10 Best Audio Editing Tools in 2026

Updated: February 2026

Audio editing and music production software

Key Takeaways

  • DaVinci Resolve is our #1 pick for audio editing in 2026, scoring 92/100.
  • We analyzed 67 audio editing tools to create this ranking.
  • 7 tools offer free plans, perfect for getting started.
  • Average editorial score: 88/100 - high-quality category.
1
DaVinci Resolve logo

DaVinci Resolve

Professional video editing

92/100
Freemium

DaVinci Resolve is professional video editing software that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post in one application. Hollywood's standard for color grading, used on major film productions. Fusion visual effects rival After Effects. Fairlight audio tools provide complete DAW functionality. Free version is remarkably capable; Studio unlocks advanced features. The only video editor professionals need, at a price anyone can afford.

2
Adobe Premiere Pro logo

Adobe Premiere Pro

Industry-leading video editor

90/100
Paid

Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry-leading video editing software used by filmmakers, YouTubers, and video professionals. Edit footage in any format with powerful multi-cam editing, color grading, and audio tools. AI features speed up tedious tasks like scene detection and speech-to-text. Seamless integration with After Effects, Audition, and Creative Cloud. From short-form social content to feature films, Premiere Pro handles it all.

3
ElevenLabs logo

ElevenLabs

AI voice generation

89/100
Freemium

ElevenLabs provides the most realistic AI voice technology for content creators and developers. Generate lifelike speech from text in 29 languages. Clone voices with just minutes of audio samples. Real-time voice synthesis for conversational AI applications. API for developers building voice-enabled products. AI voices indistinguishable from human speech.

4
Adobe Premiere Pro logo

Adobe Premiere Pro

Professional video editing

89/100
Paid4.1 community score

Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry-standard professional video editing software used by filmmakers, YouTubers, and broadcast professionals worldwide. The application offers a comprehensive timeline-based editing environment with advanced color grading, audio mixing, and effects capabilities. Premiere Pro integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications including After Effects for motion graphics, Audition for audio post-production, and Photoshop for graphics. AI-powered features accelerate workflows with auto-reframe for social media formats, speech-to-text transcription, and intelligent color matching. The software supports virtually all video formats from smartphone footage to professional cinema cameras, with native support for ProRes, RED, and ARRI formats. Multi-cam editing, proxy workflows, and team collaboration features enable professional production at any scale.

5
Buzzsprout logo

Buzzsprout

Easy podcast hosting

88/100
Freemium

Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform with easy publishing, listener support features, advanced stats, and AI tools like Cohost AI and Magic Mastering for audio enhancement.

6
Shotcut logo

Shotcut

Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.

87/100
Free

Shotcut is a powerful and versatile free, open-source video editor designed for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It stands out for its extensive format support, leveraging FFmpeg to handle hundreds of audio and video formats and codecs without the need for import, enabling native editing directly on the timeline. This allows users to mix and match resolutions and frame rates within a single project, offering significant flexibility for diverse video production needs. It also supports 4K and 8K resolutions, Blackmagic Design SDI and HDMI for input/monitoring, and various capture options including screen, webcam, and audio. The software provides a sleek and intuitive interface with multiple dockable panels for media properties, recent files, playlists, filters, and more. Shotcut is equipped with a comprehensive suite of audio and video features, including advanced color correction, a wide array of video filters and transitions, audio mixing, and subtitle support. Its editing capabilities include trimming, cut/copy/paste, multi-track timeline with waveforms, and object motion tracking, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced video editors looking for a robust, cost-free solution.

7
Clipchamp logo

Clipchamp

Browser-based video editor by Microsoft

87/100
Freemium

Clipchamp is Microsoft's free video editor built into Windows and available online. Intuitive timeline editing for quick video creation. Stock library, text-to-speech, and screen recording included. Export directly to YouTube, TikTok, and OneDrive. Professional features like green screen and audio editing. The video editor that comes free with Windows 11, capable enough for most content creators.

8
Descript logo

Descript

Edit audio and video like a doc

87/100
Freemium

Descript is an all-in-one video and podcast editor with text-based editing, AI voice cloning, transcription in 25+ languages, and Underlord AI tools for automated editing and content creation.

9
REAPER logo

REAPER

Digital audio workstation

87/100
Paid

REAPER is a complete digital audio production application offering multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering. Known for its tiny footprint, fast performance, and deeply customizable interface. Supports VST, AU, and other plugin formats. Features scripting for automation and custom actions. Affordable licensing with a generous trial period. Trusted by professionals and hobbyists who want powerful DAW capabilities at a fraction of the cost.

10
ElevenLabs logo

ElevenLabs

AI voice generation

86/100
Freemium

ElevenLabs provides the most realistic AI voice technology for content creators, developers, and enterprises. Generate lifelike speech from text in 29 languages. Clone voices with just minutes of audio or create entirely new synthetic voices. Real-time voice synthesis for conversational AI. Used for audiobooks, dubbing, podcasts, and games. The leader in making AI voices indistinguishable from human speech.

Best Audio Editing For

What is Audio Editing Software?

Audio editing and music production software

According to our analysis of 10+ tools, the audio editing software market offers solutions for teams of all sizes, from solo professionals to enterprise organizations. The best audio editing tools in 2026 combine powerful features with intuitive interfaces.

Common Features of Audio Editing Software

Automation

Automate repetitive audio editing tasks to save time

Collaboration

Work together with team members in real-time

Analytics & Reporting

Track progress and measure performance

Security

Protect sensitive data with enterprise-grade security

Who Uses Audio Editing Software?

Audio Editing software is used by a wide range of professionals and organizations:

  • Small businesses looking to streamline operations and compete with larger companies
  • Enterprise teams needing scalable solutions for complex audio editing needs
  • Freelancers and consultants managing multiple clients and projects
  • Startups seeking cost-effective tools that can grow with them

How to Choose the Right Audio Editing Software

When evaluating audio editing tools, consider these key factors:

  1. Identify your specific needs. What problems are you trying to solve? List your must-have features versus nice-to-haves.
  2. Consider your budget. 7 tools in our top 10 offer free plans, including DaVinci Resolve and ElevenLabs.
  3. Evaluate ease of use. A powerful tool is useless if your team won't adopt it. Look for intuitive interfaces and good onboarding.
  4. Check integrations. Ensure the tool works with your existing tech stack (CRM, communication tools, etc.).
  5. Read real user reviews. Our community reviews provide honest feedback from actual users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best audio editing software in 2026?

Based on our analysis of features, user reviews, and overall value, DaVinci Resolve ranks as the #1 audio editing tool in 2026 with a score of 92/100. Other top-rated options include Adobe Premiere Pro and ElevenLabs.

Are there free audio editing tools available?

Yes! DaVinci Resolve, ElevenLabs, Buzzsprout offer free plans. In total, 7 of the top 10 audio editing tools have free or freemium pricing options.

How do you rank audio editing tools?

Our rankings are based on multiple factors: editorial analysis of features and usability (40%), community reviews and ratings (30%), pricing value (15%), and integration capabilities (15%). We regularly update rankings as tools evolve and new reviews come in.

What should I look for in audio editing software?

Key factors to consider include: core features that match your workflow, ease of use and learning curve, pricing that fits your budget, quality of customer support, integrations with your existing tools, and scalability as your needs grow.

Our Ranking Methodology

At Toolradar, we combine editorial expertise with community insights to rank audio editing tools:

40%
Editorial Analysis
Features, UX, innovation
30%
User Reviews
Real feedback from verified users
15%
Pricing Value
Cost vs. features offered
15%
Integrations
Ecosystem compatibility

Rankings are updated regularly as we receive new reviews and as tools release updates. Last updated: February 2026.

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