# Open Source Alternative to Adobe Audition

Open source alternatives · Audio

Adobe Audition costs US$22.99 monthly. Audacity edits podcasts and voice free, and has for twenty years.

**What the paid app costs:** US$22.99/mo

## Why switch?

Voice work, podcasts, and simple sound design need recording, cutting, noise cleanup, and export. Audacity does all of it in a simple window; Ardour takes over when you need a real mixing desk.

## Compare the alternatives

AlternativeLicensePlatformsBest for[Audacity](https://www.audacityteam.org/)GPL-3.0Windows, macOS, LinuxFor podcasts and voice editing[Ardour](https://ardour.org/)GPL-3.0Windows, macOS, LinuxFor serious multitrack production

### [Audacity](https://www.audacityteam.org/)

Free forever GPL-3.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux

- Record and edit audio
- Noise reduction and effects
- Podcast staple for 20 years

**For podcasts and voice editing**

[Official site →](https://www.audacityteam.org/)

### [Ardour](https://ardour.org/)

Free forever GPL-3.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux

- Multitrack mixing
- Pro effects routing
- Film and music grade

**For serious multitrack production**

[Official site →](https://ardour.org/)

## Which one should you pick?

- **Audacity:** For podcasts and voice editing
- **Ardour:** For serious multitrack production

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Audacity still free and safe?

Yes, Audacity is GPL open source. Use the official download from audacityteam.org.

### Can Audacity remove background noise?

Yes, its noise reduction effect is one of its most-used features and works well on hiss and hum.

### What about multitrack music?

Audacity handles basic multitrack; Ardour is the better free pick for serious music production.

## More open source alternatives

- [FL Studio](/open-source-alternative-to-fl-studio/)
- [Ableton Live](/open-source-alternative-to-ableton-live/)

[← All open source alternatives](/open-source-alternatives/)