What users are saying about
Top Rated
50 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener noreferrer'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.7 out of 100
Based on 50 reviews and ratings
11 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener noreferrer'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.7 out of 100
Based on 11 reviews and ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Audacity
Overall Audacity is a great program for audio editing in a wide range of uses. It is quick and easy to start using it for basic tasks but has the functions to do more advanced tasks with a little understanding of the interface. Audacity has many editing options available and a wide range of keyboard and mouse shortcuts so anyone using it professionally would be able to navigate it quickly and efficiently.It is available on the three main computer platforms, Windows, MacOS and Linux, and being open source software it has the source available for those that want to change it and make the product better. Audacity is a small download and small install meaning start up is quick, and running multiple instances is possible and doesn't hog machine resources.The only time I think it may not be suitable is for complete novices that may need a program with less options or features as the amount of options, switches, and sliders in Audacity could be confusing for them.

Verified User
Manager in Information Technology
Computer Hardware Company, 11-50 employeesGarageBand
- So for an individual who likes to record music and add some cool tracks to it, nothing beats GarageBand. GarageBand is just so convenient to use, and the best thing is I can edit it on any device I am currently on. So If I am traveling, I can use my iPad or iPhone to edit the same track, which I was writing earlier. As long as you have the Apple ecosystem, you can be a "One man band."
- However, when the scale increases to production-grade, this won't be an ideal place to go for it. Also, I believe many times the inbuilt tracks, and for that matter, the ones available online are also just a small subset of what you find in the other apps.

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Computer Hardware Company, 10,001+ employeesPros
Audacity
- Audacity has a wide variety of controls and capabilities for editing, making it a very robust tool for audio editing.
- Even though it's a robust tool, it is very easy to use to get many basic things done in audio editing. The learning curve is small.
- Love that audacity is free! What else could you ask for? There really is no reason not to use it.
Founder
Social BaconConsumer Electronics, 1-10 employees
GarageBand
- GarageBand is very intuitive
- GarageBand is easy to learn
Life Coach | Public Speaker
Seek Within YouProfessional Training & Coaching, 1-10 employees
Cons
Audacity
- Audacity has changed some icons recently for certain editing functions and that can be confusing for users and support
- The interface isn't the worst I have seen but the UI isn't exactly enjoyable on Mac or PC
- Some of the functionality can quickly feel overwhelming to a new user, pointing toward help documentation the first time an advanced tool is used would be appreciated
Video and Digital Media Technologist
Xavier UniversityHigher Education, 1001-5000 employees
GarageBand
- So many features one can get lost.
- The learning curve is steep then mellows out.
Risk Manager, and Insurance Agent
Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency Inc.Insurance, 11-50 employees
Support Rating
Audacity
Audacity 7.9
Based on 17 answers
The best support comes from communities and blog posts, but there really is no authoritative answer for anything. You basically have to wing it. However, since there's no financial barrier to entry, everyone is creating their own help documents so you're bound to find a solution.
Founder and CEO
TAMAR.Internet, 1-10 employees
GarageBand
GarageBand 9.2
Based on 5 answers
I have never tried it. It's just simple, and you should be able to navigate most of it via self-exploration and Apple Help.

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Computer Hardware Company, 10,001+ employeesAlternatives Considered
Audacity
Audacity doesn't have nearly all the functionality of GarageBand, but for a free program (and one that can be used on PC as well) it is incredibly well-designed for basic audio editing. You can't beat free, and it has excellent functionality for what it does. Even now I frequently go back to Audacity for quick and simple editing needs.

Verified User
Account Manager in Other
E-Learning Company, 1-10 employeesGarageBand
I have used Adobe Audition before but found it to be hard to learn. Some of the features were very nice but too much for what I needed to justify the price. GarageBand is perfect for my needs and it came free with my Mac laptop. That is the best deal in town!
Life Coach | Public Speaker
Seek Within YouProfessional Training & Coaching, 1-10 employees
Return on Investment
Audacity
- I have uploaded samples of our products to soundcloud.com which has been hugely instrumental in attracting customers to our website and convincing those customers to purchase because they are able to see and hear the quality of the product we provide. Providing samples also allows us to give customers a taste of the product without allowing illegal downloads or pirating of the products.
Executive Assistant to Lindsey Stirling
Lindseystomp Music / Lindsey Stirling TouringMusic, 11-50 employees
GarageBand
- This has made podcasting much easier which means more episodes.
- Due to the simplicity of recording podcasts, we have seen an increase in user traffic.
Risk Manager, and Insurance Agent
Hummel and Plum Insurance Agency Inc.Insurance, 11-50 employees
Pricing Details
Audacity
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Audacity Editions & Modules
—
Additional Pricing Details
—GarageBand
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
Yes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
GarageBand Editions & Modules
Edition
Garageband for Mac | Free |
---|---|
Logic Pro (GarageBand Premium) | 199.99 |