WaveLab
WaveLab: A focused choice for restoration, mastering, multitrack work, and audio publishing. Ranked #19 of 128 in Audio Editing Software by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Paid; best for editors focused on restoration and mastering.
At a glance
- Editor score7.6 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forEditors focused on restoration and mastering
- Free planNo
- Third-party pluginsYes
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Sample-level editing, Audio Montage, metering, and loudness control
- RestoreRig restoration tools plus batch processing and automated workflows
- Podcast publishing, video audio replacement, and Dolby Atmos mastering in Pro
Where it doesn't
- Dolby Atmos mastering and advanced workflows require the Pro edition
- The one-time Pro price is $499.99
- Available on Windows and macOS only
Our verdict on WaveLab
WaveLab is Steinberg’s audio editing, restoration, analysis, mastering, and publishing software for mastering engineers, musicians, sound designers, podcasters, and other audio professionals. Its workflow spans sample-level editing, multitrack Audio Montage projects, audio metering, loudness control, restoration, metadata, podcast production, and video audio replacement. WaveLab runs on Windows and macOS, with Elements and Pro editions for different levels of production depth.
Pricing is straightforward but creates a clear divide between the editions. WaveLab Elements 13 costs $99.99 as a one-time purchase and includes audio editing and mastering tools, noise and audio restoration tools, podcast production and publishing, and more than 25 mastering-grade effects. WaveLab Pro 13 costs $499.99 one time and adds stereo and Dolby Atmos mastering, support for more than 1,000 audio tracks, third-party VST 3 plug-ins, and advanced restoration, analysis, and batch processing. A 60-day WaveLab Pro trial gives prospective buyers time to assess the higher-tier workflow before committing.
WaveLab’s strongest fit is for users who need more than a basic editor, particularly those focused on restoration, mastering, analysis, and repeatable processing. Its ecosystem includes VST 3 plug-ins and publishing connections with SoundCloud, Spreaker, Podbean, Buzzsprout, and Castos. Video playback, podcast workflows, and automated batch processing broaden its utility, while Dolby Atmos support makes Pro relevant to immersive mastering projects. Editors seeking restoration and mastering depth should consider WaveLab; buyers who need those advanced capabilities at the lower entry price should expect to choose Elements selectively or move to Pro.
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WaveLab pricing
All 2 WaveLab plans and prices →
WaveLab fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Multitrack editing | Yes |
| MIDI sequencing | Not verified |
| Third-party plugins | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Not verified |
| Video synchronization | Not verified |
| Cloud collaboration | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | steinberg.net |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to WaveLab
- Pro ToolsA broad workstation for studios spanning music production, audio post, and immersive mixing.9.4
- REAPERA flexible desktop DAW with broad audio and MIDI tools and a one-time license from $60.9.3
- Logic ProA broad audio and MIDI workstation for Apple-based producers and video composers.9.2
See all WaveLab alternatives →
Also Ranked In
WaveLab is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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