Overview

Rather than simply shifting a vocal’s pitch, OpenTune regenerates it with a neural vocoder designed to preserve formants. That gives it a more considered approach to vocal correction, while hand-drawn edits, note tools, and anchors offer different ways to shape the result. Real-time correction is also supported.

OpenTune imports WAV, FLAC, OGG, and MP3. Its processing combines FCPE pitch extraction with a PC-NSF HifiGAN vocoder, running through ONNX Runtime. GPU acceleration is available through DirectML on Windows and CoreML on macOS.

Key features

Note-level control and scales

Hand-drawing, note, and anchor tools provide a familiar style of pitch-editing workflow. Automatic key detection can help set a correction target, with Chromatic, Major, Minor, Pentatonic, Dorian, Mixolydian, and Harmonic Minor scales to choose from. Per-note EQ adds another layer of control when a vocal needs more than pitch adjustment alone.

Standalone and DAW use

OpenTune runs as a standalone executable or as a VST3 plugin, with ARA2 support. That range suits both users who prefer a dedicated editor and those who want to work within a compatible DAW. The interface supports Chinese, English, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

Pricing

OpenTune — 0.00 USD per free. The permanently free plan includes the standalone app and VST3 plugin with ARA2 support. There is no cheaper tier that trades away features: the project is free and open source under AGPL V3.0. That makes it a straightforward fit for anyone seeking pitch editing without a software charge.

Platforms

OpenTune supports macOS and Windows. GPU acceleration uses CoreML on macOS and DirectML on Windows. macOS release packages use ad-hoc signing and are not Apple-notarized, so the operating system may show a developer verification prompt on first launch.

Who it's for

Its standalone, VST3, and ARA2 options make it relevant to different workflows, while formant-preserving regeneration is useful when preserving a vocal’s character matters. It is less suitable for someone who needs a notarized macOS app or a commercial support arrangement: bug reports go through GitHub Issues, and donations do not change their handling order.

Pros and cons

Pros

Broad editing control: hand-drawn, note, and anchor tools pair with per-note EQ for detailed vocal work.
Useful workflow options: standalone use, VST3, and ARA2 support accommodate different editing setups.
No-cost entry: the permanently free plan includes the app and plugin, rather than reserving them for a paid tier.
GPU acceleration on both supported systems: Windows uses DirectML and macOS uses CoreML.

Cons

macOS first launch can require an extra step: ad-hoc signing without notarization may trigger a developer verification prompt.
Issue handling is community-based: users are directed to GitHub Issues, and donations do not affect issue order.
Platform choice is limited to desktop: OpenTune supports macOS and Windows, not mobile systems.

Alternatives

Compare pitch correction software if you want to weigh OpenTune against other tools category by category.

OpenVoxTuner is another free option under AGPLv3, with a full plugin and support for Linux, macOS, and Windows; consider it if Linux support matters.
Auburn Sounds Graillon 3 has a free edition with a pitch shifter, formant shifting, pitch correction, three pitch engines, and built-in effects. Choose it if those effects or pitch engines are a better fit; its full edition adds PTM, vocal doubler, and keyboard tuning.
Voloco offers a free mobile app for iPhone and Android with five free effects, alongside a Producer Monthly plan at 14.99 USD per month. Pick it if mobile use or its paid monthly option suits your workflow.
AutoTune Pro 11 is a paid macOS and Windows alternative with a perpetual license and a free month of AutoTune Unlimited.
Melodyne offers paid pitch and timing editing, including monophonic, percussive, and complex audio algorithms, in standalone and plugin forms.
GVST GSnap is a free VST audio effect plugin for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
MeldaProduction MAutoPitch is a free option for Windows and macOS.
Universal Audio Topline Vocal Tune costs 99.00 USD per once, with an intro price of $79 USD, and is also included in UAD Spark Subscription. Consider it if its license terms suit you; the license allows three activations and requires an iLok account.

Verdict

Choose OpenTune if you want a free, open-source vocal editor with detailed note tools, key detection, per-note EQ, and standalone or DAW workflows. Its strongest case is the breadth of control available without a price tag. Look elsewhere if you need a notarized macOS first launch, mobile support, or a different commercial workflow.

	OpenTune	Performative Ear
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	Free	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	macOS, Windows	macOS, Windows
Free plan	Yes	No
Real-time correction	Yes	Yes
Formant control	Yes	Yes
Scale/key detection	Yes	Yes

OpenTune vs Performative Ear

OpenTune

Performative Ear