

SAWStudio targets professional Windows audio production with extensive console routing, automation, video, and control features.

5.5 From $300 Visit site
23

Adobe Audition
by Adobe Audition
Paid MacWindows

Choose Adobe Audition if you need multitrack editing, noise reduction, video synchronization, or third-party plugin support on macOS or Windows.

5.5 7-day trial Visit site
24

Acoustica

Paid MacWindows

Choose Acoustica if you need audio cleanup and multitrack editing with plugin support, or channel capacity for surround work.

5.5 From $149 · 30-day trial Visit site
25

iZotope RX
by iZotope RX
Paid MacWindows

RX provides a broad set of audio repair and restoration tools, with plan options that list different tool counts and capabilities. There is no free plan, and the listed plans are priced per month.

5.5 From $99 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

Compare free plans, trial periods, starting prices and supported platforms. Check the editing tools you need, plugin support, processing limits and the licence if you need to read or change the code.

Questions

Do audio editors on this list have free plans?

A free plan is offered by tools in this category. Other options are paid, so check the pricing details for the editor you are considering.

Can I try a paid audio editor before paying?

A free trial is offered by tools in this category. Trial lengths differ, so check the terms for the editor you want.

Which devices can these audio editors run on?

Platforms represented here include Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and the web. Check the supported-platforms details for a specific tool.

What audio features should I compare?

Compare multitrack editing, spectral editing, noise reduction, plugin formats, batch processing and surround audio support.

Are prices subscription-based or one-time?

Pricing varies. Listed examples include monthly prices and one-time starting prices; check the current pricing note for the tool you choose.

How do I check whether I can change the code?

Read the software licence. It explains whether you can inspect, modify or redistribute the source code.

Questions

More in Design, Video & Audio