Audacity
The classic free audio editor — record, clean, cut and master voice and music with no limits.
Free open-source audio recorder and editor. Noise removal, compression, multi-track — the podcast standard for 20 years.
- Pricing
- 100% free and open source
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Category
- Audio & Music
- Last reviewed
- September 21, 2026
What is Audacity?
Audacity has been the default free audio editor for two decades, and it still earns the position. Record from any mic or interface, edit with cut-copy-paste simplicity, and apply the effects that make amateur voice audio sound professional: Noise Reduction (sample the room tone, remove it everywhere), Compression (even out loud and quiet), EQ, normalization and de-essing via plugins. Multi-track mixing handles a podcast with intro music, two voices and sound effects without complaint.
It also does jobs creators forget they need: extracting audio from video files, converting formats, recording vinyl or cassettes, trimming long interviews before they go to an editor, and analyzing levels so your loudness meets platform standards. It supports VST plugins, so free third-party effects extend it indefinitely.
The interface looks like it escaped from 2005 because, mostly, it did — but every button works, nothing is paywalled, and it runs on any machine including ancient ones. For voice-first content (podcasts, voiceover, tutorials) it remains the best $0 you can spend.
Key features
- Recording from mics, interfaces and system audio
- Noise Reduction, compressor, EQ, normalize, limiter
- Multi-track editing and mixing
- VST plugin support for third-party effects
- Format conversion and audio extraction from video
- Loudness normalization to broadcast/platform standards
Free plan & limits
Completely free and open source (GPL). No paid tier, no watermark, no account. Funded by donations.
Who is it best for?
Podcasters, voiceover work, and any creator who records speech — plus quick audio conversions and cleanups.
Frequently asked questions
Is Audacity good enough for a serious podcast?
Yes — countless professional podcasts are edited in Audacity. For remote-guest recording you would pair it with a separate recording tool, but editing and mastering are fully covered.
How do I remove background noise?
Select a second of room tone (silence with your noise), run Effect > Noise Removal > Get Noise Profile, then select all audio and apply. Two light passes beat one aggressive pass.
Does Audacity record system audio / calls?
On Windows and Linux yes (WASAPI loopback / monitor source); on macOS it needs a helper like BlackHole. For video calls, record each participant's local audio when possible.