Best Audio Recording Products in 2025

Audacity is a free and open-source audio production software suite that includes a surprising array of editing tools and recording systems.

Key Audacity features:

Free and Open-Source Cross-Platform Compatibility Extensive Editing Features Support for Multiple File Formats

Open Source

Reaper is a focused digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Cockos. In the creation of the software, the digital audio technology company intended to make audio editing accessible to the masses.

Key Reaper features:

Affordable Customizable Lightweight Frequent Updates

Record, edit, and mix on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows.

Key Ardour features:

Open Source Cross-Platform Extensive Plugin Support Professional Audio and MIDI Features

Open Source

Make music with a free, cross-platform tool.

Key LMMS features:

Cost Cross-Platform User Community Plugins and VST Support

Open Source

Image-Line's FL Studio, now on it's 12th version, is a well-known music production suite and the most popular beat processor on the market, due no doubt to its longevity. Read more about FL Studio.

Key FL Studio features:

User-Friendly Interface Lifetime Free Updates Versatile Plugin Compatibility Strong Community and Support

Mix, edit, and create audio content in Adobe Audition CC with a comprehensive toolset that includes multitrack, waveform, and spectral display.

Key Adobe Audition features:

Professional Quality Multitrack Editing Comprehensive Toolset Integration with Adobe Suite

GarageBand is a fully equipped music creation studio for Mac.

Key GarageBand features:

User-Friendly Interface Preloaded Loops and Instruments Integration with Apple Ecosystem Cost-Free Application

Ableton makes Push and Live, hardware and software for music production, creation and performance. Ableton´s products are made to inspire creative music-making.

Key Ableton Live features:

Workflow Efficiency Built-in Instruments and Effects MIDI and Audio Integration Max for Live

Cubase is one of the world’s most powerful music creation software packages. From first idea to finished recording, Cubase helps you to make outstanding music.

Key Cubase features:

Feature-Rich Stability and Performance High-Quality Plugins Excellent Workflow

Download SoundTap Streaming Audio Recording Software Free to record live audio, streaming music, internet radio easily in perfect pure digital on PC and Mac.

Key SoundTap features:

Ease of Use High-Quality Recordings Multiple Output Formats Real-Time Recording

Sound Forge Pro, free and safe download. Sound Forge Pro latest version: State-of-the-Art Professional Audio Editing Software for Desktop Computers. Sound Forge Pro is one of the most professional and well-respected pieces of audio editing softwa.

Key Sound Forge features:

High-Quality Audio Editing Comprehensive Toolset User-Friendly Interface Extensive Format Support

Ocenaudio is a cross-platform, easy to use, fast and functional audio editor.

Key Oceanaudio features:

User-Friendly Interface Real-Time Effect Preview Cross-Platform Compatibility Low Resource Usage

Open Source

Record any audio, with Audio Hijack!

Key Audio Hijack features:

Versatility User-friendly Interface Real-time Audio Processing Scheduling