18.4
WavePad records and edits music, voice, and other audio recordings on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS
Best Audio Editors in 2026
Audio editors let you record, cut, mix and refine sound. This category covers tools with features such as multitrack and spectral editing, noise reduction, batch processing and surround audio. Compare the editing features you need with plugin formats and platform support. If you work on a phone or tablet, check whether the product has an Android app; other options may include iOS, web, Windows, macOS or Linux.
28.3
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing, and mixing audio on Windows and macOS.
Free planmacOSWindows
38.0
WaveLab is an audio mastering and editing suite for Windows and macOS, with audio editing, audio montage, batch processing, and spectral editing tools.
Free planmacOSWindows
- 4
Audacity
Audacity is a free desktop audio editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Free planAndroidiOSLinuxmacOS7.8Free plan - 5
Nuendo
Nuendo is Steinberg’s audio post-production software for film, television, game audio, and immersive sound work.
macOSWindows7.6$799.99 one-time - 6
Ardour
Ardour is an open-source workstation for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio and MIDI projects on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
LinuxmacOSWindows7.5From $1 a month - 7
GoldWave
GoldWave is audio software for recording, editing, processing, restoring, enhancing, analyzing, and converting audio.
AndroidiOSWebLinux7.5From $19 a year - 8
Soundop
Soundop is a Windows audio workstation for podcasters, musicians, sound designers, voice-over artists, and other audio professionals.
Windows7.2From $2.99 a year - 9
SAWStudio
Windows6.9$300 one-time - 10
SpectraLayers Pro
SpectraLayers Pro is a spectral audio editor that represents sounds as visual objects for editing, repair, restoration, and sound design.
macOSWindows6.9$359.99 one-time - 11
Digital Performer
Digital Performer is an application for recording audio, sequencing MIDI, editing, arranging, mixing, and creating music notation.
macOSWindows6.9$499 one-time - 12
Harrison Mixbus
Harrison Mixbus is a multitrack digital audio workstation for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.8From $49.99 a month - 13
REAPER
REAPER is a digital audio workstation for multitrack editing on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.7From $60 a month - 14
Sequoia
Sequoia is a Windows application with multitrack editing, noise reduction, MIDI sequencing, third-party plugin support, and video synchronization.
Windows6.7From $595 a year - 15
Qtractor
Qtractor is a Linux desktop application for multitrack audio and MIDI sequencing and recording, aimed at personal home studios.
Free planLinux6.7Free plan - 16
Ocenaudio
Ocenaudio is a free audio editor for editing and analyzing audio files on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.7Free plan - 17
DSP-Quattro
DSP-Quattro is a macOS application for audio editing, mastering, audio CD-ROM burning, plug-in hosting and batch processing.
macOS6.7$99 one-time - 18
Pyramix
macOSWindows6.6 - 19
iZotope RX
iZotope RX is a paid audio-restoration suite for macOS and Windows, available as a DAW plug-in and in standalone editor offerings.
macOSWindows6.6From $99 a month - 20
AudioMass
AudioMass is an open-source audio and waveform editor that runs in a web browser.
Free planWebSelf-hosted6.6Free plan - 21
TwistedWave
TwistedWave is a paid audio editor made by TwistedWave, a company founded in 2007 and headquartered in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
iOSWebmacOSWindows6.6From $59.90 a year - 22
Acoustica
Acoustica is an audio-processing suite with multitrack editing, noise reduction, and support for third-party plugins.
macOSWindows6.5$149 one-time - 23
SADiE
SADiE is Windows software for multitrack audio recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.
Free planWindows6.5Free plan - 24
Fission
macOS6.5 - 25
MixPad
AndroidiOSmacOSWindows6.4
Choosing well
Check where it runs
The listed platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and the web. Confirm the specific editor supports your phone, tablet or computer before choosing.
A web editor can suit a mixed-device setup, while a desktop app may fit a Windows, Mac or Linux workflow.
Match the editing features
Use multitrack editing for layered recordings, spectral editing for working on sound by frequency, and noise reduction for unwanted background sound.
Batch processing can help apply changes across files. Surround audio matters when your project uses multichannel sound.
Check plugin formats
If you rely on effects or instruments from other makers, compare the plugin formats an editor supports with the formats you already use.
Plugin compatibility can matter as much as the editor's built-in tools when moving an existing project.
Compare plans and trials
A free plan is available from products on this list, while other products offer a free trial instead. Check what the free option includes before committing.
Pricing examples vary: Pro Tools lists a free plan and paid access from $9.99 per month with a 30-day trial; WaveLab lists a free plan, pricing from $99.99 and a 60-day trial.
Questions people ask
Are audio editors available on Android?
Android is one of the supported platforms represented in this category. Check the individual product listing to confirm an Android app before choosing.
Can I use an audio editor for multitrack projects?
Multitrack editing is a comparison point for this category. Check the product details to confirm it matches your project needs.
Do these editors support spectral editing?
Spectral editing is one of the features compared for the listed tools. Review the individual editor's capabilities before deciding.
Is noise reduction included?
Noise reduction is a comparison point in this category. Check the specific editor's feature details.
Can I try an editor before paying?
Free plans and free trials are offered by products in this category. Trial lengths and paid starting prices differ, so review the product terms.