If you are passionate about creating music or just starting your music creation journey, then you probably need a good audio editing software or digital audio workstation (DAW) to showcase your talent. To accomplish this, you may have to purchase some very expensive professional studio DAWs available on the market. Don’t fret, even if you’re short on money, you can still make some awesome tunes by grabbing the best free audio editing software or audio editor for recording and mixing music similar to expensive professional studio DAW without spending any money.
So, what is the best audio editing software for beginners? Well, there is a wide array of DAWs available out there that market themselves as the best free DAW software, or claim to be the best audio editing software for beginners. How do you know which ones are good and which ones should be exempted?
Knowing your forecast, we have compiled a list of the best audio editing software for beginners on platforms like yours (Windows / Mac / Linux). So, are you ready to find the best free audio editing software for beginners, which will be nurtured by music lovers? Down below is our roundup: –
The best free DAWs to make music with, in 2020. In this list, you'll see the top 5 free digital audio workstations for Windows, Mac, and Linux, along with two honorable mentions at the end. If you're a music producer, sound designer, or into the audio industry, you’re bound to find at least. Ardour is an open source, collaborative effort of a worldwide team including musicians, programmers, and professional recording engineers. Development is transparent — anyone can watch our work as it happens. Like a good piece of vintage hardware, you can open the box and look inside. Of course, you don't have to but one day the fact that. MPC Beats is the free beat making software DAW with Drum Programming, Sampling and Audio Recording built on the legendary MPC music production hardware. For free DAW that truly is free without any limitations, restrictions or upgrades, look no further than T6 DAW from Tracktion. It is a very decent DAW for beginners and offers everything you need to get started. This includes full audio and MIDI recording as well as unique features such as warp time audio editing and the time correction tool kit. If you own a Mac, iPhone or iPad then you can download Garageband absolutely free. Garageband is a stripped down version of Apple’s Professional DAW Logic Pro X ($199). Despite the $0 price tag, Garageband is more than capable of doing the basic recording, editing and mixing tasks that you’ll need to get you star.
Note You can download them all because they are free!
The Best Free Audio Editing Software for Beginners
1. Audacity (Windows, Mac and Linux) [Best DAW for Voiceover Recording]
We begin our list of the best free audio editing software with Audacity. For those of you who are not aware, Audacity is an open-source program that covers all the basic audio editing/recording needs.
Despite its features and lack of basic interface design, Audacity is widely popular. You can create multi-track recordings, add effects ranging from removing noise, stretching time, correcting pitch, changing keys, and even making some basic dubstep loops with a little twist.
However, Audacity has some drawbacks such as the lack of built-in VSTs, compatibility issues with most third-party VSTs, and its destructive editing style with one-time effects that are permanent, making it a very good DAW.
2. Tracktion 6 (Windows/Mac/Linux) [Overall Best DAW for beginners]
This DAW was released as a free audio editing software specifically for Behringer customers in 2016 but is now absolutely free for all. With a fast audio editing and mix workflow, Tracktion 6 should keep most audiophiles’ ears satisfied. Besides, it is compatible with most VST plugins (Virtual Instruments) and boasts a very fine and streamlined user interface.
What makes it one of the best free audio editing software? Tracktion 6 is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux for free and users can take advantage of features such as Warp Time Audio Editing, Z-Plane’s Elastic Pro Time Stretch Algorithm, and its Nifty Time Correction Tool Kit.
Tracktion 6 has more highlight features under its belt that make it one of the best audio editing software for beginners, namely: an enhanced plugin management system, tape-style start/stop effects, dedicated sub-mix and automation tracks, And a strong audio Compilation tool.
3. GarageBand (Mac) [Best affordable audio editing software for Mac]
GarageBand comes pre-installed in Mac systems with a sound library replete with a dazzling array of VST and AU(Audio Unit) plugins, presets for guitar and voice, as well as a full-fledged selection of session drummer loops and percussion samples. It provides multi-track recording and plenty of preset loops for various instruments ranging from keyboards to guitars as well.
It consistently ranks high among various best audio editing software for beginners. All thanks to its sleek and intuitive user interface and great touch bar features for Mac. However, GarageBand lacks the incredible depth of the Apple Logic Pro X that usually suits professionals. But the good news for beginners is that Garageband is still a great DAW to play around with and craft tunes, plus it’s absolutely free!
4. OcenAudio (Windows, Mac and Linux) [Best DAW with the cleanest UI]
OcenAudio is faster and lighter than Audacity. It comes bundled with a barrage of effects including reverb, compression and EQ, which can all be implemented and tweaked in real-time.
It also provides VST support for third-party plugins and contains loads of useful tools such as spectrograms for more users. It is also blessed with the cleanest UI in the game which is an attractive one for first-time users. Though, one major drawback of this audio editing software is that it doesn’t allow multi-track sessions and supports single stereo/mono files.
Therefore, you cannot record and mix multiple instruments in your home studio. But if you are looking at stereo music files, or mono audio files for voice recording, then OcenAudio is your best free audio editing software.
5. PreSonus Studio One 3 Prime (Windows and Mac) [Best DAW for PC]
Launched by PreSonus, Studio One 3 Prime is another great music making software. It has all the tools a beginner would need to start producing great music. For a free version, it boasts surprisingly unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, as well as unlimited sound FX.
Also, Studio One 3 Prime is loaded with drag-and-drop functionality, which gives it a super smooth feel with a bunch of nifty features thrown in for a good measure to enhance your mix/track.
6. MixPad (Windows and Mac) [Best Free DAW for PC]
A coherent multi-track recording and mixing software, MixPad streamlines the audio recording process by mixing the power of professional recording and mixing through a single platform. It creates an eclectic mix for less-experienced budding music enthusiasts and is considered a step in the list of best audio editing software for beginners.
The minimal download file size allows users to create music within minutes. The other features such as multi-track recording, a multitude of free effects, and a full sound library, making it a compact DAW for beginners. Also, you can save your audio tracks in any audio format from MP3, WAV to FLACC, which is always very useful.
7. Soundtrap (Windows, Mac and Linux) [Best online DAW for in-browser editing]
Probably one of only a few unique entrants on our list, SoundTrap is an in-browser online DAW that is quite easy to use. It is accessible to everyone from beginners to professionals.
Users can immediately start making music online using their web platform. What else is there in the soundtrack that injects it into the best audio editing software for the initial list? The soundtrack also boasts a collaborative ability for you and your bandmates to share and work on projects so that producing music from far away places becomes a reality. However, being an in-browser DAW, the soundtrack lacks some features and processing power.
8. Zynewave Podium (Windows) [Best free DAW for MIDI recording]
Podium is great freeware software by Zynewave. It is a complete audio and MIDI recording program with multi-track support (although one input/output can be used at a time), bundled plugins, and VST support.
However, the freeware version of the podium comes with some restrictions such as a 64-bit mixer engine option, multiprocessing, and more. But, it is still a strong contender among the best DAWs on the market which is full of editing options for its intuitive interface design.
9. Ohm Studio (Windows and Mac) [Best DAW for collaborations with friends]
A unique feature of the majestic DAW is that it truly stands on our list of the best free audio editing software for beginners – Ohm Studio is a collaborative audio editing program in which you can invite others to your project or other projects in real time.
This is extremely beneficial if your band members are on the distant ground and provide a great platform for any member to give in to their inputs at any time. Beyond collaboration, Ohm still offers a great package of beautiful DAWs with lots of tools and effects in a smooth workflow.
10. AudioTool (Windows, Mac and Linux) [Best DAW for beginners using Linux]
Here is another powerful in-browser online DAW that made it to our list of the best audio editing software for beginners. It has thousands of samples for working with virtual instruments (VSTs) and effects and this effect can be created manually to make your sounds sound like 80s disco music producers. In addition, Audiotool allows you to store all your projects on the cloud for easy access anytime, anywhere.
Bonus additions on our list of the Best Free Audio Editing Software
11. Wavosaur (Windows)
Perhaps a term derived from “dinosaur”, Wavosaur is indeed ancient, but it still works if you’re searching for the best audio editing software for beginners. Funny enough, the Wavosaur resembles a DAW that may be the missing link in development between tape cutting and modern DAW. With a download file size of only 1.3MB, it is like an on-the-go audio editing tool.
The latest version of the Wavosaur was launched back in 2013 and it still retains its charm. The USP of Wavosaur lies in providing a very basic user interface, loads of great analysis tools, and ease of volume automation. It also supports VST but doesn’t come preinstalled with any.
12. Pyramix (Windows and Mac) [Best DAW for creating music videos’ scores]
Unlike its reputation as one of the best audio editing software for beginners, Pyramix is actually a digital audio workstation frequently used by professional audio engineers in recording studios and audio-related industries around the world for music production, post-production in TV, film, and CD mastering.
Pyramix’s USP lies in providing flexible advanced equipment as well as amazingly accurate accuracy. For those seeking a DAW in which they can work to create video and audio as well as music videos, Pyramix is easily your go-to editor.
In addition, Pyramix has many small features that make it shine compared to the other best free audio editing software on our lists such as importing audio to fully adjust the audio and dual-screen optimization. On the downside, beginners could find Pyramix a bit confusing because there is a steep learning curve to getting used to it.
And…that’s a wrap! Did you like our latest round-up of the best free audio editing software for beginners in 2020? Did we miss out on any great options that you know of? Sound off in below the comment box.
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MuLab Free - A free version of MuLab that supports four tracks and eight VST plugins per project. Works with Windows and Mac OSX. Ardour - A fully functional DAW for OSX and Linux. It's not free but it can be purchased for as little as $1. Wavosaur - Wavosaur is a free audio editor and audio recorder program that supports wav and mp3 files. Well, since you want the best DAW for Mac, I would reckon Logic Pro X, it is the most comprehensive DAW out there for Mac. You might want to check out this list of the Best DAW for Mac to get a proper perspective and expand your pool of options. IMO that list pretty much covers all the major DAWs for Mac.
You’re starting as a musician and you’ve procured all the hardware that was on your list, be it, mic, synth, etc, but you’re still looking for a DAW which will help you utilize the hardware to the fullest. I’ve already discussed best DAWs you can go for but most of these are industry standards and come at a cost that can burn a hole in your pocket. Is there a way to save your money but still be able to use a good DAW?
Yes, there is! There are so many free DAWs to produce music, you can use to easily get your work done. So let’s see which one of these fits the bill perfectly.
Best Free DAWs
1. Garage Band
Garage Band is something that is easy to use and is available on all Apple devices for free. You can simply plug and play instruments. The UI is simple and you can understand the work-flow in one go. In case you have an idea in mind and you don’t have a certain instrument, Garage Band has a huge library of virtual instruments to choose from. It has multiple amps and effect racks, so next time you plug-in your guitar try these to spice the sound up a bit.
If we talk about Multi-track recording, the processing is all fine but often I need a drummer because I can’t program it myself. To save you from spending all day programming drums, there is a virtual session drummer that takes cue from the track and plays along, so finding a groove will no longer be an issue.
If you are like, who hate wires, there is an option to control using an iPad or from the logic remote app. If you’re a noob and you want to learn an instrument there is a section dedicated to tutorials. Whether you want to learn rock or blues, video tutorials make it simple and easy to learn. Lastly, besides the 255 track recording ability, you can pan the audio, add effects like reverb and manage EQ as well.
- Available on Mac, iPhone and iPad.
Get Garage Band here.
2. Ardour
Ardour is an open-source DAW, which means if you want to download and modify the source code you can easily do it. It also has Google as one of the few who fund them. I’m not a geek so I downloaded an installable version from its website. In terms of a number of tracks, there is no cap to it so you’re free to run your creative horses. In addition to that, there is no limitation on a number of effects or projects. For some reason, I can relate the look to Ableton.
In case you’re producing music for a video or film, it has a video timeline as well. Of course, there are limitations and the first one is the lack of any virtual instruments so you’ll have to rely on third-party software. There are two modes to view which are editor, where you record and see the projet layout and mixer, where you can pan, add effects and plug-ins to the audio.
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Well, for post-processing you’ll have all the arsenal you need. Basic plug-ins like compressor, delay, EQ, reverb and many more are available.
Although open-source, the app is not completely free and the software goes into silent mode every 10 minutes. I don’t think its a big deal, as you’ve two options, either you can choose to pay in a subscription-style or donate and keep using it. You should note that there is no minimum donation, so it’s very flexible even if you don’t want to spend a lot.
If you’re a YouTuber and you want something which is light years ahead of audacity but still simple to use, this is the app to go for. You can import videos and extract audio, view content in a separate video monitor, trim video and add projects soundtrack to the video. Clean enough for someone who wants a good video-audio integration. There is a chat option as well, which is run by real-time users. So if you get stuck or just need advice you can write here. Be patient! Replies can take time.
- Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Get Ardour here.
3. Pro Tools First
Pro Tools First is the industry standard and the first DAW that I used. If you’re starting out, then you can’t go wrong with this. Downloadable from the Pro Tools Website, it offers a maximum of 16 tracks with simultaneous recording. There is basic plug-in available to process sound but the ability to add a video isn’t available in this version. In case you want to share and make music with other people cloud collaboration is also possible for a total of 3 projects but with the cloud plan subscribed.
Limited Virtual support is available for example you’ll be able to access Air Expand 2, which has a repository of drums, guitars, FXs and more. An additional in-built workstation that lets you edit and manipulate samples that come in handy if you want to give a unique sound to your music.
Free Daw Drum Machine
- Available on Windows and Mac
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Get Pro Tools here.
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4. LMMS ( Linux Multimedia Studio)
If you work with a lot of samples and don’t want to spend money, this is the one for you. It has a UI like FL Studio, there is a beatmaker as soon as you open it. It’s available for Linux, Windows, and Mac. To start with the main highlights it has multiple instruments which you can find on the left, I feel it’s enough to get you started with any genre of music. It also has a piano roll, inspired by FL Studio, which makes creating and editing melodies a breeze.
In terms of layout, you have a song editor where you can see all your tracks and a different window for mixing. So the interface is more window in the window, which can be a problem for some who don’t want to keep themselves busy with handling and resizing windows.
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You can also automate by dragging and dropping kobs from the synth on the automation window.
There is a lag in track display sometimes when you play the audio. You also can’t import or export MP3, which is a huge drawback. There is no limitation to the number of tracks but the support for VSTs is limited. Even recording audio, you need a different app (Use audacity) then use it as a sample track. However, all these limitations have a walk-around so you can consider using this.
- Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Get LMMS here.
5. Audacity
Of course, Audacity is not exactly a DAW but can be used as one. Whether you have to record a podcast or just want to use it for recording music, it serves all purposes.
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For the unknown, Audacity is a free and open-source digital Audio Editor (not a workstation) available on all the platforms, i.e, macOS, Windows, and Linux. You can add multiple tracks and records from multiple sources.
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The post-processing is a very strong point in Audacity with options such as normalizing, noise reduction, fade operations, etc. Punch and Roll recording, theme selection, voice isolation is also there to convert song into karaoke. Its simple UI with good audio processing capabilities makes it a go-to choice for many and believe me, musicians have recorded albums with just Audacity.
- Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Download Audacity here.
Closing Words
If you’re a beginner or you make music as a hobby I don’t see spending money on DAWs because there is no denying they’re costly. While Audacity is just a music recorder and processor, it can’t be considered a DAW. Garage Band is the holy grail for Apple users and if you’re on a mac, Pro-tools and Ardour are capable DAWs, but I’d choose Pro-tools because it’s industry standard. In case your focus is mainly on hip-hop, LMMS has a great piano roll and beatmaker which are easy to understand. So what is your choice going to be? Tell me in the comment section below.
Read: Best Music Production Apps on Android to Create Music on the Go
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