[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Audio Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/audio-editing-software/) \> [Audacity](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/audacity/) \> Audacity vs GoldWave # Audacity vs GoldWave Last Updated: July 20th, 2026 Our analysts compared [Audacity](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/audacity/) vs [GoldWave](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/goldwave/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Audio Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/audio-editing-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Audio Editing Software&cta=audio-editing-software). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Audacity Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/cabe9e1b214ce57538a20ca6688a8ee0-d75f944d004e1aa3a662c77f0dabf18c/resources/normal/logo.png?1727459688)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/audacity/) Remove Add to Compare [![GoldWave Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/48566ed0fe86539f5d9b227667e4260b-7d83ea789401ab2c7eec90d289c7214c/resources/normal/logo.png?1727460216)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/goldwave/) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Audacity&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fcabe9e1b214ce57538a20ca6688a8ee0-d75f944d004e1aa3a662c77f0dabf18c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727459688) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Audacity&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fcabe9e1b214ce57538a20ca6688a8ee0-d75f944d004e1aa3a662c77f0dabf18c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727459688) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Audacity&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fcabe9e1b214ce57538a20ca6688a8ee0-d75f944d004e1aa3a662c77f0dabf18c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727459688&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Audacity&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fcabe9e1b214ce57538a20ca6688a8ee0-d75f944d004e1aa3a662c77f0dabf18c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727459688&price=1) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=GoldWave&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F48566ed0fe86539f5d9b227667e4260b-7d83ea789401ab2c7eec90d289c7214c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460216) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=GoldWave&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F48566ed0fe86539f5d9b227667e4260b-7d83ea789401ab2c7eec90d289c7214c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460216) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=GoldWave&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F48566ed0fe86539f5d9b227667e4260b-7d83ea789401ab2c7eec90d289c7214c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460216&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=GoldWave&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F48566ed0fe86539f5d9b227667e4260b-7d83ea789401ab2c7eec90d289c7214c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460216&price=2) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating Audacity - Analyst Score: 63 out of 100 63 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (1017 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating GoldWave - Analyst Score: 60 out of 100 60 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (35 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $0 Free, Open-Source Free Trial is unavailable → $47 One-Time [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=GoldWave&category=Audio Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/48566ed0fe86539f5d9b227667e4260b-7d83ea789401ab2c7eec90d289c7214c/resources/normal/logo.png?1727460216) Pros What we like about Audacity and GoldWave: * Free and open source, so you can start editing without paying anything. * Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, fitting almost any setup you have. * Supports VST, LV2, and LADSPA plugins for extending built-in effects. * Backed by a large user community with plenty of tutorials and online help. * Users find the interface intuitive enough to start editing without leaning on tutorials. * Includes audio restoration tools for cleaning up old or damaged recordings. * Lets you customize shortcuts, toolbars, and waveform colors to match your workflow. * Portable version runs from a USB drive, so you can use it on different computers. Cons What we dislike about Audacity and GoldWave: * Users report occasional hangs or crashes that can disrupt time-sensitive projects. * Multitrack recording features are limited, making full band sessions tough to handle. * Some users describe the interface as outdated, comparing it to old clipart-era design. * Envelope editor works but feels less intuitive for precise level adjustments. * Some users find the interface less intuitive than other audio editors on the market. * Advanced editing features can fall short for highly complex audio production work. * Interface looks somewhat dated, and users wish for a more modern feel. * Only runs on Windows and macOS, leaving Linux users without an option. ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Audacity and GoldWave both handle solid audio editing work, but Audacity fits budget-conscious users on any operating system, while GoldWave suits you if you want a polished, affordable tool with built-in restoration features and a friendlier learning curve. Audacity is free and open source, running on Windows, macOS, and Linux. GoldWave starts at $47 as a one-time purchase, so you pay once and own it. If you need Linux support, Audacity is your only option here. For day-to-day editing, GoldWave's interface tends to feel more approachable. Users say they can jump in without tutorials. Audacity has more features under the hood, but some users find the layout dated and the learning curve steeper at first. Plugin support tilts toward Audacity, which works with VST, LV2, and LADSPA. GoldWave supports VST plugins and packs in restoration tools like pop and click removal, plus a script editor for automating repetitive jobs. Audacity is the safer pick if you're a podcaster, hobbyist, or anyone who needs a reliable workhorse without spending money. GoldWave makes more sense if you want a paid tool with audio restoration baked in and don't mind a one-time license fee. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Audacity has an analyst rating of 63\. By comparison GoldWave has an analyst rating of 60\. Audacity - Analyst Score: 63 out of 100 63 GoldWave - Analyst Score: 60 out of 100 60 Features Comparison **Advanced Editing Tools** Empowers users to fine-tune audio tracks with precision, enabling them to create professional-quality sound designs. 89 89 **Audio Formats and Conversion** Supports a wide range of audio formats, enabling users to import, export, and convert files seamlessly, ensuring compatibility across different devices and platforms. 100 100 **Audio Recording** Provides tools for high-quality audio recording, allowing users to capture and edit sound directly within the software. 95 82 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) Strengths The best features of Audacity and GoldWave as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Audio Formats and Conversion Basic Editing Tools Audio Recording Advanced Editing Tools Effects and Processing Audio Formats and Conversion Advanced Editing Tools Effects and Processing ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) How Audacity and GoldWave compare against the top 6 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. Audacity GoldWave \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) Advanced Editing Tools Audio Formats AndConversion Audio Recording Basic Editing Tools Effects And Processing Platform Capabilities 89 100 95 100 87 68 89 100 82 80 89 73 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Advanced Editing Tools** Empowers users to fine-tune audio tracks with precision, enabling them to create professional-quality sound designs. 75% 25% 0% 75% 25% 0% **Audio Formats And Conversion** Supports a wide range of audio formats, enabling users to import, export, and convert files seamlessly, ensuring compatibility across different devices and platforms. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Audio Recording** Provides tools for high-quality audio recording, allowing users to capture and edit sound directly within the software. 100% 0% 0% 67% 33% 0% **Basic Editing Tools** Provides a user-friendly interface for essential tasks like trimming, cutting, and joining audio clips, making audio editing accessible to users of all skill levels. 100% 0% 0% 80% 0% 20% **Effects And Processing** Offers a variety of effects and processing tools to enhance sound quality, add creative effects, and manipulate audio signals, elevating the overall audio experience. 73% 18% 9% 73% 18% 9% **Platform Capabilities** Empowers users to create and edit audio projects across various platforms, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for diverse work environments. 63% 13% 24% 75% 0% 25% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs**and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Seamlessly integrates with other creative tools, streamlining workflows and enhancing the overall audio production process. 14% 43% 43% 14% 14% 72% **Security** Prioritizes data security, safeguarding sensitive audio projects through robust encryption and access controls. 0% 0% 100% 20% 0% 80% **Requirements Summary**Of typical requirements, 47.1% are fully supported out of the box by Audacity including Audio Formats And Conversion, Basic Editing Tools and Audio Recording. GoldWave supports 51% and excels at Audio Formats And Conversion, Basic Editing Tools and Effects And Processing. Audacity has an analyst rating of 63 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 1017 reviews, while GoldWave has an analyst rating of 60 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 35 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Audacity has a user sentiment rating of 89 based on 1017 reviews. GoldWave has a user sentiment rating of 88 based on 35 reviews. ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 1017 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 35 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 89% of users recommend this product Audacity has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 1017 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. 88% of users recommend this product GoldWave has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 35 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** **4.5** (448) **4.4** (29) **Capterra Inc** **4.5** (460) **4.5** (6) **TrustRadius** **4.2** (109) n/a ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [Audacity Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity/alternatives/) [GoldWave Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/goldwave/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Multi-Track Editing** – Lets you work on several audio tracks at once, though users note it falls short for full multitrack recording sessions. * **Plugin Support** – Works with VST, LV2, and LADSPA plugins, giving you a wider range of third-party tools than GoldWave's VST-only setup. * **Cross-Platform Availability** – Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, covering more operating systems than GoldWave. * **Spectral Analysis** – Includes a spectrogram view for detailed frequency work, useful for audio forensics and research. * **Batch Processing** – Applies effects and conversions across multiple files at once, saving time on repetitive tasks. * **Multi-Track Editing** – Handles multiple tracks at once with a layout users find easier to pick up than Audacity's. * **Plugin Support** – Adds VST plugin compatibility on top of a deep set of built-in effects like reverb, echo, and equalization. * **Cross-Platform Availability** – Covers Windows and macOS only, so Linux users will need to look elsewhere. * **Audio Restoration** – Cleans up old or damaged recordings with noise reduction, pop and click removal, and spectral analysis. * **Script Editor** – Lets advanced users automate complex tasks through scripting, useful for handling large audio libraries. ### Top Alternatives in Audio Editing Software [ Ableton Live ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/ableton-live/) [ Adobe Audition ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/adobe-audition/) [ AudioDirector 365 ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/audiodirector-365/) [ Cubase ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/cubase/) [ FL Studio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/fl-studio/) [ GarageBand ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/garageband/) [ GoldWave ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/goldwave/) [ Logic Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/logic-pro/) [ Ocenaudio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/ocenaudio/) [ Pro Tools ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/pro-tools/) [ Reaper ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio/) [ Reason Studios ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/reason-studios/) [ Sound Forge ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/) [ Soundtrap ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/soundtrap/) [ Studio One ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/studio-one/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![Ableton Live Software Tool]() [Audacity VS Ableton Live](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-ableton-live/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![Adobe Audition Software Tool]() [Audacity VS Adobe Audition](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-adobe-audition/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![Cubase Software Tool]() [Audacity VS Cubase](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-cubase/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![FL Studio Software Tool]() [Audacity VS FL Studio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-fl-studio/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![GarageBand Software Tool]() [Audacity VS GarageBand](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-garageband/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![GoldWave Software Tool]() [Audacity VS GoldWave](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-goldwave/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![Logic Pro Software Tool]() [Audacity VS Logic Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-logic-pro/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![Ocenaudio Software Tool]() [Audacity VS Ocenaudio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-ocenaudio/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![Pro Tools Software Tool]() [Audacity VS Pro Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-pro-tools/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![Reaper Software Tool]() [Audacity VS Reaper](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-reaper-audio/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![Reason Studios Software Tool]() [Audacity VS Reason Studios](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-reason-studios/) ![Audacity Software Tool]() ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() [Audacity VS Sound Forge](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-sound-forge/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Audio%20Editing%20Software&campaign%5Fname=Audio%20Editing%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Audio%20Editing%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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