Best Sound Editing Software of 2026

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Sound editing software is a valuable tool for musicians, podcasters, and video editors looking to enhance their audio quality. Some popular options include Adobe Audition, Audacity, and Pro Tools. Adobe Audition offers advanced features for editing, mixing, and mastering audio tracks, while Audacity is a free, open-source software that is user-friendly and ideal for simple editing tasks. Pro Tools is a professional-grade software used by music producers and engineers for recording, editing, and mixing music. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced audio professional, there's a sound editing software out there that can help take your projects to the next level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

WavePad Audio Editor [Download] by NCH Software Cover #TOP 1
WavePad Audio Editor [Download] by NCH Software
ftb score rating icon 9.9
WavePad Audio Editor by NCH Software Cover #TOP 2
WavePad Audio Editor by NCH Software
ftb score rating icon 9.8
MAGIX SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 16 Cover #TOP 3
MAGIX SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 16
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Sound Editing Software

#TOP 1

WavePad Audio Editor [Download] by NCH Software

WavePad Audio Editor [Download] by NCH Software Cover
WavePad Audio Editing Software - Professional Audio and Music Editor for Anyone [Download]

NCH WavePad Editor is a professional audio and music editor that allows you to record and edit music, voiceovers, and other audio recordings. With this software, you can add effects like echo, amplification, noise reduction, normalize, equalizer, envelope, reverb, echo, reverse, and more. It supports all popular audio formats, including wav, mp3, vox, gsm, wma, real audio, au, aif, flac, ogg, and more. You can cut, copy, paste, delete, insert, silence, and auto-trim your sound recordings. Integrated VST plugin support gives professionals access to thousands of additional tools and effects. This software is perfect for anyone who needs to edit audio quickly and professionally.

What We Like
Full-featured audio editor
Supports popular audio formats
Includes various sound editing functions
#TOP 2

WavePad Audio Editor by NCH Software

WavePad Audio Editor by NCH Software Cover
WavePad Free Audio Editor – Create Music and Sound Tracks with Audio Editing Tools and Effects [Download]

NCH WavePad Editor lets you easily modify your music and audio tracks using a variety of editing tools designed for both beginners and experienced users. You can fine-tune your sound by adjusting volume levels, equalizer settings, and more, ensuring your audio sounds just right. The editor also offers special audio effects and options to change speed, duration, and voice, helping you add creativity and uniqueness to your projects. Additionally, useful features like batch conversion and access to the NCH Sound Library make managing multiple files and enhancing your work quick and convenient.

What We Like
Variety of editing tools
Sound leveling options
Special audio effects
Batch conversion support
Access to sound library
#TOP 3

MAGIX SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 16

MAGIX SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 16 Cover
SOUND FORGE Audio Studio 16 - The complete solution for recording, audio editing, restoration and mastering in one | Audio Software | Music Program | for Windows 10/11 [PC Online code]

MAGIX Audio Studio 16 is your all-in-one solution for recording, editing, restoring, and mastering audio. With the new modernEQ, you can enhance the quality of your audio tracks effortlessly. The modernReverb feature allows you to add depth and richness to your sound. Advanced editing for effects plug-ins gives you more creative control over your audio projects. The new resampling engine ensures your audio is optimized for different playback devices, making it convenient for you to produce professional-quality audio.

What We Like
All-in-one solution
ModernEQ for quality
Advanced editing capabilities
#TOP 4

EZALINK Music Software Bundle

EZALINK
EZALINK Music Software Bundle Cover
Music Software Bundle for Recording, Editing, Beat Making & Production - DAW, VST Audio Plugins, Sounds for Mac & Windows PC

EZALINK Bundle is a sound editing software bundle for Mac and Windows PC that includes all the tools needed to make professional-quality music, even for beginners. The Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) allows users to produce, record, edit, mix, and master music with ease. The bundle also includes 9Gb of audio plugins and virtual instruments, such as EQ, compression, Auto-Tune, and reverb, to enhance the quality of the music. In addition, the bundle comes with a 7Gb sound pack that includes drum kits, samples, and loops, providing unique and pro-quality sounds. Finally, the EZALINK Bundle is conveniently stored on a 16Gb USB, allowing users to access the software on any Mac or Windows PC with a USB port or adapter, and providing extra storage space for offline project storage.

What We Like
No demos or subscriptions
Easy-to-use DAW
9Gb audio plugins and virtual instruments
#TOP 5

Music Studio 10 by Markt + Technik

Markt + Technik
Music Studio 10 by Markt + Technik Cover
Music Studio 11 - Music software to edit, convert and mix audio files - Eight music programs in one for Windows 11, 10

Markt + Technik Music Studio is a versatile music software designed for Windows 11 and 10 users. With eight unique programs in one, it allows you to effortlessly edit, convert, and mix audio files. Enjoy enhanced details and easier navigation with title bars, simplified splitting, and additional tags for your tracks. Benefit from 100% support for all your queries, ensuring a smooth user experience. Internet connection is required for program activation, making Markt + Technik Music Studio a comprehensive solution for all your music editing needs.

What We Like
Versatile music editing
Enhanced navigation features
Comprehensive support system
#TOP 6

WavePad Free Audio Editor by NCH Software

WavePad Free Audio Editor by NCH Software Cover
WavePad Free Audio Editor – Create Music and Sound Tracks with Audio Editing Tools and Effects [Download]

NCH WavePad Editor offers a user-friendly way to edit your music and audio tracks with a variety of tools designed to enhance your sound. You can easily adjust audio levels using features like envelope control and equalization, helping you achieve the perfect balance and clarity. The software also lets you add special effects and modify speed, duration, or voice characteristics, making your music more dynamic and engaging. Additionally, it supports batch conversion and includes helpful tools like the NCH Sound Library and Text-To-Speech, giving you more options to customize your audio projects efficiently.

What We Like
Multiple audio editing tools
Level adjustment options
Special effects and voice changes
Batch conversion support
#TOP 7

Sony Sound Forge Audio Studio 10

SFS10099ESD
Sony Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 Cover
Sony Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 [Download]

Sony Audio Studio is a sound editing software that allows you to record and edit music and sound with ease. With over 30 built-in effects, you can produce audio that sounds professional and polished. The software also makes transferring records and tapes to digital audio simple, so you can preserve your old music collection. In addition, the clean-up feature helps to remove unwanted noise and give your sound a realistic and clear quality. Lastly, the professional effects feature allows you to apply great-sounding effects that can enhance the overall quality of your audio. Sony Audio Studio is perfect for musicians, podcasters, and anyone who wants to create high-quality audio content.

What We Like
Easy to use
30+ built-in effects
Transfer records to digital audio
#TOP 8

NCH MixPad Multitrack Recorder

NCH MixPad Multitrack Recorder Cover
MixPad Multitrack Recording Software for Sound Mixing and Music Production Free [Mac Download]

NCH MixPad Recorder is a versatile tool for anyone looking to create or mix audio tracks with ease. You can blend music, voice, and other sounds seamlessly, making it perfect for musicians and podcasters alike. The software allows you to record one or multiple tracks at the same time, which saves you time and helps you capture complex performances effortlessly. It also offers handy editing tools that let you cut, trim, and combine clips, giving you full control over your project. Plus, with built-in audio effects like equalization, compression, and reverb, you can enhance your sound to professional quality right from your computer.

What We Like
Multitrack recording
Audio mixing capabilities
Editing tools
Built-in audio effects
#TOP 9

NCH MixPad Multitrack Recording Studio

NCH MixPad Multitrack Recording Studio Cover
MixPad Free Multitrack Recording Studio and Music Mixing Software [Download]

NCH MixPad Music Mixer lets you easily combine audio, music, and voice recordings to create your own unique mixes. You can enhance your tracks using various effects and editing tools that help you shape your sound just the way you want. The software also includes creative tools like a Beat Maker and Midi Creator, allowing you to add beats and melodies with ease. To save time, you can use features like Bookmarks and Effect Chain, which let you apply multiple effects at once and quickly navigate your project. This makes mixing music efficient and enjoyable for users of all levels.

What We Like
Multitrack audio mixing
Audio effects and editing tools
Beat Maker and Midi Creator
Effect Chain for multiple effects
Bookmark navigation
#TOP 10

Sony Sound Forge Pro Mac 2

Sony Sound Forge Pro Mac 2 Cover
Sony Sound Forge Pro Mac 2 [Download]

Sony Sound Forge Pro Mac 2 is a dedicated audio editing application designed specifically for OS X. With this software, you can easily edit audio files and enhance their quality. The new addition of the Convrt Batch Processing Automation Tool allows you to automate repetitive tasks, saving you time and effort. The EBU R128/CALM compliant metering ensures that your audio is in line with the industry standards for loudness, making it ideal for commercial advertisements. Additionally, the inclusion of iZotope Nectar Elements, a US $129 value, provides you with powerful audio processing tools. Finally, the availability of SpectraLayers Pro 2.1 in the Audio Master Suite Mac gives you advanced spectral editing capabilities. With Sony Sound Forge Pro, you have all the tools you need to create professional-quality audio projects.

What We Like
Dedicated audio editing application
Convrt Batch Processing Automation Tool
EBU R128/CALM compliant metering
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the disadvantages of Audacity?

While Audacity is a popular sound editing software, it does have some disadvantages. One limitation is its limited multitrack capabilities, making it less ideal for complex audio projects that involve working with multiple tracks. Another drawback is the lack of an intuitive spectral view, which can make it challenging for users to analyze and edit audio at the frequency level.

Editor's Notes

During our sound editing software research, we found 25 sound editing software products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,717 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sound editing software list. We found that most customers choose sound editing software with an average price of $107.98.

The sound editing software are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sound editing software, including NCH Software, MAGIX, EZALINK, Markt + Technik, Sony. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 5 consumers with an average rating of 5.0.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.