[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Audio Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/audio-editing-software/) \> [WavePad](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/wavepad/) \> WavePad vs GoldWave # WavePad vs GoldWave Last Updated: May 25th, 2026 Our analysts compared [WavePad](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/wavepad/) 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 [![WavePad Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/34ce78b239697c8e7bacce545b6bdd02-2747a8405e2d7cfc3675b41dbffe2331/resources/normal/logo.png?1727461081)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/wavepad/) 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=WavePad&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F34ce78b239697c8e7bacce545b6bdd02-2747a8405e2d7cfc3675b41dbffe2331%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727461081) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=WavePad&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F34ce78b239697c8e7bacce545b6bdd02-2747a8405e2d7cfc3675b41dbffe2331%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727461081) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=WavePad&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F34ce78b239697c8e7bacce545b6bdd02-2747a8405e2d7cfc3675b41dbffe2331%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727461081&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=WavePad&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F34ce78b239697c8e7bacce545b6bdd02-2747a8405e2d7cfc3675b41dbffe2331%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727461081&price=2) [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 58 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (69 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 $60 One-Time [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=WavePad&category=Audio Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/34ce78b239697c8e7bacce545b6bdd02-2747a8405e2d7cfc3675b41dbffe2331/resources/normal/logo.png?1727461081) $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 WavePad and GoldWave: * Runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, so you can edit from almost anywhere. * Includes specialty tools like spectral analysis, voice changer, and text-to-speech for varied projects. * Handles a broad list of formats including MP3, WAV, GSM, and FLAC without conversion. * Offers batch processing to apply effects or convert many files at once. * Users find the interface intuitive and easy to pick up, even without tutorials. * Lets you customize shortcuts, toolbars, and waveform colors to match how you work. * Includes real-time visualizations like spectrograms and level meters for precise edits. * Adds a script editor to automate complex, repeated tasks for advanced users. Cons What we dislike about WavePad and GoldWave: * Users say the interface feels dated and could use a more modern look. * The free version reverts to a limited trial after 14 days of full features. * Multi-track work is limited, often pushing serious projects to NCH's MixPad. * Runs on Windows and Mac only, with no native Linux desktop option. * Some users report the interface feels less intuitive than competing audio editors. * Advanced editing features can fall short for complex, professional audio projects. * The look and feel strikes some users as dated compared to newer tools. * Mobile editing isn't supported, since it runs on Windows and macOS only. ### Our Review **Bottom line:** WavePad and GoldWave both give you affordable, one-time audio editing, but they fit different users. Pick WavePad if you want mobile flexibility and specialty tools like text-to-speech. Pick GoldWave if you want a stable desktop editor with deeper customization and scripting. WavePad works for podcasters, audiobook creators, and hobbyist musicians who need a friendly editor across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Users like how quickly they can learn it, though serious multi-track music work usually means pairing it with NCH's MixPad. GoldWave fits podcasters, video editors, and sound engineers who live on the desktop. It handles large files well and includes real-time visualizations, batch processing, and a script editor for repeat tasks. Users find it easy to start with, even without tutorials. On price, WavePad starts at $60 one-time and GoldWave starts at $47 one-time. Both skip subscriptions, which helps if you'd rather pay once and own the tool. Reach out to SelectHub for a tailored quote on either. Either way, expect an interface that some users call dated. If you need cross-device editing or voice and speech tools, WavePad has the edge. If you want a configurable desktop workflow with scripting and strong restoration tools, GoldWave is the better match. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, WavePad has an analyst rating of 58\. By comparison GoldWave has an analyst rating of 60\. 58 60 Features Comparison **Advanced Editing Tools** Empowers users to fine-tune audio tracks with precision, enabling them to create professional-quality sound designs. 83 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. 67 82 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Audio Editing Software) Strengths The best features of WavePad and GoldWave as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Audio Formats and Conversion 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 WavePad and GoldWave compare against the top 6 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. WavePad 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 83 100 67 80 82 48 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% 13% 12% 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. 67% 0% 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. 82% 0% 18% 73% 18% 9% **Platform Capabilities** Empowers users to create and edit audio projects across various platforms, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for diverse work environments. 50% 0% 50% 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. 29% 43% 28% 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, 51% are fully supported out of the box by WavePad including Audio Formats And Conversion, Basic Editing Tools and Advanced Editing Tools. GoldWave supports 51% and excels at Audio Formats And Conversion, Basic Editing Tools and Effects And Processing. WavePad has an analyst rating of 58 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 69 reviews, while GoldWave has an analyst rating of 60 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 35 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary WavePad has a user sentiment rating of 88 based on 69 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) 69 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 WavePad has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 69 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** (34) **4.4** (29) **Capterra Inc** **4.5** (34) **4.5** (6) **TrustRadius** **5.0** (1) 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 [ WavePad Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/wavepad/alternatives/) [ GoldWave Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/goldwave/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Cross-Platform Reach** – Runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android so you can move a project between desktop and mobile. * **Effects And Restoration** – Includes reverb, echo, equalization, noise reduction, and click and pop removal for cleanup work. * **Batch Processing** – Applies effects or converts thousands of files in one pass to cut down on repetitive editing. * **Specialty Audio Tools** – Adds spectral analysis, text-to-speech, and a voice changer alongside standard editing features. * **Audiobook Support** – Offers chapter markers and metadata tools built specifically for audiobook creation. * **Desktop Platforms** – Runs on Windows and macOS, focused on a stable desktop editing experience without a mobile app. * **Effects And Restoration** – Includes reverb, echo, equalization, noise reduction, and pop and click removal, with VST plugin support to extend the toolkit. * **Batch Processing** – Automates format conversion and effect application across large file sets to handle repetitive jobs. * **Configurable Workflow** – Lets you customize keyboard shortcuts, toolbar layout, and even waveform colors to match how you edit. * **Script Editor** – Includes scripting to automate complex tasks, useful when you repeat the same edits often. ### 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/) [ Sound Forge ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/) [ Soundtrap ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/soundtrap/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![Ableton Live Software Tool]() [WavePad VS Ableton Live](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/ableton-live-vs-wavepad/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![Adobe Audition Software Tool]() [WavePad VS Adobe Audition](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/adobe-audition-vs-wavepad/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![Audacity Software Tool]() [WavePad VS Audacity](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-wavepad/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![Cubase Software Tool]() [WavePad VS Cubase](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/cubase-vs-wavepad/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![FL Studio Software Tool]() [WavePad VS FL Studio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/fl-studio-vs-wavepad/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![GarageBand Software Tool]() [WavePad VS GarageBand](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/garageband-vs-wavepad/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![GoldWave Software Tool]() [WavePad VS GoldWave](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/wavepad-vs-goldwave/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![Logic Pro Software Tool]() [WavePad VS Logic Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/logic-pro-vs-wavepad/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![Ocenaudio Software Tool]() [WavePad VS Ocenaudio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/wavepad-vs-ocenaudio/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![Pro Tools Software Tool]() [WavePad VS Pro Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/pro-tools-vs-wavepad/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![Reaper Software Tool]() [WavePad VS Reaper](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/wavepad-vs-reaper-audio/) ![WavePad Software Tool]() ![Reason Studios Software Tool]() [WavePad VS Reason Studios](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/wavepad-vs-reason-studios/) **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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