Quick comparison: 5 free alternatives to Adobe Audition
| Alternative | Price | Platforms | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audacity Top pick | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| ocenaudio | 100% Free | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Tenacity | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Ardour | One-time payment | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| Waveform Free | Freemium | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
Step-by-step guide: how to switch from Adobe Audition to Audacity
Comparison: Audacity vs ocenaudio, which one to pick?
A closer look at each alternative
-
Audacity
Top pickOpen SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- The best-known free audio editor: record, cut, remove noise and export to MP3 or WAV.
-
ocenaudio
100% FreeOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free, no paid plans.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Very easy and fast even with long files, with real-time previews of effects.
-
Tenacity
Open SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- An Audacity fork without telemetry, with the same way of working.
-
Ardour
One-time paymentOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- One-time payment, no subscription.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Professional multitrack recording and editing for podcasts and voice-overs; you choose what to pay for the official installer.
-
Waveform Free
FreemiumOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- A free multitrack studio with effects and automation, with unlimited tracks.
Tip for students: Audacity is perfect for editing podcasts or class recordings: trim silences and remove noise in a couple of clicks.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Adobe Audition or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions about alternatives to Adobe Audition
What is the best free alternative to Adobe Audition?
Our first pick is Audacity. The best-known free audio editor: record, cut, remove noise and export to MP3 or WAV. ocenaudio and Tenacity are also worth trying. The best one for you depends on the features you use most.
Are there open source alternatives to Adobe Audition?
Yes: Audacity and Tenacity are open source: free, licence-free and with code anyone can inspect.
Which alternatives to Adobe Audition work offline?
Audacity, ocenaudio, Tenacity, Ardour and Waveform Free install on your computer and work without a connection.
Which alternatives to Adobe Audition are there for Mac and Linux?
Audacity, ocenaudio, Tenacity, Ardour and Waveform Free run on both macOS and Linux.