Audacity Review 2026
The cockroach of audio editors — been around forever, survives everything, and still gets the job done for millions.
Key Features
- Multi-track recording and editing with unlimited tracks.
- Spectrogram view, noise reduction, and built-in effects (reverb, compression, EQ).
- Plugin support: VST, LADSPA, Nyquist, and more.
- Export to every format under the sun.
- Real-time preview and macro automation.
- Cross-platform and lightweight.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source — no upsells, no subscriptions.
- Rock-solid stability and huge community.
- Great for podcasts, voiceovers, and quick fixes.
- Regular updates keep it relevant.
Cons
- UI looks like it time-traveled from 2005.
- Destructive editing by default (non-destructive needs workarounds).
- No native MIDI or instrument support.