Audacity vs WaveLab

Audacity7.7Visit WaveLab7.4Visit

Higher score Audacity #5 in Audiobook Production Software 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Audacity

vs

WaveLab #8 in Audiobook Production Software 7.4/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Steinberg

• Audacity fits best

  Free audiobook editing on desktop

• WaveLab fits best

  Editors focused on mastering and final audio polish

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Side by side

Feature	Audacity 7.7/10 Visit ↗	WaveLab 7.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.7	7.4
Ranking	#5 in Audiobook Production Software	#8 in Audiobook Production Software
Best for	Free audiobook editing on desktop	Editors focused on mastering and final audio polish
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free	—
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Audacity 1/3 · WaveLab 0/3
Remote recording	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Noise reduction	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Chapter markers	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Audio export formats	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Simultaneous audio tracks	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Multitrack editing, recording, and mixing across Windows, macOS, and Linux Noise reduction targets hiss, hum, fan noise, and buzzing Common format conversion plus broad third-party audio plugin support	Audio Montage arranges multiple clips and tracks Batch processing and loudness controls support finishing workflows Pro 13 adds Dolby Atmos ADM mastering and album assembly
Cons	No audiobook-specific navigation or export workflows are listed Desktop software, not a standalone hosted editor MIDI editing is limited	No verified narrator-recording features No verified audiobook delivery features Dolby Atmos mastering is limited to Pro 13
Our verdict	Audacity is a free, open-source desktop audio editor for recording, editing, mixing, and exporting audio. For audiobook production, its multitrack editing and recording can support voice tracks, while noise reduction and effects such as… Read the review →	WaveLab is desktop audio mastering and editing software for people finishing audio files and assembling multi-clip montages. Its tools include single-file and spectral editing, real-time plug-in effects, offline processors, and batch… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Audacity — where it wins

  • Multitrack editing, recording, and mixing across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Noise reduction targets hiss, hum, fan noise, and buzzing
  • Common format conversion plus broad third-party audio plugin support

  Where it doesn't

  • No audiobook-specific navigation or export workflows are listed
  • Desktop software, not a standalone hosted editor
  • MIDI editing is limited

• WaveLab — where it wins

  • Audio Montage arranges multiple clips and tracks
  • Batch processing and loudness controls support finishing workflows
  • Pro 13 adds Dolby Atmos ADM mastering and album assembly

  Where it doesn't

  • No verified narrator-recording features
  • No verified audiobook delivery features
  • Dolby Atmos mastering is limited to Pro 13

• Audacity7.7/10 · Free plan

  A free multitrack desktop editor for audiobook recording and cleanup, without audiobook-specific workflows.

  Visit AudacityFull verdict →
• WaveLab7.4/10 · Paid

  A desktop finishing suite for editors who need montage, spectral tools, and mastering controls.

  Visit SteinbergFull verdict →