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Audacity

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Record, edit, and mix audio with powerful, free tools

Audio EditingVideo & Media
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Reviews onG2CapterraSourceForge
1205 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Completely free

Biggest con

Dated interface

TL;DR - Audacity

  • Free audio editing
  • Multi-track recording
  • Open-source tool
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
4.5/5 across review platforms

What is Audacity?

Editorial review
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

how we evaluateSourceaudacityteam.org ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Completely free
  • Cross-platform
  • Powerful features

Cons

  • Dated interface
  • Steeper learning curve

Ratings Across the Web

4.5(1,205 reviews)
G2456 reviews
4.5/5
Capterra462 reviews
4.5/5
SourceForge287 reviews
4.6/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Audio editorMulti-track recordingEffects processingFormat conversionOpen sourceCross-platform

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jul 10, 2026

Free

Free

  • GNU GPL v3 License
  • Open source
  • Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Community plugins
  • Full audio editing
Calculate your costView full pricing

Reviews

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4.5/5

Across 1,205 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2, SourceForge

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Best Audacity Alternatives

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

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Browser-based video editor by Microsoft

4.2
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REAPERPaid

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

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ShotcutFree

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

4.5
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Still deciding?

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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

Guides & Articles

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