Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Record live audio, convert tapes and records, edit multiple tracks. Cut, copy, splice, and mix sounds together. Apply effects like noise reduction, compression, and EQ. Export to MP3, WAV, and other formats. Used by podcasters, musicians, and professionals worldwide. Professional audio editing without the price tag.

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux

Louis Corneloup Updated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluate Source audacityteam.org ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.5 (459 reviews)

Audacity holds an aggregate rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 459 reviews across G2, last checked September 17, 2026.

G2 459 reviews

4.5/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Audio editor
Multi-track recording
Effects processing
Format conversion
Open source
Cross-platform

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Sep 29, 2026

Audacity plans and prices, checked September 2026
Plan	Price	Details
Free	Free	GNU GPL v3 License Open source Windows, macOS, Linux +2 more Show less Community plugins Full audio editing

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Is Audacity worth the price?

Great value

Audacity's pricing is exceptionally generous, being completely free.

This makes it an incredibly fair and accessible option for anyone needing audio editing capabilities without any financial commitment. It's best for individuals and small projects with budget constraints.

Full Audacity pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.5/5

Across 459 verified user reviews on G2

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Best Audacity Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

View full list →

DaVinci Resolve Freemium

Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app

4.8

Descript Freemium

Edit audio and video like a doc

4.6

Clipchamp Freemium

Browser-based video editor by Microsoft

3.5

Adobe Audition Paid

Professional audio workstation

4.5

Podcastle Freemium

One AI platform for audio, video & voice: record, edit, dub, subtitle, clone voices, and build voice agents.

4.5

REAPER Paid

Record, edit, mix, and master audio and MIDI with a customizable DAW

4.7

Shotcut Free

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

4.0

See all audio editing tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

All Audacity alternatives 7+ tools ranked, pricing + verdict per pick Audacity vs DaVinci Resolve Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Audacity vs Descript Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Audacity vs Clipchamp Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Audacity FAQ

How does Audacity support multi-track audio projects?

Audacity allows users to edit multiple tracks by cutting, copying, splicing, and mixing sounds together. This functionality is essential for creating complex audio compositions like podcasts or musical arrangements.

Which teams would benefit most from using Audacity?

Audacity is ideal for podcasters, musicians, and professionals who require robust audio editing capabilities without incurring software costs. Its cross-platform compatibility also makes it suitable for diverse team environments.

How is Audacity priced?

Audacity is completely free to use, offering professional audio editing features without any paid plans or subscription requirements. It is an open-source tool available to everyone.

Can Audacity be used to convert analog recordings to digital formats?

Yes, Audacity can be used to convert tapes and records into digital audio files. This feature allows users to preserve older analog recordings by digitizing them for modern use.

What kind of audio effects can be applied within Audacity?

Audacity allows users to apply various effects such as noise reduction, compression, and equalization to their audio tracks. These tools help in refining sound quality and achieving desired audio characteristics.

How does Audacity compare to Adobe Audition?

Audacity provides powerful audio editing and recording features completely free of charge, unlike Adobe Audition which is a paid professional tool. While Audacity offers extensive functionality, it has a steeper learning curve and a more dated interface compared to Adobe Audition.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing Audacity for audio editing?

The main trade-offs when using Audacity include its dated interface and a steeper learning curve for new users. Despite these, it offers powerful features and cross-platform compatibility at no cost.

Source: audacityteam.org

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