Audacity
Edit and record audio effortlessly with Audacity’s versatile, free software.
About Audacity
Audacity is a powerful, free, open-source audio editing and recording software that caters to both novices and seasoned professionals alike. With its cross-platform compatibility, it runs seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Audacity empowers individuals to create, edit, and manipulate audio tracks with a user-friendly interface and a rich set of features. Whether you are producing music, creating podcasts, or simply experimenting with sound, Audacity provides the tools necessary to bring your audio projects to life. At its core, Audacity supports a variety of audio formats, including WAV, MP3, FLAC, and Ogg, enabling users to import, export, and convert audio files with ease. This versatility allows for seamless integration with various audio workflows, whether you're mixing tracks, adding effects, or performing voiceovers. The software also boasts an extensive library of plugins, including VST3 and Nyquist, which expand its functionality and allow for customized audio processing. One of Audacity's standout features is its deep audio analysis capabilities. Users can visualize frequencies through the Spectrogram view, providing insights into the audio content that can be invaluable for sound engineers and music producers. Additionally, Audacity's scientific Vamp analyzers facilitate advanced audio analysis, making it a preferred choice for those who require precision and detail in their work. Audacity's commitment to being open-source means that the software is continuously evolving, with contributions from a passionate community of developers and users. This collaborative approach not only enhances the software's capabilities but also ensures that it remains free for everyone. As a result, users can benefit from regular updates, new features, and a wealth of community-driven resources. The benefits of using Audacity extend beyond its technical features. The software is designed with accessibility in mind, making it easy for anyone to start creating and editing audio. From musicians looking to record their latest tracks to educators needing to produce instructional materials, Audacity serves as a versatile tool for a wide array of audio-related tasks. Furthermore, its cloud-saving capabilities through Audacity Cloud allow users to collaborate on projects, create versioned backups, and share their work effortlessly, enhancing the overall audio production experience.
Audacity Key Features
Multi-Track Editing
Audacity allows users to work with multiple audio tracks simultaneously, enabling complex audio projects such as podcasts, music compositions, and soundscapes. This feature provides the flexibility to layer sounds, adjust timing, and apply effects to individual tracks, enhancing creative possibilities.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Audacity runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that users can access their projects across different operating systems. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile tool for users who work in diverse computing environments.
Spectrogram View
The Spectrogram view in Audacity allows users to visualize audio frequencies, providing a detailed analysis of sound waves. This feature is particularly valuable for audio engineers and researchers who need to examine the frequency components of audio tracks.
VST3 Plugin Support
Audacity supports a wide range of third-party plugins, including VST3, which allows users to enhance their audio projects with additional effects and instruments. This extensibility makes Audacity a powerful tool for professional audio production.
Audio Format Conversion
Audacity can import and export a variety of audio formats, including WAV, MP3, FLAC, and Ogg. This capability is essential for users who need to convert audio files for different platforms or applications.
Noise Reduction
Audacity's noise reduction feature helps to clean up audio recordings by removing unwanted background noise. This is particularly useful for podcasters and musicians who record in less-than-ideal environments.
Time and Pitch Adjustment
Users can adjust the time and pitch of audio tracks without affecting the other, allowing for creative manipulation of sound. This feature is beneficial for remixing music or correcting pitch in vocal recordings.
Open Source Community
As an open-source project, Audacity benefits from contributions by a global community of developers and audio enthusiasts. This collaborative environment ensures continuous improvement and innovation in the software.
Audacity Pricing Plans (2026)
Free Tier
- Full access to all audio editing and recording features
- No subscription fees
- Community support and updates
- No premium support options
- Limited advanced features compared to paid software
Audacity Pros
- + Free to use with no hidden costs, making it accessible to everyone.
- + Open-source nature allows for community contributions and continuous improvement.
- + Supports a wide range of audio formats, enhancing flexibility in audio handling.
- + User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
- + Extensive library of plugins enhances functionality and customization.
- + Robust audio analysis tools provide detailed insights into audio tracks.
Audacity Cons
- − Limited support for MIDI and virtual instruments compared to some competitors.
- − Steeper learning curve for advanced features may overwhelm beginners.
- − Occasional stability issues reported in specific operating system versions.
- − Lacks some advanced features found in premium audio editing software.
Audacity Use Cases
Podcast Production
Podcasters use Audacity to record, edit, and mix their episodes, taking advantage of its multi-track editing and noise reduction features. This results in professional-quality audio content that engages listeners.
Music Composition
Musicians and producers utilize Audacity to compose and arrange music tracks, leveraging its plugin support and pitch adjustment capabilities. This allows for the creation of complex musical pieces with rich soundscapes.
Sound Design for Film
Sound designers for film and video projects use Audacity to create and manipulate sound effects, utilizing its spectrogram view and time adjustment features to achieve precise audio synchronization with visual elements.
Academic Research
Researchers in fields such as linguistics and acoustics use Audacity for audio analysis, taking advantage of its frequency visualization tools to study sound patterns and phenomena.
Voiceover Recording
Voiceover artists use Audacity to record and edit their performances, utilizing its noise reduction and audio format conversion features to deliver clear and polished audio files to clients.
Live Performance Recording
Live sound engineers use Audacity to record and edit live performances, capturing multiple tracks simultaneously and applying real-time effects to enhance the audience experience.
What Makes Audacity Unique
Open Source Nature
Audacity's open-source status allows for continuous development and customization by a global community, ensuring that it remains a cutting-edge tool with a wide range of features.
Cost-Free Access
Unlike many professional audio editing tools, Audacity is completely free, making it accessible to users of all backgrounds and budgets without sacrificing functionality.
Cross-Platform Support
Audacity's ability to run on Windows, macOS, and Linux sets it apart from many competitors that are limited to specific operating systems, offering greater flexibility for users.
Extensive Plugin Support
Audacity's compatibility with a wide range of plugins, including VST3, allows users to expand its capabilities and tailor the software to their specific audio production needs.
Who's Using Audacity
Freelancers
Freelance audio producers and editors use Audacity for its cost-efficiency and robust feature set, allowing them to deliver high-quality audio projects without investing in expensive software.
Educational Institutions
Schools and universities incorporate Audacity into their curricula for teaching audio editing and production, benefiting from its open-source nature and cross-platform availability.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profits use Audacity to produce audio content for outreach and education, leveraging its free access and ease of use to create impactful audio messages.
Hobbyists
Audio enthusiasts and hobbyists use Audacity to explore sound editing and production, enjoying its user-friendly interface and extensive online resources for learning and experimentation.
How We Rate Audacity
Audacity vs Competitors
Audacity vs Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is a professional audio editing software that offers advanced features like multi-track editing and audio restoration tools, but it comes with a subscription fee.
- + More advanced audio restoration features
- + Integration with other Adobe products
- − Subscription model can be costly
- − Requires a more powerful system to run efficiently
Audacity Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
What is Audacity?
Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing and recording software that allows users to create, edit, and manipulate audio tracks.
How much does Audacity cost in 2026?
Audacity remains completely free to use, with no hidden costs.
Is Audacity free?
Yes, Audacity is free and open-source software for everyone.
Is Audacity worth it?
Audacity is highly valued for its robust features and community support, making it a worthwhile tool for audio editing.
Audacity vs alternatives?
Compared to alternatives, Audacity offers a unique combination of features and flexibility at no cost.
Can I use Audacity for professional audio work?
Yes, many professionals use Audacity for music production, podcasting, and sound design.
How do I get support for Audacity?
Users can access extensive documentation, community forums, and online resources for support.
What platforms does Audacity support?
Audacity is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Can I collaborate with others using Audacity?
Yes, with Audacity Cloud, users can collaborate on projects and share their work easily.
What are the system requirements for Audacity?
Audacity requires a modern operating system and a compatible audio interface for optimal performance.
Audacity on Hacker News
Audacity Company
Audacity Quick Info
- Pricing
- Open Source
- Upvotes
- 0
- Added
- January 18, 2026
Audacity Is Best For
- Musicians looking to produce and edit music.
- Podcasters aiming for high-quality audio recordings.
- Educators creating instructional audio content.
- Sound designers working on audio for multimedia projects.
- Researchers conducting audio analysis.
Audacity Integrations
Audacity Alternatives
View all →Related to Audacity
Compare Tools
See how Audacity compares to other tools
Start ComparisonOwn Audacity?
Claim this tool to post updates, share deals, and get a verified badge.
Claim This Tool