GarageBand vs Audacity: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GarageBand 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.
Bottom line: Audacity wins this matchup. Adobe Premiere Pro is our overall Audio Editing pick. DaVinci Resolve is our free Audio Editing pick. Pick GarageBand if you need music production.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GarageBand
Free music creation for Mac, iPhone, and iPad
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free with no paid upgrade needed
- • You want deep instrument and effects library for a free app
Audacity
Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free
- • You want cross-platform
| At a Glance | Audacity | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Music Production | Audio Editing |
Rating | - | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose GarageBand or Audacity?
Choose GarageBand if
Free music creation for Mac, iPhone, and iPad
- You want completely free with no paid upgrade needed
- You want deep instrument and effects library for a free app
- Your work is music production-shaped, not audio editing-shaped
Choose Audacity if
Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools
- You want completely free
- You want cross-platform
- Your work is audio editing-shaped, not music production-shaped
| Feature | GarageBand | Audacity |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.5/5 459 reviews |
| Categories | Music ProductionAudio Editing | Audio EditingVideo & Media |
In-Depth Analysis
GarageBand
Free music creation for Mac, iPhone, and iPad
GarageBand's pricing is exceptionally generous, offering a full-featured DAW at $0 for anyone with an Apple device, which is unmatched in the market.
Strengths
- +Completely free with no paid upgrade needed
- +Deep instrument and effects library for a free app
- +Easy entry point before moving to Logic Pro
Weaknesses
- -Apple ecosystem only (Mac/iPhone/iPad)
- -Less suited to advanced professional production than paid DAWs
Key features
Audacity
Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools
Audacity's pricing is exceptionally generous, being completely free.
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Cross-platform
- +Powerful features
Weaknesses
- -Dated interface
- -Steeper learning curve
Key features
Pricing: GarageBand vs Audacity
| Plan | GarageBand | Audacity |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free (bundled with Apple devices) | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GarageBand pricing and Audacity pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: GarageBand
Want the highest-rated option?
Audacity is rated 4.5/5. GarageBand has no ratings yet.
Go with: Audacity
Value user reviews?
GarageBand: no ratings yet. Audacity: 459 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Audacity
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
GarageBand is a music production tool. Audacity is in audio editing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Audacity is rated 4.5/5; GarageBand has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Audacity
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
GarageBand
- Better fit for music production
The Bottom Line
Audacity wins this matchup. Adobe Premiere Pro is our overall Audio Editing pick. DaVinci Resolve is our free Audio Editing pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GarageBand or Audacity better?
Audacity is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are GarageBand and Audacity used for?
GarageBand: Free music creation for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Audacity: Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools.
What does GarageBand cost vs Audacity?
GarageBand is completely free. Audacity is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.