WaveLab review
A focused choice for restoration, mastering, multitrack work, and audio publishing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
WaveLab pros and cons
- 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
WaveLab fact sheet, pricing and score →
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