12 Best Free Audio Editing Software Options for 2025

Whether you're recording your first podcast, producing a complex musical arrangement, or simply cleaning up a crucial audio track, the right software makes all the difference. High-quality audio production shouldn't be locked behind expensive paywalls. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the 12 best free audio editing software options available in 2025, breaking down their distinct strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you find the perfect fit.

From versatile Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to simple, powerful editors, there’s a tool here for every creative, from podcasters to professional musicians. We will provide an honest, in-depth assessment of each platform, complete with screenshots and direct download links, so you can spend less time searching and more time creating polished, professional sound.

At That Creative Hub, we’re all about empowering you to create — whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Our spaces are designed to be plug-and-play, but we’re always here to support behind the scenes. Using our Podcast Studio? We offer a fully-equipped set with a dedicated production manager on-site. The gear is high-quality, and the support is here if you need it. Need help with a crew or setup? Just ask. We act as a concierge service for creators, linking you with the right people and tools to bring your vision to life. This guide helps you master post-production, but remember we're here to help you nail the recording.

1. Audacity (official)

A true powerhouse in the world of free audio editing software, Audacity has been the go-to choice for creators for over two decades. It's a completely free, open-source, and cross-platform program that delivers robust multitrack editing and recording capabilities. For podcasters, musicians, and sound designers just starting, its feature set is impressively comprehensive, covering everything from basic trimming and splicing to advanced audio analysis and effects processing.

What makes Audacity stand out is its vast community and extensive plugin support (VST, AU, LADSPA), which allows you to expand its functionality significantly. The user interface, while a bit dated, is straightforward and focuses on utility over aesthetics. If you're new to the fundamentals of audio manipulation, Audacity provides a powerful yet forgiving environment to learn the craft. Understanding its tools can provide a solid foundation for more complex sound engineering concepts.

Key Information

• Best For: Podcasting, voice-over recording, basic music editing, and audio restoration.

• Pros: Entirely free with no hidden costs, extensive plugin support, and a massive library of community-created tutorials.

• Cons: The recent inclusion of the MuseHub installer can be unwanted; users should find the direct download link. Also, be wary of unofficial sites distributing modified versions.

• Website: audacityteam.org

2. Audacity on Microsoft Store (official listing)

For Windows users, getting Audacity directly from the Microsoft Store offers a streamlined and secure alternative to downloading from the web. This official listing ensures you are installing the genuine, unaltered version of the software, effectively sidestepping the risk of counterfeit clones that sometimes appear on third-party sites. It integrates directly into the Windows ecosystem, making the installation process as simple as a single click and enabling automatic updates, so you always have the latest features and security patches without manual intervention.

This method is particularly beneficial for those who prefer managing their applications through a centralised hub. While the software itself is identical to the standard version, the Microsoft Store wrapper provides a layer of verification and convenience. This makes it an excellent choice within the landscape of best free audio editing software for users prioritising safety and ease of maintenance. If you manage multiple Windows devices, the Store also simplifies reinstalling your favourite apps on a new machine, remembering your previous downloads.

Key Information

• Best For: Windows users seeking a secure, one-click installation and automatic updates for Audacity.

• Pros: Verified publisher avoids malicious clones, integrates with Windows for easy management, and offers a safer, cleaner installation.

• Cons: Some Windows 10 users have reported occasional installation or update errors specific to the Microsoft Store platform.

• Website: support.audacityteam.org

3. Ocenaudio

For creators seeking a more streamlined and visually intuitive alternative to complex digital audio workstations, Ocenaudio is an excellent choice. It is a fast, easy-to-use, and cross-platform audio editor perfect for everyday tasks. Its standout feature is the real-time effects preview, which allows you to hear and see changes from filters and equalisation instantly, making the editing process much quicker and more precise for beginners. This makes it one of the best free audio editing software options for those who find other interfaces intimidating.

Ocenaudio strikes a brilliant balance between simplicity and capability. While it may not have the exhaustive toolset of Audacity, it supports VST plugins, enabling users to expand its functionality as their skills grow. Features like its powerful spectrogram view and multi-selection tool are surprisingly advanced for such a lightweight program, allowing you to edit multiple sections of an audio file simultaneously. This efficiency is ideal for content creators who need to make quick, clean edits without a steep learning curve.

Key Information

• Best For: Quick edits, podcast clean-up, basic audio trimming, and applying effects with instant feedback.

• Pros: Extremely user-friendly interface, real-time effect previews save time, and it's lightweight and fast on most systems.

• Cons: Lacks the advanced multitrack editing and restoration tools found in more professional-grade software.

• Website: ocenaudio.com

4. Tracktion Waveform Free

Moving from simple editors to a full-fledged Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), Tracktion Waveform Free is an incredibly generous offering. Unlike many "lite" versions of paid software, it imposes no artificial track limits, timeouts, or feature restrictions. This makes it a standout choice for musicians and producers who need a powerful, multitrack environment for composing, recording, mixing, and mastering without any initial investment. It is one of the most capable pieces of free audio editing software available for full music production.

What truly sets Waveform Free apart is its commitment to providing a complete production toolkit. It includes a suite of stock plugins, virtual instruments, and a clean, modern interface designed for an efficient workflow. While its feature depth can present a steeper learning curve for absolute beginners compared to simpler editors, the extensive training materials and active community provide excellent support. Its cross-platform nature, even extending to Raspberry Pi, makes it uniquely versatile for creators working across different systems.

Key Information

• Best For: Music production, beat making, multitrack recording, and mixing.

• Pros: Genuinely free with no track limitations, includes a solid set of stock plugins and instruments, and offers active development and training resources.

• Cons: The account sign-up process and installer flow can feel a bit cumbersome for a free product.

• Website: www.tracktion.com/products/waveform-free

5. LMMS

For those venturing into electronic music production, LMMS (Let's Make Music) is a standout digital audio workstation that offers an incredible suite of tools without any cost. This open-source, cross-platform software is designed primarily for creating music from scratch, rather than traditional waveform editing. It excels with its user-friendly piano roll editor for composing melodies, a beat and bassline editor for building rhythms, and a comprehensive mixing console for fine-tuning your tracks. It's a fantastic entry point for aspiring producers looking to learn the ropes of music creation.

What makes LMMS particularly appealing is its focus on synthesisers and MIDI control. It comes packed with built-in instruments, samples, and effects, and supports VST plugins, allowing for near-limitless sonic exploration. While it’s not the ideal choice for podcasters needing detailed audio restoration, its organised interface and production-focused workflow make it one of the best free audio editing software options for beat makers and electronic artists. The active community also contributes a wealth of presets and shared projects, making it a collaborative and educational environment.

Key Information

• Best For: Electronic music production, beat making, and learning music synthesis.

• Pros: Completely free and open-source, excellent for MIDI-based composition, and supports VST plugins and SoundFonts.

• Cons: Not designed for multitrack audio recording or detailed vocal editing; its focus is on music creation, not waveform manipulation.

• Website: lmms.io

6. Apple GarageBand (Mac)

For creators embedded in the Apple ecosystem, GarageBand is a phenomenal entry point into audio production that comes pre-installed on every Mac. It’s far more than a basic recorder; it's a streamlined digital audio workstation (DAW) that offers multitrack audio and MIDI editing, a vast library of high-quality sounds, and impressive virtual instruments. Its polished interface and seamless integration across macOS and iOS make it an incredibly intuitive choice for musicians, podcasters, and aspiring producers.

What truly sets GarageBand apart is its ability to grow with you. Beginners can start with simple templates and built-in lessons, while more advanced users can leverage up to 255 tracks, visual EQ, and pitch correction tools. The inclusion of virtual drummers that adapt to your song's feel and iCloud sync for working on projects between your Mac and iPad make it a versatile and powerful piece of free audio editing software. It provides a solid foundation before graduating to more complex DAWs like Logic Pro X.

Key Information

• Best For: Music creation, podcasting, and beginners learning multitrack recording and MIDI.

• Pros: Beautifully designed and stable with tight macOS/iOS integration, excellent built-in sound library, and free lessons.

• Cons: Exclusive to the Apple ecosystem (macOS/iOS), and lacks the advanced audio restoration tools found in dedicated suites.

• Website: apple.com/au/mac/garageband

7. Avid Pro Tools Intro

For those aspiring to work in professional music production or post-production, Avid Pro Tools Intro is an unparalleled starting point. It's the permanently free version of the industry-standard Pro Tools software, offering a streamlined yet powerful experience. This edition provides the core editing, mixing, and recording workflows that have defined countless professional studios, making it one of the best free audio editing software options for learning the ropes on a platform professionals use daily.

What sets Pro Tools Intro apart is its focus on providing a genuine Pro Tools experience, not just a watered-down imitation. It includes over 30 essential plugins and virtual instruments, giving new users a solid toolkit for creating right away. While it has limitations on track counts, it offers more than enough to produce detailed demos or sophisticated podcasts. Mastering its workflow can give you a significant advantage when stepping into a professional studio environment.

Key Information

• Best For: Aspiring audio engineers, music producers, and students wanting to learn the industry-standard DAW.

• Pros: Provides a direct pathway to professional Pro Tools workflows, compatible with professional studio sessions, and includes a good starter bundle of plugins.

• Cons: The mandatory iLok account and Avid Link setup can be cumbersome for beginners, and some users have reported installation challenges.

• Website: create.avid.com/free-pro-tools-software

8. Ardour

Ardour elevates the standard for free audio editing software by offering a professional-grade Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) experience. As a powerful, open-source platform, it provides incredibly deep audio and MIDI editing, flexible routing, full automation, and robust mixing capabilities that rival many paid alternatives. It’s designed for audio engineers, musicians, and sound designers who require precision and control over their projects, from recording multitrack sessions to mastering complex final mixes.

What makes Ardour stand out is its commitment to professional workflows and its open-source philosophy. While the official prebuilt installers for macOS and Windows require a small payment or subscription to support development, Linux users can often access it completely free through their distribution’s package managers. This makes it a uniquely powerful and accessible tool within the Linux audio ecosystem. For those who need more than basic editing, Ardour presents a steep but rewarding learning curve.

Key Information

• Best For: Advanced music production, multitrack recording, audio post-production, and MIDI sequencing.

• Pros: Pro-level feature set with extensive routing flexibility, non-destructive editing, and strong community support. Completely free for Linux users via repositories.

• Cons: Official Windows/macOS installers require payment, and building from source code can be a complex technical challenge for beginners.

• Website: ardour.org

9. BandLab (Online DAW + mobile)

BandLab takes the digital audio workstation entirely online, offering a powerful, cloud-based platform accessible from any web browser or mobile app. It's a remarkably comprehensive tool that merges multitrack recording, virtual instruments, and collaboration features into one seamless, free ecosystem. For musicians and producers on the go, or those who prefer not to install heavy software, BandLab provides an incredible creative suite, including a massive library of royalty-free loops and samples to kickstart projects.

What makes BandLab stand out is its emphasis on community and collaboration. You can invite other creators to work on your tracks in real-time, making it one of the best free audio editing software options for bands or production teams. The platform also includes an automated mastering service to give your final tracks a professional polish. Its accessibility and social features make it an excellent starting point for new creators, similar to how a well-equipped DIY space simplifies the first steps in learning how to start a podcast.

Key Information

• Best For: Music creation, collaborative projects, beat making, and producers needing a mobile/browser-based solution.

• Pros: Entirely cloud-based with no desktop installation required, powerful real-time collaboration tools, and a large, active community for feedback and inspiration.

• Cons: The browser-based interface may struggle with very heavy, complex projects, and performance can depend on your system and internet connection.

• Website: bandlab.com

10. Audiotool (Online)

Diverging from traditional desktop software, Audiotool offers a powerful, browser-based digital audio workstation (DAW) that is entirely free. It operates as a modular studio, allowing you to visually connect different devices like synthesisers, drum machines, and effects pedals. This unique, hands-on approach is fantastic for electronic music producers who enjoy experimenting with signal flow and sound design. It’s a creative playground built for those who want to make music from scratch directly in their web browser.

What truly sets Audiotool apart is its collaborative, cloud-based nature. All your projects, samples, and presets are saved online, accessible from any computer. The platform fosters a vibrant community where creators can publish their tracks, collaborate on projects, and even remix others' work. While not designed for intricate vocal editing or post-production, its robust toolset makes it one of the most comprehensive and accessible pieces of free audio editing software for aspiring electronic artists. It's a great way to start producing without any initial investment.

Key Information

• Best For: Electronic music production, sound design experimentation, and collaborative music creation.

• Pros: No software installation required, large cloud-based sample and preset library, and a strong community for collaboration.

• Cons: Requires a constant internet connection, and complex projects may strain your computer’s CPU performance.

• Website: audiotool.com

11. Wavosaur (Windows)

For Windows users seeking a no-fuss, lightweight solution, Wavosaur is an excellent choice. This free audio editing software is completely portable, meaning it runs directly from an EXE file without needing any installation, making it perfect for use on a USB stick. Despite its small size, it packs a surprising punch, offering robust features like batch processing, real-time effects processing, and comprehensive support for VST plug-ins and ASIO drivers.

Wavosaur excels at quick, precise edits like trimming, cutting, and normalising audio clips. Its interface is minimalist and focused on function over form, which contributes to its incredibly fast performance. While it may not have the polished look or expansive built-in toolset of its larger counterparts, its efficiency and VST support allow for significant customisation. It’s a fantastic utility for anyone who needs to perform essential audio tasks quickly without the overhead of a full digital audio workstation.

Key Information

• Best For: Quick edits, audio cleanup, batch processing, and portable editing on Windows systems.

• Pros: Extremely lightweight and fast, fully portable with no installation required, and supports VST plug-ins.

• Cons: Exclusive to the Windows operating system and has a dated interface with infrequent updates.

• Website: wavosaur.com

12. TwistedWave Online

TwistedWave Online brings powerful audio editing directly into your web browser, making it an excellent choice for creators who need to make quick edits on the go. This platform eliminates the need for software installation, allowing you to upload, edit, apply effects, and export your audio from any device with an internet connection. Its clean interface and streamlined workflow are perfect for simple tasks like trimming clips, normalising volume, and adding fades, offering a surprisingly robust experience for a web-based tool.

What makes TwistedWave Online stand out is its brilliant integration with cloud storage services like Google Drive and SoundCloud. This feature allows for seamless file management and collaboration, saving your work automatically and keeping it accessible from anywhere. While the free version has limitations on audio length (up to 5 minutes), it remains one of the best free audio editing software options for podcasters and content creators needing rapid, browser-based solutions without any complex setup.

Key Information

• Best For: Quick edits on the go, podcast trimming, and simple voice-over clean-up.

• Pros: Extremely accessible via any web browser, simple user interface, and great cloud storage integration.

• Cons: The free version limits audio file duration; more advanced features require a subscription or the desktop app.

• Website: twistedwave.com/online

Top 12 Free Audio Editors Feature Comparison

From Software to Studio: Bringing Your Audio Vision to Life

Navigating the landscape of free audio editing software can feel overwhelming, but as we've explored, the right tool for your project is within reach. Whether you're a podcaster needing the robust, all-purpose power of Audacity, a musician experimenting with the full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW) experience of Tracktion Waveform Free, or a content creator requiring the quick-edit convenience of a browser-based tool like BandLab, there is a no-cost solution tailored to your workflow.

The key takeaway is that the "best" software is subjective; it’s the one that aligns with your specific goals, technical comfort level, and creative vision. For simple dialogue clean-up, Ocenaudio offers a refreshingly straightforward interface. For those composing on the go, GarageBand remains an unbeatable entry point for Apple users. Your choice should be a strategic one, balancing feature depth against ease of use to maximise your creative output without a steep learning curve.

Making Your Final Selection

Before you commit to a platform, revisit your primary needs. Ask yourself these critical questions:

• What is my main task? Is it multitrack recording for a podcast, intricate sound design, music composition, or simple file trimming and conversion?

• What is my operating system? Ensure your chosen software, like the Windows-exclusive Wavosaur, is compatible with your setup.

• How much time can I invest in learning? A powerful tool like Ardour offers immense flexibility but demands a greater time commitment than a simple editor like TwistedWave Online.

• Do I need collaboration features? If you work with a team, a cloud-based platform like Audiotool or BandLab might be the most efficient choice.

Remember, choosing from the best free audio editing software is just one part of the equation. Exceptional audio always begins with an exceptional recording. The tools in this guide will empower you to polish, mix, and perfect your sound in post-production, but the quality of your source material will always define the ceiling of your final product. This is where a professional recording environment makes a tangible, game-changing difference.

At That Creative Hub in Melbourne, we bridge the gap between your creative vision and a professional outcome. For podcast users, we offer a fully-equipped set with a dedicated production manager on-site. The set is flexible, the gear is high-quality, and the support is here if you need it. Can’t get a crew together? Let us handle it. We act as a concierge service for creators, linking you with the right people and tools to bring your vision to life—from photographers to editors. The goal is to make it easy for you to walk in and create confidently.

Once you have your clean, professional recording from our studio, you can confidently take those audio files into any of the free editors we've discussed. You will find that editing is faster, mixing is easier, and the final result is significantly more polished. Starting with high-quality source audio saves you hours of frustrating post-production work and elevates your project to a professional standard.

Ready to capture audio that truly stands out? Book a session at That Creative Hub and let our professional environment and expert support provide the foundation for your creative work. Visit us at That Creative Hub to learn more about our plug-and-play studios and concierge services.