The Best free and paid Audio Software

The audio software has become an essential part of the creative and technical process in various industries, including music production, filmmaking, and podcasting. 

The market is flooded with numerous audio applications, making it challenging to choose the right one.

I will provide an informative and valuable list of the top audio software currently available. Even seasoned professionals might find some gems they’ve overlooked.

You can use many audio tools in case you aren’t using the most popular video editing programs.

1. Riverside.fm

Riverside.fm is a versatile, browser-based audio and video recording platform designed to streamline the process of creating high-quality content for podcasts, interviews, and other multimedia projects.

The software is specifically designed for remote recording and allows users to record each participant’s audio and video tracks separately in studio quality. 

This feature ensures seamless post-production editing, as the tracks can be easily adjusted and synced.

Here’s more feature according to G2: 

Riverside.fm is a game-changer for businesses creating professional content without investing in expensive studio equipment. 

The platform offers various collaboration features, such as screen sharing, live streaming, and real-time chat, which enable businesses to efficiently produce content for marketing, training, and communication purposes.

Riverside.fm is an excellent choice for podcasters, video producers, content creators, and businesses of all sizes seeking a user-friendly platform for high-quality remote recording and collaboration.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Riverside.fm offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different budgets and requirements. Their plans include:

• • Standard: $15/month (billed annually) or $19/month (billed monthly)

• • Pro: $24/month (billed annually) or $29/month (billed monthly)

• • Business: You need to contact sales for pricing and more info. 

These plans differ in features, such as the number of recording hours, participants, and video quality.

Riverside.fm offers an attractive affiliate program that allows participants to earn a 25% recurring commission for every new paying customer they refer.

The program provides a range of promotional materials and dedicated support, making it an excellent revenue-generating opportunity for content creators, marketers, and influencers in the audio and video production space.

2. Descript

Descript is a powerful, all-in-one audio and video editing software that employs AI-driven transcription services to enable users to edit their media files by simply editing the text.

Descript offers a new approach to editing, as it allows users to adjust their audio and video files by modifying the transcribed text. 

This feature is perfect for creating podcasts, videos, and other multimedia projects, as it simplifies the editing process and eliminates the need for tedious manual adjustments.

Descript’s unique text-based editing capabilities streamline content creation, saving businesses time and effort. 

According to Capterra, Descript is made for content creators and businesses who are making podcasts, vlogs, videos, screen recordings, transcriptions, and social media assets.

The software’s AI-powered transcription services ensure accurate captions and subtitles, making content more accessible and engaging. Additionally, Descript offers collaboration features, enabling teams to work efficiently and seamlessly.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Descript offers a variety of pricing options to suit different needs and budgets. The plans available include:

• • Free: Limited features and 3 hours of transcription per month

• • Creator: $12/month (billed annually) or $15/month (billed monthly)

• • Pro: $24/month (billed annually) or $30/month (billed monthly)

• • Enterprise: Custom pricing for large teams and organizations

Each plan offers varying access levels to Descript’s features, transcription hours, and collaboration capabilities.

Descript provides an affiliate program that enables participants to earn a 20% commission on the first-year revenue generated from new customers they refer. 

The program offers a variety of marketing materials and resources, making it an appealing opportunity for content creators, influencers, and marketers in the multimedia production industry.

3. Audacity

Audacity is a widely-used, open-source, cross-platform audio editing software that offers an extensive range of features for recording, editing, and exporting audio files.

The tool is designed for recording, editing, and exporting audio projects, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for cutting, trimming, and mixing tracks, adjusting volume levels, and applying various effects.

Audacity’s feature-rich platform enables businesses to create and edit professional audio content without breaking the bank. 

The software’s flexibility and compatibility with various file formats make it a cost-effective solution for producing high-quality audio for podcasts, advertisements, and other multimedia projects.

Audacity is an ideal choice for businesses, podcasters, musicians, and audio enthusiasts seeking versatile and powerful audio editing software that’s both easy to use and free of cost.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Audacity is an open-source audio editing software entirely free to download and use. It offers a comprehensive suite of audio editing tools without any associated costs, making it an incredibly cost-effective solution for users.

As Audacity is a free, open-source software, it does not have an affiliate program. However, users can contribute to the software’s development and support through donations.

4. Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is a professional, comprehensive audio editing and production software part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite. It offers various features and tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio content.

Adobe Audition is designed for creating and editing high-quality audio content for various purposes, such as podcasts, radio broadcasts, video production, and music projects. The software provides extensive tools for noise reduction, audio restoration, multitrack editing, and sound design.

Here’s a review from G2 user:

This tool helps businesses create professional-grade audio content for various purposes, including marketing, training, and communication. 

The software’s robust feature set and seamless integration with other Adobe products, such as Premiere Pro and After Effects, streamline the content creation process and enhance overall efficiency.

Adobe Audition is suitable for audio professionals, content creators, video producers, podcasters, and businesses of all sizes that require a powerful and versatile audio editing and production solution.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Adobe Audition is available through Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription, which offers various plans to suit different needs and budgets. The pricing options include the following:

• • Single App: $20.99/month

• • All Apps: $54.99/month

Each plan provides access to different Adobe applications and features, with the “All Apps” plan offering the most comprehensive access.

Adobe offers an affiliate program through which participants can earn commissions by promoting Adobe products, including Adobe Audition. 

Affiliates can earn up to 85% commission on the first-month subscription for new customers and a 5% commission on renewals.

5. Murf.ai

Murf.ai is an innovative AI-driven platform that converts text into realistic, natural-sounding human speech using advanced text-to-speech technology.

Murf.ai allows users to create high-quality voiceovers and narrations for various applications, such as videos, presentations, e-learning materials, and podcasts, without needing a professional voice actor.

The tool’s AI-powered text-to-speech technology enables businesses to create engaging and accessible content with minimal time and effort. 

By generating natural-sounding voice overs quickly and cost-effectively, businesses can improve the quality of their multimedia content and enhance their overall communication strategy.

Here’s a feature summary according to G2:

Murf.ai is ideal for businesses, content creators, educators, and marketers looking for an efficient and affordable solution to generate professional-sounding voice overs and narrations for their projects.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Murf.ai offers several pricing plans to cater to various user requirements:

• • Free: Limited access to features and voices

• • Basic: $19/month (billed yearly) and $29/month (billed monthly)

• • Pro: $26/month (billed yearly) and $39/month (billed monthly)

• • Enterprise: $59/month (billed yearly) and $59/month (billed monthly)

Each plan provides varying access levels to Murf.ai’s features, voices, and character limits.

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Murf.ai does not offer an affiliate program. However, the platform may introduce one as it grows and expands its user base. 

Users interested in affiliate opportunities should consider other audio software solutions or check Murf.ai’s website for updates.

6. Ableton Live

Ableton Live is a powerful and versatile digital audio workstation (DAW) software for music production, composition, and live performance. 

It features a unique, non-linear approach to music creation, enabling users to compose and arrange music in real time.

Ableton Live is primarily designed for music production and live performance, offering a range of features for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio tracks. 

The software’s innovative Session View allows users to experiment with musical ideas and seamlessly switch between elements during live performances.

The tool enables businesses in the music, entertainment, and creative industries to produce high-quality music and soundtracks for various purposes, such as marketing campaigns, events, and product releases. 

The software’s unique capabilities for live performance make it an invaluable tool for artists, musicians, and performers.

Here’s a review from G2 user:

Ableton Live is suitable for musicians, producers, DJs, sound designers, and businesses in the creative and entertainment industries seeking a powerful and flexible DAW for music production and live performance.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Ableton Live offers three pricing tiers to accommodate different budgets and user needs:

• • Live 11 Intro: $99 (one-time purchase). Essential at a great price.

• • Live 11 Standard: $449 (one-time purchase). Full features plus extra.

• • Live 11 Suite: $749 (one-time purchase). Complete integrated studio.

Each tier provides access to a different range of features, instruments, effects, and sounds, with the Suite version offering the most comprehensive set of tools.

Ableton does not have a direct affiliate program. However, some online retailers and distributors of Ableton products may offer affiliate programs, which can provide commissions for promoting and selling Ableton Live licenses or hardware products. 

Interested affiliates should research online retailers and distributors offering Ableton products and investigate their affiliate programs.

7. Podcastle

Podcastle is a web-based platform that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to convert written text into podcasts and streamline podcast production.

This audio software is designed for creating, editing, and easily sharing podcasts. 

It offers text-to-speech conversion, podcast hosting, collaboration features, and transcription services, making it a one-stop solution for podcast creation and distribution.

The tool enables businesses to efficiently create and distribute podcasts for various purposes, such as marketing, training, and communication. 

The platform simplifies the podcast production process, allowing businesses to focus on creating engaging content while saving time and resources.

Here’s a review from a G2 user:

Podcastle is suitable for content creators, marketers, educators, businesses, and individuals looking for a streamlined solution to create and share podcasts without the need for extensive technical expertise.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Podcastle offers several pricing plans to cater to various user requirements:

• • Basic: Limited access to features and voices. This is best for beginners.

• • Storyteller: $14.99/month (billed monthly) and $11.99 (billed yearly). This is best for hobbyist and regular podcasters who want to take their production to the next level.

• • Pro: $29.99/month (billed monthly) and $23.99 (billed yearly). Best for professionals who want to unleash their full creative potential.

Each plan provides varying levels of access to Podcastle’s features, voice options, and podcast hosting capabilities.

Podcastle does not offer an affiliate program. However, the platform may introduce one as it grows and expands its user base. 

Users interested in affiliate opportunities should consider other audio software solutions or check Podcastle’s website for updates.

8. Logic Pro X

Logic Pro X is a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) software developed by Apple for macOS. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music and audio content.

The tool is designed for music production, sound design, and audio post-production. 

It features an extensive library of instruments, effects, loops, advanced MIDI capabilities, and a powerful mixer, making it a versatile solution for various audio projects.

Logic Pro X helps businesses create high-quality audio content for marketing campaigns, product releases, and events. 

Its robust features and seamless integration with other Apple applications and hardware streamline the content creation process and enhance overall efficiency.

Logic Pro X is suitable for music producers, composers, sound designers, and businesses of all sizes that require a professional and versatile audio editing and production solution.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Logic Pro X is a one-time purchase of $199.99 through the Mac App Store.

Apple does not offer a direct affiliate program for Logic Pro X. However, they used to have an affiliate program called the Apple Services Performance Partners Program, which was discontinued. 

Interested affiliates should keep an eye on Apple’s official channels for any updates on new affiliate opportunities.

9. Garage Band

GarageBand is a user-friendly DAW developed by Apple for macOS and iOS. It offers a range of tools for creating and editing music, podcasts, and other audio content.

It is designed for recording, editing, and producing music and podcasts with a simple and intuitive interface. 

The software includes a library of virtual instruments, effects, and loops, making creating professional-sounding audio content easy.

GarageBand enables businesses to create engaging audio content for marketing, training, and communication purposes without investing in expensive hardware or software. 

Its user-friendly interface allows even novice users to create professional-sounding content quickly and easily. Here’s a review from a G2 user:

GarageBand is ideal for beginners, educators, content creators, and small businesses looking for an affordable and accessible solution for creating music and podcasts.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

GarageBand is free on macOS and iOS devices, making it an accessible option for users looking for a budget-friendly audio software solution.

As GarageBand is a free application, Apple does not specifically offer an affiliate program. However, as mentioned earlier, Apple used to have an affiliate program, the Apple Services Performance Partners Program, which has been discontinued. 

Interested affiliates should keep an eye on Apple’s official channels for any updates on new affiliate opportunities.

10. FL Studio

FL Studio, formerly FruityLoops, is a versatile digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by the Belgian company Image-Line. 

It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for music production, including recording, sequencing, mixing, and mastering.

The tool is designed primarily for creating, editing, and producing electronic music and other genres. It features an intuitive interface, extensive plugin support, and a wide range of built-in instruments and effects.

FL Studio enables businesses to create high-quality audio content for marketing campaigns, product releases, events, or in-house multimedia projects. 

Here’s a pros and cons review from Capterra:

Its robust features and seamless integration with various audio plugins streamline content creation and enhance efficiency.

FL Studio is suitable for music producers, composers, sound designers, and businesses of all sizes that require a professional and versatile audio editing and production solution.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

FL Studio offers several pricing options to cater to different user requirements and budgets:

• • Fruity Edition: $99

• • Producer Edition: $199

• • Signature Bundle: $299

• • All Plugins Bundle: $499

Each edition provides varying access levels to FL Studio’s features, plugins, and virtual instruments.

FL Studio offers an affiliate program that allows partners to earn a commission for referring new customers to their software. 

Affiliates can earn up to 30% commission on sales generated through their unique referral links. To join the affiliate program, users can apply through the Image-Line website.

11. Studio One

Studio One is a powerful DAW developed by PreSonus, designed to streamline music production and audio editing. 

It offers many professional features, including audio recording, MIDI sequencing, and advanced mixing capabilities.

The tool is for music production, sound design, and audio post-production. 

It features an extensive library of instruments, effects, loops, advanced MIDI capabilities, and a powerful mixer, making it a versatile solution for various audio projects.

Studio One helps businesses create high-quality audio content for marketing campaigns, product releases, and events.

Its robust features and seamless integration with other applications and hardware streamline the content creation process and enhance overall efficiency.

Here’s a review from a G2 user:

Studio One suits music producers, composers, sound designers, and businesses of all sizes that require a professional and versatile audio editing and production solution.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Studio One offers various pricing plans for different users:

• • PreSonus Sphere: $14.95/month or $164.95/year.
    • • 30 GB of Cloud storage is included with your membership for mixes, lead sheets, album art, and more. 

• • Studio One 6 Professional: Around $420
    • • Smart Templates provide essential tool sets for basic recording, beat making, mixing stems, and more with step-by-step guides and a convenient drop zone to easily import needed content like audio, video, and MIDI files.

• • Studio One 6 Professional Upgrade from Artist – all versions: Around $320
    • • Vocoder and De-Esser join the Studio One Professional Native plug-in suite. 39 Native effects plug-ins included.

• • Studio One 6 Professional Upgrade from Professional or Producer – all versions: Around $160
    • • Global Video Track provides an intuitive video workflow with a familiar drag and drop functionality. Basic video editing features include: cut/copy/paste, slip, time and edit locks, ripple, duplicate, and replace.

• • Studio One 6 Artist: Around $105
    • • De-Esser joins the Studio One Artist Native plug-in suite. 32 Native effects plug-ins included.

• • Studio One 6 Artist Upgrade from Artist – all versions: Around $52
    • • Organize plug-in and instrument presets into custom folders that you can create right inside the Browser. Presets marked as Favorites are automatically mirrored inside a new “Favorites” folder at the top of the respective preset list. 

Each edition offers different features and capabilities, allowing users to choose the version that best suits their needs.

Studio One does not have a direct affiliate program. However, users interested in affiliate opportunities can check the PreSonus website for updates or consider joining affiliate networks that may include Studio One among their partnered products.

12. GoldWave

GoldWave is a feature-rich digital audio editing software designed for Windows. It offers various tools for recording, editing, analyzing, and processing audio content.

The tool is designed for audio editing, restoration, and analysis. 

It features various audio processing tools, including equalizers, noise reduction, and compression, making it suitable for cleaning up and enhancing audio recordings.

GoldWave enables businesses to create, edit, and restore audio content for various purposes, such as marketing, training, and communication. The software’s advanced editing tools allow businesses to improve the quality of their audio content and save time and resources.

Here’s a review from a G2 user:

GoldWave is ideal for audio engineers, podcasters, content creators, and businesses looking for a cost-effective audio editing and restoration solution.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

GoldWave offers a simple pricing structure with two options for users:

• • One Year GoldWave License: $13

• • Lifetime GoldWave License: $41

A GoldWave Lifetime License grants users access to all current and future features without any time limitations or additional costs.

GoldWave does not offer an affiliate program. Users interested in affiliate opportunities should consider other audio software solutions or check GoldWave’s website for updates.

13. Power Sound E

Power Sound Editor is a user-friendly digital audio editing software designed for Windows. It offers an intuitive interface and a range of tools for recording, editing, and enhancing audio content.

The audio software is designed for editing and enhancing audio files, including voice recordings, music, and sound effects. 

It features audio processing tools, such as noise reduction, equalizers, and effects, making it suitable for various audio projects.

Power Sound Editor helps businesses create, edit, and improve audio content for various purposes, such as marketing campaigns, training materials, and presentations. 

Here’s a review from a G2 user:

Its user-friendly interface and robust editing tools allow businesses to enhance the quality of their audio content, save time, and reduce costs.

This tool suits audio engineers, podcasters, content creators, and businesses looking for a cost-effective audio editing and enhancement solution.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Power Sound Editor is a cost-effective audio editing software solution with two options available for users:

• • Free Version: Limited features

• • Deluxe Version: $29.95

The Deluxe version provides access to advanced features and lifetime free upgrades.

Power Sound Editor does not offer an affiliate program. Users interested in affiliate opportunities should consider other audio software solutions or check Power Sound Editor’s website for updates.

14. Cubase

Cubase is a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Steinberg. 

It offers a comprehensive suite of music production, audio editing, and post-production tools, emphasizing MIDI sequencing and advanced audio processing capabilities.

The tool is designed for music production, sound design, and audio post-production. Its powerful features include audio recording, MIDI sequencing, advanced mixing, and a wide range of built-in instruments and effects.

Cubase enables businesses to create high-quality audio content for marketing campaigns, product releases, events, or in-house multimedia projects. 

Its robust features and seamless integration with various audio plugins streamline the content creation process, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

Here’s a pros and cons review from Capterra users:

The audio software suits music producers, composers, sound designers, and businesses requiring a professional and versatile audio editing and production solution.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Cubase offers various pricing plans to cater to different user requirements and budgets:

• • Cubase Elements: Starts from $110. 

• • Cubase Artist: Starts from$365.

• • Cubase Pro: Starts from$645.99.

Each edition provides varying access levels to Cubase’s features, plugins, and virtual instruments.

Cubase does not have a direct affiliate program. However, users interested in affiliate opportunities can check the Steinberg website for updates or consider joining affiliate networks that may include Cubase among their partnered products.

15. Avid Pro Tools

Avid Pro Tools is an industry-standard DAW professionals use in music, film, and television production. 

It offers a wide range of features, including advanced audio recording, editing, mixing capabilities, and support for various third-party plugins.

Avid Pro Tools is designed for professional music production, sound design, and audio post-production. 

Its powerful features, such as the high-quality audio engine and seamless integration with other Avid products, make it an ideal choice for demanding audio projects.

Avid Pro Tools helps businesses create professional-grade audio content for various purposes, such as marketing campaigns, product releases, and events.

Its advanced features and industry-standard reputation ensure that businesses can produce high-quality audio content that meets their specific requirements. Here’s a review from a G2 user: 

According to Capterra, the tool is designed for students, teachers, musicians, and audio professionals, it is an audio editing solution that helps manage auxiliary, instrument, video, and MIDI tracks.

2023 Pricing and Affiliate Program

Avid Pro Tools offers several pricing options to cater to different user requirements and budgets:

• • Pro Tools | Intro: Free (with limited features)

• • Pro Tools Artist: $9.99/month or $99/year

• • Pro Tools Studio: $29.99/month or $299/year

• • Pro Tools Ultimate: $99.99/month or $599/year

Each plan provides varying access levels to Avid Pro Tools’ features, plugins, and virtual instruments.

Avid Pro Tools does not offer an affiliate program. But they have an Alliance Partner Program. The program enables developers to attain Avid certification, gain access to different levels of tools, obtain partner product certification, and utilize the Avid sales network. 

It is designed to establish a lasting partnership for high-quality and essential products that cater to clients’ needs. 

The program provides an extensive collection of resources that aid developers and their organizations in linking their media solutions to the Avid MediaCentral Platform. Such resources include the Avid Connectivity Program, Alliance Partner Certifications, and Alliance Partnerships.

Conclusion

Many top audio software programs are available for music or audio production and editing. 

Each software program has unique features, advantages, and limitations, depending on the user’s needs and preferences. 

Ultimately, the best audio software will depend on your experience level, budget, and specific requirements. 

Try out different software programs and read reviews before choosing the best one for your needs. Users can unleash their creativity and produce high-quality music and audio productions with the right audio software.

Again, the best audio software for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so it’s a good idea to try a few different options to see which works best for you.