The best audio editing software is the one that fits the work you do most: spoken-word editing for podcasts, a multitrack workstation for music, or a quick waveform editor for trims and fades. Plenty of good options are free. These ten are listed in no particular order, followed by export checks that stop files being rejected.
Most audio problems aren't solved by more plug-ins. They're solved by cutting the right bits, levelling voices and exporting a file that the platform at the other end will accept. That last part catches out more podcasters than anything else.
Below are ten audio editors, sorted alphabetically and in no particular order, from free open source tools to editors built for spoken-word production. Each description comes from the developer's own website, re-checked today. If you're still planning your show, my walkthrough on launching a podcast from zero covers the steps before editing.
Audio editors at a glance
The free plan column shows what each developer's own site says: Yes for a free version or free download, Trial only for a time-limited trial, and No where neither is stated.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ardour | Open source audio workstation | Multitrack recording and editing | Yes |
| Audacity | Free audio editor | Free, open source recording and editing | Yes |
| AudioMass | Browser audio editor | Quick edits in a browser tab | Yes |
| Fission | Mac audio editor | Fast lossless edits on Mac | Trial only |
| Hindenburg PRO | Spoken-word audio editor | Podcast, radio and journalism editing | Trial only |
| Ocenaudio | Simple audio editor | Everyday edits on several platforms | Yes |
| REAPER | Audio production software | Full multitrack audio and MIDI | Trial only |
| TwistedWave | Cross-platform audio editor | One editor on Mac, Windows, iOS and web | Trial only |
| WavePad | Audio editing software | Cut, trim and clean up audio | Yes |
| Wavosaur | Free audio editor | Light editor with VST and ASIO | Yes |
Ten audio editing tools worth a look
Ardour
Best for: Musicians and podcasters who want a full multitrack audio and MIDI recorder and editor that's free and open source.
Audacity
Best for: Podcasters, musicians and hobbyists who want a free, open source recorder and editor with a long track record.
AudioMass
Best for: People who want to edit audio in a browser tab with nothing to install, using a free open source waveform editor.
Fission
Best for: Mac users who want to cut, fade, crop and edit metadata quickly, including lossless edits, starting with a download that runs in trial mode.
Hindenburg PRO
Best for: Podcasters, journalists and broadcasters who want an editor built for spoken-word production, with editing by transcript and a trial.
Ocenaudio
Best for: People who want an easy, fast editor for everyday jobs, available as a free download on several platforms.
REAPER
Best for: Producers and podcasters who want a complete multitrack audio and MIDI toolset, starting with a fully functional 60-day evaluation.
TwistedWave
Best for: Creators who want one editor across Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad and the browser, with a 30-day free trial.
WavePad
Best for: Home users who want cutting, trimming, batch editing and restoration tools, with a free version for home use.
Wavosaur
Best for: Windows users who want a small free editor with VST and ASIO support and no installer to run.
Apple's podcast file rules in plain English
If you publish a podcast, this one matters. Apple Podcasts for Creators lists its audio requirements, and they're stricter than most people expect. Apple Podcasts Connect accepts WAV, FLAC or MP3, and it doesn't accept single-channel audio for WAV or FLAC files; if you don't have a stereo source, Apple says to send two identical channels. For RSS feeds, it accepts MP3 or AAC and strongly recommends AAC over MP3, in the MP4 container rather than ADTS.
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In practice, your editor's export settings decide whether your episode goes through. Before you publish, check the format, the number of channels and the export quality. Save those settings as a preset so you're not guessing every week.
Waveform editor or multitrack workstation?
A waveform editor opens one file and lets you cut, fade, normalise and export it quickly. It's ideal for trimming interviews, cleaning up voice notes and preparing clips. A multitrack workstation lets you layer several recordings, music beds and sound effects on separate tracks, which is what you'll want for music or a heavily produced show.
If your podcast is two people talking, you may never need more than a good waveform editor. If you're adding intros, music and sound design, the multitrack route is worth the learning curve.
A weekly editing routine for spoken audio
- Back up the raw recording before you touch it.
- Cut long pauses, false starts and off-topic tangents first.
- Even out the levels so every voice sits at a similar loudness.
- Reduce background noise gently, because heavy noise removal makes voices sound underwater.
- Add intro and outro music, keeping speech clearly louder.
- Export with your saved preset and listen to the first and last minute before uploading.
Things that quietly ruin a good recording
- Editing on laptop speakers. Use headphones, or you'll miss hums, clicks and uneven levels.
- Over-compressing. Squashing every peak makes a voice tiring to listen to.
- Saving over the original. Keep the raw file so you can always start again.
- Forgetting the tags. Episode titles and artwork in the file's metadata help it display neatly in apps.
Once the episode's edited, writing show notes listeners read helps it get found and gives people a reason to press play.
Do you make audio editing software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My straight advice on picking an audio editor
If you're editing a talk show or interviews, start with a free waveform editor and learn it well before you look at anything bigger. Spoken-word editors that let you cut by transcript are worth trying if you edit several episodes a week, because they save a lot of time on long conversations.
For music, start in a free multitrack workstation, or use a long evaluation period to learn one fully. Whatever you pick, check its export options against your platform's requirements on day one, not the night before launch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free audio editing software?
Several free options are on this list, including open source editors and a browser tool. The right one depends on whether you need quick edits or multitrack work.
Which audio format should I export a podcast in?
Apple Podcasts for Creators says RSS feeds accept MP3 or AAC and strongly recommends AAC in the MP4 container. Check your podcast host's requirements too.
Can I edit audio in a browser?
Yes. Browser-based editors let you cut, fade and export without installing anything, which is handy on a shared or work computer.
Do I need a multitrack editor for a podcast?
Not always. A two-person interview can be edited in a simple waveform editor. Multitrack helps when you add music, sound effects or several separate recordings.
Why was my mono WAV file rejected by Apple?
Apple's audio requirements say WAV and FLAC files can't be single-channel. If you don't have a stereo source, send two identical channels.
Is open source audio software safe to use?
Well-established open source editors are widely used. Download them from the project's own website rather than a third-party download site.
