You have the quiet area, the top-quality microphone, excellent speakers, and a reliable recording platform — but without the right audio editing software or Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to back you, your new audio production might fall short.
Many of us now expect clear, quality sound when we listen not only to songs, but also when we listen to podcasts, social media videos, YouTube content, film and TV shows, and marketing materials. Listeners — and potential subscribers — are far more likely to turn off if audio tracks are unpleasant to listen to and not up to scratch (think how plosives can hurt your ears!), and so investing in the right audio editor for high-quality production is vital for ensuring your project succeeds.
What is the best audio editing software right now?
The best audio editing software is Adobe Audition. Available for Windows and macOS, Adobe Audition is a professional-grade editor with a wide array of customization options and workflow management setups. If you’re an industry professional, this solution is one you should seriously consider. Subscriptions start from $23/month, and a free trial is available.
Alternatively, I would recommend either Audacity<!–> or Ocenaudio–> if you are looking for an entry-level, free audio editor to learn the ropes.
Also: Best photo editing software 2025
The ZDNET team has tracked the ebb and flow of consumer technologies for decades. We’ve covered everything from TVs and laptops to audio equipment, and audio editing software is no exception.
Some of us are actively involved in podcasts and video projects, so we know a thing or two about editing — and while I was compiling my top recommendations for audio editing software suites, I have tested many solutions personally. I also consider customer feedback and the company’s level of activity in providing updates.
Read on to find out the rest of my favorite audio editing software packages in 2025.
The best audio editing software in 2025
Adobe Audition is a popular audio editing software suite that is my favorite choice overall in 2025.
Why we like it: It’s a great all-rounder DAW with both basic and advanced tools suitable for podcasting, voiceover editing, and creating or mixing audio tracks.
Adobe has provided an extensive array of audio editing tools, and as an audio editor first — creator second — this software focuses on editing improvements and polishing up existing audio files.
Features include audio cleanup, multi-track mixing, restoration, diagnostics, and support for third-party plugins. There’s also an Essential Sound panel for streamlining the audio editing process.
There’s also plenty of tutorials available through Adobe to help you get started.
Who it’s for: Professionals who need an extensive toolkit and a clean DAW for their next project.
Adobe Audition is part of Creative Cloud and is available on an annual subscription for $23/month. You can pay month-by-month, too, but the price will increase.
Who should look elsewhere: If you are new to the world of audio editing, you might find this solution overwhelming at first. In that case, consider either Audacity or Ocenaudio to get a feel for audio editing workstations and tools before signing up for Adobe Audition. In addition, there’s no MIDI support, so it might not be the best choice for musicians.
Adobe Audition features: Works on Windows, macOS | Spectral display | Diagnostics | Multi-track editing | Plugin support | Free trial, or $23/month
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Audacity is my favorite open source audio editor and will appeal to anyone who wants a cross-platform option.
Why we like it: Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines, Audacity is a popular audio editor that provides all of the basic (and some advanced) functions audio editors may need for their podcasts, interviews, social media content, and school projects.
Features include live recording, non-destructive editing, equalization, mixing, applying effects, multi-track editing, and file importation in formats such as WAV and FLAC.
As it is open source, Audacity also supports many third-party plugins.
In Audacity’s latest release, version 3.7.4, the developers have included Intel OpenVINO AI plugin macOS support, which provides effects such as music separation, noise suppression, and transcription using the OpenAI Whisper model.
Who it’s for: Audacity is free and, as an open source project, will likely always remain so. If you want to avoid a subscription-based DAW or editing platform, Audacity might suit you.
Who should look elsewhere: It’s not the most beginner-friendly option around and it doesn’t have the full features of some other DAWs, and so if you want a free solution, check out Ocenaudio, or if you want a more advanced solution, Adobe Audition might suit you.
Audacity features: Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux | Live recording | File exports | Equalization | Cut-and-paste edits | Plugin support | Open source | Free
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If you’re looking for an audio editor that will help you learn the ropes and allow you to be as creative as you want, Ocenaudio should be on your radar.
Why we like it: It’s beginner-friendly, and best of all — completely free.
Ocenaudio originated as a project developed by a Brazilian university research group, which was subsequently released to the public. It isn’t open source, but it does offer many of the basic audio editing tools that beginners and casual creators need, including the ability to import and export audio files, clean up and rebalance content, check levels, multi-select streams, and apply effects.
Who it’s for: Anyone new to the world of audio track editing, those who want to learn the basics for free, or students who need an editor for school projects.
Who should look elsewhere: Ocenaudio is fun to use and will serve basic use cases, but it doesn’t match the capabilities of a fully-fledged DAW. If you need advanced editing tools, consider Adobe Audition or Avid Pro Tools.
Oceanaudio features: Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux | Spectral view | Basic editing tools | VST plugin support | Free
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Mac users who are just starting out in audio editing but intend to graduate to professional-grade tools should consider trying out Apple’s GarageBand suite.
Why we like it: GarageBand is downloaded by default and is available in the macOS and iOS ecosystems. If you own a MacBook, for example, you’ve likely seen the iconic guitar icon in your Launchpad.
It’s slick, clean — as you expect from many Apple apps — and easy to use. The dashboard includes an equalizer and you can take advantage of virtual instrumentalist and loop presets, a relatively large sound library, a mixer, MIDI support, and compression to create or improve your audio tracks.
The latest of GarageBand focused on bug fixes and usability improvements, including fixing a swathe of issues with the software’s VoiceOver functionality.
Who it’s for: Mac users or anyone hoping to transition from an easy-to-understand studio to professional tools. While GarageBand is free, when you feel like you are ready, you can upgrade to Logic Pro — Apple’s answer to a more established DAW. Logic Pro, available for $200, offers a far more extensive range of editing functions, including Dolby Atmos tools, plugins, pitch correction, a 200-step undo history, and virtual studio assistants.
Who should look elsewhere: Windows users won’t be able to enjoy using either GarageBand or Logic Pro, and so they will need to look elsewhere.
Apple GarageBand features: Runs on macOS, iOS | Virtual assistants | MIDI functionality | Clean interface | Lessons | Remote control | Preset library | Free, upgradable
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Avid Pro Tools is another professional-grade audio editor that works best on dedicated workstations.
Why we like it: Available for Windows and Mac machines, Avid Pro Tools is a top-notch digital audio workstation that may be essential if you are working on complex pieces and music projects as a sound engineer or composer.
Pro Tools isn’t for the faint-hearted, and it will take time and study to use this software to its full potential. But when combined with a dedicated workstation, this DAW will give you all of the advanced tools you need to record, edit, mix, splice, and balance your audio tracks.
Features of Avid Pro Tools include rendering, simultaneous recording inputs, instrument and MIDI tracks, video editing, over 130 plugins pre-installed, track compiling, Dolby Atmos mixing, batch file management, and more.
The latest update, Pro Tools 2025.6, includes a new AI speech-to-text analysis tool, ARA support for Dreamtonics Synthesizer V and Waves Sync Vx plugins, and Splice integration enhancements.
Who it’s for: A close associate of mine pointed me toward Avid Pro Tools and allowed me to test the software on their dedicated workstation. As an industry professional who travels and works in music and live events, he told me that while he started his journey with Adobe Audition, he now relies on this suite instead. If you’re a working professional, access to Avid Pro Tools may be a necessity.
Who should look elsewhere: The cost may deter some users, and many customers complain about the firm’s business practices rather than the DAW itself.
While the basic Pro Tools Artist subscription works out cheaper than Adobe Audition, priced at $9.99/month or $99/year, subscriptions with full workflow setups and immersive mixing will cost you $35/month (or $299/year), or up to $99/month ($599/year), depending on the featurs you need.
If you want something that is more affordable, or even free, check out my other recommendations.
Avid Pro Tools features: Runs on Windows, macOS | Immersive mixing | Instrument & effect library | Speech-to-text analysis | AI tools | Plugin support | $99+/year
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Also: The best online video editors of 2025
To help you decide on the best audo editor for your next project, consider each of our favorite recommendations and their notable features, as below:
Audio editing software | Suitable for.. | Notable features | Price |
Adobe Audition | Advanced users | Professional-grade tools, accessible, recording, remixing, effects, repairs | $23/month |
Audacity | Mid level+ | Open source, plugin support, multi-platform, preset packs | Free |
Ocenaudio | Beginners | Plugin support, effect and editing previews, spectrogram review | Free |
GarageBand | Beginners+ | MacOS compatible, easy-to-understand UI, large sound library | Free, upgradable |
Avid Pro Tools | Advanced users | Professional-grade tools, industry focus, workstation UI | $99/year+ |
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When we were compiling our recommendations for the best audio editing software, we explored each of the following:
- Hands-on testing: Where possible, we conduct hands-on testing and utilize our experiences, along with feedback from experts, in our overall recommendations.
- Use cases: We included a range of audio editing software solutions suitable for various use cases, including post-event production, live events, marketing, voiceovers, podcasts, and social media.
- Workflows: We considered how each audio editor sets up workflow management, which is especially important for professional users.
- Operating systems: We included options suitable for more than just one operating system and included solutions suitable for both Windows and Mac machines.
- Template resources: While they are not required, template libraries and resources — such as instrumental sounds — can be extremely useful in some productions and they can be invaluable for beginners to learn from. We prefer to see some type of library available to users.
- Customer feedback: We have considered user feedback with each of our recommendations
- Cost: We have included a range of audio editing solutions that will suit every budget, including free editors and professional-grade software on lifetime, monthly, and annual subscription structures. We also like to see free trials.
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Choose this audio editing software… | If you want… |
Adobe Audition | The best audio editing software overall. Adobe Audition provides almost every tool an audio professional could ask for, including recording, editing features, remixing, cleanups, and compatibility with video creation and editing software. |
Audacity | An open source audio editing software solution. Audacity is frequently updated with new tools and features, and as a bonus, it works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. While its user interface is a tad dull, you have a vast range of tools and third-party plugins to explore. |
Ocenaudio | A free audio editing software option that is great for beginners. I prefer this option for short skits and social media content, and while you lack advanced tools, it’s a great way to learn the basics. |
GarageBand | A transitional audio editor in Apple’s ecosystem. If you prefer Macs and want to eventually learn enough to move on to more advanced audio editing, start with GarageBand, and then upgrade to Logic Pro. |
Avid Pro Tools | End-to-end audio production software. Avid Pro Tools is an industry favorite, backed by a vast range of tools and now AI assistance. |
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When you’re trying to decide what audio editor is right for you, consider the following factors:
- The learning curve: If you are new to the world of audio editing software, consider testing a beginner-friendly solution. Perhaps download a free solution first to learn the ropes, and then subscribe to a paid, professional suite.
- Use cases: What do you plan to use audio editing software for, besides the clue in the name? Consider whether or not a solution is suitable for live events, podcasts, music production, or otherwise.
- Plugins and add-ons: You may want software that supports plugin compatibility or third-party software and add-ons. Check for any support issues before making a purchase.
- Free options: If you are a new, casual, or hobbyist editor and only want software for experimentation or school projects, for example, a free editor might be sufficient. However, you might not be able to access many of the tools that give audio that extra polish.
- Platform: Are you a Mac, Windows, or mobile-first user? Some audio editors are only compatible with one kind of operating system, and so you’ll need to check their compatibility first.
- File format support: If possible, consider what file formats you like or will be working with. It’s best to work with lossless formats for the best editing possible, so check your software is compatible.
- Video: Do you also want video support and compatibility? If so, a dedicated audio editor might not fit your needs.
- Price: You need to decide what you are comfortable paying, and how. Some audio editors are free, others require one one-off payment for a lifetime license, and some are subscription-based and will require a monthly or yearly licensing fee.
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Latest news
- Ableton 12.2 has been released, which includes new auto filters, expressive chords, and a Bounce to New Track feature.
- Amazon has published a set of blogs<!–> that guide readers on how to edit and transcode audio via AWS.
- Audacity’s latest version–> includes 32-bit PCM support for the FLAC importer.
It can be! While using some audio editors can be overwhelming at the start, if you pick a beginner-friendly option first, they can help guide you through the basics. I also recommend exploring YouTube videos to teach you the fundamentals — and in particular, focus on the style of project, such as podcasting or live show production editing.
It’s also easier if you have access to raw audio files rather than files imported into compressed formats, as you have more information to work with.
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Apple’s GarageBand is a great audio editor that will suit many casual projects — as long as you are a Mac user. It’s simple, easy to learn, and works well for editing songs, creating voiceovers, and for marketing or social media use.
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Canva is a great online resource for anyone who needs to create logos, graphics, marketing materials, and short social media reels or videos. When you are creating video content, you can add audio tracks by uploading your own files or by using audio resources available in Canva’s template library, which can then be trimmed, volume balanced, synced, and faded. In short, you can perform basic audio edits in Canva, but don’t expect advanced editing tools.
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You want a file format that is lossless — in other words, a file format that preserves all audio data rather than compresses it to reduce the file’s overall size. In the same way that photographers prefer .RAW files that preserve image data, lossless audio files — including .WAV, .AIFF, and potentially .FLAC.
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Latest updates
- August 2025: In August, we published our guide on the best audio editing software.
Other audio editing software to consider
Reaper is an excellent alternative that has gathered positive reviews as a flexible, stable solution, great for mixing and synthesizing multiple audio tracks. Some of its tools are on the level of advanced Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), and there is support for countless third-party plugins. It’s very reasonably priced, too, at $60 for individuals and very small businesses, or $225 for a commercial license.
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Ableton Live is an excellent alternative audio editor if you are involved in professional-grade projects. In particular, users say that Ableton is a great option for live performances and events as well as post-production mixing and compilation. However, it can quickly become expensive, with plans beginning at $99/year and rising to $749 annually.
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Image‑Line’s FL Studio is another popular audio editor with a focus on being user-friendly. It’s flexible, highly customizable, and comes with instruments and effects as well as plugins for audio recording and other functions, depending on your plan. Subscriptions begin at $99 for a license with all future updates included.
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WavePad is an audio editing software suite you should consider if you want a simple, beginner-friendly solution for basic editing work. Although you won’t find all the advanced features of premium software solutions, it does support a variety of file formats. This software is compatible with Windows and macOS — and it is free for non-commercial use.
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If you’re also interested in what the best online video editing solutions are on the market, check out ZDNET’s guide. We’ve also found the best photo editing suites around.
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