[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Audio Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/audio-editing-software/) \> [Sound Forge](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/) \> Sound Forge vs GoldWave # Sound Forge vs GoldWave Last Updated: June 22nd, 2026 Our analysts compared [Sound Forge](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/) 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 [![Sound Forge Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49/resources/normal/logo.png?1727460794)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/) 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=Sound%2BForge&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460794) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Sound%2BForge&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460794) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Sound%2BForge&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460794&price=3) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Sound%2BForge&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727460794&price=3) [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 59 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (83 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating 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 $199 One-Time [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Sound Forge&category=Audio Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/7faae67aa3cb2e3cbc3d5f3f12fe809c-ea9c66c7fe9e644ec8629595c21a5d49/resources/normal/logo.png?1727460794) $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 Sound Forge and GoldWave: * Precision single-track editing with fine-tuned tools for mastering and audio restoration work. * High-resolution audio support up to 64-bit/768 kHz keeps output quality intact. * Multi-channel recording captures up to 32 channels at once for complex projects. * Dedicated audiobook tools like Truncate Silence and specialized export options help narrators. * Multi-track editing lets you work on several audio tracks at the same time. * Intuitive interface that beginners can pick up quickly without leaning on tutorials. * Portable version runs from a USB drive so you can edit on different computers. * Affordable one-time license keeps costs down for casual users and pros alike. Cons What we dislike about Sound Forge and GoldWave: * No multi-track editing, so you'll juggle other software for layered projects. * Known compatibility issues with certain VST plugins can disrupt your workflow. * Deep feature set can feel overwhelming if you only need basic edits. * Reported hiccups with older Windows versions add friction during setup. * Some users find the interface dated and less intuitive than newer competitors. * Advanced editing capabilities lag behind dedicated professional audio editing programs. * Lacks the deep mastering and restoration toolset that audio specialists often need. * Fewer high-resolution format options limit work on demanding studio projects. ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Sound Forge fits you if you need precision single-track editing for mastering, restoration, or audiobook work, while GoldWave fits you if you want an easy, affordable editor that handles multi-track projects without much fuss. Sound Forge leans pro. It gives you fine control down to the millisecond, a full mastering suite, and dedicated audiobook tools like Truncate Silence. The tradeoff is no multi-track editing, so layered projects mean opening another program. GoldWave keeps things simple and broad. You get multi-track editing, batch processing, over 40 effects, and real-time visualizations in one place. Users say beginners can jump in without tutorials, though the interface looks dated next to newer tools. Pricing favors GoldWave. Sound Forge starts at $199 as a one-time purchase, and GoldWave starts at $47 as a one-time purchase. Both skip subscriptions, which helps if you don't want recurring fees. On plugins and platforms, both run on Windows and Mac and support VST, but Sound Forge users report compatibility snags with certain VSTs. GoldWave also offers a portable version you can run from a USB drive. Pick Sound Forge if your work is single-track and quality-critical, like podcast mastering or audiobook prep. Pick GoldWave if you need multi-track flexibility, a gentler learning curve, or a smaller upfront spend, even if the look feels older. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Sound Forge has an analyst rating of 59\. By comparison GoldWave has an analyst rating of 60\. 59 60 Features Comparison **Advanced Editing Tools** Empowers users to fine-tune audio tracks with precision, enabling them to create professional-quality sound designs. 73 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. 83 100 **Audio Recording** Provides tools for high-quality audio recording, allowing users to capture and edit sound directly within the software. 43 82 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) Strengths The best features of Sound Forge and GoldWave as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. 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 Sound Forge and GoldWave compare against the top 6 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. Sound Forge 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 73 83 43 80 87 61 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% 0% 25% 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. 75% 25% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Audio Recording** Provides tools for high-quality audio recording, allowing users to capture and edit sound directly within the software. 0% 67% 33% 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. 80% 0% 20% 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. 91% 0% 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% 0% 37% 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. 57% 29% 14% 14% 14% 72% **Security** Prioritizes data security, safeguarding sensitive audio projects through robust encryption and access controls. 20% 0% 80% 20% 0% 80% **Requirements Summary**Of typical requirements, 39.2% are fully supported out of the box by Sound Forge including Basic Editing Tools, Advanced Editing Tools and Platform Capabilities. GoldWave supports 51% and excels at Audio Formats And Conversion, Basic Editing Tools and Effects And Processing. Sound Forge has an analyst rating of 59 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 83 reviews, while GoldWave has an analyst rating of 60 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 35 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Sound Forge has a user sentiment rating of 88 based on 83 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) 83 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. 88% of users recommend this product Sound Forge has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 83 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** **4.3** (52) **4.4** (29) **Capterra Inc** **4.7** (28) **4.5** (6) **TrustRadius** **3.0** (3) 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 [Sound Forge Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/alternatives/) [GoldWave Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/goldwave/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Track Handling** – Focuses on single-track editing with deep precision tools, so layered work needs a separate multi-track program. * **High-Res Audio** – Supports files up to 64-bit/768 kHz for mastering and restoration where fidelity matters. * **Multi-Channel Recording** – Captures up to 32 channels at once, useful for film scoring and game audio sessions. * **Audiobook Tools** – Includes Truncate Silence and specialized export options built for narrators and audiobook producers. * **Script Editor** – Lets you write JavaScript scripts to automate repetitive tasks across batches. * **Track Handling** – Offers multi-track editing so you can layer and arrange several audio tracks in one project. * **Effects Library** – Comes with over 40 built-in effects plus VST plugin support for reverb, echo, and EQ work. * **Real-Time Visuals** – Shows spectrograms, waveforms, and level meters as you edit for tighter precision. * **Portable Version** – Runs from a USB drive without installation, handy if you move between computers. * **CD Ripping and Burning** – Pulls audio from CDs and burns custom discs directly inside the software. ### 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/) [ Audacity ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/audacity/) [ 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/) [ 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 ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![Ableton Live Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS Ableton Live](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/ableton-live-vs-sound-forge/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![Adobe Audition Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS Adobe Audition](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/adobe-audition-vs-sound-forge/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![Audacity Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS Audacity](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-sound-forge/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![Cubase Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS Cubase](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/cubase-vs-sound-forge/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![FL Studio Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS FL Studio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/fl-studio-vs-sound-forge/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![GarageBand Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS GarageBand](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/garageband-vs-sound-forge/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![GoldWave Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS GoldWave](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/sound-forge-vs-goldwave/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![Logic Pro Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS Logic Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/logic-pro-vs-sound-forge/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![Ocenaudio Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS Ocenaudio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/sound-forge-vs-ocenaudio/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![Pro Tools Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS Pro Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/pro-tools-vs-sound-forge/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![Reaper Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS Reaper](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio-vs-sound-forge/) ![Sound Forge Software Tool]() ![Reason Studios Software Tool]() [Sound Forge VS Reason Studios](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/reason-studios-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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