[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Audio Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/audio-editing-software/) \> Audacity Categories: * [Audio Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/audio-editing-software/) * [Content Creation Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/content-creation-software/) * [...](#) ## What Is Audacity? **Industry Specialties:** Serves all industries. Audacity is a versatile audio editing software that excels in tasks such as recording, editing, and mixing audio tracks. It is particularly well-suited for podcasters, musicians, and sound engineers due to its robust feature set and user-friendly interface. The software supports multi-track editing, allowing users to manipulate multiple audio files simultaneously, which is essential for complex projects. One of the standout benefits of Audacity is its open-source nature, making it freely accessible to users, which is a significant advantage over many paid alternatives. It offers powerful features like noise reduction, pitch correction, and a wide array of effects and plugins, enhancing its utility for professional and amateur users alike. The software's ability to handle various audio formats and its compatibility with different operating systems further add to its appeal. Compared to similar products, users often praise Audacity for its reliability and comprehensive toolset, although some note that its interface can be less intuitive for beginners. Pricing is not a concern with Audacity as it is free, but for tailored needs, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a detailed pricing quote. PRICE $ $ $ $ $ COMPANY SIZE S M L DEPLOYMENT PLATFORM [ Try Before You Buy. Request a Free Demo Today! Request Demo It's completely free! ](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Audacity&origin%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.selecthub.com%2Fp%2Faudio-editing-software%2Faudacity%2F&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.selecthub.com%2Fproducts%2Fcabe9e1b214ce57538a20ca6688a8ee0-d75f944d004e1aa3a662c77f0dabf18c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727459688) User Sentiment i ![User satisfaction level icon: great]() Based on 1017 reviews: Add your rating: ![Screenshots]() Product Screenshots and Videos ## #1 Audacity is ranked #1 in the Audio Editing Software product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report. [ Get the Report Now](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard?category%5Fslug=audio-editing-software&product%5Fslug=audacity&slug=audacity&product%5Fname=Audacity&category=Audio+Editing+Software&origin%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.selecthub.com%2Fp%2Faudio-editing-software%2Faudacity%2F) ## Audacity Pricing Based on our most recent analysis, Audacity pricing starts at $0 (Free, Open-Source). [Get Price Quote](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Audio+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Audacity&origin%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.selecthub.com%2Fp%2Faudio-editing-software%2Faudacity%2F&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.selecthub.com%2Fproducts%2Fcabe9e1b214ce57538a20ca6688a8ee0-d75f944d004e1aa3a662c77f0dabf18c%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727459688&price=1) Price $ $ $ $ $ i Starting From $0 Pricing Model Free, Open-Source Free Trial No ## Training Resources Audacity is supported with the following types of training: Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars ## Support The following support services are available for Audacity: Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support ## Audacity Benefits and Insights Why use Audacity? ### Key differentiators & advantages of Audacity * **Cost-Effective Solution:** Audacity is free and open-source, making it accessible for individuals and businesses without the need for expensive licenses. * **Cross-Platform Compatibility:** Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring seamless integration across different operating systems. * **Comprehensive Editing Tools:** Offers a wide range of editing tools such as cut, copy, paste, and delete, allowing for precise audio manipulation. * **High-Quality Audio Output:** Supports high-quality audio formats like WAV and AIFF, ensuring professional-grade sound production. * **Multi-Track Editing:** Enables users to work on multiple audio tracks simultaneously, facilitating complex audio projects. * **Extensive Plugin Support:** Compatible with various plugins, including VST, LV2, and LADSPA, to extend functionality and enhance audio effects. * **Noise Reduction Capabilities:** Features effective noise reduction tools to clean up recordings and improve audio clarity. * **Customizable Interface:** Allows users to personalize the workspace to suit their workflow, improving efficiency and user experience. * **Batch Processing:** Facilitates the processing of multiple files at once, saving time on repetitive tasks. * **Detailed Spectrogram View:** Provides a visual representation of audio frequencies, aiding in precise editing and analysis. * **Community Support:** Backed by a large user community and extensive online resources, offering assistance and tutorials for all skill levels. * **Regular Updates:** Continuously improved with regular updates, ensuring the software remains current with new features and bug fixes. * **Export Flexibility:** Supports exporting in various formats, including MP3, OGG, and FLAC, catering to different distribution needs. * **Real-Time Preview:** Allows users to preview effects in real-time, making it easier to achieve the desired audio outcome. * **Undo/Redo Functionality:** Provides robust undo and redo options, allowing users to experiment without the risk of losing previous work. ### Industry Expertise Audacity is a popular choice for podcasters and anyone starting out in audio editing due to its free, open-source nature and user-friendly interface. It's a great tool for learning the basics of audio editing and can be used to create professional-sounding audio recordings. ## Audacity Reviews Based on our most recent analysis, Audacity reviews indicate a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% based on 1017 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. ![User satisfaction level icon: great]() 1017 reviews 89% of users would recommend this product ### Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews Based on an aggregate of Audacity reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst. #### Pros * **Free and Accessible:** Audacity is a free and open-source audio editing software, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses with budget constraints. * **Cross-Platform Compatibility:** Audacity runs seamlessly on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for businesses with diverse technology environments. * **Extensive Plugin Support:** Audacity supports a wide range of plugins, allowing businesses to extend its functionality and tailor it to their specific audio editing needs. * **Built-in Effects:** Audacity offers a collection of built-in audio effects, such as noise reduction, equalization, and compression, enabling businesses to enhance and refine their audio content. #### Cons * **Occasional Instability:** Audacity can sometimes experience hangs or crashes, potentially causing frustration and disrupting workflow, especially during time-sensitive projects. * **Limited Multitrack Recording:** The software lacks robust multitrack recording features, making it unsuitable for projects that require recording and mixing multiple audio sources simultaneously, such as a band recording session. * **Basic Envelope Editor:** While functional, the envelope editor's visual representation could be more intuitive and user-friendly, potentially making precise audio level adjustments more cumbersome than necessary. #### Researcher's Summary: Is Audacity audacious enough to be your go-to audio editing software? User reviews from the last year reveal a resounding "yes," particularly for those seeking a free and feature-rich tool. Users consistently highlight Audacity's comprehensive functionality, often comparing it favorably to paid alternatives like Adobe Audition. For instance, one user raves about Audacity's ability to "capture audio all day without issue," praising its lighter system footprint compared to Audition. This robust feature set, coupled with its intuitive interface, makes it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned podcasters. However, some users find Audacity's extensive features a double-edged sword, admitting that the learning curve can be initially steep. Others point to the outdated interface as a drawback, describing it as "straight out of a clipart site from 1998." While these criticisms exist, they are often outweighed by the sheer value proposition of a free tool that rivals paid counterparts in functionality. Ultimately, Audacity emerges as the ideal choice for budget-conscious users, hobbyists, and anyone seeking a reliable workhorse for basic to intermediate audio editing tasks. Its comprehensive features, ease of use, and cross-platform compatibility make it a compelling option for a wide range of users. ## Key Features Notable Audacity features include: * **Multi-Track Editing:** Allows users to work on multiple audio tracks simultaneously, facilitating complex audio projects. * **Cross-Platform Compatibility:** Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users. * **Audio Effects:** Includes a variety of built-in effects such as reverb, delay, and equalization to enhance audio quality. * **Spectral Analysis:** Provides a spectrogram view for detailed frequency analysis, useful for audio forensics and research. * **Noise Reduction:** Features tools to reduce background noise, improving the clarity of recordings. * **Support for Various File Formats:** Can import and export a wide range of audio file formats including WAV, MP3, FLAC, and OGG. * **Batch Processing:** Enables the application of effects and conversions to multiple files at once, saving time on repetitive tasks. * **Plugin Support:** Compatible with VST, LV2, and LADSPA plugins, allowing for extended functionality through third-party tools. * **Envelope Tool:** Allows for precise control over volume changes within a track, facilitating dynamic audio adjustments. * **Label Tracks:** Provides the ability to add labels and annotations to tracks, aiding in organization and navigation. * **Time and Pitch Adjustment:** Offers tools to change the tempo or pitch of audio without affecting the other, useful for music production and remixing. * **Recording Capabilities:** Supports recording from multiple sources including microphones and line inputs, suitable for podcasting and voiceovers. * **Undo/Redo Functionality:** Unlimited undo and redo options allow for non-destructive editing, ensuring flexibility in the editing process. * **Keyboard Shortcuts:** Extensive keyboard shortcut support enhances workflow efficiency for power users. * **Real-Time Preview:** Allows users to preview effects in real-time before applying them, ensuring desired outcomes. * **Metadata Editor:** Includes a built-in editor for adding and modifying metadata tags, useful for organizing and cataloging audio files. * **Customizable Interface:** Users can adjust the layout and appearance of the interface to suit their preferences and workflow needs. * **Open Source:** As an open-source project, Audacity benefits from community contributions and regular updates, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation. ## Compare Audio Editing Software These are the top products most often compared. Generating Scorecard... Compare to Audacity You can choose 4 products to compare [ Cubase ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/cubase/) [ Pro Tools ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/pro-tools/) [ FL Studio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/fl-studio/) [ Ocenaudio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/ocenaudio/) [ Logic Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/logic-pro/) [ Adobe Audition ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/adobe-audition/) [ Studio One ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/studio-one/) [ Soundtrap ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/soundtrap/) [ Reaper ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio/) [ Ableton Live ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/ableton-live/) Generating Scorecard... Compare to Audacity ## Head-to-Head Comparison ![Audacity Software Tool]() vs * [Ableton Live](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-ableton-live/) * [Adobe Audition](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-adobe-audition/) * [Cubase](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-cubase/) * [FL Studio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-fl-studio/) * [GarageBand](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-garageband/) * [GoldWave](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-goldwave/) * [LALAL](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-lalal/) * [Logic Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-logic-pro/) * [Ocenaudio](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-ocenaudio/) * [Pro Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-pro-tools/) * [Reaper](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-reaper-audio/) * [Reason Studios](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-reason-studios/) * [Sound Forge](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-sound-forge/) * [Soundtrap](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-soundtrap/) * [Studio One](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-studio-one/) * [WavePad](https://www.selecthub.com/audio-editing-software/audacity-vs-wavepad/) ## Similar Products Here are the most similar products to Audacity. [ AudioDirector 365 ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/audiodirector-365/) [ Ocenaudio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/ocenaudio/) [ GarageBand ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/garageband/) [ LALAL ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/lalal/) [ Soundtrap ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/soundtrap/) [ Suno ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/suno/) [ GoldWave ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/goldwave/) [ Reason Studios ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/reason-studios/) [ Sound Forge ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/sound-forge/) [ Reaper ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/audio-editing-software/reaper-audio/) Your review has been submitted and should be visible within 24 hours. Review Title Pros Cons Overall feedback Your name Your job title Industry [ Choose your main industry](javascript:void%28%29) * [Accounting / CPA](javascript:void%28%29) * [Advertising](javascript:void%28%29) * [Aerospace & Defense](javascript:void%28%29) * [Agriculture](javascript:void%28%29) * [Apparel](javascript:void%28%29) * [Architecture](javascript:void%28%29) * [Auto Dealership](javascript:void%28%29) * [Automotive](javascript:void%28%29) * [Banking & Financial Services](javascript:void%28%29) * [Banking & Mortgage](javascript:void%28%29) * [Chemicals](javascript:void%28%29) * [Construction & Engineering](javascript:void%28%29) * [Construction / Contracting](javascript:void%28%29) * [Consulting](javascript:void%28%29) * [Consumer Products](javascript:void%28%29) * [Distribution](javascript:void%28%29) * [E-commerce](javascript:void%28%29) * [Education](javascript:void%28%29) * [Electronics](javascript:void%28%29) * [Energy & Utilities](javascript:void%28%29) * [Federal Government](javascript:void%28%29) * [Field Maintenance](javascript:void%28%29) * [Food & Beverage](javascript:void%28%29) * [Healthcare / Social Services](javascript:void%28%29) * [Hospitality / Gaming / Travel](javascript:void%28%29) * [Human Resources](javascript:void%28%29) * [Industrial Machinery](javascript:void%28%29) * [Information Technology & High Tech](javascript:void%28%29) * [Insurance](javascript:void%28%29) * [Legal](javascript:void%28%29) * [Maintenance / Field Service](javascript:void%28%29) * [Manufacturing](javascript:void%28%29) * [Marketing Services](javascript:void%28%29) * [Media & Communications / Entertainment](javascript:void%28%29) * [Mill Products](javascript:void%28%29) * [Mining / Metals](javascript:void%28%29) * [Mortgage](javascript:void%28%29) * [Non-Profit](javascript:void%28%29) * [Not Available](javascript:void%28%29) * [Oil & Gas](javascript:void%28%29) * [Other](javascript:void%28%29) * [Other Services](javascript:void%28%29) * [Payroll Provider](javascript:void%28%29) * [Pharmaceuticals](javascript:void%28%29) * [Professional Employer Organization](javascript:void%28%29) * [Professional Services](javascript:void%28%29) * [Property Management](javascript:void%28%29) * [Public Sector](javascript:void%28%29) * [Real Estate](javascript:void%28%29) * [Recruiting Agency](javascript:void%28%29) * [Religious Institutions](javascript:void%28%29) * [Retail](javascript:void%28%29) * [Sales & Marketing](javascript:void%28%29) * [Semiconductors](javascript:void%28%29) * [Software / IT](javascript:void%28%29) * [Sports and Recreation](javascript:void%28%29) * [Staffing Agency](javascript:void%28%29) * [State & Local Government](javascript:void%28%29) * [Telecommunications](javascript:void%28%29) * [Third-Party Administrator](javascript:void%28%29) * [Transportation & Logistics](javascript:void%28%29) * [Wholesale Distribution](javascript:void%28%29) Company Size [ Choose your company size](javascript:void%28%29) * [1 employee](javascript:void%28%29) * [2 to 9 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [10 - 19 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [20 - 49 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [50 - 99 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [100 - 499 employee](javascript:void%28%29) * [500 - 999 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [1,000 - 2,499 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [2,500 - 4,999 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [5,000 - 9,999 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [10,000 - 24,999 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [25,000 - 49,999 employees](javascript:void%28%29) * [50,000 + employees](javascript:void%28%29) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Audio Editing Software", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/c/audio-editing-software/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Audacity" } ] } { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "Audacity", "description": " Audacity is a versatile audio editing software that excels in tasks such as recording, editing, and mixing audio tracks. It is particularly well-suited for podcasters, musicians, and sound engineers due to its robust feature set and user-friendly interface. The software supports multi-track editing, allowing users to manipulate multiple audio files simultaneously, which is essential for complex projects. One of the standout benefits of Audacity is its open-source nature, making it freely accessible to users, which is a significant advantage over many paid alternatives. It offers powerful features like noise reduction, pitch correction, and a wide array of effects and plugins, enhancing its utility for professional and amateur users alike. The software's ability to handle various audio formats and its compatibility with different operating systems further add to its appeal. Compared to similar products, users often praise Audacity for its reliability and comprehensive toolset, although some note that its interface can be less intuitive for beginners. Pricing is not a concern with Audacity as it is free, but for tailored needs, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a detailed pricing quote. ", "review": { "@type": "Review","reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 63, "bestRating": 100 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ashita Ahuja", "reviewBody": "Is Audacity audacious enough to be your go-to audio editing software? User reviews from the last year reveal a resounding \"yes,\" particularly for those seeking a free and feature-rich tool. Users consistently highlight Audacity's comprehensive functionality, often comparing it favorably to paid alternatives like Adobe Audition. For instance, one user raves about Audacity's ability to \"capture audio all day without issue,\" praising its lighter system footprint compared to Audition. This robust feature set, coupled with its intuitive interface, makes it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned podcasters. However, some users find Audacity's extensive features a double-edged sword, admitting that the learning curve can be initially steep. Others point to the outdated interface as a drawback, describing it as \"straight out of a clipart site from 1998.\" While these criticisms exist, they are often outweighed by the sheer value proposition of a free tool that rivals paid counterparts in functionality. Ultimately, Audacity emerges as the ideal choice for budget-conscious users, hobbyists, and anyone seeking a reliable workhorse for basic to intermediate audio editing tasks. Its comprehensive features, ease of use, and cross-platform compatibility make it a compelling option for a wide range of users." } }, "image": "https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/cabe9e1b214ce57538a20ca6688a8ee0-d75f944d004e1aa3a662c77f0dabf18c/resources/normal/logo.png?1727459688", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "89", "bestRating": "100", "worstRating": "1", "ratingCount": "1017" }, "offers": { "@type": "Offer", "priceSpecification": { "@type": "priceSpecification", "price": "0", "priceCurrency": "USD" } }, "positiveNotes": { "@type": "ItemList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Free and Accessible: Audacity is a free and open-source audio editing software, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses with budget constraints." }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Cross-Platform Compatibility: Audacity runs seamlessly on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for businesses with diverse technology environments." }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Extensive Plugin Support: Audacity supports a wide range of plugins, allowing businesses to extend its functionality and tailor it to their specific audio editing needs." } ] }, "negativeNotes": { "@type": "ItemList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Occasional Instability: Audacity can sometimes experience hangs or crashes, potentially causing frustration and disrupting workflow, especially during time-sensitive projects." }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Limited Multitrack Recording: The software lacks robust multitrack recording features, making it unsuitable for projects that require recording and mixing multiple audio sources simultaneously, such as a band recording session." }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Basic Envelope Editor: While functional, the envelope editor's visual representation could be more intuitive and user-friendly, potentially making precise audio level adjustments more cumbersome than necessary." } ] }, "applicationCategory": "Audio Editing Software" } ```