iZotope Ozone vs WaveLab

iZotope Ozone9.4Visit WaveLab9.2Visit

Higher score iZotope Ozone #1 in Audio Mastering Software 9.4/10 10-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit iZotope

vs

WaveLab #2 in Audio Mastering Software 9.2/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Steinberg

• iZotope Ozone fits best

  Full-featured professional mastering

• WaveLab fits best

  Advanced mastering and audio production

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Side by side

Feature	iZotope Ozone 9.4/10 Visit ↗	WaveLab 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	9.2
Ranking	#1 in Audio Mastering Software	#2 in Audio Mastering Software
Best for	Full-featured professional mastering	Advanced mastering and audio production
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	$55 one-time	—
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	10 days	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	macOS, Windows	Windows, macOS
Features iZotope Ozone 0/3 · WaveLab 0/3
Stereo processing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Album sequencing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Batch processing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Workflow type	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Loudness standards	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported plug-in formats	AAX, AU, VST3	Not checked yet
Delivery formats	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Advanced includes 20 mastering modules and individual component plugins Stem EQ separately processes vocals, bass, drums, and instruments Supports major DAWs through AAX, AU, and VST3 formats	Sample-level editing, montage work, metering and loudness control Restoration, batch processing and automated workflows Dolby Atmos mastering and VST 3 plug-in support in Pro
Cons	Advanced costs $499 one-time No free plan is offered Available for macOS and Windows hosts only	No free plan; the trial is limited to 60 days WaveLab Pro 13 has a $499.99 one-time price Several advanced capabilities are reserved for the Pro edition
Our verdict	iZotope Ozone is a mastering software suite for musicians, producers, and audio engineers who need tools for shaping and finalizing music. Ozone 12 covers equalization, dynamics, compression, limiting, stereo imaging, saturation, loudness… Read the review →	WaveLab is Steinberg’s audio editing, restoration, analysis, mastering and publishing software for mastering engineers, musicians, sound designers, podcasters and other audio professionals. It runs on Windows and macOS, with sample-level… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• iZotope Ozone — where it wins

  • Advanced includes 20 mastering modules and individual component plugins
  • Stem EQ separately processes vocals, bass, drums, and instruments
  • Supports major DAWs through AAX, AU, and VST3 formats

  Where it doesn't

  • Advanced costs $499 one-time
  • No free plan is offered
  • Available for macOS and Windows hosts only

• WaveLab — where it wins

  • Sample-level editing, montage work, metering and loudness control
  • Restoration, batch processing and automated workflows
  • Dolby Atmos mastering and VST 3 plug-in support in Pro

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan; the trial is limited to 60 days
  • WaveLab Pro 13 has a $499.99 one-time price
  • Several advanced capabilities are reserved for the Pro edition

• iZotope Ozone9.4/10 · 10-day trial

  A broad professional mastering suite with AI assistance, deep editing, and reference tools.

  Visit iZotopeFull verdict →
• WaveLab9.2/10 · Paid

  A broad mastering suite with capable Elements and Pro editions for Windows and macOS.

  Visit SteinbergFull verdict →