Adobe Audition vs Audacity: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Adobe Audition and Audacity comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Adobe Audition
Professional audio workstation
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • Professional audio editing and mixing
- • Multitrack recording for podcasts
Audacity
Free audio editor
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free audio editing
- • Multi-track recording
| At a Glance |  Audacity | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Audio Editing | Audio Editing |
Rating | 86/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Adobe Audition | Audacity |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 180 | 0 |
| Categories | Audio EditingMusic Production | Audio EditingMusic Production |
Understanding the Differences
Both Adobe Audition and Audacity solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Adobe Audition positions itself as "professional audio workstation" while Audacityfocuses on "free audio editor". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Audacity
Audacity is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Audacity won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Audacity
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Adobe Audition handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Adobe Audition
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Adobe Audition is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Adobe Audition
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Audacity won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Adobe Audition higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Adobe Audition more (180 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Adobe Audition Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Audacity If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Adobe Audition (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Adobe Audition scores higher in our analysis, but Audacity might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Audition or Audacity better?
Based on our analysis, Adobe Audition scores higher with 86/100. Adobe Audition ispaid while Audacity is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Adobe Audition to Audacity easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Adobe Audition and Audacity offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Adobe Audition is paid with potential trial.Audacity is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.