If you want to make high-quality audio recordings, you’ll need the correct audio editing software. The best audio editing software can help you achieve your objectives, from simple sound effects to advanced audio editing. In this article, I evaluate and review the 15 best audio editing software and my top five recommendations so that you may choose the best one for you.

Professional audio production has come a long way in the last ten years. What used to necessitate the use of expensive digital audio workstations (DAWs) and recording facilities may now be accomplished with just a laptop and microphone.

And, in many cases, audio quality takes precedence over video quality. Professional audio can sometimes improve a shaky or less-than-perfect visual clip. On the other hand, poor audio is far more visible and difficult to remedy with a well-shot video. However, there are so many audio editing software options to pick from when seeking the best tool that it can be daunting.

I recall working on a video with a friend and being unable to correct a wrong audio track. I spent hours scouring the internet for a tool that could simply remove background hums and p-pops. After researching late into the night, I eventually located the device I was looking for.
The most excellent audio editing software for musicians, film editors, podcasters, and everyone in between is covered in this article. Let’s get this party started.

15 Best Audio Editing Software of 2023

1. Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is a useful application for broadcasters who want to edit, mix, and recover audio. It’s part of Adobe Creative Cloud (CC). Adobe Audition can be used to edit single and multi-track audio. It also allows you to drag & drop files into the timeline, a great feature for beginners. Its user interface is simple and modern, allowing you to concentrate on enhancing your audio recordings. It also gives the sound effects you make a professional depth.

Furthermore, Adobe Audition allows you to execute noise reduction with ease. Make a ‘noise print’ at a specific moment in the audio, and the background will be replicated throughout the tape. With a simple touch of a button, you can quickly get rid of an annoying echo. It’s also one audio editing program that allows you to combine various recordings into a single track.

Key Features:

• Free Sound Effects – Add professional depth and originality to your audio with Adobe’s hundreds of royalty-free sound effects.
• Adobe Sensei – The remix tool automatically changes your music to meet your needs.
• Essential Sound Panel – You can alter your voice recording and delete unwanted sound from the clip using sound editing capabilities.

Pros:

• With its autodocking function, you can dynamically alter the sound of speech or music.
• Remove hisses, beeps, and background noise using Spectral Frequency Display. This tool also allows you to edit soundwaves graphically.
• Add your finished audio files directly to video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Capture audio from several microphones and mix or modify speech from various speakers with ease.
• It allows you to edit in either Multitrack or Waveform mode.
• External equipment, such as mixers or audio interfaces, is supported for improved results.

Pricing:

• It comes with a seven-day free trial edition.
• Business Class: Each user pays roughly $20.99 per month.

It offers student and teacher discounts. Companies that require several licenses are eligible for further reductions.

2. Avid Pro Tools

For large studios wishing to link their hardware with solid software, Pro Tools is one of the top professional audio editing software options. Furthermore, Pro Tools has a robust workflow that allows you to simultaneously record up to four microphones. Its Audio Engine has a 64-bit architecture with a low-latency input buffer and is capable of dynamically allocating host processor resources.

It also has a type-ahead search feature to look for instruments, tunes, etc. Additionally, you can now pick numerous menu items at once. Its ability to record sound in real-time is one of its great features. This eliminates the need to remember to hit the record button every time you start jamming in the studio. Pro Tools has a good selection of virtual instruments as well.

Pro Tools also makes it easy to distribute songs. It allows you to stream your music on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, etc.

Key Features:

• UVI Falcon includes a 2.6 GB collection of synthesizer and instrument samples and about 1,000 current clips.
• MIDI Editor — You can utilize the pop-up MIDI Editor to manage all of the project’s details. All sessions can also be exported as Sibelius files (.sib).
• Mix Window — In the style of a mixing board, you can see all of the audio tracks. It allows you to automate any parameter at any point along the way.

Pros:

• Multiple metering standards, such as peak and average to VU, K, and PPM, are used to align with local broadcast norms.
• It enables you to compose music as the track is recorded or entered. After that, you can make numerous music editing tweaks.
• Avid Nitris DX, Avid Mojo DX, and a range of Blackmagic Design video interfaces are also supported by Pro Tools.
• It also works with AJA to monitor QuickTime and DNxHD video.
• Use the cloud-based collaboration feature to collaborate with up to 10 people on the same project.
• Import sessions created with other audio editing software with ease.
• During the mixing session, the numerous AIR effects come in helpful.

Pricing:

Pro Tools offers two pricing plans:

• Pro Tools Yearly, Paid Upfront: $299
• Pro Tools Yearly Subscription, Paid Monthly: $31.99
• Pro Tools Monthly Subscription, Paid Monthly: $39.99

3. PreSonus Studio One

Studio One is a fantastic audio editing program for recording voice and creating unique beats. It’s responsive and adaptable. Its drag-and-drop interface, for example, allows you to create instruments with complete pictorial representation quickly.

Aside from that, it contains all of the editing features that one would expect from an excellent digital audio workstation (DAW). From the ‘Edit’ interface, you may create fades, trim or divide clips, and modify the gain of a pin.

It also automatically proposes dates and names for your new tasks to stay organized at all times. You can also set keyboard shortcuts to mirror Pro Tools or other DAW for seamless migration to Studio One.

Key Features:

• Master Mastering is a few DAWs that allow you to connect songs to completed projects. You can also go back to any point in time to make changes.
• Drag and Drop — Its drag and drop methodology makes adding virtual instruments, plugins, and loops to an audio clip a breeze.
• Arranger Track – Use harmonic editing to edit moving elements of your tunes.
• Analog Mixing — Its analog input drive, patterned after State Space, adds just the proper amount of warmth and grit to the music.

Pros:

• There’s also a drum editor and an acoustic kit included.
• It has 64-bit floating-point WAV recording and export capabilities.
• Using the sophisticated group option, you can edit numerous tracks at once.
• Create echoes to vary pitch and delay constantly.
• With its Arranger Track, you may efficiently manage arrangements and chord shuffles.
• External audio can be fed into the Aux Channel.

Pricing:

A one-time purchase of Studio One costs $399.95. Upgrades are also available for more advanced functionality. The Studio One Artist also costs $99.95, and the PreSonus Sphere costs $14.95 per month or $164.95 per year.

4. Audacity

Multi-track audio editing software is free and open-source (Free Audio Editor). Audacity is one of the most powerful open-source and cross-platform audio editing applications for multi-track editing and recording. It has a simple interface and works with macOS, Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. You can also use a microphone/mixer to record live audio and digitize audio recordings from other sources.
Audacity also supports sound in 16-bit, 24-bit, and 32-bit resolutions. Aside from that, it uses high-quality dithering and resampling to convert formats and sample rates. LADSPA, Nyquist, LV2, VST, and Audio Unit effect plugins are also supported. You can even develop your plugins if none of these plugins meet your needs.

Key Features:

• Accessibility — It comes with a plethora of keyboard shortcuts. The keyboard can even be used to alter songs and selections.
• Analysis – The Spectrogram mode can be used to visualize and choose frequencies. The Plot Spectrum Window displays a detailed frequency analysis.
• Special Effects — Use the real-time preview of LV2, VST, LADSPA, and Audio Unit (macOS) effects of watching your audio.

Pros:

• Its plugin management can handle a wide range of plugin installations.
• To go back or forward by any number of steps, you can use an endless number of sequential Undo and Redo.
• Export multiple audio files in different formats at the same time.
• Its’Level Meter’ keeps track of volume levels in real-time or before and after recording.
• Play around with sample points using the Draw tool.

Pricing:

• Free: It’s an open-source tool available for free.

5. Cubase

Steinberg Cubase is a powerful audio editing software for users who desire to create, mix, and produce music. When it comes to audio editing, there is a slew of useful options that may help you improve the mixing and quality of your recordings—Additionally, a variety of adaptable tools aid in creating music at a faster rate.

It also comes with many effects, virtual instruments, and noises to help you give your music more dimension. MIDI and audio can also be readily edited and sequenced. Furthermore, using a single reference track, its Audio Alignment tool may optimize many tracks. If you’re new to audio editing, the Sample Track tool can help you get some inspiration in a fun way. It’s more than simply an audio editing program; it allows you to make tracks and beats.

Key Features:

• Drum Editor – Create flawless rhythms and work on grooves and beats to achieve the desired sound.
• VariAudio 3 allows you to alter transitions and vocalist drifts at the micro-pitch level for more precise control.
• Lower Zone – You can simply mix the console, lock the Piano editor, and do anything else under the arrange window.
• 32-bit, 192-kHz recording, and 5.1 surround sound are supported by its 64-bit audio engine. There are no MIDI, instrument, or audio track constraints.

Pros:

• It can export and import XML files.
• You can use the recording automation to trigger write, latch, touch, and read modes.
• Use the Comp Tool’s drag-and-drop interface to compose takes quickly.
• It has almost 3,400 patches spread over eight instruments.
• Over 80 plugin effects are available, including EQ, Delay, Reverb, and mastering tools.
• Allen Morgan’s 150-track presets enable you to arm your audio with magnificent free music.

Pricing:

Cubase costs $579.00

6. Sound Forge Audio Studio

Sound Forge is a fantastic tool for your digital audio editing needs. Thanks to its extensive set of functions and tools, you can edit your videos with professional effects.  Additionally, it converts cassettes and vinyl to digital audio. You can also burn and manufacture CDs and generate video soundtracks.

It also includes sound 11 effects from the DirectX plugin to give your audio recording a professional dimension. You can also preview the effects before incorporating them into your final clip. Another advantage of Sound Forge’s toolbar and the interface is that they are customizable, allowing you to design your own audio editing experience.

Key Features:

• You don’t have to open the complete app to do routine activities, thanks to the Windows Context Menu. To save time, simply right-click on the system button.
• Improved VST — It improves the loading speed of VST plugins to avoid sluggish performance and crashing.
• Oscilloscope — Visualize sound waveforms in periodic oscillations or employ chain manipulations to exhibit this tool’s real-time effects.

Pros:

• Using its automatic master wizards, create professional-quality recordings.
• The user interface is fully customizable, with four different shades to choose from.
• For a comprehensive overview of all the tools, use the Instant Action window. It will allow you to concentrate on editing and save you time.
• Install a wide choice of chorus, flanger, and creative effects plugins with the quick-fix tool.
• You can simultaneously edit six channels of audio.
• Use the Analog Delay function to change an instrument’s delay time.
• You may obtain the desired voice modulation by using its numerous filters.

Pricing:

Its prices start from around $59.99 for a one-time purchase. You can also access its free trial.

7. Ocenaudio

A simple cross-platform audio editing program for novices is simple (Free).
Ocenaudio is a simple, fast, and functional audio editing program that may be used daily. It has a simple user interface and gives you a real-time display of effects so you can get audio editing done quickly.

The keyboard shortcuts in Ocenaudio help you edit faster and more efficiently. Aside from that, it works with files on your local machine and ones in the cloud. With simply a button press, you can use its enormous library of filters for sound modification. It also includes a filled spectrogram for a more detailed analysis of the audio’s spectral composition.

Key Features:

• Support for Multiple Platforms – All major operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, are supported. It builds native apps for all platforms from a single source for seamless integration and excellent performance.
• Multi Selection – This function allows you to perform sophisticated edits faster. You can add effects to multiple areas of the clip simultaneously.
• Miniature View — Use a miniature view to listen to the effects in the audio area you’ve chosen.

Pros:

• In real-time, apply spectrogram adjustments.
• Stacking effects are almost non-existent.
• For new users, the user interface is simple.
• Its filters make it simple to achieve the appropriate voice modulation.
• You can save time by simply copying and pasting audio segments.
• For better organizing, you can convert segments of the audio file into labeled regions.’

Pricing:

It’s open-source software and is available for free.

8. Ashampoo Music Studio

Ashampoo Music Studio is a fantastic music editing program that offers complete multimedia solutions. It allows you to extract audio from videos as well as CDs directly. You can import entire folders or individual audio or music songs to make playlists.

Its built-in audio editor rapidly trims and chops audio recordings in the way you wish. Aside from that, the editor can change the volume, split music, etc.

Its editor may also do the following:

• Converting common formats
• Volume adjustments
• Editing metadata tags
• Searching for corrupted files
• Searching for missing metadata

And more

It also includes a one-of-a-kind tool for creating CD covers and labels. It’s a nice touch to use accessories to monetize your voice.

Key Features:

• It also includes a one-of-a-kind tool for creating CD covers and labels.
• It’s a nice touch to use accessories to monetize your voice.

Pros:

• Rename a few tracks or a whole folder to manage your disorganized playlist automatically.
• Volumes can be adjusted in parts of audio files. You can also turn off the audio for the entire segment.
• You can save your final audio file wherever you choose.
• At the same time, record audio files from several sources.
• It also can convert audio files into a variety of other formats.
• The architecture is compatible with both 32 and 64-bit platforms.

Pricing:

The paid product costs $19.99 per user. It also offers a free trial of its full version software.

9. Reaper

Reaper is an outstanding digital audio-producing application for beginners seeking a low-cost choice. It works with a wide variety of digital formats, plugins, and hardware. You may also simply tweak, edit, or expand the software. Another advantage is that it is a well-coded audio editing program with excellent stability and ease of use.

You also receive audio and MIDI routing and sophisticated multi-channel capabilities. The crew regularly updates new features, bug corrections, and feature upgrades. Other notable features are automation, grouping, modulation, VCA, macros, surround, OSC, control surfaces, scripting, and custom skins.

It can also be used with various virtual instruments, such as VST, AU, DX, VST3, and other third-party plugins.

Key Features:

• Handle MIDI CC Envelopes as continuous data envelopes rather than discrete occurrences. It will aid you in producing more fluid effects and melodic articulations.
• Auto-Stretch Timebase — This feature automatically lets you verify and stretch audio around complex upgrades. You can also work with recordings that have been played live.
• Routing Diagram — Edit and view project routing using an emulation-based graphical patch.

Pros:

• You can turn on the loop while ignoring the note-off.
• You may personalize the menu and controls to suit your needs.
• The envelope control panel assists you in avoiding any possible hangs.
• It works with over 20 different audio formats.
• It supports various file types, including MP3, WAV, and AIFF.
• Reaper also allows you to overdub a video file because it supports all standard video formats.

Pricing:

It offers two licensed plans:

• Discounted license – $60 per license
• Commercial license – $225 per license

Individuals or enterprises with a yearly gross turnover of less than USD 20,00 are eligible for the discounted licensing version.

10. Sound Forge Audio Cleaning Lab

Cleaning and restoration of audios with this professional audio editing program ($99.99).

Furthermore, the repaired audio file can be exported in any format, including WAV, OGG, MP3, and FLAC. You may clean up the sound with various complex audio settings with only a click. You’ll also have access to an innovative algorithm for altering your audio’s pitch and speed. Furthermore, its Auto Cleaning feature takes care of most of the audio enhancement.

Key Features:

• Spectral Cleaning – Use a visual representation of all frequencies to visualize the sound in your video. It would assist you in identifying the noise and enhancing the audio.
• Restoration — Enhance speech in the audio by reducing noise, crackling, and clipping.
• Import Audio — To start building your audio collection, import audio directly from a CD. You can even begin editing audio right now.

Pros:

• You may record speech in high-quality audio with 96 kHz/24-bit resolution.
• It has over 360 presets to assist you in getting the best sound possible.
• Its user manual contains all of the essential tips and tricks for using the software.
• RX 7 Elements’ De-hum module automatically detects the fundamental frequency of undesired background noise such as humming.
• To minimize undesirable sounds during vocal recordings, use the Voice Denoise function.
• You can also rapidly restore a damaged recording.

Pricing:

The paid product costs around $89.99 per user. It also provides a free trial.

11. Acoustica

Acoustica is low-cost audio editing software that may be used to restore, improve, and mix audio. It has an artificial intelligence-based remix tool called ‘Splitter.’ ‘Splitter’ mechanically separates vocals and instrumentals from any audio. Because it’s an automated function, you don’t even need any prior technical knowledge.

In addition, it divides the blended audio into five stems and remixes the audio in real-time. In a multitrack session, you can automatically import an audio file of a complex mix to produce distinct tracks.

Furthermore, it automatically eliminates background noise and interruptions. It also has multichannel capabilities for 7.1 surround sound. You’ll also have real-time access to analysis tools like ITU-R BS.1770 and EBU R-128, ITU-R BS.1770, and EBU R-128.

Compliance with loudness metering, phase correlation measurements, genuine peak level metering, and spectrum analysis are some of its most notable aspects.

Key Features:

• Audio Restoration — It eliminates unpleasant speech noise, such as crackling, clicks, and background noise.
• Multitrack Editing — Real-time mixing of audio from various tracks. It also adds audio effects and makes cross-fades in the footage.
• Processing Tools includes a comprehensive set of processing tools, including the most up-to-date dynamic processing tools.

Pros:

• It includes EQ as well as chorus and reverb effects. Time stretching, sample rate conversion, and pitch shifting are all had.
• VST3, VST, and AU plugins are all supported.
• Batch processing that is efficient.
• It comes with the most up-to-date stem separation tool and allows real-time mixing.
• Workspace files are supported.
• Use automation for routine tasks like cropping and removing background noise.

Pricing:

It offers two versions:

• Minecraft 9 Recording Studio: $75 per user.
• Minecraft 9 Pro Studio: $149 per user.

12. FAE Media

FAE Media is a competent and user-friendly audio editing program for customers who desire a free solution. It has an audio recorder built-in that can record sound from various sources.

Key Features:

• Flexible Quality Presets – Select any preset to acquire the desired output quality. With sample rates up to 192 kHz, you can create high-resolution 24-bit or 32-bit audio files.
• Amplitude Statistics – The Frequency Analysis feature assists you in resolving frequency issues. These features allow you to provide the final cut confidently.
• Process several files in one batch — Automate redundant procedures such as sampling rate, file format conversion, and audio effects.

Pros:

• Consolidate audio files of various codecs and frequencies into a single file.
• To reach millisecond precision, use the classic Waveform view.
• Directly load a recording into the Waveform window to begin altering the audio right away.
• MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and FLAC are among the audio formats it accepts as input.
• Before processing the final audio file, listen to the mixing results in real-time.
• It also comes with more than 30 built-in effects and signals processing engines.

Pricing:

It’s a free and open platform. As a result, it’s completely free.

13. Ableton Live

Ableton Live is one of the most popular programs used by artists to handle real-time stage performances. It allows you to dictate music to yourself in the form of audio. You may also convert everything to MIDI, including melodies, harmonies, and sampled drums. Simply grab audio clips from libraries and samples and use them to create something new. While editing, you can also scroll or shift audio clips. It also allows you to reveal or hide automated data with a simple click. It also includes tools for sequencing melodies, pitch shifting, and delays.

Key Features:

• CV Tools – For modular synths and other gear, generate and receive control, pitch, clock, and trigger CV.
• Surround Panner – This is a multi-channel panning device for installations, performances, and theaters. It can handle speaker sets ranging from four to eight.
• Delay – Combine ‘Attach Delay’ with ‘Ping Pong Delay’ with ease. You may also use it to add filter modulation.

Pros:

• For more immersive listening, the ‘Pedal’ feature amplifies the sound of analog stompboxes.
• With the drum bass feature, you can give your drum beats more personality.
• To get varied musical outcomes, play any frequency on any instrument.
• With no further programming or setup, simply press the ‘Record’ button to record the live performance.
• Warp samples with ease.
• With a single click, reveal or hide the automation data.

Pricing:

It offers three one-time pricing plans:

• Live Intro: $99
• Live Standard: $449
• Live Suite: $749

In addition, the Live Suite plan includes 70 GB of sound and over 30 audio effects. You can also try it out for free.

14. Magix Samplitude

Magix Samplitude is a mid-priced multitrack recording, mixing, editing, and mastering digital audio workstation (DAW). Over 900 tracks, 32-bit recording @ 384kHz, and 256-bit physical input and output are all supported by Samplitude. It also enables you to edit audio in real-time, even while recovering. You can change the volume of the footage and apply unique effects to it.
You may also batch-process several files and automate the editing process. The MIDI Polyphonic Expression supports advanced controllers, such as the ROLI Seaboard. It also includes a dedicated section that allows you to keep track of the entire editing process.

Key Features:

• ARA2 Support — Quickly interchange audio data between ARA-compatible plugins and Samplitude.
• Tempo Track – Use automation to create smooth transitions between fast and slow sections.
• MIDI Polyphonic Expression — This feature provides a separate MIDI channel for parallel modulation.

Pros:

• Additional buttons allow you to modify the audio’s tempo and beats on the fly.
• Create many monitoring paths to configure and integrate playback quickly.
• Use automation to simplify your workflow by using predetermined curves.
• For more efficiency, depict distinct Waveforms with contrasting colors.
• It adds 11 new virtual instruments to the mix.

Pricing:

Each user pays $79.99. A $39.99 upgrade is available for enhanced functionality.

15. FL Studio.

FL Studio is a popular DAW for consumers who desire a single tool to handle all of their music production needs. Despite its sophisticated layout on Retina-class windows, its images are clear and easy to read. It also has an entirely scalable user interface that works with various display formats.
It’s also receptive to multitouch motions, which is unusual. Your PC, however, would require a touch-screen monitor. You may also use it as live music mixing board by shifting multiple faders simultaneously.
You can also use it to create tracks from various basic templates, including the Channel Rack. Automatically applying the limiter to the master bus might also result in booming mixes.

Key Features:

• Step Mode’s plug-and-play options simplify constructing sequencing and patterns.
• Piano Roll — It facilitates score manipulation and complicated editing.
• Over 80 plugins are supported, including sample playback/manipulation, synthesis, automation, compression, equalization filtering, delay, etc.

Pros:

• Any data type can be overlaid and placed wherever you desire.
• It supports VST Standard 1, 2, and 3 to provide you with the most options for third-party plugins.
• It comes with real-time DJ controls.
• You may immediately produce 4K videos with the visualizer.
• Touch control is available on the user interface.

Pricing:

It offers four different bundles:

• FL Studio Fruity Edition: $99
• FL Studio Producer Edition: $199
• FL Studio Signature Bundle: $299
• FL Studio + ALL Plugins Bundle: $499

GarageBand and WavePad are two other software packages that have yet to be added to this list.

Conclusion

That brings my list of the finest audio editing software to a close. Each one has its own set of capabilities and charges differently. However, it’s better to choose the program that best fits your needs and budget.

Adobe Audition, for example, can suit the needs of mid-tier video production. FAE Media is an excellent place to start if you’re a novice on a budget. FL Studio is also an excellent alternative if you want to make beats.

Remember to thoroughly examine all of these resources before making your ultimate decision. Which of these audio editing programs do you intend to use? Please let me know in the comments section below.