5 free audio editing apps you should try

Audacity

Any list of quality free audio editors includes Audacity. This open-source program works on Windows, macOS, and Linux and provides an impressive suite of features.

These include multi-track editing, real-time effects, noise reduction, and support for various audio formats. It also allows for advanced editing tasks like trimming, fading, and pitch correction.

While the interface is undeniably quite dated in appearance, Audacity exemplifies function over form. In addition to its excellent built-in tools, the ability to install various plugins makes it highly customizable to suit your specific needs.

Audacity (photo: MakeUseOf)

WavePad

WavePad is another excellent audio editing software for Windows and macOS that is free for non-commercial use. It's designed with both beginners and professionals in mind, which makes WavePad a great option for those who are just getting into working with audio.

It offers a user-friendly interface with powerful features and allows editing and mastering audio files and adding high-quality effects across various audio formats.

One of WavePad's standout features is its batch processing, which enables you to apply the same effect to multiple files at once. Another is its easy-to-use waveform editor, which simplifies visualizing and manipulating audio clips. Anyone looking for a good all-around solution should consider WavePad.

WavePad (photo: MakeUseOf)

Ocenaudio

If you are looking for an easy-to-use, quick audio editor, Ocenaudio might be the tool for you. Unlike some more complex audio editing tools, it strikes a balance between a user-friendly design and powerful features. Ocenaudio is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux users.

One of Ocenaudio's highlights is its real-time preview feature, which allows you to hear changes before committing to them.

It also supports VST plugins, so you can access an array of free, high-quality audio effects and enhancers, which adds to its appeal.

An accessible UI and strong editing capabilities make Ocenaudio a worthy choice for newcomers and seasoned professionals.

Ocenaudio (photo: MakeUseOf)

Audiotool

​​​​​​​Audiotool is one of many online audio editors but is nonetheless unique and innovative. It's entirely cloud-based, so there's no need to download and install any software, and you can access your projects from anywhere.

While it is an excellent option for editing your audio files, Audiotool stands out for its quality digital instruments and effects.

Audiotool’s virtual instruments include several synthesizers and drum machines, and its effects include virtual stompboxes, which appeal to guitarists.

It also features a multi-track sequencer and mixer for creating entire projects. There is an ever-growing library of royalty-free samples, and Audiotool’s social features make it easy to share audio files when collaborating with others.

Audiotool (photo: MakeUseOf)

MyEdit

​​​​​​​MyEdit is a simple yet effective audio editing tool designed primarily for podcasters and content creators. Its basic version is free, or you can pay $4 monthly for the full version.

The software offers easy-to-use features such as cutting, trimming, and merging audio files, as well as the ability to add effects and reduce background noise.

Although it may not have as many advanced features as some other tools on this list, MyEdit’s minimalistic design and fast processing make it ideal for users who want to edit or tidy up audio tracks quickly and efficiently.

With so many free audio editing tools available, there’s no need to invest in expensive software right away. These options let you explore professional-grade features without any upfront cost. Trying these tools could be the start of your next creative breakthrough.

MyEdit (photo: MakeUseOf)