Head-to-head · Audio Editing Software
Cubase vs Adobe Audition
Cubase leads on 0 checks, Adobe Audition on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCubase · 9.1/10
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresCubase · 5 of 6
Cubase scores higher on our rubric for audio editing software: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.
Cubase is the better fit for traditional studio production on Windows or Mac. Adobe Audition is the better fit for video editors in the Adobe ecosystem.
- Cubase fits best
Traditional studio production on Windows or Mac
- Adobe Audition fits best
Video editors in the Adobe ecosystem
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Side by side
| Feature | Cubase 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Adobe Audition 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #4 in Audio Editing Software | #8 in Audio Editing Software |
| Best for | Traditional studio production on Windows or Mac | Video editors in the Adobe ecosystem |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 60 days | 7 days |
| Free trial length | 60 days | 7 days |
| Deployment | Desktop | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs | Phone, Live chat, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Cubase 5/6 · Adobe Audition 4/6 | ||
| Multitrack editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| MIDI sequencing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Third-party plugins | ✓ | ✓ |
| Noise reduction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video synchronization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud collaboration | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows and macOS |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Cubase is Steinberg’s desktop digital audio workstation for music producers, composers, recording engineers, and musicians. It brings together multitrack audio recording and editing, MIDI sequencing, mixing, mastering, virtual instruments,… Read the review → |
Adobe Audition is a desktop audio workstation for recording, editing, mixing, restoring, and mastering audio. It serves podcasters, musicians, broadcasters, and video-production teams that need waveform, spectral, and multitrack tools in… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Cubase — where it wins
- Combines multitrack audio, MIDI sequencing, mixing, and mastering tools
- Supports VST 3 plug-ins, video workflows, and remote recording via VST Connect
- Offers tiered editions for professional, advanced, and foundational workflows
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Feature access varies across Pro, Artist, and Elements editions
- Focused on Windows and macOS desktop production
Adobe Audition — where it wins
- Spectral, waveform, and multitrack editing in one desktop workstation
- Noise reduction, restoration, mixing, and mastering effects
- Premiere Pro integration with video clip import and soundtrack synchronization
Where it doesn't
- Paid product with no free plan
- Limited to Windows and macOS desktop workflows
- Less production-broad than leading digital audio workstations
- Cubase9.1/10 · 60-day trial
A full desktop studio for producers and composers who need audio, MIDI, mixing, and video workflows.
Visit CubaseFull verdict → - Adobe Audition8.7/10 · 7-day trial
A mature desktop editor for detailed audio work and Adobe video-production workflows.
Visit Adobe AuditionFull verdict →
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All audio editing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update