Add to Chrome

Log In

Sign Up

Try Gigabrain PRO

Supercharge your access to the collective wisdom of reddit, youtube, and more.
Learn More
Refine result by
Most Relevant
Most Recent
Most Upvotes
Filter by subreddit
r/software
r/audiobooks
r/opensource
r/audio
r/Music
r/musicproduction
r/RecordThisForFree
r/podcasting

Best Free Audio Editing Software

GigaBrain scanned 70 comments to find you 80 relevant comments from 10 relevant discussions.
Sort
Filter

Sources

What software should i use for audio editing?
r/software • 1
Free MP3 File Editing Software
r/audiobooks • 2
Does anyone know any open source audio editing software?
r/opensource • 3
View All
7 more

TLDR

Summary

New

Chat with GigaBrain

What Redditors are Saying

Best Free Audio Editing Software

TL;DR

  • Audacity is the most recommended free and open-source audio editing software, suitable for a variety of tasks.
  • Reaper offers extensive features with a "nagware" model, allowing unrestricted use without payment.
  • Cjam is a lightweight alternative for basic MP3 edits.

Audacity

Audacity stands out as the most frequently recommended free audio editing software. It is praised for being powerful, fully-featured, and open-source [1:1][3:2]. Users appreciate its capability to handle various audio editing tasks such as noise reduction and volume enhancement without making the audio sound overly edited [5:1][5:2]. While it may not match the advanced features of paid software like Adobe Audition, it remains a robust option for many users [1:2].

Reaper

Reaper is another popular choice among users, known for its extensive feature set. Although technically not free, it operates on a "nagware" basis, meaning you can use all its features indefinitely without paying, though it will remind you to purchase a license [1:3][4:1]. Reaper is noted for its flexibility and power, but it has a steeper learning curve compared to simpler tools like Audacity [4:3].

Cjam

For users looking for a simple tool for quick edits, particularly for MP3 files, Cjam is a lightweight option. It allows for basic operations such as cutting, joining, and fading without re-encoding, making it efficient for straightforward tasks [2:1]. However, it lacks the complex editing capabilities found in more comprehensive software like Audacity.

Other Options

While Audacity and Reaper are the most commonly mentioned, other alternatives include WavePad and Movavi for noise cleaning and volume adjustments [5:3]. Additionally, Ocenaudio is another user-friendly option that some might find appealing [3:10].

In summary, for those seeking free audio editing software, Audacity is the go-to choice for its balance of features and ease of use. For more advanced needs, Reaper provides a powerful platform with a flexible licensing approach. For basic tasks, Cjam offers a simple and efficient solution.

See less

Helpful

Not helpful

You have reached the maximum number of searches allowed today.

Turn chaos into clarity with Ultra.

Your insights at a glance—try Gigabrain Ultra to filter through the vastness of Reddit content and easily monitor your audience and market trends.
Explore Ultra plans

Source Threads

POST SUMMARY • [1]

Summarize

What software should i use for audio editing?

Posted by Leonas214 · in r/software · 6 years ago
09 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
ORIGINAL POST

I will be glad for a free software that I can do some audio editing.

9 replies
D
dwhite21787 · 6 years ago

Audacity

5 upvotes on reddit
H
Human_Ballistics_Gel · 6 years ago

How does this compare to something like Adobe Audition?

Is it worth learning a new piece of software?

1 upvotes on reddit
D
dwhite21787 · 6 years ago

deleted

1 upvotes on reddit
patchMonkey156 · 6 years ago

Delete Adobe. Its not worth your money.

2 upvotes on reddit
L
Leonas214 · OP · 6 years ago

The software wont limit me? Can I do advanced editing there?

1 upvotes on reddit
B
bart2019 · 6 years ago

It's fully complete and totally free.

2 upvotes on reddit
patchMonkey156 · 6 years ago

Oh yes. Audacity is some powerful software. If you find a limit you cant cross with audacity? Check for a free (open-source) plugin. If there isnt one, we'll make one.

2 upvotes on reddit
BoyToyDrew · 6 years ago

Reaper is free, it bugs you to buy a copy everytine you load it up (think WinRAR) but you can always say no and still use all the features

2 upvotes on reddit
L
Leonas214 · OP · 6 years ago

Thank you

1 upvotes on reddit
See 9 replies
r/audiobooks • [2]

Summarize

Free MP3 File Editing Software

Posted by cutandjoin · in r/audiobooks · 4 months ago

Hi there,
I’d like to share a free MP3 editing tool for Windows that I’ve been working on.

Cjam
https://cjmapp.net/

It supports simple operations like cutting, joining, fading, and adding silence to MP3 files.
Suitable for quick edits of audiobooks or podcasts.
Handles large files without issues.

7 upvotes on reddit
4 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
4 replies
C
cliffr39 · 4 months ago

what sets this apart from audacity?

2 upvotes on reddit
cutandjoin · OP · 4 months ago

Cjam doesn’t decode and re-encode MP3s like Audacity does, so it’s a lot more lightweight.
It’s not built for complex editing, but it’s quick and simple for basic stuff.

4 upvotes on reddit
A
Apprentice57 · 4 months ago

Yay you changed the name

1 upvotes on reddit
cutandjoin · OP · 4 months ago

I did. Really appreciate the helpful advice.

2 upvotes on reddit
See 4 replies
r/opensource • [3]

Summarize

Does anyone know any open source audio editing software?

Posted by tomatonator_0427 · in r/opensource · 8 months ago

Does anyone know any open source audio editing software for music or for voices. I need one right now. Something that is easy to use and something that is really open source where you really get to keep it and not as a trial version or where you have to pay even a little. Thanks to all who'll reply.

1 upvotes on reddit
12 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
12 replies
ohmsalad · 8 months ago

Tenacity is the FOSS fork of audacity after it was acquired

3 upvotes on reddit
N
neon_overload · 8 months ago

Audacity was and still is open source. They were doing some user-hostile things a while back but it resolved.

1 upvotes on reddit
BadB0ii · 8 months ago

anywhere I can read about the resolve?

1 upvotes on reddit
J
jhaand · 8 months ago

I think Audacity mended their ways and is now the main project again. Tenacity still seems to continue though.

2 upvotes on reddit
lttsnoredotcom · 8 months ago

audacity man!

5 upvotes on reddit
tomatonator_0427 · OP · 8 months ago

Does it remove the noise and all the other BG noises?

2 upvotes on reddit
L
LogB935 · 8 months ago

You can try OpenVINO for Audacity. It offers Noise Suppression

3 upvotes on reddit
Apart-Status9082 · 8 months ago

We do: https://github.com/omeryusufyagci/fast-music-remover

1 upvotes on reddit
P
publiusnaso · 8 months ago

Do you know if there’s any way you can get a midi-style transport controller to control Audacity. I’ve looked into this and I couldn’t see any options.

1 upvotes on reddit
Hans_Wurst_42 · 8 months ago

Audio Editor: Audacity.

DAW: Ardour.

3 upvotes on reddit
P
ProphetPete · 8 months ago

https://www.ocenaudio.com

1 upvotes on reddit
kwelikushdotcom · 8 months ago

TAAFT just look it up and you'll see tons of free options for audio editors. Kweli Kush blog has more sources you may find useful as well...

1 upvotes on reddit
See 12 replies
r/audio • [4]

Summarize

Recommended free audio editing software

Posted by swood--dood · in r/audio · 5 years ago

Im interested in audio editing just for my own entertainment.; Any reccomendations guys?

details: amd processor, Windows 10, am scrooge mcduck

3 upvotes on reddit
7 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
7 replies
A
adrianmonk · 5 years ago

Besides Reaper, Audacity is another option.

2 upvotes on reddit
bankaboard · 5 years ago

Reaper is powerful and flexible, but has a higher learning curve.

Audacity is not as powerful but is much simpler to use. If you eventually do anything more serious with audio like complex song remixes or recording or mixing bands, you'll outgrow Audacity pretty quickly.

2 upvotes on reddit
I
illuminatiisnowhere · 5 years ago

Reaper is probably the best one.

3 upvotes on reddit
swood--dood · OP · 5 years ago

ill check it out

1 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 5 years ago

Reaper

2 upvotes on reddit
O
oiwot · 5 years ago

Lots of folk suggesting Reaper - and it's very good, BUT
Reaper isn't actually FREE.
If you benefit from it please buy a very reasonably priced license... If you're going to pirate software, it might as well be something (a bit more "industry standard") from a big corporation that won't be too adversely affected. (No need to rip off generous developers).

Audacity is actually free to use, fully cross platform and open source.

If you fancy something without a GUI, sox and ffmpeg are great but the learning curve is much greater.

2 upvotes on reddit
swood--dood · OP · 5 years ago

Very nice reply thanks

2 upvotes on reddit
See 7 replies
r/software • [5]

Summarize

What are the best websites and softwares that help improve audio? Preferably free ones.

Posted by Time-Patrol_Goku · in r/software · 1 month ago

I want to remove noise and increase the volume of an audio without making it sound edited.

6 upvotes on reddit
4 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
4 replies
BulliedAtMicrosoft · 1 month ago

Audacity is the obvious tool. (Free, too)

As for not "sound edited", it will sound edited - but not to the ears of 99.999% of the population, unless you totally overdo the noise reduction.

1 upvotes on reddit
rockinchica77 · 29 days ago

You can use WavePad or alternatives like Movavi to clean up noise and raise the volume.

1 upvotes on reddit
WarAppel · 30 days ago

https://podcast.adobe.com/en/enhance-speech-v2

1 upvotes on reddit
birch_hollow · 1 month ago

Already mentioned but yeah, audacitys still the go-to for free. Its got noise reduction + compression that can boost volume without sounding too fake

1 upvotes on reddit
See 4 replies
r/Music • [6]

Summarize

Best free audio editing sound mixing software for a beginner who's willing to learn

Posted by Birdpoopoo69 · in r/Music · 3 years ago

I heard about reaper and audacity . I'm a beginner and I'm willing to learn.

1 upvotes on reddit
9 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
9 replies
C
CoolioMcPimp · 3 years ago

FL Studio isn't free, but it's good.

Audio tool (online) seemed okay to me.

Sound Trap would give you very basic tools.

GarageBand on Mac is really almost the same thing as Logic minus some features.

3 upvotes on reddit
thevulgarparts · 3 years ago

Waaaaaay back I started with the light version of cubase that came with my audio interface. Often that is the best way to go. You will likely need an interface and they come almost all with startup software. That said, Reaper is a great starting point and it is free.

2 upvotes on reddit
G
godnroc · 3 years ago

Look into Ableton, I think they have some free resources to get started.

2 upvotes on reddit
C
CoolioMcPimp · 3 years ago

Ableton does well, it's got quite the learning curve though. I bought a Novation Launchpad that came with it and I was honestly lost.

4 upvotes on reddit
BurnedOutStars · 3 years ago

Audacity is KILLER in terms of efficiency. Do it up.

8 upvotes on reddit
I
IIReignManII · 3 years ago

Reaper is the standard

3 upvotes on reddit
BurnedOutStars · 3 years ago

I frequently hear this and your comment is now the comment that gets me to dive in to give Reaper a go.

3 upvotes on reddit
devilinyourbutt · 3 years ago

Bam!

1 upvotes on reddit
B
biotinylated · 3 years ago

Reaper reaper reaper reaper.

1 upvotes on reddit
See 9 replies
r/musicproduction • [7]

Summarize

Apps for editing sounds

Posted by [deleted] · in r/musicproduction · 3 years ago

Is there any good free apps (or not so expensive) apps for editing sounds? I want to record and edit music, and sounds to a video game, and want to know which apps are the best.

I know about Audacity but im not really a fan of it. I know some other apps to but i want to hear from you want you think.

Edit: i've been looking around and i think i'll use either cubase, ableton or lmms. Maybe i use all three. Been trying them out a little.

010 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
10 replies
longnightslongdreams · 3 years ago

Check out Reaper or Cakewalk (I prefer Cakewalk more). Also there are some in-browser options, you can Google them. :)

3 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 3 years ago

Cakewalk is bandlab right?

1 upvotes on reddit
longnightslongdreams · 3 years ago

Yeah I believe it's called "Cakewalk by Bandlab"

3 upvotes on reddit
middleagedukbloke · 3 years ago

What’s wrong with audacity?

3 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 3 years ago

Nothing's wrong with it. I just do not like it very much I would've used logic pro x to this if i still had a macbook, but i don't. And i won't buy any apple products because of one app..

1 upvotes on reddit
middleagedukbloke · 3 years ago

Audacity is easy to use, especially for cutting and editing. But whatever suites you best.

1 upvotes on reddit
TR1RT · 3 years ago

Reaper is really good

1 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 3 years ago

Does the free product work? Or do i have to buy it?

1 upvotes on reddit
TR1RT · 3 years ago

You get a free trial then have to pay, but yeah I would really recommend it works great

1 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 3 years ago

Thanks for your answers.

1 upvotes on reddit
See 10 replies
r/RecordThisForFree • [8]

Summarize

Free audio editing.

Posted by ScottRoz · in r/RecordThisForFree · 3 years ago

like the title says, I'm taking on a few free projects in order to build a portfolio in audio editing. Any kind of audio works, vocals or dialogue is fine, and any quality is fine since I'm going for a before an after example.

If you have audio that needs any of the following done, hit me up:

-comping
-removing background noise
-removing reverb
-removing hum
-reduce clipping
-vocal tuning
-mixing
-mastering

11 upvotes on reddit
8 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
8 replies
Bonesgaming · 3 years ago

What software are you planning on using?

1 upvotes on reddit
ScottRoz · OP · 3 years ago

For audio repair rx9, and neutron for mixing, although I make a point of doing it myself, I’m not a fan of their algorithms

1 upvotes on reddit
Bonesgaming · 3 years ago

Ever looked into Adobe audition?

2 upvotes on reddit
vobobbyb · 3 years ago

This sounds great! I usually audio edit my own voiceover work because I also use Izotope RX8 which gives a smooth, crisp, and clean sound. But I was wondering if you do mix & mastering for music/songs?

1 upvotes on reddit
ScottRoz · OP · 3 years ago

Actually yh just had a guy send me some stems from another sub, down to give it a go

1 upvotes on reddit
That-Specific-User-2 · 3 years ago

I’ll keep you in mind, I have a few private projects coming up and I may need editing so I’ll pm u when I do them.

1 upvotes on reddit
Bolearis · 3 years ago

Hi, i talk as a member of a community of community of script writers AND voice actors (both male and female) and maybe there is something for you, interested?

1 upvotes on reddit
ScottRoz · OP · 3 years ago

Sounds great can you send me a pm with the details?

0 upvotes on reddit
See 8 replies
r/podcasting • [9]

Summarize

any free audio editing apps/software?

Posted by evergreen3799 · in r/podcasting · 2 years ago

does anyone have a free editing app or software with a simple and non-confusing interface for podcast episodes? i just want to cut stuff down and i might add some transitionary music, nothing fancy.

05 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
5 replies
I
iwoolf · 2 years ago

I use Audacity to edit my weekly podcast. Free and easy.

3 upvotes on reddit
ThatNerdDaveWrites · 2 years ago

Did editing in Audacity for a time. Free and capable. Then I switched to Hindenburg Journalist. (I think it goes by Hindenburg Lite now). Best $99 I ever spent. If you want free, Audacity will do the job, but I SWEAR by Hindenburg. I’ve edited over 100 episodes with it, and it is flawless.

2 upvotes on reddit
F
freunleven · 2 years ago

Technically, Reaper costs $60 to license, but you can use it in evaluation mode forever, provided that you don't mind a five second "nag screen" reminding you to get a license. None of the functions are limited in evaluation mode.

5 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 2 years ago

Yeah, Audacity will do that for you for free

7 upvotes on reddit
B
BangsNaughtyBits · 2 years ago

OcenAudio or Audacity.

https://www.ocenaudio.com

http://www.audacityteam.org

Reaper has a generous 60 day fully functional trial and is only US$60.

https://www.reaper.fm

!

8 upvotes on reddit
See 5 replies
r/audiobooks • [10]

Summarize

I made free MP3 editing software

Posted by cutandjoin · in r/audiobooks · 8 months ago

Hi everyone,

I’ve developed free software for editing MP3 files and would like to share it with you.
If you’re interested, feel free to give it a try.

Cjum
https://cjumapp.net/

This tool allows for fast MP3 cutting and joining without decoding or re-encoding.
Essentially, it provides basic editing features similar to well-known tools like mp3DirectCut or Mp3splt.
However, it also offers unique features not found in those tools, such as the ability to specify multiple file cuts and joins using a text-based approach and to display custom images at specific playback timings.

2 upvotes on reddit
12 replies
Helpful
Not helpful
View Source
12 replies
Paul_Heitsch · 8 months ago

Full disclosure, I have not tried this. That being said, I have been part of a team that developed a proprietary data-compression system for arcade game audio, and I’ve also worked with data-compressed audio for VTech, LeapFrog, Bungie Game Studios, Cyan, Firaxis Games, and others. I also trained at Texas Instruments on their proprietary data-compression hardware and software. And from that experience I can be reasonably confident that this cannot work the way you describe it working, because of how MP3 audio gets compressed. The MP3 compression algorithm uses, among other things, predictive compression referencing lookup tables, and if you alter chunks of audio from any compressed file, the predictions that were used to render the original file will be useless. So it will have to make new predictions in order to render the edited file. Which means it will have to uncompress and re-compress the file, allowing new predictions to render the new version of the audio.

It’s like you’re claiming to have developed software that makes solid objects fall upward. Or maybe time travel. Or both.

I’m also wondering what problems this software is supposed to solve. If you’re getting MP3s to work with from clients who need them edited, you’re doing it wrong. So that’s your problem, not the pesky necessity to uncompress those files and recompress them when you’re done editing. The solution is to insist on delivery of raw files. Rendering to an MP3 should always, always, be the very last step in any editing/mixing/mastering workflow.

This is snake oil, folks.

1 upvotes on reddit
cutandjoin · OP · 8 months ago

Thank you for your comment.
The idea of splitting and joining MP3 files at frame boundaries is a very classical editing method, and there are already many tools out there that do this. Most of them describe their functionality using terms like "without decompressing/recompressing".
That’s why I followed the same convention in my description. You’re absolutely right that this might not be a technically perfect expression. However, explaining such technical terms concisely can be quite challenging.
Some tools, like WavePad, provide a bit of an explanation about the underlying principles, but overall, it’s not something I’ve seen commonly addressed in detail.

1 upvotes on reddit
Paul_Heitsch · 8 months ago

OK. So editing boundaries are quantized to frames. That could work. Sort of. There's still some hand-waving going on under the hood, but yeah, the original compressed data can stay intact as long as the header and first keyframe includes the right data to work forward from.

My response came from my reflexive revulsion at the idea of trying to edit compressed audio. I only ever deal with my own or others' raw source files, and all my work is intended for commercial distribution, so that mental habit of preserving the uncompressed data until the very end of any production process is deeply ingrained.

Again, if folks want to use something like this to play around with MP3s for their own personal consumption, and they can live with the degradation in quality that will inevitably result, (and the rather sketchy DRM issues), fine.

Thanks for clarifying.

1 upvotes on reddit
A
Apprentice57 · 8 months ago

I'm glad to see this, as non destructive mp3 editing is great for things like editing ads out of podcasts.

But you should change the name, lol.

1 upvotes on reddit
cutandjoin · OP · 8 months ago

Non-destructive editing is definitely the way to go for podcast editing.
As for the name, not sure what you mean, but maybe it’s like, "Whatever you do, don’t drop the J."

1 upvotes on reddit
M
miguelandre · 8 months ago

Your first paragraph is misleading but the second paragraph is interesting. Start with that one. Editing based on text descriptions is cool and relatively new. The first thing you talk about is not accurate or interesting. Also cum is a thing that most people will associate your product with.

1 upvotes on reddit
cutandjoin · OP · 8 months ago

As the developer, I consider text-based editing to be the core feature of this software. It’s a good approach because it makes modifications and sharing much easier.
The custom CJM format was designed as a mix of CUE, M3U, and SQL, and I believe writing CJM opens up many interesting possibilities.

As for the program's name, while I don't have a particularly strong attachment to it, I've already decided on it and think I'll stick with it for now. It's true that searching for "Cjum" might occasionally lead to adult content...

1 upvotes on reddit
M
miguelandre · 8 months ago

Have you checked out the services/tech Pozotron provides? It's a proofing tool used in audiobook production but I believe they're rolling out editing services as well.

2 upvotes on reddit
kong93939 · 8 months ago

if you want anyone to trust it make a proper site fronted. even ai can make you fronted much better in few min. (that look good)

1 upvotes on reddit
cutandjoin · OP · 8 months ago

Currently, the site is hosted on GitHub Pages, so it does look rather simple. However, my goal is to grow the user base for Cjum and eventually move to a more robust server.
The safety of the program itself should be ensured as hashes are provided.
Here is the VirusTotal page for the current version.

1 upvotes on reddit
LadyHoskiv · 8 months ago

Congrats! This sounds cool!

1 upvotes on reddit
cutandjoin · OP · 8 months ago

Thanks. I’d be happy if you give it a try.

1 upvotes on reddit
See 12 replies

Top People to Talk to

These are some of the top contributors related to
software
audiobooks
opensource
4+ others
D

dwhite21787

No bio available
160211
Karma
259
Posts
10000
Comments
View Profile
Chat w/ Profile AI
P

patchMonkey156

No bio available
1563
Karma
1
Posts
235
Comments
View Profile
Chat w/ Profile AI
L

lttsnoredotcom

No bio available
536
Karma
21
Posts
827
Comments
View Profile
Chat w/ Profile AI
L

longnightslongdreams

No bio available
88
Karma
6
Posts
97
Comments
View Profile
Chat w/ Profile AI
I

illuminatiisnowhere

No bio available
17085
Karma
9
Posts
3013
Comments
View Profile
Chat w/ Profile AI
B

BurnedOutStars

No bio available
100922
Karma
40
Posts
4954
Comments
View Profile
Chat w/ Profile AI
B

birch_hollow

No bio available
0
Karma
1
Posts
10
Comments
View Profile
Chat w/ Profile AI
B

BulliedAtMicrosoft

No bio available
1072
Karma
16
Posts
151
Comments
View Profile
Chat w/ Profile AI

Related

How to download Audacity for free

how to install audacity on windows

audacity system requirements

how to use audacity for beginners

how to record audio with audacity

audacity vs other audio editors

AI Answer

🤖

best free audio editing software

Key Considerations for Choosing Free Audio Editing Software:

  1. User Interface: Look for software with an intuitive interface, especially if you're a beginner. A clean layout can make the editing process smoother.

  2. Features: Consider what features you need, such as multi-track editing, effects, noise reduction, and support for various audio formats.

  3. Platform Compatibility: Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).

  4. Community and Support: A strong user community and available tutorials can be very helpful for troubleshooting and learning.

  5. Updates and Stability: Check if the software is regularly updated and stable to avoid crashes during editing.

Top Recommendations:

  1. Audacity:

    • Pros: Open-source, multi-platform, supports various audio formats, offers a wide range of effects and plugins.
    • Cons: The interface can be a bit dated and may have a learning curve for beginners.
  2. GarageBand (macOS only):

    • Pros: User-friendly, great for music production, includes a variety of virtual instruments and loops.
    • Cons: Limited to macOS users.
  3. Ocenaudio:

    • Pros: Simple interface, real-time effects preview, supports VST plugins, cross-platform.
    • Cons: Fewer advanced features compared to Audacity.
  4. WavePad:

    • Pros: Easy to use, supports a wide range of audio formats, includes various editing tools and effects.
    • Cons: Some features are limited in the free version.

Recommendation: If you're looking for a robust and versatile option, Audacity is highly recommended due to its extensive features and active community support. However, if you're on macOS and prefer a more user-friendly interface, GarageBand is an excellent choice for music-related projects.

Still looking for a better answer?

Get more comprehensive results summarized by our most cutting edge AI model. Plus deep Youtube search.

Try Gigabrain Pro for Free
gigaGigaBrain Logo
Support

Who are we?

Get API access

Leave us feedback

Contact us

Legal

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Shopping Tools

Product Comparisons

2023 GigaBrain Corporation
As an Amazon Associate, GigaBrain may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.