Top Rated
49 Ratings
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Based on 49 reviews and ratings
1 Rating
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener noreferrer'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 10 out of 100
Based on 1 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 employeesReason
When I started out in 2005, I used Reason inside Pro Tools as my sole sampler - I used to write everything from synth to full orchestral scores with ease. As someone with no prior knowledge of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation), it was very easy to jump into Reason and record music, and it really helped me a someone starting out in the industry feel like I know what I was doing:)
Podcast Producer & Audio Mixer
Rob Gokee MusicEntertainment, 1-10 employees
Pros
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
Reason
- Huge variety of sounds
- Easy to jump in
- Works on it's own, so you don't need another DAW
Podcast Producer & Audio Mixer
Rob Gokee MusicEntertainment, 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
Reason
- While I get that it's not it's forté, I wish the orchestral sounds were a bit better
- Wish new versions were released faster
- Shortcuts could be a bit easier to figure out
Podcast Producer & Audio Mixer
Rob Gokee MusicEntertainment, 1-10 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
Reason
Reason 10.0
Based on 1 answer
I've had to reach out to them very few times over the years, but Propellerhead is prompt and professional when they provide support. The manual and videos for using the product are top notch, and that goes a long way in helping you learn how to use it to its full capacity
Podcast Producer & Audio Mixer
Rob Gokee MusicEntertainment, 1-10 employees
Alternatives 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 employeesReason
One thing that sets Reason apart from other DAWs is its ability to be both a DAW and a sampler. Most other DAWs, Ableton included, need a third part sampler in order to actually write music, something akin to Kontakt, for example. Reason is all-in-one - you can do everything with one product and a single purchase.
Podcast Producer & Audio Mixer
Rob Gokee MusicEntertainment, 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
Reason
- Instrumental at helping me score films & television, which is the core of my business
- Cost effective, so I save on equipment
- Doesn't necessarily depreciate over time, you're not forced to upgrade
Podcast Producer & Audio Mixer
Rob Gokee MusicEntertainment, 1-10 employees
Pricing Details
Audacity
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Reason
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No