17 Best Audio Recording Software in 2023 [Free and Paid]

Audio editing and recording are the two major steps of sound production. 

Recording is the process of capturing sound information and transferring it to another medium. The recorded sound, called an audio, is then used to reproduce its original sound. The output can be either analog or digital.

On the other hand, audio editing involves manipulating audio files to produce the desired sound. This usually involves trimming, splitting, or deleting portions of tracks. An editor can also change the speed, length, volume, or composition of recorded audio. 

An application software called a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is often required to execute both of these steps.

How To Choose the Right Software for You?

So, how do you actually spot the most suitable audio recording software? Consider these factors:

Features

The first thing you should look for is a multitracking workflow. Multitrack recording allows you to capture sound from numerous sources. That’s also the key to recording multiple takes to make one cohesive audio. 

Next, you need a program with good editing tools. When you have your audio tracks, you must be able to execute basic manipulations. That includes trimming, splitting, duplicating, etc.

You should also look into the number of tracks and buses available. This is particularly important for music production and if you’re working with arrangements.

File Format Support

The best audio recording app must be ready to process commonly-used audio formats. WAV, FLAC, and AIFF are particularly important ones. Why? These formats are uncompressed and maintain lossless audio. 

Other notable formats include MP3, AC-3, AIF, AIFC, AAC, HE-AAC, CAF, PCM, OGG, and WMA. All the tools on our list can import, process, convert, or bounce these formats.

Now, there are users who integrate an audio recorder app into video editing software. If you plan on doing the same, take note of video formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, or FLV. Adobe Audition and Avid Pro Tools are examples of recorders with video functionality.

Sound Effects and Filters

Audio recording doesn’t end the moment you stop that red button. Refining your tracks is a crucial step!

That’s why good recording software must have built-in effect presets to improve your sound. Those include noise reduction features, reverb, amplify, crossfades, echo, equalization, and many more. If you’re making music, support for Virtual Studio Technology (VST) is a huge plus. The ability to infuse third party-plugins adds more flavor to production!

Processing Power

Programs that have a 64-bit processing power generally perform better compared to 32-bit ones. This also ensures that your CPU stays in good shape while you’re recording tracks. Tools like Adobe Audition, Avid Pro Tools, WavePad, and Audio Hijack all have robust processors.

Use Case

What type of recordings are you working on? 

If you need professional voice recordings for speech, podcasts, or audiobooks, go for plug-n-play options like Audacity or Sound Forge. These have excellent noise reduction features, too.

Music-related recordings need lots of available tracks, plugins, and MIDI controls. In this case, you should be looking at production programs like Pro Tools, GarageBand, or PreSonus Studio One.

Now, if you need to record system audio, streaming content, or app sounds, Audio Hijack and Apowersoft Streaming Audio Recorder are the ones for you.

Price

There are good audio editing tools you can use without a cost. Free recording software like Audacity and GarageBand are great for users looking for cheap yet viable solutions.

If you’re looking to invest between $20 – $70 for a complete DAW, Pro Tools and Adobe Audition are right up your alley.