Head-to-head · Audio Editing Software
Audacity vs Samplitude
Audacity leads on 1 check, Samplitude on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAudacity · 8.2/10
- Free planonly Audacity
- Free trialonly Samplitude
Audacity scores higher on our rubric for audio editing software: 8.2 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #13 and #16.
Audacity offers free plan; Samplitude doesn't. Samplitude offers midi sequencing; Audacity doesn't.
Audacity is the better fit for free cross-platform audio editing. Samplitude is the better fit for windows studios needing very large track counts.
- Audacity fits best
Free cross-platform audio editing
- Samplitude fits best
Windows studios needing very large track counts
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Side by side
| Feature | Audacity 8.2/10 Visit ↗ | Samplitude 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #13 in Audio Editing Software | #16 in Audio Editing Software |
| Best for | Free cross-platform audio editing | Windows studios needing very large track counts |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | $145/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 15 days |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Integrations | 2 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Features Audacity 5/6 · Samplitude 5/6 | ||
| Multitrack editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| MIDI sequencing | — | ✓ (best) |
| Third-party plugins | ✓ | ✓ |
| Noise reduction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video synchronization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud collaboration | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Audacity is a free, open-source desktop application for recording, editing, mixing and exporting audio. It suits podcasters, musicians, field recorders, educators and other creators who need a capable multitrack editor across Windows,… Read the review → |
Samplitude is a Windows digital audio workstation for professional musicians, producers, recording engineers, and audio post-production users. It combines multitrack recording, object-based editing, MIDI composition, virtual instruments,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Audacity — where it wins
- Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Multitrack editing, recording, mixing and built-in restoration effects
- Supports third-party plugins, cloud projects and local Whisper transcription
Where it doesn't
- No MIDI sequencing for composing or sequencing instruments
- No video sync for audiovisual editing workflows
- Audio.com cloud storage may incur separate charges
Samplitude — where it wins
- Supports up to 999 tracks and 256 inputs/outputs
- Object-based editing adds clip-level effects, routing, fades, and automation
- Includes MIDI, video synchronization, and third-party plugin support
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform support limits cross-platform workflows
- The $25 monthly entry plan is a substantial ongoing cost
- Dolby Atmos and AI noise removal require Samplitude Suite
- Audacity8.2/10 · Free plan
A capable free editor for multitrack audio, recording, restoration and format conversion.
Visit AudacityFull verdict → - Samplitude7.9/10 · 15-day trial
A deep Windows DAW for high-track-count recording, editing, mixing, and post-production.
Visit SamplitudeFull verdict →
All audio editing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update