Audacity vs Clipchamp: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Audacity and Clipchamp 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:
Audacity
Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need audio editing features specifically
- • Free audio editing
- • Multi-track recording
Clipchamp
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
Best for you if:
- • You need video editing features specifically
- • Free video editor by Microsoft with Essentials at $11.99/month or included in Microsoft 365
- • 1080p exports free with no watermarks, AI captions, screen recording, and text-to-speech
| At a Glance |  Audacity | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Included with Microsoft 365/moPremium |
Best For | Audio Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Audacity or Clipchamp?
Choose Audacity if
Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools
- Completely free
- Cross-platform
- Powerful features
- You want a fully free tool (Clipchamp requires payment)
- Your work is audio editing-shaped, not video editing-shaped
Choose Clipchamp if
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
- Free video editor
- Microsoft owned
- Browser-based
- Your work is video editing-shaped, not audio editing-shaped
| Feature | Audacity | Clipchamp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 1,205 reviews | ★4.2/5 182 reviews |
| Categories | Audio EditingVideo & Media | Video EditingScreen Recording |
In-Depth Analysis
Audacity
Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Cross-platform
- +Powerful features
Weaknesses
- -Dated interface
- -Steeper learning curve
Key features
Clipchamp
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
Strengths
- +Free video editor
- +Microsoft owned
- +Browser-based
- +Good for simple edits
- +Windows integration
Weaknesses
- -Limited features
- -Export quality varies
- -Watermark on free
- -Less powerful than alternatives
- -Template limitations
Key features
Pricing: Audacity vs Clipchamp
| Plan | Audacity | Clipchamp |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Included with Microsoft 365 Premium |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Audacity pricing and Clipchamp pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Audacity is free. Clipchamp is freemium.
Go with: Audacity
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Audacity
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Clipchamp
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Audacity is free. Clipchamp is freemium. Go with Audacity if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Audacity is a audio editing tool. Clipchamp is in video editing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Clipchamp
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Audacity
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (1,205 reviews)
- Better fit for audio editing
The Bottom Line
Clipchamp is our pick. That said, Audacity is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Audacity or Clipchamp better?
Clipchamp is rated in our evaluation. Audacity is free and Clipchamp is freemium.
What are Audacity and Clipchamp used for?
Audacity: Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools. Clipchamp: Browser-based video editor by Microsoft.
What does Audacity cost vs Clipchamp?
Audacity is completely free. Clipchamp is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.